Fringe was a strong design detail in 2014, from bags to clothing to jewelry. Apparently, this trend is not going away anytime soon, as evidenced by this necklace worn in the MM6 Maison Martin Margiela spring/summer 2015 runway show this past week in NYC.
When my wardrobe clients ask me about fashion trends, I always tell them to take them with a grain of salt. If you think a particular trend completely resonates with your personal style, then by all means jump on in, and don’t hesitate to make a bit of an investment. And if a trend is the farthest thing from your style and comfort zone, then definitely don’t feel pressured to jump on that bandwagon. If you’re somewhere in the middle, then perhaps give it a try, but don’t spend too much money on your “style experiment.” With that in mind, I’ve gathered 10 different pieces of jewelry, at a variety of price points and with different styles, for you to peruse. So here they are, in no particular order.
I cannot believe this is already the final article in my six-part series “Jewelry Box Basics.” Talking about what jewelry you should have in your jewelry box based on your personal style, I’ve covered the lady who lunches, the bohemian, the rock star, the minimalist and the romantic. Now, it’s time for the woman who’s all about the latest trends. You may notice that some of the pieces I feature in this article could easily fit into one of the other categories. This makes perfect sense, as each season there will be jewelry trends that appeal to different personal styles. For instance, when I wrote the article about this spring’s big spike trend, you just know that the rock star is all over that one! Please remember that no one fits into just one box. We are each unique, and it’s wonderful to explore the different facets of our own style, from clothing to jewelry. Don’t worry about the price tag on the pieces — just use the item as a springboard for your own interpretation at the price point that’s comfortable for you.
I’m writing this particular post from a personal perspective. Since there are SO many jewelry trends out there, I decided to chose things in each category that are on my own wish list — things that I would actually love to wear. Some items have a bohemian edge, others a little rock star…enjoy.
Watch
There’s nothing truly “basic” in a trendy fashionista’s jewelry box, right down to her watch. The past couple years we’ve seen white ceramic watches become increasingly popular. I like Michele’s interpretation, which of course is bedazzled with some diamonds.
Chic and on trend!
But seeing that color, especially in the neon range, is hot-hot-hot, I’d also have to add this day-glo watch by Marc Jacobs. What a great pop of color with a neutral outfit!
Fabulous!
Bracelets
I have to say that I’m getting a little obsessed with bold cuffs. I actually think this trend will easily transition into fall, so picking up a nice one might be a good investment. When I was at Barney’s the other day, I tried on this stunner by Celine. The mixed metals, the rounded studs, and the weight of it were just divine. No, I didn’t get it, but it’s currently #1 on my jewelry lust list!!
Yes, I’m coveting this!
I’m also loving this metal and horn creation by Maiyet. I can easily envision one on each wrist with an all-white outfit.
Strong design!
Rings
There is definitely a growing trend in multiple-finger rings. The key to this trend is not to just grab any old rings out of your jewelry box and pile them on, but rather curate a handful that has a similar theme. Many designers are now selling a set of 5 rings, one for each finger! Balenciaga is one such line that has a stunning group. I’ve yet to see them in person, but they’re everywhere in the media! I wish I knew where to check them out — not even their website offers them….they are elusive…
Uber-cool
Earrings
A couple trends are beckoning to me this season. The first is all about color. Colored and painted crystals are showing up everywhere from H&M to Neiman Marcus. This pair by Dannijo is cited as their “mohawk moment” — love that!
Punk meets vintage
I’m also really enjoying the “new” shape of chandelier earrings. They have a long, thin silhouette, as opposed to the wider designs of a few years ago. This diamond and chain pair by The Woods is a perfect example of this. It can be easily worn with jeans or a cocktail dress. Boy would they look great in my jewelry box! 😉
SO versatile!
Necklaces
I’ve got to come back to the colored crystal trend for the necklace choice as well. The Courtney Lee Collection has designed some trendy, yet very wearable pieces this season. Take this necklace, for instance. Style it with a denim shirt and white jeans, and suddenly you look completely put together. Just one key piece of jewelry can really make an outfit.
