Meet Beth of Beth’s Buckles
Instagram: bethbuckles
One of the best things about having a blog and being on social media is the relationships and connections that are formed! Despite most of them being virtual when I have had the wonderful opportunity,(which I’ve actually had quit a few) to meet in person, every single women has been as genuine as I knew them to be on their social media platform. I like to say that I’m as much about fashion as I am about fashion hence Fashion Trends and Friends. The two go hand in hand and friends double the fashion pleasure for me!
Another terrific benefit is finding beautiful hand made items and women owned small businesses that might not be available in my area. Beth hit my radar through two dear friends on Instagram: Laura of Malibumom (you can see a previous Feature a Friend Blog about Laura HERE) and Gwen of gwenliveswell. I saw both of them wearing some blingtastic upcycled belt buckles and immediately went to Beth’s IG account! It took me a matter of minutes to “add to cart”! I find myself creating outfits so that I can wear my belt buckles and always receive lots of compliments! I know you’re going to enjoy getting to know Beth as much as I have…read on!
Tell Us About Yourself and How You Got Started in the Buckle Making Business
“For as long as I can remember I’ve had some kind of art project going. My first memory would probably be making clothespin ornaments with my mom, or painting hollowed out eggs and baked dough figures with my best friend Joan. I still have a few of those priceless items, but my crafting today is quite a bit more elaborate than it was in 7th grade. Thank goodness!
I was a stay-at-home mom during the ‘90s when I began crafting jewelry, flip flops, and belt buckles-the Bedazzler days. LoL! Years later, thanks to my friend Debbie, who owns a fabulous little boutique here in Wellington, FL, I got back into making belt buckles. With the booming fashion statement of “a little tuck of the shirt” in front, I became enamored with belt buckles… and not just buckles like everyone else had. I was on a quest to make something really fun, blingy, and different. So with the constant encouragement of my husband and family, Beth’s Buckles has grown into something much bigger than I originally anticipated. As I said, I love doing arts and crafts…I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s fun, it’s therapeutic, and in the end you’ve created something special for yourself or for others. As for me, a recent empty nester, I am exceedingly grateful to have this opportunity to craft belt buckles. Only God knows how long it will last, but I will enjoy each and every moment for sure.”
Where Do You Get Your Inspiration From?
“Much of my inspiration comes directly from my customers! I often get messages asking if I make a certain kind, color or design. If not, I’m off to the races trying to create it.”
How Long Does It Take to Create a Buckle?
“Thankfully I’ve gotten more efficient since I first started, but there are some buckles that take more time than others, such as the turquoise stone or the more detailed designer buckles.”
What Fashion Advice Do You Have for Women of Any Age?
“I do not profess to be a fashion expert, but my motto is “there are no rules”…it’s all a question of what the individual likes, feels confident in and enjoys wearing. I also believe there should be no restrictions due to age. If it feels good-you should!” I couldn’t agree more with Beth! This would be my wish for women of all ages and sizes! You know my motto: Wear what you love and feel confident in and you’ll always look terrific! There are no rules or a don’t wear list for any age! Stay true to you!
How to Style Beth’s Buckles
One of the best things about Beth’s Buckles besides the upcycled BLINGTASTIC features is that they can be worn year round. I’ve had so much fun styling mine since they arrived (quickly) in the mail! Here’s how I’ve styled my Upcycled Square Two-Toned Chanel.
Look 1
I’m calling this my “summer blingtastic country girl look”! My SIL in is a country band called Southern Draw Chicago. It’s fun to dress the part when we head out to hear them play. I was thrilled to find a denim romper that actually fits my long torso although I did size up. All of my efforts last summer were unsuccessful; and believe me I tried on many! Additionally, this romper has pockets and belt loops! Adding a belt always polishes off a look no matter your size and adds some definition to your waist line. I gifted myself these white Jeffery Campbell boots for my birthday (proudly turning 61 on July 4th)! Let me tell you – they are AMAZING in person and so comfortable. The finishing touch is my Beth’s Buckles upcycled Chanel buckle and white straps along with my blingtastic necklace, earrings and bracelets. You know a look is never complete without the accessories. I wasn’t sure if the AC would be blasting so I added my white faux leather denim moto jacket!
SHOP MY LOOK
Upcycled Square Two-Toned Chanel
Jeffrey Campbell Dagget Western Boot In White
Look 2
Blazers, jeans and a graphic t-shirt is such an easy look to pull together and go! If you’ve followed me for some time, you know how much I love wearing this look. Blazers are having a major trend. (To see a previous blog post on the blazer trend, click HERE.). You can roll up the sleeves and pop the collar on the blazer to change the look. This was a Friday date night look but could be easily worn to a concert, or lunch date and shopping with gal pals. The jeans could be swapped out for shorts or a skirt. My Beth’s Buckle upcycled Chanel buckle and white belt straps are an easy way to add a little bling but you know I love being extra so added my necklace and earring set along with my silver metallic sandals. Although I wore this outfit in the spring, it could easily be worn in the summer by taking the blazer off and wearing shorts or a skirt.
