Necessary Neckwear

I must admit, I am absolutely obsessed with the statement jewelry trend that has been going strong since last fall.   The idea of throwing on a decadent necklace over a plain T-shirt and transforming an entire look is something that I never want to get old!  Especially in this economy where buying a new outfit can mean being behind on your rent, its nice to know that a statement necklace can achieve the same results.  Park people surely got the memo, and I loved every minute of it!

Sonya, 26, Research Coordinator

Sonya must have thought we were crazy the way we chased her down, but after I caught a glimpse of her fascinating neckpiece walk by, I had to get a closer look.  Made up of 5 colorfully painted wooden cubes on a string, this brilliant bauble hails from Thailand.  

Yes, I was disappointed as well, as I’m sure she could tell from my “Where can I get it? Where can I get it?” eagerness.  Paired with delightful multi-colored Dolce Vida Sandals, matte neon green nail polish and a pair of German vintage sunglasses, this globetrotter looked colorfully quirky.

Louma, 26, Advertising

Adorned in a beautiful white and beige beaded necklace, Louma’s statement was superbly summer chic.  Sorry to break your hearts again in-the-parkers, but this piece also hails from overseas, Paris to be exact.  From there she went Italiano with Versace sunglass and an Italian vintage leather bag.  All this over a simple H&M dress, but with these stunning accessories it looks downright luxury. 

Michelle, 23, Assistant Sourcing Manager

Alas, the story ends happily as I set my eyes on another eye catching necklace by the fountain.  Michelle looked adorable in a rock turquoise necklace and a matching tote bag.  Where was it from you ask?  Australia? Japan? The Czech Republic?  None of the above.  You can find this lovely trinket at your neighborhood Kohls!  The bag also comes from Kohls, as do the sunglasses.  Before we started to think this girl was a Kohl’s spokesperson, we found out the light summer dress is Forever 21.  So there it is!  Proof that a cute statement necklace can come from the good ole US of A!

Buckle Up!

We all have a waist belt buried somewhere in our closet, and although its another hot humid summer and it may feel like less is more, park goers are throwing these belts over everything from baggy shirts to form-fitting dresses to create sleek new looks.  And since the right belt has the ability to turn a simple outfit up a notch, you can take a park look from day into the night!

Johanna, 23, freelance make-up artist

Johanna could have walked out of the house minus the black studded belt and would have still looked great.  But this little addition of a Zachary’s Smile vintage belt plays up her waist while giving her look the perfect rock star quality.  Paired with a Brooklyn Industries purse and some chic Report flats, Johanna is dressed for anything from the park fountain to the watering hole. 

Chantal, 22, Student

Clad in a kaki patchwork Ralph Lauren Rugby dress and a Louis Vuitton shoulder bag, Chantal looks put together and ready for anything from a hot date to lounging on the grass.   The wide brown leather waist belt (origin unknown) breaks up her outfit nicely, and the black BCBG sandals keep things from being too predictable.  We love a surprise!

Julie, 22, fashion-design student

As we thought we had wrapped up for the day, we spotted Julie, which warranted starting the camera back up and digging out the notepad.  As artsy fashion students often do, she was sketching designs on the grass while sipping on a latte.  Wearing a skirt of her own design...(pause for reaction), an Olivia Graham bag, and $15 red leopard print sunglasses from In God We Trust, this student already had an A+ in street fashion today.  The urban outfitters belt was just the icing on the cake, but we just love how it pulls everything together.   

Brace Yo Self!

With all the sleeveless tops out there, an armful of bracelets is the must-have look this summer.  Everywhere we turned it was hard to find a naked wrist.  And you might as well throw on everything in the jewelry box, because when it comes to this craze, the more the merrier!

Susana, 35, Saks Fifth Avenue Merchandiser

Ok, so maybe it was the delicious looking Vietnamese sandwich she was eating that originally caught our eye, but once we got closer we realized that this girl had one of the most diverse bracelet assortments we’d ever seen!  Men’s Express, Tiffany’s, a Swatch Watch and some street vendor finds made up her eclectic wrist candy.  Anyone who can mix the mighty teal box jewelry giant with man-cessories is alright in our book!  Paired with the can’t-miss metallic kicks and the Urban Outfitters shades, this girl made staking out a bench with a sammie in the park look oh so cool (like it needed any help). 

Sara, 21. Student

Looking ever so comfy lounging by the fountain, we found Sara who showed us that bracelets have migrated north for the summer.  On her upper arm she rocked an awesome cuff from Wet Seal, a recessionista favorite!  The rest of her wristlets hailed from Forever 21 and some south-of the-border shops found on a Mexican vacay.  Muy Bonita!

Anjuli, 18, student

Although we loved her effortless T-shirt dress and Long Champ bag, we were instantly drawn to this girl’s wrists in awe of her lavishly unique bracelet collection!  Made up of John Hardy silver bangles, Hermes enamels, street vendor wooden beads and an Invicta Watch, we were utterly envious of her simple yet European-like style.  Complete with cigarette in hand, this girl could be out of a park in Pariee. Ooh la la!