Frugal Fashion: Golden Globes glam on a budget
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The buzz around red carpet interviews at awards shows is almost always drowned out by the same question: ‘Who are you wearing?’ Last week’s 68th Golden Globe Awards was no different...shocking. I don’t mean to sound bored with it all and I’m the first to admit that I enjoy watching the red carpet arrivals more than the actual award shows, but every year I’m always left with the same burning question: ‘Yea, yea, Marchesa this, Armani that...but what about the jewelry?’ When you’re a fashion-obsessed little girl who finally wiggles her way into her mother’s closet, you don’t reach for the gowns -- you put your tiny feet straight into her heels, wrap her pearls around your neck and go for the diamonds.
Sure last week’s leading ladies were dressed in designer bigwigs like Lanvin, Versace, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang, and fashion websites, including our own, went on and on about the 10 best dressed ladies of the evening, but an Oscar-worthy gown is always short of amazing without the right accessories. Would Catherine Zeta-Jones really sparkle in her Golden Globes Monique Lhuillier emerald green gown without her earrings? To be honest, that woman would sparkle in something as mundane as a burlap sack, but the earrings did help! Her diamond chandelier earrings draw your eyes to her gorgeous face and were the perfect accent to her strapless dress. Natalie Portman also looked stunning in her Viktor & Rolf gown but she gave her maternity glow a boost with her Tiffany layered diamond necklace. The piece definitely made a statement but still gives the look of a soft, dainty piece of jewelry.
A pair of diamond earrings and necklace are a given when accessorizing an evening gown but when you’re waving to adoring fans why not give your wrists a little extra sparkle? ‘The Closer’ star Kyra Sedgwick rocked a bright orange Emilio Pucci dress at the Globes and adorned her right wrist with a number of chunky, shiny gold bangles.
It might be easier to clasp a dozen gold bangles on your wrist or fix a diamond necklace around your neck with a movie star bank account, but there’s no reason why you can’t go glam on a budget.
A layered necklace is the perfect way to make a statement with your jewelry but keep things looking refined. If you have a flare for the dramatic try this Lydell NYC Tiered Chain Beaded Necklace from Bloomingdales for $48, or the mixed metal Peggy Necklace from Chico’s for $58. For something a little softer, the Fallling stars necklace from Banana Republic is $47.99.
The chandelier earring went on hiatus for a while but I think it’s safe to say they are back -- at least on the red carpet. If you’re looking for the perfect pair to wear to a charity gala check out these frugal finds: Chandelier drop earrings from Arden B for $24, Durol earrings in White Nubuk from Aldo for $13.98, Apt. 9 Jet-Tone Simulated Crystal Beaded Chandelier earrings on sale for $10 at Kohl’s or the Nadri Crystal Teardrop Chandelier earrings from Nordstrom for $88.
When it comes to bangles, go for the gold and the more the merrier. Budget shoppers can look for bangles sold as a set, giving you a layered look without having to buy 10 bracelets. Mix in some chunkier pieces with stone, pearl or glass accents for fun. Nordstrom has a great set of bangles by Cara for $58. Layer the bangles with a set of four Kaya bangles from Chico’s for $38 or the Astronomer’s bracelet from Banana Republic for $39.50.
Happy shopping.
Have an outfit you’re dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We’re up for the challenge.
-- Jenn Harris
Top photos: Natalie Portman, left and Catherine Zeta Jones. Credits: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images and Mike Nelson / European Pressphoto Agency
Necklace photo from left: Lydell necklace. Credit: Bloomingdales. Peggy necklace. Credit: Chico’s. Falling Stars necklace. Credit: Banana Republic.
Earrings photo from left:Chandelier Drop earrings. Credit: Arden B. Durol earrings. Credit: Aldo. Apt. 9 earrings. Credit: Kohl’s. Nadri Crystal earrings. Credit: Nordstrom.
Bangles photo from left: Cara bangles. Credit Nordstrom. Kaya bangles. Credit: Chico’s. Astronomer’s bracelet. Credit: Banana Republic.
