Buying CZ Studs That Look Like The Real Thing

One of my recurring threads on this blog is about buying fabulous fakes that rock like the real thing. Purses, jewelry, clothing..........why not get the biggest bang for your buck? I don't want to spend my hard earned money and then look truck stop terrific instead of high end fabulous. Know what I mean?

I learned this lesson when I was 18. Back then, 'The Preppy Handbook' was pretty big. Everyone who was anyone wanted to look like Buffy and Bif in their popped collars, button down shirts and penny loafers. I didn't have too much money back then (I worked at KMart) but I did want to look as nice as possible. I happened upon a book (wish I could remember the title, I'm sure it's out of print) that detailed how to look rich on a budget. It was quite an eye opener. Who knew I could find pearl earrings (big preppy staple) at a discount store that looked as nice as the real thing? It was all about paying attention to color........some pearls look fake a mile away. Some are show stoppers because of their hue. I never would have known this had I not read up and did my research. It certainly paid off in having nice things that got compliments, but didn't set me back too much financially.

That lesson is one I've carried to this day, and it is extremely valuable when shopping second hand. You don't have to buy a designer purse (and pay the resulting $$$) if you find a similiar style minus the name for a lot less. Unless you're the middle schoolers at a former school of my daughter's who were so completely hung up on the name brand and store of every single piece of clothing anyone wore (and bullied anyone who shopped at Goodwill)it doesn't matter ONE BIT how you got the look. Just that you rock it like a pro.

Today, I'm talking cz stud earrings. Now, you'd be hardpressed to find someone who doesn't appreciate a beautiful pair of diamond studs. They go with everything! You can dress them up or down, and always be appropriate. They are as at home in an ensemble picked for a wedding as they are with t-shirt and jeans for a run to the grocery store. They won't look tacky or outdated like those shoulder sweepers you bought for your junior prom back in '93.

Since a very small percentage can afford a real pair of diamond stud earrings, enterprising companies started making cz studs. For the most part, you shouldn't have to spend too much for a cheap but tasteful sparkle. You DO have to pay attention to a few key elements though, or else a pair of cheapies will obviously be just that: CHEAP.

First off: are you an NFL player making millions? No? Then you probably shouldn't wear 5 carat studs. You will be better off finding a pair of 2 carat or smaller sized studs. They look far more real. On the other hand, don't go so small that you can't even see the earrings. What's the point?

Second, pay attention to the setting of the earrings. They can make or break the look you are creating.

These are 3 examples of 'costume jewelry' type settings. Regardless of how beautiful or real looking the cz stone, the setting is the defining item. If 'costume jewelry' is the look you're seeking, read no further. If not, buy studs with the following settings:

Both these pairs of earrings are set in what are called 'basket' or 'Tiffany' settings, which jewelers use to set their diamonds. These settings make ANY stone look infinitely more expensive and classy. I have found stud earrings with these settings for as low as $10 at Kohl's. Placed side by side, you'd have a hard time telling the real from the fake without a jeweler's credentials.

Does the metal make a difference? For me, it's personal preference and wearability. Are you only wearing them during the day, or to special events? You can get away with silver tone or gold plate. Are you taking them on vacation to wear 24/7 in the sand and surf? Go for sterling silver or real gold. The price point for each will vary. For all around wear, you can't go wrong with sterling silver, even if you're a yellow gold gal. In a pair of CZ studs, they'll still be flattering.

How about the earring backs? In order for the earring to sit correctly on the earlobe and not droop, go for the plastic disc backs. This is especially true for women my age. As we get older, stud earrings tend to droop forward on the lobe........NOT the look we're going for. Not all studs come with the disc backs, but you can buy them in bulk for very little $$$ at Walmart or Meijer. Make sure the backs fit tightly also, or you'll spend your day constantly pushing them back on the stud, or losing them if you forget.

Making a pair of lovely CZ studs the finishing touch on all your looks will always be the right move :)

I have already discussed how much fun I had, back when I first started going to thrift stores with my Vegas bestie, Karissa. I mourned for years after we moved, because although I will always be a thrifter, the thrill was definitely gone for awhile. When Claire got older, I finally had someone else to thrift with (and laugh at ugly clothing with!). All things being what they are, I realize that while Claire enjoys shopping with me, nothing beats shopping with a bestie. And that's where our Kelli comes in.

