HOOP DREAMS

Jody Watley - Trendsetter in Music, Dance & Fashion

I often give a reverential nod to JLo for being my style, career, and work ethic inspiration. And she is. Maybe it's her urban-inspired style or fearless 'tude or her risk-taking lifestyle.... It's probably all of it. 

Jody Watley's signature, oversized hoop earrings that adorned my teenage years is truly where my hoop passion originated. I remember watching her sing and dance (and she can dance!) with her jet black hair and signature oversized hoop earrings (  "Jody Watley hoops") bouncing all over the place with energy and zeal that reinforced my desire to perform.

She was the 80s triple threat for sure. After taking off with the group Shalimar ( a powerhouse of talent in their own right), her electric dance moves and style made her a household name - and certainly in my household.  After winning a Grammy in 1987 for best new artist, she continues to set trends and rock her hoops!

2017 Honoree Crossover Music Icon with Tribute Performances by Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green

Hoops have been a fashion statement for as long as history has been recorded so we can't honestly give any one person the credit. Hoops can be followed back to the Sumerian culture (which we now know as Iraq). Hoop earrings then became wildly popular in Egypt, Greece, and Rome and in African culture prior to that.

Hoops are my daily go to and I want to share a few of my faves:

This statement hoop by K/ller Collection are eye-catching. I happen to know bc I own them. Made from brass, they are large enough to make a loud statement.

K/ller "Willow" Brass Hoops

https://www.kllercollection.com/collections/earrings

Cast Macrame Hoops

K/ller has no shortage of earrings that are praise-worthy and these macrame hoops fall into the same category. The traditiona round shape + texture = timeless classic.

Hoops have evolved in shape, size and texture. Of course, we have the classic, round hoop you can find in 14kt gold at your jeweler or gold-plated at your cherished local boutique. 

J Crew Hoop earring

Simone Smith was probably the inspo for "Jinglin' Baby" by her husband and teenage love LL Cool J. So it's no surprise she has mastered the hoop thing. These "Precious Fruit" strawberry shaped hoops are feminine and charming. Available in yellow, white, and rose gold with or without diamond embellishments, they will definitely see "your earrings jingle".

As hoops go, I would be remiss if I left out Jennifer Fisher. Her statement Samira hoops are everywhere - from rock stars to bloggers to style makers. Known for her rocker-chic, edgy yet clean aesthetic, Jennifer Fisher is synonymous with a hoop earrings. I like the Drew hoop which was named after her daughter. This flat, disc hoop is sleek and sophisticated for the girl that wants to be noticed...for all the right reasons. 

Drew Hoops by Jennifer Fisher

Last but certainly not least, we cannot forget the Bamboo Earring hoop which is synonymous with NYC 80's hip-hop culture. The door-knocker style was put on the map by Salt n Pepa but these are the originals.

Bamboo Hoop Earring

These urban legends are experiencing a resurgence and inspiring the likes of Gucci, Jeremy Scott and John Hardy. But nothing beats the pioneerl. With or without your cursive name in the center, the Bamboo hoop earring let's everyone know you are down for the culture.

Hoops - any size, width, or texture are a classic earring style and will never ever ever go out of style. Especially in my jewelry box.

For more hoops, log on to www.whitenoiseshowroom.com.

For a little more Jody Watley nostalgia, click the link below and watch her get down as one of the most famous dancers on Soul Train!