SHOP MY LOOK
Upcycled Square Two-Toned Chanel
Acid Wash Mid-Rise Straight Leg Jeans
Look 3
This is obviously my winter look and remember that white isn’t reserved for after Memorial Day! Gone are the days of old fashion rules regarding when and when not to wear something! I was totally feeling this outfit and so happy to be able to wear my white Beth’s Buckle as soon as I received it! Although this sweater is relatively long in the back, you can easily take any top or sweater and do a partial tuck or knot it to show off the buckle! The white in my sweater, boots and coat pull the whole look together! This was a casual Friday wear to work look but transitioned great to going out to dinner with my hubby! Details make my heart sing so I wore my tassel necklace and earrings with rhinestones to match my buckle. The bright colored fair isle sweater with metallic threads helps to add some cheer to dull winter days! The silver chain on my lug sole boots adds additional visual interest.
SHOP MY LOOK
Upcycled Square Two-Toned Chanel
Here’s how I’ve styled my Upcycled Black Crystal Chanel with black straps. The styling options really are endless and oh so FUN!
Look 1
Look 1 is my “summer festival look”! I also call this my summer uniform because when I’m off of work for the summer, you’ll often find me in a t-shirt and shorts although this if far more elevated a look and “extra” but still comfortable and cool. Faux leather isn’t just for fall and winter. These faux leather shorts are seeing a lot of wear and are super comfy. Surprisingly they aren’t as hot as you might thing. This blingtastic tee is from another women owned small business, which I’d love to do another Feature a Friend on blog on Alyse of 2dye4nyc so stay tuned! This Chanel Perfume Bottle graphic tee and the upcyled Chanel buckle are a match made in heaven! We went to see my SIL’s band at a summer festival that included a vintage car show. Wouldn’t it be fun to spend a day driving around in a pink ’57 Chevy?! I love a summer festival, live music and classic cars! Summer living at it’s funnest!!
SHOP MY LOOK
Blingtastic Chanel Perfume Bottle T-Shirt
Faux Leather Shorts (in pictures)
Faux Leather Shorts (another option)
Look 2
This look includes the same upcycled Black Crystal Chanel Beth’s Buckle and faux leather shorts but switched to a silver metallic t-shirt and this embellished denim jacket. As you can see, I rolled up the sleeves and popped the collar. Added my block heel metallic silver sandals and some blingtastic jewelry. I am actually modeling this denim embellished jacket for an upcoming fundraiser to raise funds for Ukrainian Refugees. To learn more about this Fun Fashion Fundraiser, go to Reelathon.com or the_reelathon. You could be the high bidder and happy new owner of this embellished jean jacket! This feels like a fun Saturday night out look to me! In the fall, you could add tights and boots. So much versatility! Where would you wear this look?
SHOP THE LOOK
Faux Leather Shorts (in pictures)
Faux Leather Shorts (another option)
LOOKS 3 & 4
Jeans, a graphic tee, blazer and boots along with my upcycled Black Crystal Chanel Buck make up looks 3 and 4. As mentioned previously, this is a super simple formula for putting together a fun, sassy, edgy, blingtastic look for any night out. However, I’d also wear it out during the day. You can tone down the look by using simpler accessories. This look can easily be worn year round by removing the blazer or bring it with for warmth in the cold AC. I do like the band AC/DC and it brings back fun memories for me. However, I often buy graphic tees because of the coloring or interesting elements. This tee has both although it’s hard to see the metallic silver.
This blazer has so many fun and unique elements! I found it at a boutique in Traverse City, Michigan. I almost passed it up but am so glad I didn’t because I’ve never seen another like it. I think I might need the upcycled pearl Chanel buckle next. What do you think?
SHOP MY LOOK
Patchwork Jeans (option 1)
Patchwork Jeans (option 2)
Look 5
Lastly, I wanted to share a slightly dressier look with my Beth’s Buckle upcyled Black Crystal Chanel Buckle. Mr. FTF and I went to theater in the late winter to see Drum Tao Concert and then out to dinner. If you ever get a chance to see Drum Tao, I highly recommend it! My faux leather pants, snakeskin shiny top and snakeskin moto jacket paired perfect with my buckle. To add some extra bling, I added my statement necklace and earrings. I wore my Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85. (To see a previous blog about my Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps, click HERE.) The faux leather pants could have been easily substituted with a pair of black dress pants or a skirt.
SHOP MY LOOK
Snakeskin Faux Leather Moto Jacket (similar to mine)
Snakeskin Faux Leather Moto Jacket (another option)
Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps – Use Code: SARAHFLINTBA-FTF for $50. off!
Let’s Chat
There are so many ways to style Beth’s Buckles from casual to fancy and everything in between! Plus they can be worn year round! Beth’s Buckles will never go out of style. That’s a win all the way around!! Did you have a favorite way to wear the buckles? Leave me a comment! I love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific!
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