Saturday 30 May 2009

Casual Everyday Jewelry Style for 2009

Everyone has a favorite go-to outfit in their closet. It might be a favorite pair of jeans and t-shirt combo, or perhaps a tried and true dress that makes its rounds every weekend. You can keep last season's favorites new and up-to-date by simply adding a few pieces of signature jewelry that will keep you out of a style rut, and give a fresh face to your fashion statement.
Floral Bracelets
Florals – Warm weather, tropical vacations and summer sun all conjure up images of the beauty that nature has to offer. Lighten up darker pieces by incorporating a floral printed bangle bracelet or a floral shaped pair of earrings. Also look for floral cut out in earrings, bracelets and pendants, to keep the look lightweight and carefree. Don't be afraid to wear small print floral jewelry with large print floral fabrics. After all, this season is all about mixing and matching – prints, styles and cuts.
Beaded Green Necklace
Beads – There are so many bead styles to choose from, there's something here to suit every fashionista. If you're go-to outfit consists of khaki shorts and a white blouse, keep with the earthly vibe by choosing natural cuts stones in muted colors like burnt orange, golden yellow and dusty rose. Or, add a look at me necklace in a go-get-em color like lime green or electric blue. Combine bead combinations until you find one that works for you.
Red jewelry
Color – We've said it once, and we're saying it again – Colored accessories are a must-have. You can easily update jeans, neutrals, pastels and basic black with colorful jewelry that pops. If you're shy about trying new things, then opt for a small pair of drop earrings or a mid size bangle bracelet in a hue that you adore. Work up to larger pieces like statement necklaces or a dramatic pair of earrings.

Tuesday 26 May 2009

Get an Instant Spring Update with a Statement Necklace

If you're looking for an affordable way to bring your wardrobe up to date this season, don't fret. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on new outfits to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Instead, you can add a bright statement necklace to many classic pieces that you already own. Here, we provide you with some tips on how to wear this style, and get the most mileage out of fun colorful necklaces that will surely get you noticed.

colorful necklacesTo update casual daytime looks, pair a multi-colored necklace with a standard jeans and a white tee. It's okay to go big and bold with jewel toned stones or citrus colored enamel pieces. This necklace should be the focal point of your outfit, so kick it up a notch with vibrant colors that are appropriate for summer. For a chic casual look, pair a simple yellow sundress with a contrasting necklace in blue hues, such as turquoise. You'll command attention, yet look effortlessly fresh.

To update a dressier ensemble, rev up the style quotient of a long dark dress with a pretty pink and purple beaded necklace. Choose pieces that not only make an impact, but ones that also make you feel happy when you wear them. If you're opting for a LBD (little black dress), the options for incorporating a statement necklace are endless. You can go with a costume-y piece with oversize faux gems in canary or emerald colors (think Angelina Jolie or Victoria Beckham). Or, throw in a call of the wild, and sport a fun ethnic piece that adds interest. Natural materials and earthly colors can turn a simple dress into a style statement.

So, take advantage of this season's trend of large, oversize necklaces. You can find some great affordable options online that will help to take last season's favorites into this season's re-inventions. Experiment with bold necklaces that use different materials to achieve a look that is all your own.

Sunday 24 May 2009

Hues of Blue: Jewelry for Summer

When you think of summer, you probably conjure up images of hot days, BBQs, and of course, the beach. Summer is a perfect time for pool side lounging, and it's all about being surrounded by water and cool elements that allude to relaxation. The beautiful shades of summer are alive and well in this season's offerings of jewelry that will have you in vacation-mode in no time.

