Fashion
By: Jeanne Hanigan
Go big, bold, and beautiful with the baubles or stay home.
As a woman with neither the time, budget, nor figure of a fashionista, I still can make an impression with a strategically placed accessory or two. I have never worn my blue glass (not to be confused with bluegrass :) ) ring without a compliment. This piece of art, really, was a methodically-planned purchase. I had been eyeing it at the display counter at a high-end spa, yet it took me three trips there to finally purchase it for the paltry price of $45.
Heading to a Christmas cocktail party with my newly-coiffed hair, I wore my new accoutrement much to the delight of everyone. In fact, a woman admired it so much that I took her husband aside, and informed him where he could acquire a similar one.
Sure enough, at a New Year's Eve party, she waved her right hand with the same aplomb that I did. I think her husband was probably the happiest gift-giver because the price was right and his wife felt cherished...and a bit indebted.
Another big and bold bauble is the chunky bracelet. Like the ring, every time I wear this pearlesque green bracelet, I get so many compliments and queries as to where I obtained it. If memory serves me correctly, it was an additional 40% off of already a clearance rack at Macy's. Not a bad price for a beautiful bauble.
Since I have the standard little black number and my husband owns the tux from our wedding over 12 years ago, we are ready to attend any formal affair. Instead of worrying about what to wear, I just have to don the dress and choose the jewels. If I want something new yet affordable, I know of a wonderful venue. One of my favorite haunts is Good Karma, a bedroom-sized boutique in the quaint town of Fircrest, Washington. The proprietor, Michelle Baerg, makes much of the inventory using multi-colored Swarovski crystals and her fashion-forward design. This savvy proprietor also features the other important accessory of all seasons- the Big, Bold Bag.
But the baubles always bring me back. Whether it is white pearl oval ring bought on a recent trip to Hawaii or a pink plastic bubble ring impulsively purchased at Papyrus in San Francisco, the bigger the better.
While I love the compliments I receive on my "bling," I am more excited about bestowing these inexpensive but beautiful items on friends and family. One Valentine's Day, I bought 3 band bracelets in different colors. I wrapped them up, and had my sister and mother choose one each. I kept the last one, and every time I wear it, I think of my family.
I also wonder when I can borrow their baubles for my next black-tie and black dress event, which ends up being the next fashion debut for my accessory du jour/nuit.