This Trend Just In: Bold Statement Jewelry

This week's trend has sometimes been categorized as 'gaudy', 'flashy', 'ostentatious' and even 'extravagant' by some standards, but this summer, with the heat still searing many streets far and vast, the best way to accessorize without adding bulk to your body is by going 'bold' with your jewelry.

From as low as HSN and Forever 21 up to the diamond studded sky of high end jewelers, a statement necklace can add new dimensions to your day-to-day work wear, change the look of your favorite LBD or dress-up a casual jeans and t-shirt weekend outfit. Now granted, some things may be deemed just a tad too "over the top" for certain occasions but that's why this summer trend is being touted as 'bold' - the expression "go big or go home" comes to mind.

Here are a few celebrity looks to help draw inspiration. You may want to adjust your screen for the size of some of these baubles!

Sarah Jessica Parker wore these two Erickson Beamon necklaces together.

Olivia Palermo wearing a Mawi Sunray bronze necklace.

Leighton Meester sports a Chanel agate stone necklace.

Kate Beckinsale paired her red carpet gown with these gorgeous ruby red Fred Leighton earrings.

Jessica Alba adorned with House of Lavande necklace.

Heidi Klum took the bold bull by the horns by pairing Lorraine Schwartz's large earrings with an armload of bracelets and bangles.

Amy Adams wowed in this Fred Leighton bib necklace.

Carrie Underwood wore this Jenny Packham dress with attached bejeweled collar.

Niecy Nash wore this stunning Charles Albert necklace with peridot hued gems.

Eva Mendes needed no other accessory but this bold necklace compliments of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Ali Larter's Erickson Beamon necklace is a work of art.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

What is madras plaid? I've seen a few guys in shirts, blazers or shorts and was just curious. Is it similar to seersucker? It looks pretty cool and I'm thinking I want to start wearing it. Have any suggestions on how or what to wear it with?

Signed,

Plaid Player

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Dear P.P.,

Madras plaid is similar to seersucker in that its a lightweight cotton fabric worn in warmer weather seasons, primarily spring and summer. Its also similar to seersucker in that its favored in the south and by the preppy sect of society. But that preferential treatment and regional designation shouldn't deter you from wearing it. Madras doesn't speak to everyone's sartorial senses so if you think you can wear it, then by all means have at it.

Now, how to wear it. Since the patchwork pattern already has a lot going on, you'd want to look at pairing your madras pieces with solids to let the patchwork be the dizzying focal point of your outfit. If you opt to buy madras shorts or pants, any solid colored polo or oxford would do. The same rule applies for madras shirts: plan to wear solid pants or shorts. (Rarely can one pull off critter pants paired with madras but if you want to go completely p-p-p-p-Preppy then here's your chance.) A madras blazer could be worn with just about any outfit as long as the top and bottom in question are solid in coloring.

If you're looking for an easier transition into the unplanned plaid pattern, look for a necktie, bow tie, belt or even shoes made from madras that you can accessories an outfit with that would be considered plain without the plaid. Where the comparison with seersucker goes completely out the window is when someone wears a madras blazer and pant together. Wearing a "patchwork suit" is borderline reverse snobbery at its best, but there's only so much pattern the eyes can take in at once. And if you want to look like a well-groomed hobo then again, by all means have at it. Just don't be surprised if someone drops a quarter in your cup of coffee.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

And The Winner Is…BEAUTY!

Awards season is well under way and I have noticed that there is a lot of color on lips, sleek pulled back hair and tres chic hair accessories reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Here are a few of my favorite trends so far:

Cat Eye Eyeliner

Cat eyes were all over the red carpet as seen worn here by (l to r) Dianna Agron, Miley Cyrus and Nicole “Snooki” Pilozzi. Here, Agron opts to wear a sultry smokey eye while Cyrus rocks a much thinner line with eye shadow in lighter hues which really makes her baby blues pop. "Snooki" is wearing a very dramatic (and lengthy) lash to open up her eyes.

Berry Juicy Puckers

Another trend is Berry lips in lovely hues of pink and red. These berry-colored options are an ideal play on a youthful, but sexy color. Above, (l to r) Lea Michele, Natasha Bedingfield and Selena Gomez are spot on in their choice of lip color. Another celebrity who did this trend justice was Natalie Portman, who looked stunning at the Golden Globes with a lovely and simplistic French twist to allow her pout to pop.

Hair Accessories

The ladies of the red carpet returned to old Hollywood glamour with soft curls and simple, yet beautiful vintage hair clips. While these clips can be understated, they were the perfect finishing touches to Dianna Argon’s and Scarlett Johansson’s elegant Golden Globes looks.

These are just a few of the trends I’ve noticed on the red carpet this year so far, along with sleek ponytails, bangs and eye shadow in shades of purple. This year’s red carpet beauty has returned to the essence of elegance, which is simplicity.

These sophisticated, yet youthful looks can easily be worn by those of us without a red carpet to walk. Try any one of these trends and feel confident and beautiful enough to walk the streets as if the concrete were rolled out just for you. For that reason alone, in the battle for my attention between red carpet beauty and red carpet looks, beauty wins!

oXo (Fashion Kisses!),

Ashleigh

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