Blue stones ranging from deep navy to vibrant turquoise to muted sky blue are all the rage this season. You can incorporate them according to your style and personality for a fresh take on this year's "new black".Blue stonesOne of the easiest ways to wear azure colored stones is to try long beaded necklaces in different lengths and styles. By layering mix-and-match colored pieces with metallic accents in gold or sterling silver, you'll achieve a classy and stylish look. Since one of the continuing trends is boho chic, try a new take on pieces that you already own – like a white peasant blouse or a long flowing dress. A few strands of natural beaded necklaces in blues and greens are just the ticket to creating a pulled together look. Generally, blues set against a backdrop of whites or neutrals are both eye-catching and chic.Blue stonesIf you plan on wearing the shade of the season in head-to-toe monotone, add complimentary metallic jewelry. Navy outfits and nautical outfits are best complimented by yellow gold accents, such as wire bangle bracelets or classic gold hoop earrings. On the flip side, lighter blue fabrics look great with sterling silver jewelry that pops. Add a couple of simple pendant necklaces of varying lengths.turquoise stoneEarthy blues and greens are the must-haves of the moment. They can feel organic and natural, or glamorous and chic. It all depends on the type of setting and the outfit with which you pair them. But best of all, you don't have to wait till the lazy days of summer to enjoy ocean-inspired colors that will have you dreaming of far off places.

Thursday 21 May 2009

Summer Jewelry Trends

Wondering what the hottest summer jewelry trends are for the '09 season? This year, it's all about bold, bright and beautiful pieces that will make a fashionable statement day or night. Check out some of the top finds and what type of outfits will compliment your choices:

Warm weather color – This year, it's all about pieces that pop. Multi-strand beaded necklaces in cool colors like coral and turquoise look fabulous with neutrals. Alternatively, you can wear a bright mango colored necklace with a light blue sundress. Lightweight fabrics like gauze, linen and silk paired with chunky beaded necklaces offer a good balance and are complimentary. If you're planning on wearing a loose fitting flow-y dress, try chunky metallic jewelry accented with bright beads.
Multi-strand beaded necklacesBold pieces – Thick bracelets and rings in resin, plastic and wood are all the rage this season. You can add a whimsical feel to your jewelry look. Just one piece can add interest to your outfit. It's easy to find fun geometric shapes in attention-grabbing prints that are art deco or safari inspired. Wear this type of jewelry with a neutral palette or a romantic peasant blouse.
Thick braceletsBangles – They're still in, and the look of the moment is all about piling them on. Mixing metals is all the rage right now, with gold and sterling silver accenting just about anything in your closet. These versatile bracelets are great at complimenting classic pieces and shapes. This makes it both affordable and easy to update last year's favorites.

Costume pieces – Summer is the time for fun and playful jewelry. Don't be afraid to dress up for a night out on the town, and polish off your look with a great sparkly stunner. Nature inspired pieces like rhinestone encrusted ladybugs or fun youthful pieces like bejeweled cupcake charms are just the ticket for cool summer jewelry that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Wednesday 20 May 2009

How to Wear Bold Jewelry Right Now

Sure, it's easy to wear bold chunky jewelry when it's cold outside, but what about as it warms up? What's acceptable and what should be stored? What are a few great pieces that will update my wardrobe and not break the bank? We explore the answers to these questions, and more, as we take a look at statement jewelry for spring and summer.Bold JewelryIt's all in the details – This season, choose pieces that have elaborate or intricate details. These tend to look better with lightweight warm weather clothes like sundresses, delicate tank tops and sleeveless dresses. Try a great pair of chandelier earrings with many colored stones, or a pair of crystal and filigree drop earrings. One pair of great earrings like these can update an old favorite and make it new again.

Color, Color, Color – Bold jewelry tends to look a little heavy, especially if it includes a setting of jewel toned gems, so lighten it up with stones in spring colors. Go for pastels like chalcedony, blue agate or amethyst. These Easter egg hues look great with neutrals and keep the pieces looking fresh and vibrant. For brighter colors, try ethnic-inspired pieces that utilize beads and glass stones. A striking cocktail ring or necklace may be just the ticket for dressing up for a night on the town.Bold JewelryThink Outside the Box – If you can't afford to run out and buy a new piece of gold or sterling silver statement jewelry, consider other materials for a similar impact. There are some great plastic and resin pieces available that are low on cost buy high on style. Plastic beaded necklaces and bracelets have a little bit of a retro vibe and are cool and careful for spring and summer.

