For those of you who have no idea what IÂ’m talking about, Silly Bandz are brightly colored rubber bands that are formed into various shapes, such as a dog, a dinosaur, a peace sign, or any other regular shape you can think of. These Bandz, made by the company BCP Imports, can be worn on your wrist like bracelets, but will snap back into their original fun shape as soon as you take them off.

They are also incredibly cheap, retailing for around $5 for a pack of 24. If you havenÂ’t realized this already, this product and its resulting trend is ridiculous. Silly Bandz began as a toy item for kids in grade school, where children would bring them to school in Ziploc bags to wear and trade. But supposedly theyÂ’ve recently become cool for adults to collect, trade, and wear.

The New York Times claims that this bump in excitement over Silly Bandz for adults began after the bracelets/toys were banned in schools for being too distracting. And as sad as that idea seems, the much sadder truth is that I saw them lovingly worn in the blogosphere months before they were banned.

The article mentions that many famous celebrities have been seen wearing their Silly Bandz all around New York City. Sarah Jessica Parker is specifically named as one of the celebs spotted rocking her childrenÂ’s playthings. I am particularly appalled by this mention, as SJP is much, much too old to be trying this trend. What has happened to the world when a 45 year old woman is wearing animal-shaped colored rubber bands around her wrist?

The New York Times also seems to suggest in its article that Silly Bandz are particularly appealing to young adults who are just transitioning into real jobs. This makes absolutely no sense to me. Why, once you finally have your own income and are no longer on your parentÂ’s dime, would you opt to wear cheap rubber childrenÂ’s bracelets? WouldnÂ’t you want to instead use your own money to buy fashion jewelry that youÂ’ve always wanted to wear?

Despite this recent press about Silly Bandz, IÂ’m happy to report that I havenÂ’t seen them in person yet. Maybe they just havenÂ’t made it to the west coast yet? Either way, I hope they stay in New York and off adults’ arms.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/melindashelton/4091744522

No related posts.

First, choose a pair that truly makes a statement. A pair that is colorful has personality (consider an array of colors, unique shapes, or elaborate stones and gems). Make sure that this pair is a visible size and will not stay hidden under your hair.

Consider dangling or hoop style earrings with character. Also, try shopping at flea marts and vintage stores for a unique look. Many of today’s designers are actually inspired by vintage jewelry collections.

Next, sort through your wardrobe and look for garment pieces that will accentuate the earrings. Try mixing and matching similar solid color tops with bold color shoes (try matching with printed clothing if earrings have colored stone characteristics). Do not choose earrings with artwork to match with printed clothes: you will look too busy and take away from the earrings. Keep in mind that your earrings that are the focal point of your outfit.

For example, see picture of these Monarch earrings made of recycled paper (right). You can work with a color combination of gray, red, orange, and black. Wear these with a simple black dress, a gray motorcycle jacket, and red ankle boots or pumps.

Now you try it! Work around around accessories and diversify your wardrobe styling techniques.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/originalbliss/2896997914

No related posts.

I’ve created my own style and prefer men’s watches over women’s watches. Sometimes I take a trip to vintage stores and flea marts to find old men’s Rolex or Movado watches. With a new battery and resizing the bands, this classic accessory only represents sheer elegance. Nowadays, designers are making women’s watches more versatile and using oversized dials for a more contemporary look. Women’s watches are usually found with skinny wristbands and a delicate dial small in size. Now women’s watch sizes are “supersized” and wristbands sometimes represent ornamental jewelry. Bigger is better in the watch world–and the more bling the more desirable.

Pick out watches that make a bigger statement with oversize dials. My faves for the next season are watches with gold tones. As flagrant as they may look, our natural tresses and neutral shades of rouge will  balance the new year look. Also try adding bangles and bracelets for extra flair. The watch serves as a functional accessory, so don’t be afraid to mix and match accordingly. Remember: it’s all about being fabulous! So watch out!

For an interesting read, check out this article on the most expensive watches by Forbes.

Image Source: style.catalogs.com, oysterinfo.com

No related posts.

