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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Birds of a Feather in the name of Fashion

One of the “cooler” trends to hit the accessory scene this spring is feathers: on earrings, bags and even in your hair.

Vanessa Hudgens flocked to wearing feathered earrings

Here’s a pair of feather earrings that can be found at Forever21 that won't bring you close to breaking the bank!

Another way to interpret the trend is by having feathers on your bag:

Rachel Bilson sporting a feathered clutch to compliment her look.

Here’s an interpretation of feathers on a purse by Leigh and Luca New York

The last feather trend that's slowly gaining a following is the “feather extension”. It’s a great way to add that “boho” feel to your look:

Jennifer Love Hewitt adds a couple of colored feather extensions to add some zest to her all black ensemble.

Pictured below is Joyce McWhorter, a sophomore at USC, sporting the up-and-coming trend. She got her feather extension from Salon Couture. She has what they call the “natural” feather extension:

With three great ways to add feathers to your wardrobe, you can definitely take this trend and run - or fly - with it!

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I have several pairs of large earrings that I love to wear but I'm afraid that if I keep wearing them I'm going to split my earlobes. Is there a way to stop this short of not wearing earrings? I have yet to find any clip-ons that I like and quite frankly I would use them as a last resort. So what are my options here? Should I downgrade to studs for a while?

Signed,

Earlobe Dangler

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Dear E.D.,

You are right to be proactive on this issue. The last thing you want is a split or torn earlobe. If a split should occur, you could be looking at a costly surgery bill (and good luck with trying to get your insurance to cover what they would deem an "elective procedure").

There are a number of earring support products that can take the pressure off your lobe. (In a pinch, you could cut and adhere a band-aid's adhesive strip to the backsides of your ears for the same effect.) However, temporarily downsizing isn't such a bad idea. Look for earrings made out of acrylic or another lightweight plastic-alternative to earrings made of metal or incorporate large, heavy stones. This way you can still wear large earrings, but for a fraction of the cost and weight of your typical earrings. You also won't have to worry about an alloy like nickel causing an allergy to metal.

With the aid of the earring reinforcements and a lighter earring, you should start to notice your lobe begin to heal on its own. Avoid wearing heavier earrings until your ears have fully healed and even then, only with earring reinforcements. Remember that the body is a temple that requires upkeep, especially when we put holes in it. Just be mindful of your earring choices and you will have years and years of earring wear ahead of you - just don't ignore listening to your ears when they're asking for a little support.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com