Be a dazzler with these cool summer jewels

When the heat is on and you want to dazzle, go boldly into cool jewels!

Large to dramatically oversized earrings, necklaces, cuffs and brooches are the perfect statement-making accessories for bare summer styles.

Keep things natural – the trendiest looks are inspired by the elements, textures and designs of Mother Nature.

We’ve captured all of summer’s best gems — from seashells to bamboo — right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion and beauty update.

firstview.com Big 'n' bold: From Bill Blass.

Super chunky
One of the hottest trends is super chunky jewelry — and lots of it. But this season, it’s organic. A natural mix of beads, stones and wood is the way to go; also look for feathers, suede or bone ornamentations. Want to make a major statement with a necklace? Start with a substantial layer of turquoise or coral beads, worn either long or short. Then add in a pendant or two. There’s no need to slavishly match as long your choices blend in with the organic theme. If you favor bracelets, look for large, stone-studded cuffs or multi-strand stretch ones with beads. The most popular earrings are a long, dangling line of beads or a stone-studded drop shape. But pick your spot — either necklaces or bracelets or earrings — and don’t wear in all three places at once!

Trend Tip:
Missing those endless, glorious days of summer camp? Hold your own “arts & crafts” class and make yourself some super-chunky, super-trendy jewelry! You may already have the main elements in your jewelry box. If not, gather up a few natural “objets d’art” from your yard or the crafts store and wire them onto your basic bead necklace.

firstview.com Foot fetish: From Anna Sui.

Step right up
The jewelry trend goes from head to toe! Bold, bejeweled shoes are the perfect finishing touch for many outfits, from beachwear to weekend casual. By day, jewels are A-OK, but if you’re hesitant, you might enjoy more whimsical summer-themed ornaments like seashells, fruit and feathers. This type of embellishment is right for any heel height from flat thongs to sky-high stilettos. We love the look of ankle wraps that double as charm bracelets. The choice is yours — as long as you choose a perfect summer sandal.

Trend Tip:
Great news! Any day now all the best summer shoes will be going on sale, both online or at your favorite store. Do a little research and you just might score a real trend bargain. You’ll find wonderfully whimsical bejeweled sandals at every price point from Miss Trish of Capri and Kate Spade to Aerosoles and Nine West.

firstview.com READY TO WEAR SPRING SUMMER 2004 New York Fashion week Septenber 2003 OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Drastic plastic
Not into nature’s bounty? No worries. Another hot summer jewel option is “drastic plastic” — mixtures of oversized, geometric shapes fashioned in plastic resin for a very clean, modern look. While most often seen in black and/or white, you’ll also find this style in super bright colors like tangerine, lime, bright yellow and hot pink. Pack a fashion punch with large geometric drop shaped earrings, freeform chandeliers, molded cuffs or bangle bracelets.  Pair drastic plastic jewelry with simple silhouettes like a shift dress or a tank top and capri pants… or with your sexy “beach and beyond” swimwear.

Trend Tip:
Another “of the moment” jewelry option is Lucite, a clear plastic resin that’s been working its way into accessories and jewelry for the past few seasons. You’ll find Lucite styles similar to colored plastics (and on heels as well). But don’t go overboard — this is one trend that is here today, gone tomorrow.

firstview.com Brooch the subject: From Prada.

Brooch poach
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to get a brooch! What you’re looking for are large, extravagantly jeweled and detailed brooches with a vintage flair. New ones are as close as your favorite department store, or you may prefer to rediscover forgotten gems on eBay, at flea markets or summer lawn sales. Right now, you’ll pin them near the top of a jacket or dress or by your waist. Or you can fasten your fabulous new piece of jewelry to a strand of beads or to a handbag to add a touch of luxe. Come fall, you’ll be thankful for all this brooch-poaching because they’re one of the must-have accessories, especially worn more than one at a time.  So what are you waiting for? Get busy!

Trend Tip:
Get a jumpstart on one of fall’s new trends, the flower “brooch.” Many designers are showing live cut flowers worn as jewelry — not corsages, but as simple blossoms worn at the collar or neckline with a small piece of vintage-inspired jewelry. Try anemones, daisies or other “flat” blooms for the ultimate in summer accessory style.

firstview.com Bamboo, bamboo: From Miu Miu.

Bamboo U
And talking of plants, time for a crash course in a key element this season — bamboo. Originally, this handsome, giant cane was used for home furnishings. Then, the house of Gucci used it as handbag handles back in the ’40s. Fast-forward to 2004 and you’ll see great-looking bamboo jewelry and accessories from necklaces and earrings to bracelets, watch bands and even as heel coverings on summer sandals. While it looks chic with rich browns, coppers and other earth tones, think of bamboo accessories as your “summer pearls” — brand new classics that you can wear with almost anything.

Trend Tip:
Don’t miss the forest for the trees…. Bamboo may be the texture du jour, but jewelry and accessories made from other wood-like materials (and wood itself) are also very trendy. Look for real or real-looking pieces in walnut, rosewood, palm, ebony and other exotics.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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