This week I'm all about the accessories. I used to be the jewelry queen but after I moved to Baltimore somehow I fell off the wagon. As most girls know, fashion jewelry is something that has to be routinely swapped out because it wears out or tarnishes. I have a firm rule of only spending money/investing in quality jewelry (I.e. gold plated) otherwise I go for what's cheap. Here is a taste of what I love right now in stores (piperlime, c. Wonder, and Hautelook/Nordstrom ) and a few tips I have for making your costume jewelry collection last!
1. When buying cheap costume jewelry, be aware of quality. Not all cheap jewelry is equal. Piperlime has some great affordable pieces that are maybe target level, but def better then something at Claire's or Forever21. So to start, go for pieces that will either take longer to tarnish, or will look ok after they start to turn.
The enamel covering on this piece will keep it looking nicer, longer. Minimal metal = Minimal tarnishing.
This ring is Michael Kors, so it will most likely be gold, but don't be fooled by designer names. You'd be shocked how many designer pieces are cheap crap :p This ring has a great tortoise shell covering, and the part that touches you skin is not visible....which means, you got it, jewelry that lasts!!
Same idea below, but a joint ring....
2. invest in earrings. Luckily, earrings don't typically show tarnish/wear, but here are some great options....
I can't resist bling - we know this, and we accept it.
3. My next tip is to buy pieces that are dynamic and have alot going on. The pieces below are busy, so as parts begin to tarnish you won't notice on the chains. Further, the coloring lends itself to that edgy gun metal color...it will probably look cool tarnished. The next 3 bracelets share this quality.
Here are some necklaces following the same principle. Again, all from Piperlime.
4.Splurge on gold plated jewelry. Look for an actual number, like 18k, not just "gold plated".
So this bracelet is SO cool,and it has a matching necklace. I heart Gorjana and I kinda think I NEED IT. It's 18k gold, so to me, it's worth $60 because it won't tarnish in a month.
5. Buy that statement costume jewelry, and wear it sparingly.
Sometimes, you just gotta get it. This Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace is $220 and only "gold tone". The thing is,you won't wear this often, or even once a week. So, if its worth $220 to you, and it's that"it" piece...get it. I have this issue with some jewelry from C.Wonder, and sometimes you have to get it and hope the quality is there. Jewelry company Stella and Dot sells great jewelry that is not usually gold plated, but the gold tone stays on the jewelry for a long time (as you'll see in pics from my collection). So my advice to you is to buy 'high quality' cheap costume jewelry ;) (if you look up Sarah Covington on eBay, you'll find she makes great vintage pieces that do not tarnish - I have tons of my grandmothers!)
Obsessed with anything equestrian... (C.wonder won't let me copy pictures!, so here are screen shots!)
Statement rings, gold plated.
Judith Rivka statement ring
nOir stackable rings. Gold plated, have them in hot pink too :)
These are almost 4 yrs old, they hold up great, almost no wear (despite the poor color in The pic) def worth the $40 I spent on Gilt for them! (Usually over $100)
Gold tone snake wrap bracelet, Stella & Dot - also About 4 yrs old and in great condition!
Calvin Klein tortoise shell bangles
Layered beads - purchased from Baltimore's only mobile jewelry truck, SideDish Mobile (follow them on twitter (@sidedishmobile)
Another purchase from SideDish - a vintage layered necklace
This is actually a belt that I wear as a necklace....it's amazing on!
That's all for now...see you next week!
Xx
M
