Bad Trade for Beads

Apparently Stella McCartney is still under the delusion that bead are really really valuable.

Stella! The Dutch really didn't get Manhattan for $24 in trade beads and neither can you!

Look at this necklace, currently on sale at Net-a-Porter. It's originally priced at $285. Dollars.




Let's go to the close-up to see how ridiculous that is...



Those are regular old seed beads. And not that many of them. And not in a very intricate pattern. Just strings of seed beads attached to a ribbon. I could go to Michael's and get the materials for this necklace to the tune of about $20.

I had this in mind when I went to Target yesterday. And while I wasn't actively looking for jewelry, they had a ton of really cute pieces that would go well with the ethnic/safari style. I bought two necklaces, two bracelets and a carved wood ring. I need to take more photos, but here's what I'm wearing today.

This necklace had a ton of strands of bronze-y brown beads in graduating layers.



I really liked this woven bangle and it goes perfectly with the dress I'm wearing today.



It's kind of hard to tell, but this is a carved wooden wring. The top is a beveled rectangle and it has a great spotted pattern. Plus it's large enough to make a statement but not overly showy. Plus it's pretty comfortable.



The other necklace was a long black and tan beaded necklace and a tan multi-beaded stretch bracelet. I'll be wearing them soon I'm sure.

What's great is that there are literally TONS of pieces on line (although I couldn't find the ones I bought) and they are all very inexpensive. My necklaces were around $15 each and the ring and bracelets were $8.

So, again, Stella must have lost her mind with this one.

I feel so frickin' cool

Way back in August I talked about my love for my ToyWatch watch (I actually got my acrylic one last December and love the ceramic one too).

Now it seems Vogue has finally caught on because they ran an e-article yesterday saying "Forget Cartier and Rolex, a ToyWatch is the only timepiece to be seen in this season:

ROLEX MEETS SWATCH
THEY say that the watch you wear can define your personality so, be it Cartier or Rolex, wearing a deliciously expensive timepiece makes a statement. This season, however, Italian company ToyWatch has manufactured the must-have watches; fun timepieces that have been described as "Rolex meets Swatch". The one that has everyone talking is the Solo Tempo - a stylish, oversized ceramic face that comes in black, white or navy – and it has already found its way onto the wrists of the likes of Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman. Sold at Browns, which automatically gives it fashion kudos, ToyWatch's collection contains five unique styles - so even if the £635 Solo Tempo is not for you, the fun blue Perspex version, at £112, could be a great alternative. Check out the range at www.toy-watch.it or call 0207 287 5431 for more information.

I love setting the trend!

; )

On Trend/Truly Unique

Coming out of Spring/Summer and into Fall, Bubblegum and Graduated bead necklaces are still fun and fresh and give a great contrast to button down shirts and trousers. These necklaces are available very inexpensively. These two are from Target. The first is made of wooden beads and the second is made of plastic beads. They are each around $8 at Target. If you don't want to see the same necklace on everyone but you want to be on trend, there are equally inexpensive vintage options too.



But if you are looking for some totally unique options, visit Etsy.com. The artists there have created some amazing pieces, including this garnet and brass necklace that looks like bubbles or a Deco graphic. You will definitely be the only girl at the party wearing this one. And it's only $30.


So whether you want a trendy look or eclectic and unique (or both) there are some great options out there in totally accessible prices.