The Statement Necklace - Having a Blast with Jewelry

Not since the 80's has jewelry shined so brightly in the fashion arena. It is about time too because people have been craving change; sameness is boring!

Embellishment started finding its way into necklines of gowns and even casual tops a few seasons ago. It remains today and can still be found everywhere from premier designers like Prada in their spring 2009 resort collection to your local discount store. This look was quickly embraced by consumers and today we are seeing magnificent neck-pieces also known as "Statement Necklaces"http://www.zoeybloom.net/Black_Stone_Floral_Statement_Necklace_p/4242.htm purchased to achieve versatility in apparel and to stretch the budget. Simple dresses and tops can be transformed instantly by adding some drama to the neckline. Adding a statement necklace to an older dress or top will make it look new again.

Forget how old the garment is or how often you have worn it, simply by adding a statement piece around the neck, that old dress or top is new again; the old frock no longer exists! Some of them will even transform a daytime look into an evening outfit.

Many people think of statement necklaces as an elaborate single piece, a collar or a bib, but as we have previously noted, it is all about embellishment. This look can also be accomplished by layering multiple strands of chains or beads. Try combining some single strands you may currently own. You may want to take them to your favorite accessory shop and mix them with different necklaces to create your own signature style. In the picture to the right, actress Debra Messing is wearing multiple strands of semi precious stones by noted New York Jewelry designer, Margo Morrison. There is no denying the statement necklace trend has been accomplished magnificently, with a unique and inspiring twist!




Stone flower necklaces above are by Nakamol and will be part of Zoey Bloom's pre-fall collection of jewelry. Amy Adam's collar is by Fred Leighton and contains diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Debra Messing's necklace statement is by Margo Morrison-New York.

Our Passion for Purple - Trend 2009

Perhaps it has something to do with it's association with royalty and nobility. In times gone by, certain purples were only affordable to the elites; the blue dyes to make it were very hard to come by.

Much later General George Washington attached honor to the color when he awarded a select few of his troops the special award of a small purple cloth badge of merit. This award later evolved into he National Purple Heart of Honor.


Amethyst gems are said to impart intuition and peace, In flowers the purple orchid represents love while, in Christianity, purple means penitence. In Hindu belief, purple is the color of the crown chakra.


Purple in recent seasons continues to gain in popularity. Usually fashion colors start to fade as the season exits but there seems to be no stopping this trend. Our recent buying trip to New York shows it is going to be key again for fall 2009. The handbag market is full of it which means it will be a key color. This really surprised us, but then, who are we to argue with the likes of royalty, George Washington, and 5th Avenue!

See Michelle Obama look stunning in a Purple Mizrahi Coat Dress from his pre-fall 2009 collection at the Met in the May 19th issue of WWD or on line. Ladies, buy purple it with confidence. You have more than a season to carry it!