CELEBRITY STYLE – THE JEWELS IN THE CROWN

When it comes to true chic, someone once said, ‘less is more’. And sometimes as we know, that can be true. A really good designer dress needs only a pair of fabulous shoes and one great piece of jewellery, to accentuate its simple perfection.

But if you don’t have the necessary thousands for a string of real pearls, and nobody has given you a row of perfect diamonds, or a Faberge pendant, you can still accessorise to perfection, with clever fashion jewellery. Not only can you work a classic look, but you can also choose from far more styles than ever before, and from any number of shapes and materials, to ensure that your fashion necklace is much more than an accessory, it’s also a statement of your personality, a talking point, or just a bit of fun.

Fashion jewellery can be inspired by anything: A period of history perhaps, or an iconic design phase, such as art deco, or Georgian. Other countries and cultures also offer us a multitude of fabulous styles, materials and inspiration. From South American Indian leather cords and beading, to Mediterranean earthenware beads, filigree Russian silver, venetian glass, or even English carved wood, fashion necklaces can be made of just about anything.

Modern style icons such as Cheryl Cole, Pixie Lott and Kim Kardashian are famous for knowing how to mix and change looks to suit their mood, the event, and the message.  And there’s no quicker way to ring the changes than with a great fashion necklace.

Cheryl’s great at making a £20 purchase look like a million dollars, by putting it with the right neckline, the right hair, and mixing and matching real with imitation. Recent looks have included a fabulous silverwork collar which was worn with a pale grey dress, a heavy string of ebony beads, which made its appearance on X-Factor, and several stylish pendants. 

As well as launching her own range of designer fashion jewellery, Kim’s been building up to bigger and bigger necklaces too, making headlines with Egyptian inspired pieces, heavy metal collars and layers and fringes made from a wide variety of metals and stones. 

Meanwhile, on the red carpet, popster Pixie’s been pictured with an antique-look cameo locket, which started a big fashion craze, handfuls of biker-style long chains, and more plays on her name, with silver and gold ‘pixie’ necklaces. 

Celebrities are no strangers to having to work a different look every day. And you can do it too, without having to change into a series of designer outfits.  Keep a look out for original, stylish pieces which work with your style, and don’t be afraid to bundle up necklaces or chains, add your own touches with extra cords, or ribbons, and let inspiration take over. Then as you leave your day job, change a jacket for a camisole top, a T-shirt for a halter-neck, open up the neck of a work shirt, add a big fashion statement necklace, and you’re good to go, from day to evening, and onward.