It’s fake? That’s fab!
No room on the credit card for Chopard? No matter. This holiday season, costume jewelry just might be the smartest gift.
With fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior turning out increasingly sophisticated designs (some of which cost as much as the real thing), the stigma of fake jewelry is gone. Today it’s not uncommon to see the most chic women mixing fine and faux in the same outfit.
The greatest pieces for the holidays are coming from the most unlikely places. Chain stores are producing jewelry with substantial weight and stones that don’t feel as if they’ll come loose after a few wearings.
Brightly colored jewelry will add pop to everybody’s favorite party staple, the little black dress. J. Crew has a selection of fabulous 1960s-era Palm Beach pieces that don’t seem out of place, even for winter. A hand-painted bangle in purple and bubble-gum pink is only $68. With its loud colors and circular pattern, it’s all the accessory you need. A dangling cabochon bracelet, $125, with beaded balls that orbit the wrist is also a knockout in bright yellow, a color that will transition well into spring.
Encrusted in pearls and red and green stones, Anthropologie’s faceted bangles are festive. Try the wide size ($148) layered with an armload of gold bangles. Even Ann Taylor has fashionable baubles, such as a hinged white enamel bangle ($48) with gold details that looks Egyptian and Art Deco at the same time. Try one on each wrist, a la Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.”
Cocktail rings make a perfect conversation piece for a party, and Lia Sophia has several stunners in the Art Deco genre. A white enamel buckle ring with peridot crystal, $125, is unique enough to stand the test of time, as is a stair-step-cut crystal ring for $150. (Lia Sophia is a direct sales jewelry company; visit www.liasophia.com to find a salesperson in your area.)
At Forever 21, accessories are cheap enough to buy by the dozen. A gold-colored ring with randomly placed round rhinestones has a nice shape and shine and an even nicer price; it’s just $4.80.
One for you, two for me.
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