Have fun with Fashion

Bonnie Stepp

With Halloween lurking just over a week away I have found myself wandering the isles of costume shops and browsing the internet for the final pieces to complete the outfit I’m going to wear to a costume party. Between the magic wands and feathered boas I happen upon a great variety of play jewelry and I drift into a world that has nothing at all to do with Halloween. I am reminded of the fun of dressing up and really going all out and the accessories in costume shops are a perfect example of how fun and affordable frills can be. Although nothing compares to the feeling of wearing the rare and precious gemstones and fine detail in a luxury item, there is something very invigorating to be realized in flaunting a collection of less expensive pieces. The difference between wearing Peridot and wearing Emeralds is really an unfair comparison for a Peridot can serve the same purpose as an Emerald, to give character to one’s personal style. At a much more affordable price, Peridot can be an alternative to an Emerald.

This is not a matter of whether or not a person can afford a particular piece, it is a matter of having fun with more options. Many women who can afford extravagant pieces wear a variety of less expensive items on a regular basis simply because they are fun and keep things fresh. It allows the wearer to be a bit more care-free about what they have on, the pieces require much less maintenance, and of course cost less. You can still wear genuine gems and tip top quality, but having Garnets as alternatives to Rubies, or a big Iolite rather than a little Sapphire means you can own a lot more of them. Plus you may even find a new favorite. I always say one can not stumble across perfection without trying new things.

It seems to me that in the fashion world, the most unconventional tastes tend to form trends. People are determining in their own minds what beauty is to them, and then defining it with innovative practice, and all along the way having a good time doing it. Dressing on a daily basis should be just as fun as dressing up for a costume party. And it should be feasible for everyone. And I think that sometimes a night on the town deserves a huge cluster cocktail ring of Citrine worn with a bit of attitude. In much the same way those fun red sunglasses from the costume shop are not designer, and cost only $25, they will end up being some of my favorites to wear out at the lake.