There’s no denying, when it comes to jewelry, it’s all about making a statement. Lately, the general rule of thumb for necklaces has been go big or go home. From chunky collars to long layers and even knotted chains, gaudy pieces are up for grabs everywhere. However, many forget, sometimes you make the biggest statement by saying little to nothing at all.
In a transitional month like September when the strappy sandals and micro minis are turning into platform boots and below-the-knee swingy skirts, it more than makes sense that the jewelry should follow suit. It’s also fun to juxtapose the crisp lines of seasons past with soft, simple jewelry.
When looking for the perfectly-simple, standout necklace the key isn’t to find the thinnest chain with the tiniest charms— unless, of course, that’s what you want— the trick is to let the effortless nature of the piece make the statement.
Take the Tom Binns necklace for example. The necklace consists of a long strand of crystal pearls (that means fake) and a fun 24K bottle opener (hello 22nd birthday present!). The key to the entire look is the brilliant paradox of a classy strand of pearls and a frat-boy-badge- of- honor bottle opener. There’s also a less obvious juxtaposition in pairing natural objects with man-made objects as seen in the necklace from Shop The Look.
Other fantastic simply-stated necklaces give the big ‘ol finger to the statement necklace trend. The allure of the Topshop necklace is it’s just a long gold rope, while the simplicity of the Forever21 necklace only adds to the “it’s from Forever21” shock value.
No matter your age, style or price range, with beauties like these, you’ll be noticed without having to be, and look, over the top. So, here’s to all the understated and underestimated necklaces that are just screaming to be showcased.
When I was little, I wanted to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid for Halloween, but, pardon my lack of tact, she was white. I obviously am not. As expansive as my imagination was and still is, I love my skin color and wouldn’t want change it for anything. Now, for Halloween and in life, I’d rather be anything but a Disney Princess, and I know if I want to feel like a mermaid in a magical world under the sea— pardon the pun— all I have to do is look to fashion.
For example, this Roberto di Castro ‘Coral Necklace’ looks like a deep-sea treasure found on a distant volcanic beach. With its tangle of gold, coral-like branches and whimsical hook and ring closure, Poseidon himself couldn’t have dreamed a more perfectly forged necklace.
Every girl may not be Ariel and have a plethora of singing aquatic friends, but for the right price and with a little rectangular, plastic friend you can feel like her.
I’m really starting to enjoy making jewelry for myself. I feel much better about spending money if I can say I only spent $40 and made 3 necklaces with material to spare. Actually, I did spend on $40 and I did make 3 necklaces and I do have material to spare.
These two are my favorite of the three necklaces I made over the weekend.
Keep an eye out to see how I mix these new jewels into my wardrobe.
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This weekend was full of great finds and new skills. It started off with me going to a new thrift store literally around the corner from my home. It opened about a month ago, but Friday was the first time I had a chance to go in and check it out.
At said thrift store, I found two dresses— neither of which I ended up buying because of fit issues— and a gorgeous vintage cameo necklace. I thought it was going to be the find of the week, until I visited yet a consignment shop I’d been hearing about from friends.
At this shop, I found a vintage, navy, silk, polka dot Ungaro blouse for, get this, only $40. Every piece of Ungaro this shop had was priced under $100, which baffled me, but I’m smart enough not to complain because I love the label and being able to get vintage Emanuel Ungaro pieces for less than $100 makes my life.
I was so empowered by such amazing finds— it’s funny how shopping does that— I decided I was going to do what something I’ve wanted to do for a while and try my hand at making necklaces. I headed to my local craft store, got some supplies and ended up making two necklaces (at top).
As far as I’m concerned the weekend was a success, and you’ll be seeing more of all three necklaces in the future.
Until recently, I thought of Anne Taylor and Anne Taylor Loft as two stores at which I would never shop, no ifs, ands, or buts. They were stores only my mom and grandmother liked because, I assumed, all they sold were skirt suits and knit separates.
I might have been a little quick judge.
Though, the last time I went into Anne Taylor Loft, they were having a sell on cardigans— all in pastel hues, mind you— there were quite a few non-knit items I would have purchased had I not just spent most of my money at H&M.
This encouraged me to add the Anne Taylor and Loft websites to my list of shopping sites I peruse when trying to find inspiration.
Today being one of those days, I realized not only do they constantly have snazzy, professional looking dresses and skirts, but the jewelry Anne Taylor Loft sells is à la mode too.
Take this ‘Short Mother of Pearl and Feather Statement Necklace’, for instance. Feathers are constantly on my mind, and I love finding great ways to incorporate them into my wardrobe without looking like I just robbed a peacock. The gold feather charms not only create a great tribal aesthetic, but they’re sleeker than having a necklace full of feathers. Plus, the mother of pearl beads add the chicness that only pearl can provide.
p.s Until, October 3, 2009 if you buy one piece of jewelry from Anne Taylor Loft, you get a second for 50% off.
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