Stocking up for Winter by Bonnie

This winter has been slow in coming, but will be around long into the New Year, and we all must be prepared. Every year, certain looks return while new trends are born and this year will be no different. You will see the comeback of the layered look, and a fresh influx of colors you may never have imagined could work in the frost.

Those winter chills bring on lots of layers, and they are good for much more than just keeping warm. This year’s jewelry layers are meant to keep you stylish. First off, you will be pleased to know that because layering is so very, very in, you can mix and match your favorite pieces from years past with a couple of brand new items as well. By putting any pendant on a longer, more bulky chain you immediately renovate the entire look of it. By wearing several bold rings you don’t just make a statement, you demand that that statement be acknowledged. And of course, when you wear your bracelets, one is just never enough.

Following the eco-conscious movement of getting back to nature in every aspect of living, even jewelry designs now have that organic appeal. Now this was seen quite a bit last year with the warm earth tones and neutrals like red ochre and terracotta, but this year natural goes bright. Fresh greens and yellows add a lot of zest and excitement to the winter doldrums. Some of my favorite gems for the season include Amethyst, Emerald, Rhodolite, Russian Diopside, and my number one this winter is Peridot. As a matter of fact, Peridot was the talk of the town at the New York Fashion Week back in September. It is quickly gaining huge popularity, and with TJC introducing new designs on a daily basis, there is sure to be a perfect match for everyone. I also recently saw a diamond ring that features the luscious yellow diamonds, and wow, what an entrance it could make! As you may have heard me say a few times, this season, green is the new black. But don’t think for a moment that black is going to take the backseat, consider it a duet. With the return of elegant dressing, a dark palette is a must. Go for pewter, metallics, violets, grays, graphite’s and anything that is funky and mysterious. Then pile on your vivid colored accents and head out. Something a bit more daring to try would be the black onyx, black spinel or an icy white gold band with any of the gorgeous sapphires in it. Always keep in mind that jewelry is meant to be seen, enjoyed and shared. So be sure to treat your friends to a taste of your good style this holiday season.

The impression to achieve is going to be romantic and artistic. By romantic, I mean imbued with a desire for adventure. If you have never worn three or four necklaces at once, you really must try it. Go out on that limb, and I think it will really give you a confidence boost. By artistic I mean extravagant and imaginative. Your shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories should be a presentation of your personal style, a way to let the world know what you are all about, but as always, you should wear your accessories, don’t let them wear you. Even if it is a simple pearl bracelet, wear it with attitude. Try unexpected combinations and follow the latest trends all while staying true to the classics that you know will always work.