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How to save money on ‘real’ jewelry

Pearl earrings, best bought in July ;)Costume jewelry has been chic since Coco Chanel made it so, but sometimes there’s no substitute for real gemstone jewelry. If you’d like to pick some up for much less than usual, here’s how.

Hint: It’s all about timing — and March is my favorite time to hit the jewelry counters.

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Spring 2008 trends: Orange

guess dressprada shoesGreen may be the top color of the season, but orange is a close second and is a great color to add some real pop to your wardrobe.

Orange is generally harder to wear than green, but don’t let that stop you. If you love orange but think that it doesn’t love you, check out How to work difficult colors into your wardrobe. (Hint: Accessories, accessories, accessories!) And for lots of orange inspiration, take a look at Kasmira’s outfits that include orange at What I Wore Today.

If orange is a flattering color on you, then now is the time to stock up because it’s rare that you’ll see this much of it.

Now, onto the bargains!

Accessories

Orange accessories make for a great, unexpected pop of color that plays remarkably well with other colors like blues and greens. It works great with any neutral, but it really shines when paired with navy.

Bags

alligator bagmichael kors bagAn easy way to play with orange is with this orange patent leather clutch from BCBG MAX AZRIA that was recently featured in our post on the ongoing clutch trend. At 63% off the original price of $198, it’s a steal — just $71.98 for a piece that’s classic yet trendy and from a well known label. It’s also available in parfait and celadon.

This patent leather Jet Set satchel from Michael Kors is similarly discounted. It’s now $79.98, down from $198. It’s also available in hot pink, another popular color right now.

If you’re looking for a bag with more room, then check out this alligator embossed leather tote bag from Muska Milano. It’s now $389 — 54% off the original price of $850. It comes in a variety of colors and ships free to the U.S.

Shoes

prada flatsmizrahi slidesOrange shoes are even harder to find than green ones in my experience, but leave it to Prada to solve the color conundrum on both fronts. These peep toe flats from Prada are available in both orange and green with yellow trim. Originally over $300, they’re now on sale for $185. Plus they ship worldwide!

Too steep for your wallet? Don’t worry, Isaac Mizrahi has done it again — combining classic and trendy at an unbelievable price. These orange Georgina suede bow slides are now on clearances for just $6.24!

Looking for something really different but still cute? Then take a look at these orange Rain Dance rain shoes from Jeffrey Campbell. They’re $34.95 and ship worldwide.

Don’t underestimate the power of some orange sneakers like these orange running shoes from Adidas. I’m seen similar pairs worn with sporty casual skirts and it works amazingly well. Listed at $99.95, they’re now $49.99 - $50.89 and available in sizes 5-12.

My final shoe pick is this pair of orange wedge sandals by Easy Spirit. They’d look lovely with a flirty spring skirt and they’re also available in natural and black. They’re now on sale for $46.99, down from $84.95.

Jewelry

beaded banglestretchable braceletJewelry is yet another place where you probably don’t see a lot of orange, but it can be absolutely fabulous.

For example, check out this beaded bangle cuff bracelet from Fair Trade Gifts. It’s just $11.95.

For $20, you can get this entire set of silver and simulated orange cats eye beaded jewelry. It includes earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace. It’s half off the original price and it ships worldwide!

For $9.99, you can also get this orange cats eye bracelet, on sale from $21.99. It also ships worldwide.

Other Accessories

watchpure pashminaLooking for a statement watch? This orange textile bracelet watch from Christian Dior will definitely grab attention. It’s listed for $650 but now $202 and eligible for Amazon’s free Super Saver Shipping.

And if you want a lot of orange for not a lot of green, check out this 100% pashmina wrap for $17.95. It ships worldwide.

Clothing

guess dresscamisoleIf orange and your complexion get along, then stock up now on orange clothing. You’ll be glad you did in seasons to come when the color choices aren’t so bright.

This 100% cashmere sweater from Catherine Malandrino is absolutely gorgeous, not to mention luxurious. Originally $445, it’s now on sale for $222.50. It’s available in sizes P, M, and L, and it ships worldwide. And it’s also available in black!

If you’re a plus-size gal, then check out this fauxmono knit top from Mossimo. It’s “lava” orange and smokin’. It’s now $11.89 and available in sizes 16W-26W.

If you like the sheer trend, then you’ll probably love this sheer peach camisole. It’s a sweet piece and is now $34.99, down from the list price of $110. It’s available in sizes S-L.

Finally, for the die-hard orange lovers, there’s this sexy Julianna drape dress from Guess. And for those that aren’t, it’s also available in black. It’s $39.50 and available in sizes X-small to X-large.

How do you do orange?

Can you wear orange effortlessly or do you have to work to get it into your wardrobe? Or have you left this color out of your wardrobe altogether?

Spring 2008 trends: Seeing green

wavy aventurine braceletflutter-sleeve dressAccording to Angie at YouLookFab, the hottest color of the season is going to be green, followed by orange.

Wearing more green was actually one of my New Year’s resolutions, because it’s a lovely color that is underused in my wardrobe and many others’.

Fortunately, green is generally an easy color to wear. While yellow greens like lime green can make some people look sallow, dark greens like hunter green don’t have the same effect. If you’re still longing for lime, rest assured that anyone can wear yellow greens if they know how to work difficult colors in your wardrobe.

With that in mind, here are some green bargains that will have your friends equally green.

Accessories

An easy way to incorporate any color into your wardrobe is through accessories since you can get more use out of them per week than clothing and accessories usually last a lot longer.

Shoes

chinese laundry pumpsjessica simpson heelsNice green shoes are hard to find, but I’ve found three pairs.

