Posts Tagged ‘Harper’s Bazaar’

Okay, so perhaps you thought it died when Mary-Kate finally succumbed to trimming her hair, but guess what, my loves? Whether you want it to be or not, boho-chic [hobo-chic?] is back. But this time around I think it really is more bohemian-centric and less I-slept-on-a-street-corner-in-Manhattan-rific. Think: less Mary-Kate, and more Kate Hudson. How can you spot this trend? Expect to see an overwhelming amount of Native-American inspired pieces from head-to-toe. Literally. Like from braided headbands to fringe-full moccasin booties. And what does this mean for jewelry? A couple of things. Feathers. Semi-precious stones. And beads. Lots of em!

Blue 40 Strand Necklace

One of my personal favorite ways in which beads are being shown this season are in full, very eye-catching necklaces that act as makeshift collars. These necklaces are far from a single strand of seed beads; in fact, they’re more like a million little strands – enough to possibly hide a good portion of your neck from the sun. In this economy though, you will rarely see necklaces that are as full in shape and size made in any other material – because to put it simply, almost no one could afford anything else. [These guys all ring in at 65 dollars or less!]

Green Large Bead Necklace

The beautiful thing about a collared necklace is that it is a wonderful [and thoughtless] layering piece. You can wear it with a plain solid tee or tank to spice up a casual look, or wear it over a funky dress [preferably one with a neckline that hits at the collarbone] for a faux look that appears like the necklace and dress are all one stunning piece. [Take a cue from the picture of the woman in the yellow and white striped dress.] People will ooh and aah over this pairing, I promise! If the scalloped look is a little too stiff-collared for you, try the 40-strand single twist option on for size. A necklace like this will take you straight into the whimsical nature of summertime when paired with an ankle-length, full, tube dress [like we saw last summer] and some gladiator sandals. And if you’re feeling a little unique, take a note from Lindsay Lohan and go for a bib made of beads. Just promise me you won’t use this bad boy to wipe your face!

Copper Fringe Necklace

If we think back to an earlier post about Michelle Obama in all her fierceness and how she’s bringing sexy back [by way of oversized pearls], we will see a big trend on the rise. Literally. Not only are classic pearls being shown in outrageous proportions, we’re seeing blown-up trends of other classics [beads, balls, bows and more]! Apparently our little Obama-nista is really onto something here.

Gold 5-Ball Necklace

We are starting to see neckwear wrapped in gumballs of gold [much like miniature versions of the ones you hang on your xmas tree], a trend which can be done in mild to brave interpretations. In the clipping from Harper’s Bazaar, the model is airing on the brave side with a very ornate and artistic “piece” [I say piece because that's exactly what it is] that incorporates balls of all sizes. For the milder at heart, try an interpretation that is symmetrical and resembles that string of bubblegum pearl – this way you can still wear it with most outfits you’d be inclined to wear that strand of pearls with, too. And good news, girlies – gold is going to pair beautifully with those shades of grey and neutrals we discussed earlier for a day-to-day look, and really make eyes pop when you pair it with an LBD or some of those brighter hues for nighttime. So tomorrow, when you go to reach for the “classic” string of pearls you usually wear, reach just a little further to the golder, more gumbally version instead. Consider yourself a “new classic” kinda gal…

This does seem to be the eternal question, no? And things have gotten even more complicated, what with reusable tote bags and all. But give thanks, my loves! There is one way you can say “yes” to plastic without having to feel like you are single-handedly contributing to that gaping hole in the ozone layer – RESIN.

Blue Resin Bangle

Get ready, plastic is about to be your new best friend. Coming in all shapes and sizes, and colors, [remember that lucite trend of last year?], plastic accessories are all the rage this season and [gasp!] are at recessionista-friendly prices too! Personally, I like my resin in bangle form. A good bangle can complete any outfit and is a brilliant travel accessory as well. Resin in particular is very durable – which makes it the jet-setting recessionista’s long-time companion. A solid, bright colored bangle [shown above] is good for a casual outfit, or perfect to pair with your favorite itsy-bitsy bikini whilst consuming umbrella drinks poolside [virgin, of course! these are hard times...]. Plastic can go couture too – a resin bangle with gold leaf is a great way to dress up an outfit at a low cost.

Gold Leaf Tortoise Bangle, Gold & Black Striped Bangle

[Note: a white resin with gold leaf bangle [shown above] is good for a more subtle, yet glamorous sentiment, while a black resin with gold leaf [also shown above] one is good for a more eye-catching look]. Another way to add pizzaz to your plastic is by adding a little sparkle [the Swarovski kind of course!], which is perfect for a LBD kind of evening. And the best part? Plastic has a way of always coming back into style [resin jewelry has been a hipper than hip trend many times over for decades], and you can count on it being “in” for quite some time this go round [thanks, economy!]. So now the answer to that age old question, [however you decide to work it] should definitely be “Plastic!”

Black & Clear Swarovski Bangle

Alright, I’m just going to publicly come out and say it. I love Michelle Obama. Michelle is to politics what Jennifer Hudson is to pop stars [you readers will quickly learn just how much I love Jennifer Hudson]. She is newer to the game than many, but she is respectable, remarkably intelligent, strikingly confident, and a fierce little fashionista as well.

White South Sea Pearl Necklace

Michelle is a much needed breath of fresh air in the White House, using vivacious colors that pop [think: bright purples, oranges, and greens] for classic silhouettes that echo the sheaths made famous by Jackie Kennedy and Barbara Bush. And like Barbara Bush, a regular go-to in Michelle’s jewelry box is her strand of gumball-sized pearls. Jumbo pearls are not what your grandmother [or many other first ladies] used to wear, they are a statement-making accessory for the confident, professional woman. Wear them with a traditional LBD [little black dress] or take a cue from Michelle and go brighter and bolder with your colors. Either way, channel your inner uber-confident powerful woman and try oversized pearls on for size. Sometimes bigger really is better…

One of the trends we will soon see for spring is an abundance of soft candy-colored hues for not only clothing, but jewelry as well. Try to stay within our economic climate and don’t venture too far off into “candyland;” instead maintain a sense [even if its completely feigned] of knowing what’s happening in the world around you by using your candy-colored delectables as accents. Combine a sherbet-colored coral ring with a neutral palette like shades of grey [as our model has done], or khaki, or navy, if you are a little more bold.

Red Coral and Sterling Ring

If creamier hues are not your thing, try earrings with hard-candyesque semi-precious stones like butterscotch or sour apple to add a little “pop” to a neutral get-up. Remember though, save the sugar-sweet hues for your accessories only. You don’t want to walk into a room looking like one of those huge rainbow lollipops amidst a sea of red and black licorice. Aim for sugar-high, not potential overdose.