Monday 18 May 2009

Beautiful Bow Tie Jewelry

Now, you don't have to wait for a black-tie event to don a beautiful bow tie. You can easily wear bow tie shaped jewelry with any outfit – day or night. Here are some great ideas for incorporating the look into your closet:

Casual – A simple sterling silver bow tie pendant on a short chain is elegant and versatile. In fact, even style-setter Sarah Jessica Parker wore one in her day-to-day look as Carrie in Sex in the City: The Movie. The style is also a favorite of A-listers Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez.
sterling silver bow tie jewelryPlayful – Incorporate bow tie jewelry in a fun and playful way by donning brightly colored black or pink bangle bracelets adorned with rhinestone encrusted bow ties. Or, try jazzing up an all-black ensemble with a vibrantly hued statement bowtie necklace or choker. It adds a little something unexpected, and always looks classy and chic.pink bow tie bangle bracelets

Dressy – Diamond encrusted bow tie pendants are a true celeb fave. From Paris Hilton to Eva Longoria-Parker, these accessories are stunning and beautiful on the red carpet. Now, it's easy to get the look with CZ rhinestone bow ties that are just as lovely. These necklaces are all the rage for prom and wedding jewelry, and look phenomenal when paired with pearls. Bejeweled bow tie drop earrings look great when you're planning to wear your hair in an up-do. They add just the right amount of sweet to any look.

The best thing about the jewelry this season, is that it's okay to take risks, try out different combinations, and mix and match to your heart's delight. So, go ahead and splurge on an asymmetrical bow tie necklace or a multi-stranded necklace with tiers of beads and charms. This allows you to wear the bow tie trend in a simple understated way, or to make it the focal point of your outfit.

Thursday 14 May 2009

Unique Jewelry to Put You on the Style Map

In the past, jewelry has been about modesty, expression and beauty. Today, designers continue to push the envelope, creating modern, and sometimes outrageous pieces that make us all want to be a bit bolder as we strive to stand out from the crowd.
Unique JewelryThe 'it' girl jewelry of-the-moment is a bit unconventional. It's no longer about small stones, basic silver, gold and pearls. It's about using authentic and textured materials to create pieces out of plastic, wood, ceramics, shells, leather and stones. These earthly materials are reminiscent of the free-flowing days of the 60s and 70s when convention went out the window. They are being used in bold and creative ways to add contrast to an outfit or create a unique style signature.
Unique JewelrySome of the best examples of this type of jewelry are the use of ethnic, tribal and global inspired pieces that incorporate bright colors, beads and patterns to create memorable bangle bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Painted designs on wood bangles offer a beautiful laid back sense of style, while hammered metal earrings and pendant necklaces create a fashionable set that can be worn with many outfits.
Unique JewelryUnique jewelry uses natural colored beads and unpolished stones that are never over-the-top and always-in-style. Much of the appeal of these types of pieces is that they are one-of-a-kind, with an effortless chic that creates a low-maintenance vibe.

Celebs can easily get away with wearing over-the-top jewelry on stage or for magazine shoots. So, how can you incorporate this look into your everyday wardrobe? Start with just one piece and work your way up to layering the look. Soon, you'll exude confidence and character, as your jewelry style gets a little more daring. If you're not sure about a piece, wear it around the house first until you work up the confidence to make an entrance.

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Tuesday 12 May 2009

Bridal Jewelry stlyle for 2009

Just as trends change for casual wear, evening wear and sportswear, bridal style and the jewelry that goes with it is constantly evolving and creating fabulous new pieces that are wearable art, to help you look and feel like a princess from head to toe. Here we take a look at some of 2009's hottest styles:
Vintage jewelry
Vintage – The antique or art deco look is really hot right now. With symmetrical link bracelets, necklaces or jewelry sets, this romantic tribute looks sensational when paired with a lace dress or ivory colored gown. Big and bold pieces are all the rage right now, and it's easy to find affordable and elegant choices in costume jewelry. Another vintage trend is pearls in scroll settings. This retro take on a bridal classic is sure to look lovely on you and your bridal party.

