Pearls, Girls

The theory goes that hemlines fall with stock prices. Not sure if I buy the argument that consumer confidence somehow correlates to our confidence when it comes to dressing ourselves, but there could be something to idea that we dress more conservatively in times of economic stress. Natalie Atkinson wrote in the National Post about the Little Black Dress coming back in times of economic turmoil, and magazines galore have been talking about the return of classic cashmere and pearls.

Or, you could look at it another way: add on some classic glam for super cheap and keep them guessing as to whether or not you're some rich movie star or heiress in disguise.

I'm really digging costume pearls these days, dug up in thrift shops like Salvation Army and second-hand ones like Value Village. Scour the jewellery cases for multi-strand costume pearls like the ones I featured yesterday - those were $14.99 and VV by Essex of Canada.

My fave: the multi-strand gold-tone chain I found at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop for a buck - pictured here with an angora turtleneck sweater.

Or how about those wonderful dripping clip-on earrings, featured up top? Found those not in the case but in the little baggies on the wall at VV for $2.99.

Pair 'em with your Gap turtleneck sweater and you're off to the races, dah-lings.

TIPS:

1). Look for weight and non-flimsy looking clasps and hardware. They usually indicate an older, higher quality costume jewellery piece. Ditto for pearls with yellow strings.
2). Get in the habit of bringing a magnifying glass with you so you can read small stamps on the clasp. I've found Essex, Grosse, Napier, and some unnamed stuff stamped "Made in Canada."
3). Troll the jewellery cases but don't ignore the baubles in the crappy jewellery section, usually in plastic containers on the jewellery cases or, as in the case of VV, in little baggies on a wall display.