Dear Oligo Editor: Bib Necklaces

Dear Oligoville Editor:

I love the new bib necklaces but I can’t figure out how to work them into my everyday wardrobe. My closet is more business (and business casual) than ballroom. Is it possible to wear a statement piece without making, well, too much of a statement? Please help!

Sincerely,
Scared Bib-less

Dear Scared–

When in doubt about the statement you’re making at work, always use your “inside” voice. In other words, the key to wearing a bib necklace–or any other attention-getting necklace–Monday through Friday is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Think solid-colored tees and tanks, preferably with a higher neckline so the fabric forms a nice backdrop to the necklace and tones down the formality a bit.  If you are in the mood for a little pattern, keep it on the bottom half in similar colors to your necklace, so your jewelry and clothing complement rather than compete with each other.

I think bib necklaces also add great sparkle under a monochromatic suit. Try a demure shawl or portrait collar, so you don’t have to wear a layering piece, and the suit lapels can act as a frame for the sparkler. And unless you’re heading to a wedding or other fancy fete, go for matte rather than sheen in your suiting fabric.

Finally, steer clear of any other jewelry, even if you are whipping out your necklace for a soiree. (Engagement and wedding rings are, of course, the exception to the rule.) I promise you that your piercings won’t close up if you skip earrings this one time, and you can tell the time just as easily from your cell phone (or someone else’s wrist) as from your watch.

I never thought I’d do this, but I’m going to borrow a phrase from Forest Gump and leave you with this last piece of advice for working these eyecatchers into everyday–simple is as simple does.  And you dear one, now know the trick for being simply stunning!

Great for any Season

There are only a few remaining weeks left of summer. Stores have already begun transitioning into fall fashions and most people have ceased adding clothes to their summer wardrobes. But, what is the one thing a woman needs year round? Jewelry.

Robynn Molino’s Jewelry is a great find. Not only can these unique pieces be worn all four seasons but they can also be the accessory at an event that every other woman envies. This Los Angeles jeweler has conjured up a new ring design. The letters located at the top of the rings are touch tone keypad buttons. Ranging in color from jet black to mint green, these rings are anything but unnoticeable.

While Molino’s rings offer more of the “Wow” factor, the earrings have a more subtle approach about grabbing people’s attention. At first glance each earring looks like a simple, feminine earring, but take a closer look and you notice its intricate design. Some of the delicate earrings in this line resemble flowers in bloom or a sea shells found on the beach.

No matter which style you prefer, Robynn Molino’s jewelry line has something for everyone, for every event and, of course, for every season.

Trend Report: Urban Cowgirl

Giddy up girls, this week The Cut Reports that, “Wendy Nichol is three seasons into her eponymous line and can already count Scarlett Johansson and models Kim Noorda and Elizabeth Jagger among her many fans.

Not too shabby, considering she is completely self-taught. Following a four-year stint as a buyer and designer at Club Monaco, Nichol left to pursue her own label, which debuted in fall ’08. Her first collection was a mix of tough leather cuffs, feminine pearl necklaces, and delicate rings, all accented with her now-trademark studs. Nichol’s youngest daughter, Sofia, served as the look-book model, glammed up with red lips and perfecting a pose worthy of a Jurgen Teller–shot Little Marc ad. Nichol shopped the pieces around and landed at Brooklyn’s Bird.

Fast forward a year later and the likes of Bergdorf and Barneys Co-op are stocking the ever-expanding line, which now also includes bags. Citing cowboys and Native Americans as her main inspiration, Nichol’s fall collection consists of fringed clutches and horsehair-accented jewelry named after chiefs and princess, outlaws, and notable cowboys and cowgirls. The addition of chains and spikes toughen up Western-inspired pieces, giving it a slick urban vibe. Prices begin at $100 for small studded earrings and top out at $700 for a large fringed saddle bag, with all items sourced and constructed locally. Check out some of our favorite looks from her line.”

These remind me of a classier version of a Cowboys/Indians party I went to freshman year at college. Emphasis on classier.

Well Ms. Nichols’ fabulous pieces may set you back a penny or two, I found some great mock-offs that are recession and fashion friendly.

How about this leather and stone  necklace from – Tar- zjay?

Yes mam, that is just a little more than a frozen yogurt and a Coke Zero.

And this bag is extremely versatile from Urban Outfiters:

It appears the Urban Cowgirl is  just so cute that even the surfers and Yankees will participate.

So – What are your favorite designer pieces? Mock-offs?

This trend might just stay as long as the deer and antelope play.

XOXO

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