Crystals
Crystals – Though CZ rhinestones have long been a bridal favorite, Swarovksi crystal jewelry is a less expensive and equally stunning alternative. These pieces are available in classic or contemporary styles and in clear or colored stones to go with just about any dress that you have selected. Crystal jewelry is lightweight and a perfect alternative this season.

Clored gemstones
Colored stones – It might have something to do with celebs rocking colored engagement rings in pink, yellow, and even black, but colored bridal party jewelry has really taken off this year. Stones that coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses are popular, while brides are throwing in a bit of color to match the bridesmaids and bouquets. Popular jewelry colors include hot pink, red and lilac stones. Even throwing in a splash of blue or green is acceptable. It's about showing a look that is pulled together and pretty, for all the photos that will be taken.

As you can see, long gone are the days when bridal jewelry consisted of a single strand pearl necklace. Now, it's about bringing the style and glamour to the wedding party with bold colorful pieces that will make an impact.

Sunday 10 May 2009

How to Wear Snakeskin Print Jewelry

Snakeskin has always been a fun and playful way to add a little interest to your outfit, but a little bit goes a long way. One of the best ways to do this is by adding a touch of faux snakeskin jewelry in the form of a printed bangle, cuff or pendant. You can grab a neutral print that is versatile or a brightly colored one to rev things up.

Snakeskin Print JewelryIf you're more on the practical side, then opt for natural hues in blacks, browns, tans and grays. A snakeskin bangle like this can easily be worn for work or play. Pair with solid black ensembles, tailored denim or a colored sheath dress. For a professional take on this trend, consider a gold circular pendant inset with snakeskin. Keep all other accessories solid print and let the snakeskin piece take center stage.

To kick it up a notch, try a piece of bold colored snakeskin jewelry. This will surely enliven your outfit. This season, there's a great selection of medium and large size bangles in every color of the rainbow. Celebs like Fergie, Eva Longoria and Hayden Panettiere are all fans of these brightly colored bangle bracelets. Eva wears hers with colored sundresses and piles on multiple bracelets for maximum impact. Fergie wears hers to punch up a dark pair of jeans. No matter how you choose to sport your animal spots, have fun wearing this great style statement.

If you love the look of snakeskin and you're willing to be a little daring, try a serpent shaped ring or cuff that wraps around the finger, wrist or arm. Studded in brilliant CZ rhinestones, these pieces create a pattern with hundreds of pave set stones. You’re sure to be the center of attention with a fabulously fierce piece like this.

Thursday 7 May 2009

Jennifer Garner: Mother Style we Love

We're always on the look out for moms that are just like us. Jennifer Garner is a mom whose style we absolutely love. She's casual chic (and practical) while running around town, and she looks great on the red carpet. We especially love how she accents her looks with classic jewelry and pieces that can easily be imitated.

Jennifer Garner on the red carpet

Jennifer Garner's day-to-day look is pretty basic. She generally opts for jeans and sweatshirts or t-shirts. She sometimes adds a necklace of interest or a small pair of tasteful earrings to pull the look together. Most of her choices are simple and understated, such as her miniature hoop earrings or small cut out pendant necklaces. Other past favorites have included a colored gemstone cross pendant and a medium length gold coin necklace. One thing's for sure - all of her choices are versatile enough to be worn with multiple outfits, and sensible enough for a mother of two.

When Jennifer Garner dresses up, she knows exactly how to kick her look into high gear. Her red carpet looks have made the pages of every major fashion magazine, and her jewelry certainly does not disappoint. Our favorite look was the one she recently wore to the Academy Awards. Her outfit of choice – a LBD, was taken to a whole different level when she piled on art deco bracelets and a vintage looking necklace. Another time, she upped the glam factor of her LBD with roped diamond strands that proved to add simple elegance. She prefers the style of this necklace, and wore something similar with the addition of a bejeweled cut out floral pendant.

