Coco Chanel and Classic Style

Coco Chanel stated: "Innovation!  One cannot be forever innovating.  I want to create classics."  She certainly did.  Her influence, while perhaps not acknowledged as it should be, is readily apparent in today's fashions and jewelry. 

One of the Chanel's many innovations is the way in which she used accessories and wore jewelry.  She pioneered wearing multiple strands of pearls, or mixing long strands of pearls and long chains.  She also pioneered mixing up real and costume jewelry for everyday wear.

Today's jewelry trends reflect that style.  Statement jewelry, especially necklaces, or multstrand necklaces are back.  Actually, did they ever leave?  But there's really no need to break your piggy bank to stay fashionable.  Instead take a look at what vintage jewelry shops have to offer at a fraction of department store prices.

If you are crafty, why not find a single dress clip, shoe clip or brooch that can be turned into a showy piece.  Or, if you're not so crafty, there's lots of necklace options out there at a reasonable prices. Multi-strand chains are plentiful as are graduated strings of pearls in a large variety of colors.  They also have the advantage of being higher quality than a lot of the costume jewelry you find today.

Vintage jewelry is both thrifty and green.  You will the satisfaction of knowing that none of your friends can possibly guess where you got that original, fabulous unique piece.  And saved a ton of money and the planet while you were at it.