No one has more fun than Claire and Kelli. They are truly like minds. Someone needs to publish a book of the great quotes and comments they make to each other. Not only does Kelli love Claire, for some reason she loves our family too, as cracked as we all are. She takes us at face value and enjoys every minute. How can you NOT love someone like that?

I don't know why it's taken us so long, but we FINALLY took Kelli to Goodwill with us last Saturday. What a blast! The two girls happily played in the racks all over the store, and each gathered up a armful to try on together. It was great to hear their happy voices giggling as they admired each other's clothing choices in the dressing room. I'm sure they were grateful for the other's input.

Claire and Kelli in their Plato's Closet finest for last year's Winter Formal

It's always fun (and valuable) if you can find a like mind to thrift with. They can tell you what looks fabulous, and what looks plain icky. I know Karissa and Claire have saved me from many a fashion mistake!

One of Claire's scores from last Saturday was this cute nautical stripe shell. She's been looking for one for ages. It's figure flattering and very of the moment. This is Spirit week at her school, and today was 'Mean Girl's Wednesday,' hence the pink scarf. Because, you know............'on Wednesdays we wear pink.' <3

Bangin' Bangle Friday 1/25 -- THERE'S A PARTY UP IN HERE!!!

An ARM PARTY, that is!!

Another one of my Plato's Closet purchases, this bracelet is FUN!!

It was perfect for Christmas Eve with my family, a date, and church. I'd wear it more, but it kinda gets in the way. Parties have their time and place, ya know.

I probably spent a whole $5 on this fun little bit of color...........color being one of the operative words. I have always loved primary colors.....my first kitchen was furnished with bright yellow plates, and red, green and blue accents. Never EVER got tired of having those happy colors where I cooked! Now, I can have them on my arm!

This bracelet can be the focal point of an otherwise monochromatic ensemble. I wore it with black, and it popped! Christmas was an excellent time to wear it, too. I am always on the look out for something to wear at the holidays that isn't too 'kitschy,' if youknowwhatimean, and I know you do! Gone are the days when I'd rock a pair of flashing Christmas bulb earrings. Yes, I really did. I also wore devil horns and a tail to work once for Halloween, but that's a story for another day :P

This is proving to be a pretty grey, cold winter, so we need our color!! Just having this bracelet next to me today as I write this blog makes me feel like brighter Spring days could be just around the corner...........!!

Does Your Bling Make You Freeze?

Greetings from the frozen tundra of Central Ohio!! We're heading up to a high of 22 degrees today, and the sun is shining. That sure beats the pants off the 2 1/2 degrees (with a wind chill of -10) two mornings ago. Brrrr. Beyond brrrr.

On these chilly days, warmth (and as much of it as possible) is a necessity. Coats, hats, gloves and scarves are the couture of choice. There will be no shorts, flipflops or frozen drinks in the vicinity for a while. For me personally, that means no chandelier earrings or bracelets, either.

Yeah, I'm a big wimp. I don't relish the thought of popsicles hanging from my ears or wrists, which is how I view these particular articles of bling during the cold months. It kills me to go out so unadorned, but my comfort overrules my feelings of bling nakedness..........

When it's warmer, a pair of sparkly dangle earrings and my scarf make me look like I give a rat's patoot about my appearance. Throw in a nice bangle and VOILA! This chick cares how she's perceived by the public! Big belly laugh. Well, at least I appear that way.

Right now, I can't get enough of wearing my tiny gold ball stud earrings. Ditto my cz studs. They're both in heavy rotation. Even my tiny gold hoops are too much right now. Don't worry, they'll come out to play soon.

I hear we're expecting 50's by next Wednesday.

Mama Dixie's Jewelry Time Machine

Man, I could use a vacation. It's entirely too cold for me here in Central Ohio. Better yet, how about a trip back in a time machine? So much to see, so much to enjoy...........so much to change? LOL.

