Vintage and bibs...

...make for excellent fall accessories!

So lovelies, I'm sure you've noticed certain celebs and models sporting statement piece necklaces with their otherwise simple outfits (plain t-shirts, simple dresses, etc.), much like Molly Sims (see slide show).

Imparting a cool, vintage, ladylike feel to an outfit with a lovely, bold necklace is an amazing way to stand out, be comfortable and jazz up the normally-blah-but-already-bought stuff in your closet, all at the same time. We like that!

First spied during Spring 2009, the trend is in full-force this season, with so many options and price points, you're sure to find one (or many) that are perfect for your style and budget.

Some of my faves (featured above):

Urban Outfitters Studded Bib Necklace - $48

Express Beaded and Ribbon Bib Necklace - $44.50

Forever 21 Fallen Leaves Necklace - $7.80 (seriously)

Anthropologie's Thunderstorm & Ranuncula Necklaces - $48 and $42

JCPenney/MixIt Hematite and Gold Bib Necklace - $23.99

Not a necklace, but just as cool - the J.Crew Tissue Stone Necklace Tee

And, of course, Etsy.com always comes through, with handmade and true vintage styles at incredible prices...I love love love the Vintage Vanity's Elegance Necklace, Attic Fanatic's gorgeous Ooh La La Necklace and Florabond's Seriously Racy and Romantic Bib Statement Necklace.

Think flowery, sparkly, colorful, feminine and the bigger the better. Don't you just love being a girl?

D.I.Y. time again...

As you know, I'm a huge fan of DIY projects, especially when it involves clothing or accessories. One of my favorite sites ever, BurdaStyle, an excellent on-line community/open source for people who sew "with style," continually posts new creation ideas and how-to's in addition to hosting a space for cool, creative people all over the world to share their own stuff.

This week, BurdaStyle introduced a super-easy project for a chic, eclectic accessory - the Susanne Necklace. The coiled fabric beads require no sewing at all, perfect for those new to DIY and/or too busy/excited/impatient yet still wish to be uber-fashionable.

Love the gold spandex fabric and leather cord, but there are a gazillion different possibilities for this (colors, fabrics, sizes) to make it your own or as a gift! I can already picture this seriously dressing up a t-shirt, tank or casual dress. After all, elevating existing basics is what we're all about, right?

And won't you feel cool when someone asks you where you got your necklace? It might go something like this:

Gushing Girl: "OMG! Such a great necklace! Where did you get it?"
You: "You won't believe this, but I MADE it."
Now Jealous Girl: "No way, really? You are so crazy talented/gorgeous/cool that I can never, ever compete."
You: "Oh, stop." (Insert secret grin here)

Now go roll up your sleeves and bust out your glue guns girls - fashion isn't always found at the store!

Seize the day (and a cute necklace)!

Sometimes it's hard to find the right gift for a girlfriend. Or a mom. Or a sister. Or any woman that might be in your life. Finally, a store that sells cute and quirky quality jewelry that is both simple and inspirational.

Dogeared.com is a wonderful online shop that has a myriad of great, little accessories that say just the right thing. The Carpe Diem necklace pictured above has tiny heart and compass charms on it to remind you to, of course, follow your heart! I bought 4 of my girlfriends the Hot Chick necklace because, well, they just didn't know they couldn't do without them.

A bit kitschy and a bit delicate, this jewelry can add a touch of sparkly fun to whatever you have on that day - who doesn't want that?