Trendy Or Gaudy
(There's a fine line bteween a few sparkly baubles & a garrish array of fashion jewelry...don't be on the wrong side of that line)
It seems like every two seasons or so, people feel the need to breathe life back into the costume jewelry industry. What was once "bohemian chic" is now considered vintage jewelry. For the sake of making a stance on our view of this trend, we at Big Apple Style must say this: considering that the point in costume jewelry (as defined by certain styles) is to appear obviously fake, we don't suggest you break the bank to follow the on and off again nature of this trend. And if you do, shame on you, your mother taught you better than that!
But at any rate, there is a way to ride this sometimes dangerous wave so that your "trendy pieces" will actually transcend. White out shopping, ask yourself, "could I wear this piece at a truly corporate office or black tie affair and have my jewelry go by unnoticed?" If you can get away with it at the office with a business suit, then chances are that you're buying an investment and not a cheap bauble that won't last you through the entire season.
Second, quality over quantity my dear. Sure, your favorite trend setting store might sell jewelry at bargain prices to match the ever changing trends. But it won't be such a bargain if the jewelry turns your skin green or makes you break out in a not so attracitve rash. Stores that follow trends that quickly rarely use hypoallergenic products for their jewelry. Nothing's worse than spending more money to replace cheap irrepairable tarnished jewelry. Consider it money you threw away.
So, don't be a cheap chick. We suggest that if you want costume jewelry, suck it up and go to an actual jeweler, even if it's the free standing kiosk in the mall. Most jewelers stock a constant supply of cosutme jewelry set in sterling or whatever your purse can afford. Spend the money and you'll have costume jewelry for a lifetime.
As for the approach, less is more. Rather than piling on every large and shiny object you own, try the "One Theory". With the exception of earings (for obvious reasons), large costume jewelry, which occupies large amounts of visual space on your body, should be worn one at a time.
In other words, one ten carat ring (real or fake) is enough sparkle for both hands. Wearing too many sparkly items at once is as atrocious as wearing a Louis Vuitton purse with a Coach business planner in hand. It sends the image that you're not used to the finer things and must use them all at once for fear of having them all taken away.
Only on the runway or at a costume party are "over the top" styles not only forgivable but expected. But from the runway to real life, the former "bohemian" now "vintage" jewelry style must be fine tuned in order to create a successful style. We onlly offer suggestions and tips, but we think our guidelines will set you off down the right path!
|