My mother has the best jewelry collection. Gorgeous pieces dating back early in the last century until now. Claire and I love to visit my mom and tip toe through the bling. A fun history lesson for us girls!

My mom has quite the jewelry storage set up, too. A whole chest devoted to long, thin drawers custom made for display. Although a collection that size appears daunting at first, my mother can scan many pieces with just the pull of a drawer.

Thanks to this fabulous storage system, my mom doesn't have to purge her collection too often. She has the room to store and enjoy LOTS and LOTS of jewelry. So, we oblige her and give her jewelry for special occasions :)

This jewelry ensemble she wore to lunch with my dad today. She says she got compliments on the earrings from one of my father's coworkers. I love it, because I bought them for her about 100 years ago.

Well, almost. Remember Phar-Mor? Good grief. Once upon a time, I was a pharmacy tech at the Phar-Mor at the corner of 161 and Cleveland Ave. That store had everything, including a wonderful jewelry and cosmetic section. You never knew what goodies you would find. I once bought myself a Seiko watch there I just about wore until it fell apart. I also invested about $75 in a bottle of Xia Xiang cologne, because a coworker of my former husband's wore it and it smelled like absolute heaven. I wore it and it smelled like mosquito repellant. Awfully expensive mosquito repellent.

Anyway, I went through a period of time where, every Christmas, I bought my mom a sweater and matching jewelry. I can't remember the sweater, but I bought these cool 'icicle' hoop earrings to match. At Phar-Mor. Man, I miss that place.

A couple years ago, I bought the necklace at Meijer. It was one of those 'I-love-this-but-it's-silver' purchases. My mom and daughter always benefit from those.

My mom wanted to show me how she put the earrings and necklace together today, and I love it. She has so much class and sass! Those earrings are over 20 years old and still kicking!! Perfect for such a 'frosty' day!

My mama is a gorgeous example of how to rock the high end and bargain buys. I love that she holds onto things and makes them work in unexpected ways. She has VISION........and she's probably who I got that from <3

Cutie Face Claire

When Claire was born, I was at a loss. Having had her brother 3 years before, I was used to boy clothes and toys. Boy stuff. Now I was thrust into the world of PINK OVERLOAD. 99.9% of the gifts she was given were PINK. They also were heavily encrusted with lace and roses. Is it any wonder this poor girl went through an 'all black' phase? Yeah, I'd rebel too.

With maturity comes moderation (sometimes), and Claire is back to giving equal time to girly stuff. Don't get me wrong, she loves sweats, yoga pants and comfortable clothing too, but at least twice a week she pulls out all the stops and puts together a gorgeous outfit that garners rave reviews. Keep in mind she's at school for 10 1/2 hours daily

.......I'd wanna attend in my jammies, personally. Girl, I'm proud of you. You work hard and look ravishing :)

Sunday she wore an especially cute outfit. I just had to take pictures and post them on my blog.

The dress was a vintage number from Goodwill she had never worn before. I didn't think her first wearing would be in the depths of a January cold chill, since it's sleeveless, but that's where our shared black cardigan saved the day. The dress sold for $5.99, and the cardigan is old and I don't remember the cost.........but it wasn't full price. She wore a string of pearls (thrifted) and her cz studs she got for her 4H State Fair outfit last summer.

Black stockings pulled the look together, and while I lobbied hard for her to wear her motorcycle boots (I'm all about putting a little 'rocker edge' on an otherwise ladylike ensemble) Claire decided she liked the way her legs looked in her homecoming heels. I had to admit, the finished product was stunning.

This look probably totaled well under $20. While it was worn for church, she could wear it just about anywhere and be perfectly appropriate. Weddings, dinners out, holiday gatherings, you name it.

I'm proud of my girl. I think she'll go far.

1/18 Bangin' Bangle Friday

I know there's been a HUGE hole in your life because I haven't been providing you with bracelet posts every Friday this new year. Shame on me! Actually, shame on technology, as I've already explained.

Before Christmas, I made a trip to Plato's Closet to sell some of my stuff for Christmas money. While there, I did find some lovely new jewelry pieces. This bracelet is one of my favorites.

