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Add some holiday sparkle … to yourself!

The holidays are all about glitter and good cheer. Add to that with these fun gems, accessories and bejewelled clothes

Vivre.com
Bold bracelet: From Vivre.com.
By Judy Gordon
"Today" Style Editor
TODAY
updated 11:53 p.m. ET Nov. 21, 2004

Are you ready to dazzle?

This season — and especially in the party-studded weeks leading up to the holidays — the bejeweled look is red-hot and glamorous.

But don’t limit your choices. Bejeweled looks are super trendy for day — you’ll find jewels and sequins studding everything from sweaters and tees to jeans, boots and handbags. And for evening, the sky’s the limit!

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Yes, it’s definitely time to sparkle, and we’ve rounded up the best ways to shine right here in this special edition of our weekly fashion and beauty update.

Stuartweitzman.com
In shoe: From Stuart Weitzman.

Feet first

Jump into the cool jewels trend feet-first with a dazzling, bejeweled pair of to-die-for shoes or boots. By day, jeweled trims and brooch effects look spectacular when paired with ladylike mock croc or sleek suede pumps and slingbacks. If your style is more casual, you might prefer an oh-so-cool pair of boots bedecked with a touch of faux fur and a cluster of sparkling rhinestones. It’s very “LA” and just right for adding a touch of glam on cold winter days. And by night — pull out all the stops! Jewels, sequins and glittering embroidered details on sexy sandals and slides are absolutely required for an evening out on the town.

Trend Tip: 
Not sure which shoe or boot color to choose? If you want an option that will go with everything you own — and one that’s super fashionable as well — go with all-out metallic. By day or by night, shades of gold, silver, copper or bronze are stunning with everything from tweeds to denim to velvet. You’ll find that wonderful selections abound from Stuart Weitzman to Kenneth Cole to Chinese Laundry and all points in between.

BananaRepublic.com
Pearl of a bag: From Banana Republic.

Grab bag

Want another quick way to update everything you own? Grab a jeweled handbag or change purse for instant, in-hand chic. Once again, your choices need not be limited to evening wear — your work-ready tweed tote, top-handle bag or slouchy hobo will have a whole new look with the addition of a row of jeweled brooches. When the sun goes down, you’ll find that last year’s elegant black clutch is looking just a little — well, drab — this time around. Spring for a fabulously jeweled clutch instead; you’ll find them at all price points right now.

Trend Tip:
For a fast, fun dash of style, an extravagantly bedecked wallet or old-fashioned snap-top change purse adds a touch of luxe to your everyday transactions —  and is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you use it. Both Banana Republic and Target have a wonderful assortment of these little beauties in stock right now.

ArmaniExchange.com
Terrific top: From Armani Exchange.

Sweater girl

The trendy vintage-inspired look rolls full-steam into the holidays in the form of chic little sweaters and cardigans adorned with beads, jewels, sequins, mirrors and oh so much more! For day, you’ll find many sweater options with subtle embellishments that add just a hint of sparkle and a festive feeling. Look for see-through sequins that bring a bit of shine to a skinny row of rhinestones edging a cable knit. If you love the look of the old-fashioned beaded cardigan, this is your year — you’ll see them in the office and out on the town for the next several months. For evening, we recommend that you go for the gusto in the form of all-out sparkle (and, by the way, the sequined halter top is especially trendy right now).

Trend Tip:
Make a fashion statement and go for a casual, chunky knit sweater adorned with jewels or sequins — it’s the boldest way to wear “cool jewels.” You’ll find options everywhere, from Vivre.com to Bebe to Old Navy. If you’re more comfortable with an evening sweater, check out Express or your favorite department store — they’re everywhere!

Nordstrom
Elegant earrings: From Nordstrom.

Deco the halls

Every fashionista needs a pair of utterly dazzling, fail-safe earrings for the holiday season. Last year, the chandelier shape was the “must have,” but this year it is replaced with the long, lean and linear shape, trendiest with an Art Deco influence. Think silver with faceted black jet beads in an almost architectural shape. Gorgeous! Other options include a long single chain studded with jewels or — super trendy — multiple strands of glimmering, multicolored jewels twinkling from earlobe to shoulder.

Trend Tip:
Art Deco-inspired jewelry is a wonderful vintage look, and you just might be lucky enough to find a pair of overlooked gems in your grandmother’s jewelry box or even on eBay. Tailored and classic, yet incredibly dressy and sexy, this style works with everything from your little black velvet dress to the most outrageous “it” fashions.

Jcpenney.com
Belt it out: From JC Penney.

It’s a cinch

Here’s a fun way to update any neutral-colored outfit — spring for a fashionably fun belt that you’ll wear with everything from jeans to a dress! After a few years of neglect, the fabulous, statement-making belt is back in style. Make a bold statement with a length of luxe leather or a bold animal print, and finish it off with an eye-popping buckle studded with jewels. It’s a wonderful new accessory to add to your wardrobe and a great incentive to call attention to your waist. So, keep in shape!

Trend Tip:
The chic and luxurious belt is a trademark of designers such as Barry Kieselstein Cord, whose designs run well into the “four figures.” But you can find your very own version of fabulous at just about every price point, including our steal of the week — a leopard printed calf-hide belt with a big jeweled buckle for only $35 at JC Penney!

  Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com!

Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty.

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.

© 2009 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

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