While I generally prefer to wear more timeless and versatile pieces, there’s something about costume jewelry that can be so iconic. It can add just a bit of fun to any look. I almost always get compliments when I pair this beautiful, long vintage black, plastic necklace that I bought in London with my gold layered necklaces. On other occasions, I love to mix these very cool 1960s Lucite bangles that I found in Paris with my charm bracelet.
Since costume jewelry uses faux materials, designers have more freedom to get creative in a big, bold, and beautiful way. The sky’s the limit. Which is why I think it’s easy find really imaginative and fun pieces—bold beaded necklaces with bows to candy-colored gem-stones to sculptural plastic bangles—in this genre without having to worry about the price tag accompanying real diamonds or gold. It’s an affordable way to make a fashion statement. J. Crew, for example, has done a nice job of creating a sophisticated costume jewelry line that appeals to women of all ages.
The trick with costume jewelry is timing. There is a time and place to wear these bold accessories. Right now, it’s very much in style anywhere and everywhere. However, there will come a moment when you will have to put it away in your drawer for a little bit before bringing it out again sometime in the future. Today, my vintage pieces—a carved Bakelite bangle and black plastic necklace—are very cool and hip, but had I taken them out 15 years ago, I don’t know what the reaction might have been.
Mixing costume jewelry with your classic pieces is a good way to keep things interesting. Every so often, dig deep in your drawers, ladies, and be daring, be bold and have fun!
xox,
M
P.S. For costume jewelry shopping suggestions, catch Good Buy on Your Budget later this week. The column will feature several collectible vintages pieces in this genre (at various price points) for the next several months. First up, red glass necklaces.
Published on May 30, 2010
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