The Budget Fashionista

What: Big faux-gem jewelry and embellishments on everything from handbags to footwear to skirts and tops.

What the fashion heads say: This, from Ellen Tien on the New York Times Style page: “As the weather becomes duller, retailers are turning up the sparkle and shine. Thinking bigger than mere sequins or beads, designers are putting chunky stones and jewel-encrusted embellishments on bodices and waistbands, handbags, shoe tops, boot heels and even sunglasses . . . Just don’t wear them all at the same time.�

What we say: This is another one of those trends that makes us extremely skeptical—faux gems are a tricky thing, and can easily cross from looking “fun and festive” into the “tacky and cheap” territory. Our advice? Proceed with great caution, and don’t invest a lot of dough. If you love the idea of a little fun color and/or shine, go ahead—but do it on ballet flat, a clutch, or a belt. That way, your basic pieces—pants, skirts, tops—remain useful for another season, and the trend, once it’s over (and it will be over) goes on to the second-hand shop.

~Angela

Target.com