Is Jeweled the New Bedazzled ?

I grew up in the age of the Bedazzler and worked my fingers bloody trying to get rhinestones on everything I owned. The 80s afforded me the opportunity to live in a shining, glittering world, not unlike Miss America’s gleaming crown (and 2008 winner’s dress) .

All my fashion icons have been bedazzled, jeweled, and embellished. Ginger from Gilligan’s Island had a shimmering dress for many occasions (a perfect choice for a 3 hr cruise). Marilyn Monroe sung Happy Birthday Mr. President in a see through rhinestone dress (again, very appropriate choice).

Liberace was a man after my own heart….he has many outfits that display his love of the light reflective powers of gems and rhinestones.

And of course, my number one pick of all….my 4th cousin once removed (according to my very Southern Grandma Yeatts, also a huge fan)  Elvis Presley. He opted for a practical suit (that of the jump variety) and expressed his artistic vision with shiny stones. Check out Viktor Viktoria’s Elvis onesie….I am going to buy these in every size.

But alas, the new “jeweled” trend is a shy , distant relative of the adornment of my youth. Is that a good thing ?

Chunky stone and glass ornaments are popping up on every fashion item, of late. And just in time for holiday parties. On the red carpet, fancy and over the top are commonplace. You don’t have to be a country idol, a spicy star dancer, or gorgeous Rhianna to sparkle in sparkles.

Strut into your office holiday party or ring in the new year with these glamorous looks, that could easily transition from day to night.

Dresses top left clockwise: DKNY, Temperley London, Tibi, Behnaz Sarafpour

Trip the light fantastic in these glittering additions to your shoe wardrobe.

Shoes top left clockwise: Louis Vuitton Istanbul pumps, Sergio Rossi, Sigerson Morrison for Target , Guiseppe Zanotti flats

Designers have a treasure trove of gem adorned bags for you to stash your valuables.

Top row of satin clutches: Devi Kroell, Prada, Lieber

Black Spiegel tote & Blue patent tote Gustto Costella

What better display of gems than rocking some bling with jewelry. This is the obvious choice, as current designs are truly innovative with their use of large craggy stones.

Erickson Beamon quartz ring, Hayden Harnett cuff, Isharya Orbit Agate necklace, and Missoni multi gem necklace .

Add a jewel to a simple dress with Kenneth Jay Lane’s jeweled belt . Got a catering fashion dilemma ? Try Donna Karan offers a solution with her gem cummerbund. Now all you need is a bedazzled crumber.

They say eyes are the windows to the soul…take a cue from recent runways and show your sparkling soul ! Shu Uemura offers diamante false eyelashes for your entire make up needs. Or opt for Christian Dior’s recent look of mod turned dazzle eyeliner and gems look.

Not feeling so over the top ? Satisfy your need for razzle dazzle with Prada’s headband , without looking like a drag queen (nothing against drag queens, ladies).

With so many options, we have no excuse to not wear a piece of chunky or sparkly something. Life’s too short…make today shine with beauty and possibility.

Which new item will be your wardrobe jewel?