The easiest way to creat a new look for the holidays is to combine classic clothing from your closet with on-trend accessories. The trick to making this work is to choose simple clothing, hair, and makeup and let you and the accessories take center stage.
We picked five high-end looks from the Neimann Marcus Holiday Book for inspiration. We recreated them with accessories from Creme de la Gem Jewelry (Owner/Designer Gretchen Rapp (281) 728-6998, http://www.creme-dela-gem.com/) and SW Tading (8000 Harwin St. in Houston). Creme de la Gem Jewelry specializes in custom real stone and costume jewelry at affordalble prices. SW Trading has a huge selection of costume jewelry and accessories. You can also create similar looks with accessories from your local department or discount store.
Statement Pearls
Create this look by layering at least six strands of pearls of different sizes and lengths. You can use all white pearls or combine different colors to create your own look. These faux pearls from Niemann Marcus are over $2000 for the collection ...that's right, it's $2000 worth of fake!
We created the look with REAl freshwater pearls for less than $100. Below, these multi-strand necklaces from Creme de la Gem Jewelry are all REAL freshwater pearls. The triple strand necklaces of white or gold freshwater pearls are $34, the larger round freshwater pearl necklace with crystals is $39, and the triple-strand citrine necklace with white freshwater pearls is $109.
Black Pearls with Crystal Pendant
Create this look with black beads and pearls mixed with a crystal pendant. To keep the look current, coordinate rings and bracelets with the pendant. The look from Neimann Marcus has a retail price of over $7800. We recreated the look for $82 with a black and white glass pearl necklace from Creme de la Gem Jewelry ($49) combined with a crystal serpent pin from SW Trading ($18). The stretch bracelet ($10) and ring ($5) from SW Trading coordinate with both pieces without being too matchy-matchy. You could also choose a pendant, ring, and bracelets with colored stones like the second option in the TV segment.
A Touch Of Sparkle
A sparkly pendant on a thin chain is the perfect thing to dress up any casual outfit without taking in over the top. These gold and diamond pendants (below) from Neimann Marcus range from $2200 to $2400 each. We recreated the look with rhinestone pendants on metal chains from SW Trading for $4 to $12.
Elegant Bling
An armful of gold bangles with diamonds and semi-prescious stones with matching rings (above) are the perfect thing to turn casual clothing into a party outfit. These examples from Neimann Marcus range from $750 to $5000 EACH. Our silver and gold colored metal bangles with crystals from SW Trading are $5 each. The rings from Creme de la Gem Jewelry are real sterling silver with semi-prescious stones for $19.
Delicate Diamonds
The key to creating this look is choosing very delicate pieces with pave settings. The accessories in the set should be similar in color, setting, and thickness. The pave diamond heart pendant, bangles, and hoop earrings from Neimann Marcus total over $10,000. We found a beautiful sterling silver heart pendant with pave crystals at Creme de la Gem jewelry for $29. We found a similar pendant of silver-colored metal and rhinestones from SW Trading for $6. The bangles ($7 each) and hoop earrings ($8) also came from SW Trading.
With a little creativity and leg-work you can create any style or trend within your budget. Feel free to call us if you have questions about how to put the elements together.
Here are the sources for the accessories included in the segment:
- Creme de la Gem Jewelry (Owner/Designer Gretchen Rapp (281) 728-6998, http://www.creme-dela-gem.com/) and
- SW Tading (8000 Harwin St. in Houston).
To Watch The Segment, please click the link below.
(link will be provided as soon as it is available)
Thanks for watching!
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