Glitter, Shine and Save: How to wear your favourite jewellery on a budget

After a recent visit to the dollar store for craft supplies, I decided to stroll around to see what new things the bargain store might have. To my delight I saw the cutest, little charm necklaces only for $2.99. One was a sailor inspired anchor and the other was the oh-so-chic Eiffel Tower. Now some of you might be hesitant to visit the dollar store when in need of some fashionable fare but always remember this, it is always about taste. If something is tasteful, then no matter how much it costs it won't look cheap. Believe me.

This venture into the dollar store inspired me. It made me realize that if I could find cute jewellery pieces from the dollar store, where else could I find affordable and adorable pieces to spruce up the 'ole wardrobe?

Enter Forever 21. Famous for their endless array of super-trendy, super-cheap colourful fashions, I decided to take a look at their jewellery and I was pleasantly surprised.

 Here we have Forever 21's blue, green and purple stretch jeweled cuff. This piece is perfect with a black fitted turtleneck and dark skinny jeans to help add some glamour to your everyday wear. It would also work beautifully with a simple black shift and some pearls. Wintertime is the perfect time to wear glittery and colourful pieces, so go out and scoop up this dazzling cuff. Your wrist will thank you.


Nothing says glamourpuss and sassy woman-in-charge quite like a cocktail ring. When you reach out your hand for a handshake or hold your martini glass those painted nails will not be the only thing catching everyone's eye. This sparkly stunner has a pearl centre surrounded by black rhinestones and a cluster of white rhinestones to take the shine up a notch. The colour combo reminds me of a certain brand that is synonymous with everything elegant. This goes best with your jewelled toned numbers and stiletto heels. Or for fun, glam up your plaid button down with a pencil skirt and pearls and you are ready for a fabulous day at the internship!



Crosses have been around since the Middle Ages and beyond. In the 21st century, crosses have taken a more decorative route with all sorts of eclectic creations being seen on necks all around the world. This particular cross necklace takes inspiration from the Victorian era with a shiny rhinestone in the centre. Perfect with a simple white tee or crisp white button down, this cross adds some sparkle and charm to the simplest of outfits. You can also layer this necklace with other charms or wear with your pearl necklaces for a more personalized and eclectic look.


What are your favourite ways to spruce up your look on a budget? What are your most coveted jewellery pieces? Don't forget to add in the comments or Twitter me!

Enjoy!                                        

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Park Avenue Princess: Siman Tu Gallery

On a lovely stroll today in the afternoon, I basked in the sunlight and admired all the very fashionable people on the Upper East Side. One older woman was donned in gold linen pants accompanied by a gold twin set and fabulous sunglasses. Another wore a tunic style dress with embellished sandals. If there is one place to spot out something special to add to your collection of clothing or accessories, New York is the place so it was no surprise to me when I stumbled upon the beautiful Siman Tu Gallery.

As I walked in, I was immediately greeted by the sparkling diamonds and breathtaking freshwater pearl necklaces accompanied by French music, live chirping birds and garden-like vignettes. Siman Tu after all, is a haute couture jewellery designer who has had his exquisite necklaces grace the necklines of Barbara Walters, Anne Hathaway and Tyra Banks as well as made frequent appearances on Gossip Girl.

His pieces are absolute standouts with their hint of glamour and sophistication providing just the right amount of detail. Favourite pieces include: a medium strand pearl necklace with a delicate floral brooch attached at the top, fit for a princess or very elegant lady and gorgeous turquoise chandelier earrings that would match perfectly with a large turquoise statement necklace, each both featured on Gossip Girl.

The beautiful pieces are all handmade in house at the flagship store on 860 Lexington Ave. so if you are in the area be sure to visit this store because you will not be disappointed.

Amanda

Indigenous design meets High Glamour: MCD Jewellery Show

Melissa Clemente's recent show for her Spring 2010 line, epoch was a true hidden jem in the mist a dark alleyway at Bathurst and Adelaide. As you walk in and you are instantly surrounded by groovin' reggae beats and the hippest hip hop tunes.

