Extreme Accessories

Today, as part of Adult Education Week, I went along to a free taster course called Extreme Accessories. I wasn't sure precisely what I was letting myself in for - what exactly would be extreme about crafting your own accessories? As it turns out it was all about making a statement - a statement necklace made from paper beads in this case.

Once we had learned the technique of cutting,  rolling and gluing the corrugated card to make different shapes we were let loose to first make a pair of earrings and then design a necklace for a fashion show of students' work to be held on Saturday. I opted for a topical & tropical green and yellow Brazilian flag theme, whilst my sister made a gorgeous oxblood red necklace.

I'm hooked and think I'll be making lots more of these in the future - once I invest in a glue gun that is. Why not look out for courses near you and try something different?!

'90s Necklaces

This week SalesGossip are offering 10% off at Urban Outfitters, so I figured that's the perfect excuse for quick browse through what's new in. Now I say 'new', but when I clapped eyes on these necklaces I had a very strong sense of deja vu...

I'm pretty sure I owned both these necklaces back in the mid-nineties. Actually, I've probably still got them stowed away somewhere for safe keeping. Who'd have known they'd become vintage so soon? Give it another 80 years and they'll be on Antiques Roadshow.

Vintage Renewal Flower Necklace, £6
Vintage Renewal Dolphin Necklace, £6

J Crew Jewellery

God bless America, home of the brave and land of some of my favourite brands! What's more, those generous Yanks don't keep all the good stuff to themselves. First they gave us Banana Republic, Forever 21 and Victoria's Secret, and now J Crew has joined the ranks and followed their compatriots over to our shores.

A favourite of America's first lady, J Crew is well worth a look if it's a label new to you. I particularly love their range of statement costume jewellery. You sure know when you've got this white paste-set beauty hanging around your neck (pictured left, £165), but boy it's worth it!

White goes with everything, right? I'll be wearing this necklace, my first J Crew purchase, throughout the festive season whether with a cocktail dress for Christmas drinks or to add a little sparkle to a relaxed jeans and jumper combo.

Statement Necklaces

Ok, so I missed a trick not buying Zara's eagle necklace when I had the chance (they're now being sold on ebay for three times the price), but there are plenty more fish in the sea when it comes to statement styles this season!


Every fashionista's best friend, a statement necklace is by far the easiest way to style-up a simple outfit. Very Gossip Girl, I've lost count of the times I've used a chunky, ethnic style necklace to transform a boring jeans and t-shirt combo.

If you're thinking of buying an investment piece, Mawi is a must - but there are great options on the high street too. Look out for neon paste set styles ready for summer - and the bigger the better, I say - but one is enough. I pity the fool who'd layer this lot up for a Mr T look - just think how heavy they'd be!

Necklaces
Necklaces

Personally, I've gone for this big ol' hunk of H&M (£17.99). I couldn't possibly let a £5 off voucher they had given me go to waste, now could I?!