Andy Warhol Double Feature Campbell’s Soup Shot: $150.00

Andy Warhol MidSize Banana Graphic Watch from Amazon.com: $120.00

Find good deals on Andy Warhol watches at Smarter.com.

No related posts.

Top charm bracelets on the market for you to check out:

Armani Exchange Charm Bracelet from ArmaniExchange.com: $34.00

For the luxe life upper east sider, Armani is the only way to go. Make your statement with this fashionable, haute-couture piece.

Prime Art Heart Charm Bracelet: $29.95

Wear your heart on your wrist with this stylish understated look. A thin chain keeps this charm bracelet from being too bulky, but you can certainly add your own twist to the design if you like! There’s definitely room.

Find more affordable charm bracelets at Smarter.com.

No related posts.

Shop through a wide selection of jewelry at Smarter.com.

No related posts.

Vanity Fair has released their international Best Dressed List for 2009 and I’m sure no one was shocked to see that the country’s premier couple made the cut. Michelle has become a muse for many designers with her laid back sophistication and a rocking fit body that is totally believable and well in the realm of possibility for everyday women. Well, not entirely, to be honest if you also count those shapely arms chiseled to perfection, but you get the idea. She’s by no account a Hollywood siren sporting an unattainably Barbie like body armed with strategic enhancements. In total contrast to that “popular” look, Mrs. Obama represents an imperfect attractiveness. The statuesque first lady works out sensibly, has an instinctive nonchalant sense of style and does her clothes beautiful justice but all in a completely down to earth, accessible way. The rarity of that makes her a style icon in my book. I love too that she has introduced the world to lesser known designer names like Maria Pinto and Jason Wu.

While I like the elegance of her simple sheaths and the polished appeal of her pencil skirts (I sometimes donÂ’t care for her cardigans I must admit, but you canÂ’t please everyone all the time!), it is her jewelry that completely rocks my boat. The girl can certainly write a book on how to wear pearls without giving off that dreaded old lady vibe. I donÂ’t know anyone other than Carrie in “Sex in the City” who gives pearls this much of love! I was so delighted to know BTW that many of her pearls are fakes—I dig grounded beauties!

Sometimes the pearls she wears are more conventional, white, short and oversized, which she craftily pairs with structured, more modern attire. The ones that I would probably go for myself are her quirky, whimsical, longer, multi colored ones that add glamour and razzle dazzle to an otherwise monotonous, simplistic clothing palette like a little black dress or a tailored blouse. A delightful pin that doesnÂ’t take itself too seriously or some fanciful beads thrown in for attitude, but never all at the same time, lend a European edge to her modest outfits, a style she has made her own.

I went on a bid to check out some Michellesque treasures and look at what I came up with (below). I think I even found one of her original pieces! (the vintage inspired flower necklace with the pink dress). In fact I got so carried away that I even ordered myself a string of beads I just didnÂ’t need! Tsk ,TskÂ…

St Erasmus Long Pearl Necklace

Allie Braided Bead Necklace

St Erasmus Pink Flower Short Statement Necklace

Twisted Beaded Necklace

Pink Flower Pin

Maddy Emerson Freshwater Pearl and Agate Necklace

Nori’s Layered Lace & Faux Pearl Necklace

No related posts.

Cara Accessories Beaded Chandelier Earrings originally priced at $28, on sale now for $15.90

These are a great deal. Earrings like this will last if you take care of them, unfortunately the base metal that’s used to make these will eventually start to change color if exposed to certain elements like salt, sweat, and heat. So, if you’re planning to wear them on your next night out on the town or with the girls at the club…go for it, but they may tarnish after a few times of this. Either way, 16 bucks is not a bad price for such a lovely accessory. What to wear these with…anything really. Of course, as I’ve mentioned before, I am a big fan of the dangly earrings with hair up in a bun, and a soft cotton t-shirt and shorts. No heels, usually sneakers, boots or flat sandals. If you want to wear them in a more feminine way, a white sundress would pair lovely with these. It doesn’t have to be white though, any old sundress would look good with these earrings because they aren’t too flashy. My favorite part about these, and what drew me to them at first glance was the square-like shape these earrings fall in. I like the thin wire and chains that were used, and that shade of turquoise that the beads are in is one of my favorites. They are simple, but yet detailed just enough to be the only accessory you’d need for the day or night. The reason I wouldn’t wear these in fall or winter is because the earrings just look too summery for me. Fall and winter is darker–you are wearing more layers of clothing, and a lot of hoop earrings come back, or just simple drop bead/jewel earrings are good enough accessory to wear. Pretty, chandelier earrings like these should be saved for spring,and summer.