Opening her show with a powerful performance by Philipino artistic group, Santa Guerrilla the stage was set for a show filled with dancing and an eclectic mix of feathers, wood pieces and surgical steel. Clemente was inspired by Phillipine and tribal culture which was apparent as the models dressed in black, made their way down the runway showcasing gold plated necklaces and red rubber beads.
Standout out pieces include a pair of earrings with shoulder grazing gold chains with red beads adorned at the ends. These earrings are perfect for anyone who wants to stand out at a holiday event or New Years Eve party. In fact all of these pieces are not for the faint at heart. Clemente's designs are meant for a woman who wants to stand out with an extra dose of glamour and a hint exotic flair. With a pair of yellow floral print disc earrings with large red beads being fit for a queen.
For all the ladies that love a statement necklace Clemente had you covered. With materials ranging from, fringe, glass and bamboo these exquisitely designed necklaces were as fabulous as the earrings. My favourites included a white feathered necklace offset by a collection of gold chains a la Chanel and a longer full necklace with an assortment of red, white, black and crystal-like beads that were reminiscent of a tropical fruit. Another memorable piece includes a bib-like necklace that was decorated with the same gold discs used on the chandeliers in many Philipino households.

The Melissa Clemente Designs jewellery show left me feeling inspired and excited. As a lover of costume jewellery and accessories that tell a story, this pieces did that and more. True standouts for the eccentric fashionista who loves to visit the AGO or the young fashionista who wants to have a fun night on the town.

Amanda

Razzle, Dazzle, Sa-zzle: Sandra De Brito the Jewellery Designer

Ever look into your jewellery box and find all of your pieces a little dull? Do they lack that extra dose of sparkle? That added pizzazz? Well, problem solved!

York University student and jewellery designer, Sandra De Brito designs an affordable line of jewellery ranging from necklaces, earrings and everything in between. Her jewellery collection use materials such as, pearls, glass beads and turquoise with her earrings being one hot commodity.

After taking a jewellery class at Joseph J. Piccinini, Sandra knew that jewellery design was the place for her. Often sporting her own Sa-zzle designs at school, a night on the town or strolling through the city, her jewellery is always the standout piece of her wardrobe.

Her delicate yet individual designs serve as excellent layering pieces for a casual, stylish look or any formal affair. Providing beautiful pearl bracelets, chandelier earrings and glass rings, Sa-zzle has got you covered!

Prices range between $3 and $25 with anklets costing $8 and rings costing $3. Sa-zzle jewellery is a perfect stylish and recessionista treat for your jewellery box.

For more information contact about Sa-zzle contact: Sandra De Brito at (416)658-1362 0r (647)802-1556 and email: sandra_de_brito@hotmail.com. 

Amanda

Necklaces and Bracelets and Charms oh my!: Smart Sass Designs by Eunice Tan

Jewellery. It is the icing on any outfit. It is what can make a seemingly plain outfit into something marvelous. It can also turn a seemingly stylish outfit into fashion roadkill.

This past Saturday I happened to be strolling down St. Clair Avenue West and came across the WychCraft Market, a weekly market featuring hand made and unique creations by Ontario's artisans. In the past, they have featured vintage clothing from Vanessa Pinkas and cute accessories by Camille Stone, but this time they had jewellery by Smart Sass Designs by Eunice Tan.

Her delicate yet ethnic inspired accessories are ideal for any fashionista with an eclectic taste or a lover of all things unique. Some of my favourite pieces were a gold chain necklace with a pink flower charm surrounded by beads and a silver chain necklace with a skull charm and purple jewels. Being inspired by everyday items, Eunice has created earrings out of chopsticks. Each of her intricately designed pieces have interesting names like, Royal Romance Bangle, Spider Choker and Ice Queen.

If you are ever in the market for jewellery that is eclectic, delicate and eco-friendly then check out http://www.smartsass.etsy.com/ where you can find Smart Sass Designs with a price range of $12-18.

Amanda