Like any fashionista, I love hearing about new brands and affordable online boutiques. I also like introducing you {my readers and fellow fashionistas} to these new brands and boutiques. I recently discovered Red Dress Boutique, an affordable online boutique based in Athens, Ga. And Red Dress has given me the honor of introducing you to their newest featured jewelry line with this special guest post. And trust me, you’re going to love this selection of beautiful beaded necklaces.
“Ok, we’ve known each other for a while now and we’re at that point in our relationship where we can talk about the “L” word. Here at Red Dress we’re not quick to jump on the love train but, when you see something that speaks to you – like encapsulates everything that you are with beauty and flare – you speak up, or forever hold your peace. So, without further ado, let us introduce you to Raw and Rebellious, our newest featured jewelry line.
The Origin Story
Started by recent grad Sarah Smyth in 2016, R&R originated as a hobby for Smyth who was a broke college student just trying to save a buck and make some new statement pieces instead of buying them.
Then, thanks to some inquiring Instagram followers and word of mouth, a side business was born – all while Sarah earned a double major at Auburn University, by the way. What started out as a summer job selling her work at five boutiques quickly escalated. By the time she was back at school Smyth found herself keeping up demand for 15-18 boutiques in addition to up to 80 orders a week through her Instagram account (talk about #goals).
The Romance
Needless to say, Smyth is a girl after our own heart. With a passion for fashion and a scrappy rags to riches story (sounds familiar), she’s a designer that reminds us of ourselves. But more than all that, it’s the style of her line and the message her jewelry represents which is why we love R&R for you.
Raw and Rebellious only designs jewelry that Smyth herself would wear and she makes an effort not to follow the newest trends so that she doesn’t feel influenced to copy them. R&R is a truly unique line that helps a woman stand out in a crowd (or a staff meeting) with beauty and confidence to help her bring that inner goddess to the surface for all to see (and adore).
A Perfect Fit
Smyth’s only goal with her jewelry is to create pieces that she would feel good wearing, and that’s exactly what she wants you to do too. She designs pieces with various moods in mind that appeal to the complex personalities that live inside every woman – whom we occasionally let out to play. You can find a piece of jewelry for every side you show, from chic and rebellious to edgy to girl next door. However you wake up feeling, R&R is there for you.
The fun thing about Raw and Rebellious is that you can mix and match pieces to fit your mood. If you’re having more of a quiet, reserved day then a simple beaded beaded necklace is a good choice to add a bit of elegance to your everyday wear. Want to add a touch of bling to your wedding guest attire without completely stealing the show? A pendant or lariat necklace should do the job (and get you some mad flirty nods on the dance floor).
But on those days where you feel like going big, have fun adding several pieces to that beautiful neckline of yours. R&R necklaces can be worn separately but Smyth herself thinks that they really bring a whole new element to your wardrobe when you wear several pieces layered together. After all, you’re a complex woman with a lot going on. Why shouldn’t your jewelry have the same depth?
Making A Difference
Even though Smyth is having fun growing her jewelry business, she’s not about to lose sight of her passion (and degree) for occupational therapy. Her newest campaign highlights our personal truth that women of all shapes, styles and abilities can (and should) feel beautiful in what they wear. R&R’s website has photos of professionals modeling alongside women with disabilities styling the Raw and Rebellious line, all owning their own style. And the only thing that looks better on all of these women than the jewelry are the smiles radiating from their gorgeous faces.
When it comes down to it, all women deserve to feel good in what they wear. It’s our belief here at Red Dress that all fashion can be made with every woman in mind – not just the ones you see on magazine covers in the checkout line. In the end fashion isn’t about who wore it best, but about what you wore that made you feel like your best self. Raw and Rebellious gets it, and that – dear friend – is why we we’re in love.”
I’ve fallen in love with these beautiful necklaces, and I love that they are not only stylish but affordable! You can shop Red Dress via their Instagram {@shopreddress}.
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
