Last year marked the return of Working Girl broad shoulders, and judging by Balmain’s runway shoulder pads are continuing into spring. In fact, almost everything 80s is making a comeback this year: neon, side buns, bicycle shorts and even oversize earrings.
Considering I have small ears with attached earlobes, the latter scares me. But I do have a few pairs of my mother’s giant, decadent clip-ons from the 80s. As a little girl, I loved using them to play dress-up. How ironic is it that in this photo I paired the jewelry with three additional Spring 2009 trends: hot pink, feathers and fringe? But I digress.
Bottom line, I feel ridiculous in jumbo earrings. So, instead of following a trend that does not flatter my features, I’ve found four other ways to reintroduce the jewelry into my wardrobe.
Look 1: The Brooch
Before she became our first lady, Michelle Obama stylishly pinned an Erickson Beamon brooch onto a Maria Pinto dress. It marked the return of the brooch, a look I absolutely adore. Here, I used my clip-on earring as a substitute.
Look 2: The Headband
Headbands are more popular than ever. My fellow blogger, Madison Avenue Spy, even declared Spring 2009 the season of “Heels and Headbands.” If you love Gossip Girl as much as I do, you know the headband is Blair Waldorf’s signature accessory. To channel the fictional Upper Eastside fashionista (played by Leighton Meester), I clipped both earrings on a plain black headband from Claire’s.
Look 3: The Belt
Many designers showed large embellished belts for spring. Cinching your waist with one of these accessories is the easiest way to achieve an hourglass shape. Here, I took inspiration from Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2009 collection and wrapped a sash belt around my waist, tied it then used my earring in lieu of the designer’s oversize safety pin.
Agate is a variety of quartz that has been used for centuries as power stone, one that has calming and healing properties. But when designer Frida Giannini used the gemstone to accessorize the Gucci Spring 2009 runway (pictured in the center) it became an instant fashion trend. There are a plethora of agate options available now, from bedazzled bracelets to simple pendants that you can thread using your own chain or leather cord. Luckily, the crystal isn’t too expensive, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to jump on this jewelry trend.