The crystal/chain combo is genius
J.Crew always has a great selection of on-trend jewelry as well. Here’s one of their necklaces with a similar feel.
Great color combination
Here’s what you have to be really careful about when you are a trendsetter. You need to strategically think about the cost-per-wear of each piece before you buy it. Some trends will be just a flash in the pan. If you spend tons of money on something like that, then it may not be a wise investment. But if it’s something that truly makes your heart sing, works with the majority of your wardrobe, and you can see it lasting or being mixed with other pieces in the future, then it may be a wiser expenditure. These sorts of pieces really can end up being your jewelry signature, so it’s worth it. Do you think you’ll be investing in any trendy jewelry this season? Do tell! Inquiring minds want to know…
One part of my job I just love is exploring new shopping areas, especially when I can do it with my dear friend and colleague, Jen. Tuesday was one of those days, so we headed north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Country Mart. While I was expecting the hustle and bustle of the Brentwood Country Mart in southern California, which is stocked with fab stores and eateries, Marin was very quiet and there were many open shop fronts available. But I do think there’s a lot of potential there. It’s lovely, has a nice layout, and it has a truly prime location right near the Larkspur ferry. The BIG draw for me was Calypso St. Barth, one of my fave resort-inspired shops, including some drool-worthy jewelry.
Walking into the inviting store, I loved how everything is laid out by color, including the jewelry. The first tray that caught my eye was this grouping in emerald, teal and lime green.
The color is HOT for spring!
The cut crystal pieces by DanniJo are a little bit vintage, yet a little bit rockin’. I also loved the delicate beaded quality of these earrings by another designer. Here’s a close-up of the earrings.
The teal transcends seasons — great all year long.
I next headed to an area where neutrals were the story — cream, tan, beige, and white. This selection of baubles would be very versatile!
What diversity!
My favorite is the collar on the bottom left. It’s by London designer Fiona Paxton. I think it would dress up a basic, solid-colored sweater or tee, or enhance a cocktail dress!
This tray of boho-inspired necklaces drew my eye (I know you’re not surprised!), and I was a bit envious that Jen went home with the camel necklace with the leather tassel by Hipchik Couture. I wonder if she’d let me borrow it….
Yum!
The visual delight continued as you went to the cash desk. There, you were greeted with a plethora of colorful bracelets, from designers ranging from Chan Luu to Julie Rofman.
Arm candy!!
After all the shopping, of course we had to eat lunch. We dined at the Rustic Bakery, and we were not disappointed. Though I think on our next visit, we should each get our own (giant) chocolate chip cookie, instead of splitting. 😉
In the morning you’ll usually find me munching on an Golden Delicious apple and working on the computer with “Live with Kelly” on in the background. (I still miss Regis, though.) I love to see what Kelly Ripa strolls out on stage with each morning. Back in January, she started wearing a brightly colored necklace, really almost day-glow, each and every day. Well her stylist was right on trend with that choice! (Side note: I love that she feels comfortable re-wearing items, instead of having to don an entirely new look each day. How real and refreshing, especially for a TV personality!)
Now that I’m once again hitting the stores daily with clients shopping for their spring wardrobes, I am running into bright bursts of color everywhere! For those of us who don’t want to wear head-to-toe brights, as shown in the magazines, adding a carefully selected bit of colorful jewelry can make your outfit very fashion forward. Here are a few of my favorite finds.
This necklace by Tom Binns is a major investment, but wow!
Tom Binns Handpainted Crystal Massai Necklac
Dannijo creates a multitude of looks in her line, and this pair of earrings is quite smashing.
Cocktail rings might be relatively small, but they can pack a colorful punch! Gotta love this coral creation by Kenneth Jay Lane!
Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Ring
If the tidal wave of color overwhelms you the next time you walk into a store, don’t fret. Remember that you can take it down a notch yet still be stylin’ with your brilliant baubles!