Jennifer Garner doesn't shy away from colored jewelry either. For example, to compliment a plain satin black dress, Jennifer Garner choose colorful light blue tear drop earrings and a matching broach. The pieces were simple and her natural beauty really shone through. For another event, she donned garnet and canary double drop earrings with a LBD for a striking and unique look. Whatever she wears, Jennifer Garner tops our list!

Tuesday 5 May 2009

American Idol Jewelry Style

One of the top shows on TV continues to be the addictive reality of American Idol. Each week millions tune in to hear the top contestants belt out their song choices and work the stage as a performer. Part of that marketability that the judges are seeking has to do with the unique style of each of the singers, from their clothing choices to their accessories and jewelry. Here, we take a look at some of this seasons style-setters and their signature jewelry looks:

American Idol - Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert – His vocals may have great range, but this rocker's style is consistently edgy, alluring and intriguing. With his monochrome ensembles, Adam prefers heavy accessories like piles of chain link necklaces, studded leather bracelets and Onyx and sterling silver rings and earrings. His look is always pulled together with true rock-star jewelry.

American Idol - Allison Iraheta

Allison Iraheta – The youngest contestant on the show, Allison's style is fun, youthful and a little punk rock. She wears statement pieces and colorful jewelry that compliment her vibrant personality. This season, she's played with the oversize chokers with charms, gigantic beaded necklaces and layers. She never looks overdone and her jewelry style is hard to miss.

American Idol - Lil Rounds

Lil Rounds – This crooner opts for brightly colored ensembles that look great on her. She usually pairs them with jewelry sets or similarly styled drop earrings and necklaces. Large earrings compliment her short fun hair cut and draw attention to her fantastic smile.

American Idol - Danny Gokey

Danny Gokey – His talented vocals always strike a chord, and his good guy style is easily wearable, but all his own. Danny prefers a few pieces, including a leather watch and a few pendant necklaces. He usually wears a cross pendant on a leather cord and a disc shaped charm on another chain.

American Idol - Kris Allen

Kris Allen – With all American good looks, Kris keeps the focus on his powerful skills and prefers simple jewelry such as the beaded bracelet he rocks both on and off stage.

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Sunday 3 May 2009

The Hills Girls' Jewelry Style

The ever-popular MTV show, The Hills, has made quite an impact on teenage girls and young fashionistas across the country. The stars of The Hills are ones to watch both on-screen and off. With their laid back cool Southern California style to their clubbing adventures, these girls always dress to impress. Head to toe, they rock the latest and greatest trends in accessories and jewelry. Here, we examine some our favorite Hills looks. See which star you relate to most.

The hills girls

The Hill Girls: Lauren

The star of the show(The Hills), Lauren opts for classic well-made pieces. For her everyday look, she keeps it simple and chic with star-shaped jewelry sets and starfish pendants that are youthful but fun. For work, Lauren likes to be a little more grown up, although she adds her own mark by wearing the pieces in a contemporary way. For example, she takes a simple strand of pearls and pairs them with a high ponytail and headband. The necklace is elegant but not too rigid.

The Hill Girls: Heidi

The girl loves attention. She likes to be in the public eye and wear jewelry pieces that will get her noticed. Heidi loves chunky gemstone rings and giant oversize bangles in gold. She's also been seen sporting a beautiful cross pendant necklace as an everyday look. For Heidi, less is definitely not more. She's more into fun fads that have scene-stealing power.

The Hill Girls: Audrina

This beach babe likes to take risks. She isn't afraid to try out the hottest thing on the style circuit, but her look is always pulled together and effortless. She prefers skinny jeans and tank tops with long pendants during the day. Her favorites include a bejeweled owl necklace and a pair of ooh-la-la lips on a short chain. Audrina wears metallic pieces well. She sports the bohemian chic look with layers of beads and cuff bracelets. She likes a little bit of sparkle, but nothing too over-the-top.

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