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.
To update your look without spending a lot, jewelry can be your very best bet.
The right piece:
For example, to rock the current green trend, we suggest a gorgeous piece of jade jewelry — and it will still be stunning long after the trend is over.
Our pick is this sterling silver and jade open circle pendant for just $25. Ships to the U.S.
Bright color is ‘in’ this spring, but black is always chic. One way it really looks sophisticated is in black onyx jewelry — whether you wear it with a little black dress or this season’s hottest color. It’s hard to go wrong because black is still the king of neutrals.
Another thing to love about onyx is that it’s very inexpensive. This elegant onyx and marcasite pendant is just $18.99. Who’d have thought! And the matching earrings are just $10.99!
Spend more $49.99 or more on Gem Avenue jewelry and shipping within the U.S. is free! If you’re looking for another piece that will match beautifully, check out this marcasite hummingbird brooch.
All three pieces ship internationally.
Green 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!
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.
An 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.
Orange 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 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.
Looking 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.
If 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.
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?
Here’s a guest post from Jill Sherman, a fashionable, thirty-something style blogger, self-proclaimed credit card junkie, and beauty industry insider. Jill currently has two blogs — Hillary Style and Trendinista.
While Hillary Clinton may not go down in history as a fashion icon like Jackie O., she can definitely rock a power suit and pearl necklace like nobody’s business. And with the recent added pressure to look “current” while she vies for the Democratic presidential nomination, her stylists have kicked her accessories up a notch (and, no, I’m not talking about Bill).
Now, if you think you can’t get these White House looks on a real world budget, you’re in luck. Here are six looks you can fake for a fraction of the cost:
Hillary was recently spotted adorning her neckline with a two-tiered layered chain in yellow gold. And while hers would probably set you back hundreds of dollars, skcbeauty.com has a chic layered chain necklace for $23.95 that will dress up your daytime look without digging into your pocket book.
Sapphires, also known as the “stone of destiny,” are a favorite of Hillary’s (which might explain her affinity for the color blue). And, given her taste for the finer things, her majestic diamond and sapphire earrings probably cost her a small fortune. But don’t fret. EvesAddiction.com has an equally stunning pair of sterling silver channel set sapphire and diamond CZ earrings for $40 — how’s that for destiny!
Another favorite of Hillary’s is turquoise. And while I love this look, I probably wouldn’t love the price tag. (Finding a necklace with perfectly matched sky-blue turquoise beads isn’t easy—or cheap.) So what’s a girl to do? Substitute sky-blue turquoise beads with blue shell beads to get the same look minus the sticker shock. Clemoon.com has a multi-strand blue shell beaded necklace for $39.95 that will have you doing double-takes (in a good way, of course).
If you hadn’t already guessed, Hillary also has a thing for pearls. And not just any pearls — rare golden South Sea pearls. Now, if you have thousands of dollars to spend on these beauties, I say go for it. But if you’re like the rest of us, a necklace made of yellow coin pearls and cultured pearls will give you a similarly sophisticated look without burning up the check book. My pick? The 14k Gold and Coin Pearl Necklace for $59.99 at Overstock.com.
Of course, Hillary also likes to rock the occasional brooch. (What’s a girly power suit without a dramatic pin?) To offset her Asian-inspired collar, Hillary recently polished off her look with a stunning white gold floral number set high on the shoulder. And, while not identical, the Pugster Floral Brooch for $22 at Amazon.com is pretty darn convincing.
Hillary was also recently spotted wearing a sleek rondelle-style blue turquoise necklace with yellow gold accents. While you might have more luck finding blue-green turquoise with silver accents within your price range, you’ll need a small miracle to find Hillary’s color combination. In this case, blue resin is the way to go. Amazon.com has a Turquoise Blue Resin Beaded Collar Necklace by Chloe’s Choice for $9.99 with all the personality of Hillary’s necklace at a fraction of the price.
This year you were going to get your gal something really special… but Christmas crept up on you again, and you have to buy her a gift NOW.
If that’s your predicament, here’s what to do:
You’ll be in and out of the store in 15 minutes or so — and almost any woman will love this gift.
Alternatively, you might consider the Open Heart ($150) or Bean ($165) necklaces. While these necklaces definitely aren’t cheap, they are good value. I’ve worn mine 3-4 times per week for almost 4 years now and it still looks like new!
Order online by 12 Noon ET on Saturday, December 22nd and they’ll deliver by Christmas.
And if money’s no object, you’re guaranteed a great reception with this divine “button-up” diamond necklace recommended by Fashion Tribes!
This isn’t your grandmama’s cutesy floral necklace! This sterling silver, spiral flower pendant has a modern design that’s bright and hypnotic.
It’s over an inch and a quarter in diameter: large enough that it’ll definitely get noticed. Listed for $40, it’s now just $25 — and it ships for free to the U.S. thanks to Amazon.com Super Saver shipping! It even comes with an 18″ chain.
Ships to the U.S. and Canada.
‘Chic’ and ‘holiday jewelry’ are rarely used together — but the clever crafters at Etsy are set to change all that.
Etsy’s like eBay, but without junk and snipers. It has lots of little shops set up by crafty types, so we can stop by to purchase their handiwork.
When we visited, we found lots of beautiful festive jewelry, most of which is one-of-a-kind. Our favorites include:
Plus these pieces are eco-friendly as they’re handmade using vintage materials… and most sellers ship everywhere!
PS: For a high-end alternative, check out the beautiful sparklers at Fashion Tribes!
Get into the holiday spirit and still maintain your sense of style!
These snowflake earrings are a great alternative to festive appliqué sweaters — and they make a much better gift, too. Beautiful in their own right, the sparkling stardust finish on these sterling silver earrings is sure to dazzle in the glow of holiday lights.
They’re reduced to $15.99 — a great price whether you’re stuffing stockings or making them a personal present.
Plus, you can get the matching pendant here for just $7.99.
Both the earrings and the pendant ship worldwide — great for those of us who aren’t likely to see real snow this December.
Black 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.
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