So much win in one bracelet! Luxurious solid gold and gold-flecked brown and blue beads, plus clear and turquoise beads too. My only complaint is that, because one of the clear beads is HUGE, it makes the bracelet tight, even on my tiny wrist, and I'm thinking this weekend I'm re-beading the sucker. I want to wear it with everything and it's not comfortable enough yet to do so.

My Plato's visit yielded two bracelets and a gorgeous ring. All 3 pieces live up to Plato's reputation for beautiful and unique jewelry at a low price. Have you checked them out yet? When I was there last, they were stocked to the gills with goodies. Evidently I'm not the only one who gets Christmas money by seliing their unwanted stuff!

I also have a question: if you wear bracelets, do you wear the same ones every day? Or do you change them daily, as you do your clothing choices? Back when my kids were small, I wore the same bracelets (and earrings) every day........I never took them off, just for convenience's sake. When you're chasing a toddler, you tend not to think much about your adornment! Nowadays I like to wear different jewelry daily. Leave me a comment and let me know!

True Confession and Challenge Time

To the right of my blog, it tells me how many posts I've made. 45 big posts, wow! Doesn't seem like that many........probably because I love posting stuff and getting feedback from you sweet readers. Do what you love and love what you do? Yeah baby!

Writing down my thoughts also allows them to stay where they belong. If I need to get something off my chest that's bothering me, once I've put it on here, I find I'm at peace. Posting a blog entry also clarifies my convictions and organizes my feelings. I am much better about rotating my bracelets so they all get worn equally :)

So, I am now going to be completely transparent, in the hopes that full disclosure gives me the end result I desperately need. I'm also going to use this opportunity to start a thrifting challenge.

10 years ago, I was a skinny wreck. I was going through a divorce, and I couldn't eat. I was so thin my bones hurt. I took 11 yr old Brendan for a check up and we both weighed the same. It was truly a lovely time........not.

When I started dating Michael, food began tasting good again. We loved going out to eat together. Plus, I discovered he was a fabulous cook. It wasn't a surprise that when we got married in July of 2005, I was 10 pounds over my ideal weight.

Fast forward to January 2013. I am VERY overweight.........so much so that I'm not going to tell you how much. I have lost and gained a few pounds over the course of my marriage, but the food is too good and I don't keep it off for very long. In the manner of most people, when I put it back on, I put on a few more for good measure.

I'm going to be 49 this year. This isn't healthy. I lost my daddy to diabetes and heart disease, and while I'm grateful I've escaped a similar fate so far, I don't know why I have. I'm not 'obese' as the BMI defines it, but I'm edging that way.

Over all, I have a healthy diet. It's my 'treats' that are going to do me in. Chips and ice cream should be a rare event for me, not an everyday thing. So far I've cut out the pop and the sugary cereal, and a lot of carbs, but I know where I'm still cheating.

Where do YOU figure in all of this, gentle reader? If you know my big goal for this year is to take the weight off, you can keep me honest. Like those of you who comment on my fashion posts, I will count on you to also ask how the weight loss is going. Knowing at any time I may be approached will most definitely keep that ice cream spoon away from my lips!

Now, how does a thrifting challenge figure into all of this?

When you lose weight, you have to buy new clothing. I don't have too many outfits now, as I don't keep things I'm not wearing, and there was a bunch of stuff that was too small for me to keep. So, once clothes start falling off my body (HAHAHA!!), I'll need to replace it. And that's where my choice of stores will come into play regarding my thrifting challenge!

Every item I buy, with the exception of underwear, will be thrifted. I will post all my fashion finds, and it will be fun to see at the end of the year how much a varied wardrobe from Goodwill can cost. Skirts, jeans, tops.......I plan to find it all resale. Having shopped this way for years, I know this is a challenge I can rise to.

The hard part will be losing the weight that justifies a new wardrobe!

Puppies: Another Reason to Thrift

I've talked on here before about the many positive aspects of thrift and resale shopping. Laundry roulette and lower prices are just a couple, but today I'd like to talk about........merchandise death by pet.

