Easy Update with Fall 2013 Accessory Trends

I don't believe in spending tons on trends and I love a good accessory. Great accessories can take wardrobe basics and turn them into an amazing outfit. By spending a small amount, you use this season's accessory trends to elevate your outfits.

 

I've selected just a few of my favorite trends. I love these items to fill that void because they rock the trend and are unique at the same time.

This spike necklace from Asos includes rhinestones for a pretty and tough punk look. Contrast trim and gold hardward turn this basic top handle bag into something special. The zippers on these elbow length leather gloves add a cool twist. The wide frame and rounded shape of these oversize cat eye sunglasses take them from traditional to modern. The color and versatility of these statement earrings made me fall for them. You can wear them as chandelier earrings or as studs by removing the dangle. Two in one, SCORE!  Oxfords are one on my favorite shoe styles. The oxblood color makes these perfect for fall. I own a couple of faux fur scarves. They can make a simple coat look more expensive but they are an inexpensive addition to your wardrobe. Go for a solid color like black or brown or a versatile print like this snow leopard.

All of these items are under $70 and are chic enough that you'll be able to wear them for years to come.

My Favorite Fall 2013 Trends - Punk

You know a trend is going to be hot when Chanel shows it on their runway. One of my favorite Fall 2013 trends is punk. Some are calling it grunge but in my opinion, when you add spikes, studs or saftey pins, it's punk. The key to a trend is making it work for you. Is a studded jacket out of your comfort zone? Try a studded clutch instead. A ripped safety pin t-shirt not you? Try ripped jeans. If the punk trend still isn't you, don't worry there are plenty of others to try.

Punk Chanel Style

There are lots of ways to wear the punk trend.  Shoes, jewelry, jackets, shirt, and even jeans. Here are just a few ways I would wear the punk trend.

Click on the photos for buying info.

One of my favorite things about this trend is the amazing DIY options.  Instead of buying a pair of distressed jeans, create your own from an old pair or buy a pair at the thrift store for distressing. This blog has a good tutorial. Turn an old t-shirt punk by adding a few cuts and some safety pins. For just a couple dollars you can have an on great t-shirt to wear with your favorite leather jacket. Want to add some studs or spikes?  You can buy them here or here and add some punk to a jacket, a collar or even a cell phone cover. Even create your own safety pin necklace. Looking undone or self-made is part of the toughness that is punk.

If you're lacking inspiration, check out these photos of 80's London street style and music icons Wendy O'Williams, Siouxsie Sioux and Sid Vicious, as well as fashion designer and icon Vivienne Westwood.

 

Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrated punk's influence on fashion with an exhibit this summer titled Punk: Chaos to Couture.

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet WINNERS!

The winners of the Renegade Cluster Bracelets have been chosen!  Thanks to everyone who entered, commented, Liked us on facebook, tweeted and retweeted.  We had over 200 entries! If you weren't a winner, don't worry, I have more giveaways coming up to celebrate the Holidays and some RGR milestones.

CONGRATULATIONS

Laura S. and diana!

I will be contacting you via email soon.

  

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Spring Short List

I know I told you all that I'd be guest blogging on the DC Goodwill Fashionista today, well there was a bit of a mix up and I'll be guest blogging there next week.  Each season I create a list, a short one of items I really want to purchase.  The items may be a trend piece or a hole in my wardrobe. I keep the list in my phone. I can refer to it when I'm shopping and it helps me stay on track and reduces my impulse buying.  Also, if I know what I want, it's easy to keep an eye out at thrift stores and for online sales.  If you don't know what you need then it's hard to wade past all those wants and "Oh Those are Cute!".  I also include items like bras, undies and other foundations on the list, even though they aren't exciting. Here is my short list for spring 2012.  I've already snagged the pants, during my vacation this past week.

1) Yellow Blazer - I love the bright pop of color for work or play.
2) Wedge Sandals - I have a tan pair of sandal like, wedge, shoes (seen here) that I wore often last summer. I'd like another pair in a different style.
3) Studded and spiked bracelets - They toughen up a sweet summer look, especially pastels.
4) Bright pants - I wear black pants and jeans often.  A pair of brightly colored pants will brighten my wardrobe.  I found a pair almost this color last weekend at Goodwill!
5) Leopard heels - I have a pair of low leopard wedges. I'd love to find a comfy pair of heels that I can use to switch things up from my usual black.

What's on your short list?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Spiked Necklaces

A little while back I spied this pearl and spike necklace by Joomi Lim in Lucky magazine.  It is so cool, I couldn't stand it.  The contrast of the lady like pearls with the big spikes is fantastic!! At $178 it costs a bit more than my budget allows for a glass pearl necklace (even Swarovski).

Pure Expression Choker with Small Pearls and Short Spikes $178

I started hunting and found some amazing spike necklaces in all price ranges. There were so many styles including those with chains, pearls, crystals, in all metals and colors.

Martin & Ricci Gunmetal Plated Feist Necklace $105

Throw in some chains and pearls with the spikes and you have this necklace from Urban Outfitters.  I deconstructed combination of tough and pretty.

Pearl and Spike Choker from Urban Outfitters $19.99

 
I love the chainmaille and spike combination of this choker. It's Medieval looking and it's available on etsy for only $25!  There were lots of other amazing spike necklaces on etsy but this one is my hands down favorite. It's by Eternal Elf Creations.

Spike and Chainmaille Choker by Eternal Elf  Creations via etsy $25

The spike and crystal combination of this pendant is funky and cool. At only $12.80 it's a steal! It's from Forever 21's new Alex and Chloe collection.

Spiked Pendant Necklace from Forever 21 $12.80

I'm also thinking of just purchasing my own spike beads and doing a jewelry DIY.  Then I'll have a great necklace that will truly be one of a kind.