The jewelry trend for 2011? Large and in-charge! Layered chains in varying metallic hues and textures… the trendy looks of the season are certainly dazzling! But, as always, timing is everything. The price of precious metals is sky-high, forcing many jewelry lovers to shelve out-of-style precious pieces and wear costume jewelry to stay on-trend.
The funny thing, however, is that costume jewelry can be expensive too! So, before you sink too much cash into a trendy piece, be strategic. You can update grandma’s genuine pearls for less money, and be wearing the real deal while your friends are all wearing plastic!
Pearls are delicate and dainty, and a classic 18-inch strand can be made rocker-chic tough simply by adding a masculine stainless-steel chain.
The 22″ stainless steel chain I added to the pearl strand was purchased from Amazon.com, and retails for $24. Click HERE to buy the Men’s Stainless Steel Chain Necklace from Amazon.com
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Sterling silver has also increased in price, but is still affordable enough to use for layering. It also has the benefit of possibly increasing in value in the future! The dainty chain-link sterling necklace I layered in the image above is also from Amazon.com. Retail price is $16. Click HERE to buy the Sterling Silver Flat Circle-Link Chain Necklace, 16″ from Amazon.com.
Looking for versatility? The men’s stainless-steel chain also doubles as a super-chic triple-wrapped bracelet!
Any Mom will tell you… the reasoning behind bag selection is vastly different once you have little ones to consider. My bag du jour is the Linea Pelle Dylan shoulder bag. I love it for its versatility and style. Four outer pockets not only look chic, but organize hard-to-find items that would normally get lost in a bag of this size. A zipper runs along the entire length of the bottom of the bag, allowing the carrier to increase the storage size of the bag to tremendous proportions while on the run. Practicality aside, Linea Pelle’s Dylan is a slouchy, shabby chic that just fits my “jeans and t-shirt” style perfectly. And, the leather is so buttery soft, you won’t be able to keep your hands off of it! Retail price is $395.
Who says that a necessity can’t also be an accessory? I’m not usually a fan of ear buds, but I adore Grunge Buds by Atomic9. Each set of Grunge Buds can fit three different ear sizes, and can be used for music, or to chat on your phone! A strategically placed clip ensures that your device doesn’t pull your ear buds from your ears. Retail price is $39.99 per set. 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This compact, part of Estee Lauders “pink” product lineup from 2009, is still housed comfortably in my bag. I take such good care of it, because it’s a tiny piece of luxury in a very unluxurious life! It also serves as a constant reminder to be aware of how many women are affected by breast cancer. Retail price for this beauty was $55 last year, and I can’t wait to see if a new design will be introduced this year!
Here's a really unique way to savor the memory of a loved one… Turn a lock of their hair into a diamond!
Carol Brodie–“The Queen of Diamonds”–is launching a line of affordable and gorgeous jewelry, available for purchase on HSN. Carol has established a reputation through her work with Harry Winston, and this is her very first solo collection. Named “Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie”, the collection will be available starting on June 21st, and features an assortment of precious and semi-precious gems.