The holidays are the time of year when we put ourselves last, but giving ourselves a little gift of bling jewelry can definitely uplift our spirits. Here’s some justification for you: a little bit of new sparkle and shine can dress up an old outfit so you don’t have to buy anything new! Bling jewelry can take something plain, like an old little black dress, into a more fashion-forward direction.
Fortunately, we don’t have to break the bank to do treat ourselves. After all, it was none other than Coco Chanel who gave us permission to flaunt showy, obviously costume jewelry (which, of course, she sometimes artfully combined with the real deal) in multiples and excess.
In that theme, “more is more” seems to be the key this year. That means you’ll find the unusual, the ultra-long, the flashy, just pretty much anything in excess. And whether you are more classic, bohemian, delicate, dramatic, romantic or anything in-between, there is something out there for you. Just choose bling jewelry that matches your “vibe” – and makes a statement.
Necklaces
Speaking of statements, statement necklaces are a very big trend. And a semi-choker style will bring a flattering glow to your face. That means look for one that is no longer than about two or three inches below the top of the sternum, depending on the length of your torso. It’s a flattering length for just about everyone. This year we’re seeing chunkier, artsy and well, different, rather than just classic styles and shapes.
Oscar de la Renta Geranium Floral Necklace, $525
Melinda Maria Waterfall Bib Necklace, $285
Karine Sultan Statement Collar Necklace, $117
Stella & Ruby Beaded Chiffon Necklace, $78
Another trend is the lariat necklace. If you want a more delicate look, this is a great option. Because of their length (and some are adjustable), they’re best worn with an unfussy, lower cut neckline. Actually, they work even better if you are daring enough to wear something with a plunging neckline.
Because of that, they necessarily tend to work best on a small to medium sized breasts. On someone who is more well-endowed they will either get lost in the cleavage or hang and bob off the bust, drawing a lot of attention downward instead up to your face.
Lord & Taylor 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace, $510
Rosantica Anima Necklace, $300
Robert Redford Paloma Lariat Necklace, $298
Kendra Scott ‘Phara’ Tassel Lariat Necklace, $120
Ettika Bar Chain Lariat Necklace, $60
Canvas Layered Lariat Necklace, $38
Earrings
Of course, holiday attire just cries out for showy, chandelier earrings. They lengthen the line of the neck, draw the eye’s attention from the collar bone (a flattering part of every woman’s body) to the face and can be real show-stoppers.
Sparkly, playful or refined, you’re going to find some fun things at every price range. As with lariat necklaces, wear them with an unfussy neckline so they can take center stage.
Lord & Taylor 14K Yellow Gold Chandelier Earrings, $462.50
Alexis Bittar Watery Stone Clip-On Chandelier Earrings, $350
Marchesa Chandelier Earrings, $195
Adriana Orsini Pavé Pear Chandelier Earrings/Silvertone, $125
Area Stars Felice Crystal Fringe Chandelier Earrings, $48
Canvas Imitation Pearl Earrings, $16
So with all of these bling jewelry options, keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple. The point is to draw attention to your face, your shoulders or your decolletage.
Happy bling-mas!
