Stacks on Stacks--Lessons in Layering: Necklaces

As I said in the previous post, I'm a costume jewelry fiend. Although bracelets are certainly my muse right now, necklaces are what got me started. This particular one was an earlier favorite, although some of the baubles have fallen off and it has certainly seen its better days.

But I had been avoiding it lately, because I've worn it so much over the years, and it was getting quite boring. But one adventurous day, I drew inspiration from my tendency to stack bracelets and set out on a mission to buy a basic gold necklace that would be a perfect layering piece. This one did the trick!

I saw this piece immediately after I walked into the store, and even though I usually don't grab the first thing I see, the texture and color were too perfect to give up.

And... voila! Fixed the necklace for good. Although this idea wasn't that innovative, it made me so happy to breathe some new life into an old favorite! I'm probably heavily biased, but I certainly think that the added chain makes this necklace look much more interesting and sophisticated.

Anyone else with a fun jewelry layering experience?

Top Photo: Bauble Necklace (AEO--Old but similar here)
Middle Photo: Gold Chain Necklace (F21)

Times Are A-Changin': Bracelets

My first *real* post! I decided to start entries titled "Times Are A-Changin", a series of tales dedicated to me rebelling against my self-imposed fashion rules.

Long ago, I banished bracelets from my shopping realm. As a perpetually writing/typing student, the jingling drove me nuts, and bangles always traveled far too long on my arms/hands, thanks to my small Asian wrists. However, as I started following fabulous blogs like Atlantic-Pacific and Man Repeller, I reconsidered. These ladies had the art down to a tee, and I came to the realization that  layering bracelets could be a fun new way of accessorizing, rebelling against my staple statement necklace routine.

And so, off to the mall I went. Anyone that knows me at all knows that I looove inexpensive costume jewelry, so F21 was my first stop. As for the small wrists issue, I still avoid round bangles because they're awkward on my arms, but I'm all open to oval hinge cuffs and adjustable chain bracelets! I also try to layer them in order so that smaller bracelets will hold up the larger cuffs.

This was the haul from my first bracelet hunting adventure, and I fell so in love with these that it quickly led to my second haul...

Well, the middle one is a hair tie, a lifetime habit. As for the skull bracelet, I'm really not a skull person by any means (if you need any assurance, my entire room is pink & green...) but I fell in love with it instantly. I want to go to a craft store and hot glue gun some rhinestones into the hollowed eyes, but we'll see... I may end up buying a second one in case I mess up!

Anyone else with an unhealthy obsession with the "Arm Party"?

Top Photo: Pyramid Hinge Bracelet (F21), Leatherette Wrap (Similar here), Braided Bracelet (Similar here)Bottom Photo: J.Crew, goody hair tie, Skinny Torq Bracelet (ASOS)