I love my doggies and kitties. I must, we have 8 pets total at our house! They are so worth all the work required to keep them healthy and happy. In the morning alone, I'm not only getting myself and my family ready for the day, I'm also taking care of the pets. It makes for a busy morning, but it also brightens the day. In the evening before bed, Claire and I love on and feed our two bunnies. All our furbabies have the best personalities, so they provide plenty of laughs and conversation.

You'd think that, with all the love we shower on the little goobers, they would be going out of their way to reciprocate and do anything they can to show their appreciation. Haha.

Today I'll narrow the pet talk down to our newest pup, Roddy. A rescue doggie my husband fell in love with last March, Roddy can be a rowdy dickens. He spends the most time with us, too, as I take him to work with me every day. He also sleeps at my feet in bed. He even has his own Facebook page! Spoiled baby.

How does he show he loves us? Loving on us is often too pedestrian for our Roddy. No, he must do other things like dig holes in the backyard. Get into the trash. Chase the kittens. Pee on things when he gets reprimanded. Oh yes, and chew mommy's special shoes.

The first weekend we had him, he partook of my heeled Eddie Bauer chocolate leather booties. I. Loved. Those. Shoes. Chewed to smithereens. So, I started being more vigilant about putting my shoes away. Unfortunately, I lay down for a nap one summer day and put my perfect black flip flops beside the bed. That was when Roddy decided to have them for a snack. Do you know how hard it is to find the perfect black flip flops? Grrrrr.

As a result, Mr. Roddrick has been on a shoe diet ever since.

Until this past Sunday.

I had the best pair of purple patent flats with a pointed toe. I got compliments every time I wore them. Cute and chic and no danger of me twisting my ankle. Sigh.

Stupid me left them out in our bedroom at bedtime. Roddy took advantage of my goof and scooped one off to be enjoyed in his kennel.

As aggravating as it is to have my shoe wardrobe dwindle because SOMEONE craves the taste of my footwear, it would be aggravating x infinity if I had bought these items new. The booties, supple leather and all, were $4.99. The purple flats? $3.29. I believe the flip flops were a gift, but I digress. My most unique shoes have been bought resale.........and I know I'll find more. Eventually.

Do they make Duck Tape for dog lips?

A Bracelet From a Facebook Ad

We all know them and see them daily...........the ads that run down the right side of our Facebook newsfeed.  Some are such obvious scams that, if you're like me, you don't even look at them anymore.  Remember the Oprah-Facebook weight loss scandal of a few years ago?  Yeah, it's like that.

One day on my newsfeed, it showed my girl Joy had taken advantage of an offer from Inspired Silver.  The picture featured a very pretty silver OSU charm bracelet, for only $10 plus shipping!  Well, Joy is not only one of the most fashionable people I know, she's also a very smart shopper.  If Inspired Silver was a legit site for her, I'd have to check it out!

For $13 and change, I placed an order for the same bracelet.  Yeah, I know, it's SILVER, but I'd reasoned it would go nicely stacked with some of my yellow gold bracelets, and being a true OSU fan, how could I pass up such a great deal?  OSU merchandise can run in the serious coin range, so when a good deal comes along, you gotta jump on it!   I've found plenty of good stuff at thrift stores as far as OSU clothing goes.  Jewelry?  Not so much........ at least not yet.  I can only wear so many buckeye necklaces :P

Anyway, I placed the order in early December, and promptly forgot about it.

Yesterday my bracelet came in the mail, and I was pleasantly surprised!




Brighton inspired detailing on the clasp! The links are heavy duty and not cheap looking at all. It's a comfortable bracelet in a good size. I highly recommend this company and their stuff! Thanks Joy!

Technical Difficulties

I am just BURSTING with things that I want to share with you this year.  Unfortunately, my blog isn't cooperating.

I've been trying all week to post a blog, but the pictures won't load.  The handy little picture post feature ain't cooperating.  I can't post blogs without pictures!  I know you all have good imaginations, but c'mon!

So, in case you thought I wasn't blogging anymore, or was just plain lazy...........well, this time you're wrong!  I guess I gotta break down and ask my in house tech support, Brendan, what the heck is going on.

In the meantime, I would like to thank those of you who've told me you're all caught up on my posts.  Good!  You'll be MORE than ready for new stuff!

Thanks again for all the blog love!