These Hasper mesh peep toe pumps from Jessica Simpson are available in three colors, including a lovely kelly green. They’re available in sizes 5.5-11 and vary in price from $55.27 to $79.99.

These Naughty Monkey Candyland pumps are equally fun in a white and green floral design. They’re available in sizes 6-10 and are also available in black/white and red/white. They vary in price from $72.47 - $74.95.

If you want shoes that really stand out, then check out these Alanie pumps from Chinese Laundry. While also available in white and yellow, the green is particularly fun because the fish scale texture of the leather makes them look like dragon skin. They’re available in sizes 6-10, for $79.95 - $89.95.

Jewelry

wavy aventurine braceletswarovski crystal braceletThis wavy aventurine bracelet is a neat piece that is beautiful, too. It’s just $18.95 and ships worldwide.

Or if you want something more classic, take a look at this sterling silver bracelet made with green Milano glass Swarovski crystal. It’s on sale for 50% and is now just $28.99. Plus it also ships worldwide.

Bags

laptop bagvia spiga clutchWith clutches so popular nowadays, why not go with a green clutch like this Sasha leather wristlet clutch from Via Spiga. The hunter green is lovely, though it is also available in black and grey. It’s now just $69.99, down from $120.

Of course, you can’t fit a laptop in a clutch, so take a look at this gorgeous satin brocade laptop bag from Mango Tango. It’s a refreshing alternative to all those boring black laptop bags and it’s just $84.

Clothes

Looking to get into more green?

Tops

trapuntomossimo turtleneckThis green long-sleeve turtleneck from Mossimo is now just $6.29. It’s available in sizes X-small to XX-large in juniors.

If your complexion can handle a nice yellow-green, go ahead and enjoy this silk trapunto stitch blouse from INC International Concepts. It’s on sale for $38.81, down from $69. It’s available in sizes 2-8.

Dresses

jersey dressflutter-sleeve dressGreen also makes a wonderful color for dresses. I know because I have one that wear all the time.

This jersey wrap dress from BCBG Max Azria would make lovely dress for day and night whether you get the forest green or the navy. It’s $108, 40% off the list price of $180, and it’s available in sizes X-small to large.

Of course, green works great with other colors, as evident in this charmeuse, flutter-sleeve dress in a green and aqua print. It’s only available in sizes 7-11, but it’s on sale for $13.99.

Going green

Green isn’t just a trendy color this season, it’s also a lifestyle trend that’s catching on thanks in part to products that make it easier to help the planet. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out my recent post on eco-friendly shopping bags.

As you can see, I’m excited by all the green available this season, but how do you feel about its rise to trendiness? How do you wear green most often?

Xmas gift idea: Kenneth Jay Lane pink Swarovski crystal bangle, $63

$1 to $1 billion Christmas gift guide
detailfull product picThere are so many times in life when we need a little extra sparkle: parties, dates, dull gray winter days…

Give someone you love the gift of sparkle this Christmas with this Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Bangle. It’s a pretty addition to anyone’s jewelry box.

Kenneth Jay Lane is America’s very best costume jeweler and the late Nan Kempner’s best friend, so he’s very stylish.

The design and workmanship of his pieces is wonderful — but luckily for us, he works with semi-precious and man-made materials so his work is affordable.

This bangle could pass for pink sapphires set in gold, but it costs just $63! Free U.S. shipping; ships worldwide.

PS: To see the price-no-object fantasy version (a stunning Bulgari bracelet) visit Fashion Tribes ;)
Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Chic carved wooden bracelet, $8.99

detailfull product picIf you’re suffering from shiny overload in this season of metallics and patent leather, try a more natural look.

This beautiful carved wooden bangle is subtle in color but striking in design, so it’s perfect to add interest to casual outfits.

It’s just US$8.99 and ships worldwide.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Onyx stone bead jewelry set $20

Sterling silver and onyx jewelry set -- bracelet, earrings and necklace: detailSterling silver and onyx jewelry set -- bracelet, earrings and necklace: full product picBlack is the King of Neutrals — it works with practically every color you can imagine…

…and it’s not just for shoes and dresses. Make black a chic part of your jewelry collection with this sterling silver and onyx bead jewelry set. The set includes a necklace, bracelet and earrings for the great price of just US$20.

Ships worldwide and makes a fantastic Christmas gift.

Love it? Click here to buy it.

Turquoise ethnic mirror work cuff, US$5.99

detailfull product picThis handcrafted bead and mirror-work cuff bracelet from Nvie Designs is a fun way to add some color to your outfits.

It’s just $5.99, thanks to a 76% discount. Ships to U.S. only.

Love it? Click here to buy it! (Or blog it & you could win it.)

Turquoise-blue bangle bracelet, US$9.99

detailfull product picThe last day of shirt-sleeve weather is nigh. Well, for this year, anyway!

Make the most of it with this turquoise blue bangle bracelet, which is handmade in India and will add a fun splash of color to any casual outfit.

PS: You’ll be a step ahead when spring comes around again, with one of your new accessories already picked out!

Love it? Click here to buy it! (Or blog it & you could win it.)

Rachel Leigh buckled bangle, US$55

detailfull product picA stand-out piece of jewelry is always a great buy: if you really love it, you can wear it with almost anything.

This Rachel Leigh Buckled Bangle is a great pick for a modern, creative chick. From a distance it’s a plain cuff, but up close it’s something really out-of-the-ordinary.

Hint: wondering what to wear with a bracelet-sleeve jacket? This could be it.

It’s $55 at shopbop.com, down from $110 and is available in gold and silver. Ships almost everywhere!

Love it? Click here to buy it! (Or comment & you could win it.)

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