Loving Now: Vibrant Jewels

For the accessories-challenged dresser, vibrant jewels are an easy way to spiff up a basic ensemble. Unfortunately, good yet affordable ones are hard to find. My main problems with costume jewelry are cheap metals that rust and oxidize (I was told to store metal jewelry in individual ziploc bags), and jewels that fall out of their settings.

The foundation for this work outfit is a little girls' white tee, and plain trousers.

Tee: Old Navy Girls Tee sz L

Cardigan: Gap XS (old) Pants: Limited (taken in)

Bag: LV Speedy 25 Heels: Banana Republic (old)

Turquoise Montauk Necklace & Westhampton Earrings courtesy of Amrita Singh

I'm sure many of you are familiar with Amrita Singh jewelry. Her "Hamptons" collection is exactly what I was looking for, full chunky pieces that come in at least 6 or 7 vibrant colors. The pieces are 18k gold-plated brass with "jewels" made of lightweight resin stones.

You can see more colorful Amrita Singh pieces on fellow bloggers: coral necklace on Cee, black necklace and ring on Jen, emerald necklace and ring on Vicky, coral bracelet on Sydney, turquoise necklace on April, and more.

Coral rings from left to right: YSL Arty, Topshop, F21

One thing to note is Amrita Singh earrings come in either post or clip-on backings, depending on the style. I really liked this style earring and thought I could make the clips work, but they were not comfortable on my pierced ears. I'm going to buy some post backings and try to DIY-convert these.

The color of these pieces are so vibrant. I can't wait to pick up some "emerald" items next. Retail prices are more that what I would typically pay for costume jewelry, but you can get 20% off w/ extrapetite or wait for the items to go to sample sale sites like Hautelook (invite link).

Pirate eye patch - aargh!

Readers - Do you own any Amrita Singh pieces? If so, please share the style name and your thoughts.