I have a new favorite piece of jewelry that I love to make. And wear. And see on people. Shoulder duster earrings!! Man, are they sexy. I love how stylish they are, and how they add that funkiness to your outfit. They can really add sex appeal to your favorite dress or tank top, highlighting and showcasing your arms and clavicle area.

I particularly love the long and wispy chain versions. Like my “Jackie” earrings shown below. I use various vintage brass chains, and brass findings but use 18k gold filled posts so that they are easier on your earlobes. These guys are really fun and I have been selling them like crazy.

The newest trend in “duster” earrings also not only “dust” your shoulders, but some even go way past them. I personally think they look best not too, too far past your shoulders. But then again, maybe if I was still in my 20’s I would be rockin’ those long bad boys too! For now I stick to the ones that go right to, and a little bit past, my shoulders.

These earrings are also great when wearing ponytails, up-dos and with    side swept hair. Skip the necklace and showcase some long and linear shoulder dusters. The look is fresh and elegant and adds some edge. I think the fashion forward bride should forgo the traditional bridesmaids necklace and add a shoulder duster instead. Very hip and sophisticated if done with fine materials. Like wispy, dainty gold filled chains? Gorgeous.

 
So draw some attention to those gorgeous neck and shoulders of yours. These statement earrings are a look all of us can pull off.

Nature, ethnic and tribal themes are once again playing a vital role this season in jewelry. Ethnic influence from Africa, India and South America contribute to this Spring’s “ethnic chic” look. I am loving all of the colors: turquoise, yellow, blues and reds!! Add gold into the mix for an even richer, more updated style.

My personal favorite look in this hot new trend is stack and stacks of yummy gold bangles. I love to dress in all black and have stacks of bracelets up my arm. Its incredibly glamorous and sexy. Plus they are so much fun to wear and I love the jingle of the bracelets. While wearing them I aways feel a little bit like Cleopatra meets Carmen Miranda.

I  also love that this new “world music” jewelry trend also has a sense of humor. It’s fun and refreshing, daring you to take some risks. Put on a simple tank with a bold statement piece necklace adorned with a big and chunky Agate or Jasper  stone and you have got yourself a sexy little outfit.

Give a little nod to the fore fathers of our land and incorporate some feathers, natural stones and wood accents into your look. Nature is very artistic and has a great eye. There are so many amazing stones out there that are not considered “precious” but are nevertheless just as amazing. They often times have great colors and patterns and are so beautiful in their rawness. In an age of computers, plastic and artificial materials, just getting back to a more natural and organic state can be refreshing.

Depression-era  glass, aged black and white postcards or old factory light bulbs, anyone? I adore objects from the past. Things reminiscent of yesteryear. I love the romance, the history, the mystery of it all. And “finding” these items at garage sales and flea markets and thrift stores is the closest thing to  finding your own buried treasures.

One of my favorite places to go hunting for odd treasures is the Pasadena Flea Market. It happens the first Sunday of every month, rain or shine, general admission starting at 9 and ending at 4:30. The cost is a little high- $8 a person, which is annoying because there usually 15k-20k people there so you know they are making a killing. But there IS free parking, which is nice. For the early birds you can also pay extra and beat the crowds. They have an express admission from 8:00am – 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am – 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am – 7:00am at $20.00 per person.

The place is HUUUGE! It is a bit intimidating too, because you feel like you are not  even making a dent after walking and walking. I walked the place for 2.5 hours the first  time I was there and I don’t think I covered even half of it. But that is half the fun of  it!  Because there are so many little treasures to find, and you look and look and look and  yet you still have not seen all of it.

Obviously my favorite thing to do there is scout out the jewelry. Oh boy. Just thinking  about all the finds literally gives me goose bumps. Sooo much jewelry!! Expensive estate  jewelry and inexpensive and outdated costume jewelry that is perfect for cutting up and  putting into new pieces. My favorite thing is to find an ugly old necklace with one  perfect bead  on it. Some people see it as ugly, but that one little gem just screams out for  me to save it  from its ugly family tree.

You can find terrific random items too. Like this scarey looking deer chair above. What is some people’s trash is other people’s dining set.

The possibilities are endless at this place. Just go with a great pair of shoes, cash, a cart to carry your treasures and an open and creative mind. It is a great place to let your creativity take over. What can you do with that old trunk from the nunnery or the dainty little excavated medicine bottles? Take them home and make them your own. Guaranteed the chairs you find there won’t be seen at Ikea. The unique items you find at flea markets can help turn your home into your own creative little world.