No related posts.

This gal looks great on a beautiful day in New York City, she added a chunky turquoise necklace to a simple outfit of neutral color.  This is a good way to wear jewelry like this, pairing it with more simple pieces so that it stands out easily without being flashy.

Speaking of flashy, this ring may be written off as being just that…

ABS by Allen Schwartz “Hippie Chic” Large Turquoise Ring $85

Reminiscent of a 1970′s cocktail ring, the combination of turquoise stones and rhinestones in this ring give it just the right amount of flash and funk.  This would be nice to pair with something simple and plain, or wearing with one of those nice long maxi dresses that are trendy right now.  Although I am forecasting this as a seasonal trend for summer, according to the department stores, it isn’t.  It was difficult to find any turquoise jewelry anywhere.  You can always of course search for actual turquoise, but will probably be directed to an offbeat site that claims each of their product is authentic, and 100% real.  Hunting online is probably not the best way find turquoise jewels, and you would have better luck scouring flea markets or antique shops.  If it is real though, an authentic turquoise cuff can retail anywhere from $200-$400.  Pricey indeed, but once you have it you realize the true value of that piece, even if you have to shine it up a little!

Image Source: elle.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more turquoise jewelry.

No related posts.

I was dressing for a little backyard b-day party yesterday, in 90 degree heat I might add, and when I put on my new maxi dress with some flat gold sandals I was still thinking, where’s the fun?  Then I grabbed my antique gold lockets hanging from a long chain to layer over my usual necklaces and there it was.  So, let’s talk lucky charms.

To begin with, have you noticed that Tiffany and Co. has completely extended and revamped its charm offerings in materials from the relatively affordable sterling to big-time treats of gold, enamel and diamond?  The Tiffany’s collection includes everything from the little princess friendly crown or cupcake, to the initials, martini glasses, or “Olympian” charms based on antique Tiffany silver, that will delight the grown up girl.  I also love the ideas Tiffany has for adornment options: don’t just charm a bracelet or chain, but hang one on a key chain, on your belt, or my personal favorite, on your purse.

And recently, just about everyone is getting on board the charm train.  I even found some cute little danglers at Gap Kids last week.  Perfect for the little charmers, you can get a tiny shoe, frog, rainbow, etc., as well as a bracelet to hang them on; all at a price that won’t make you freak out if your little one looses her jewelry while hanging upside down from the monkey bars.

The big idea I want to dangle in front of you though, is the charm necklace.  Now, I know full well that the “statement necklace” is all the rage and delicate pieces have been deemed out by the fashion police and their deputies.  However, when something is a great element of your personal style, I say as always, buck the trend or make it your own.

My current faves are a layer of multiple necklaces with personal charms.  I know this look has been around for a while, but I love it to much to break up with it.  My personal charms now in rotation are a gold and diamond butterfly from the 70’s that I inherited (o.k., stole) from my mom, mixed with a white gold Elsa Peretti bean that was a gift from my BFF.  At this point, I am feeling the need for all the good luck charms I can get.

If you want to take some of your personal baubles like a star, a child’s initial, a locket (like Faith Hill has) and make it more of statement, why not mix two or three charms with a heavy chain and a strand or two of pearls?  I think you will find the result…charming.

Photo Info: These cute and affordable charms found on fun little site CharmedandDangerous.net. Also take a look at the fun charms Smarter.com features.

No related posts.