Inexpensive Jewelry - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Inexpensive Jewelry

Anonymous

Hi everyone. Although I am a long time reader of Angie's blog (which I love and read religiously), this is the first time I have posted on these forums. Maybe I'll give a little background information: I live in California and I'm a college student. I love fashion and shopping, as well as yoga, vegetarian food, and the beach. I'm about 5'5", and tend to wear anywhere from a size 2 to 6, and usually a 26 or 27 in jeans. I am fairly small, but I am really busty (32 or 34 DDD), which I know I share with some of you on the forum. That's pretty much where I hold most of my weight. I haven't decided whether I'm an apple or an inverted triangle - I have features of both. Larger top half and large bust, but very thin legs and arms, and a small butt. Anywya, I think this is a great forum and I would love to get involved.

My question for this post, although I'll probably be posting many more soon, is this: Where do you girls shop for inexpensive jewelry that is still elegant and stylish? Although I spend a fair amount of money on my clothes, I really prefer not to spend so much on jewelry for some reason. I have those few expensive (the typical Tiffanys bracelets, rings, and necklaces, etc) that I have recieved as gifts, but I'm looking more on the lines of fashion jewelry. I tend to have a storng preference towards silver jewelry, and generally stay away from anything too chunky because I'm a failry small girl. By inexpensive, I mean less than $20, or even $10 an item.

Here is an example of something I actually bought today, a necklace from Urban Outfitters, just to show a little of my taste: (in silver)

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....038;color=

So I have Urban Outfitters on my list. Where else do you recommend?

(By the way, I don't really shop at Urban Outfitters at all -- I was there with a friend who had to return something. Most of their clothing didn't appeal to me for some reason. Does anyone else feel this way? I just can't figure out why.)

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from celenco

nancy

Hi Lissy-I agree with you, I like to find jewlery less than 20.00 too I always cruise the clearance racks at Macys and have found some great bargains. Also I just recently discovered the website http://www.etsy Have not yet ordered from them but it looks like there is great items/prices. It seems to be a site of individual sellers, most who make the items themselves. The only difficulty is altho they have a search agent its hard to put in specifcs you can end up looking for a long time to find what you want.

Nancy

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hi Lissy, welcome to the forums! I think you'll find you have a lot in common with lots of the ladies on here. Maya and I are both vegetarians and many of us are still in college, and those that aren't and have been through it all already give fantastic advice to us "kids." What/Where are you studying (if you don't mind my asking)? I have friends at school in California all up and down the coast.

As far as your question, I echo Nancy's suggestions. Macy's clearance rack is really worth going through, you can get some great sterling silver jewelry there and it's on sale a lot. I've gotten great earrings and sometimes necklaces for around $20.00 lots of times. Etsy is good too, because you'll probably be able to find something really unique on there. As for the rest of it, just shop sales, you know? A lot of clothing stores also have some sort of accessory/jewelry line, and when you're in there shopping for clothes, don't leave without checking out the jewelry. Those sorts of things go on sale a lot.

Urban Outfitters is very Boho, which isn't really my style, but my friend loves it. It may not be your style either, which is why it doesn't appeal to you. They also have a very natural/muted color palette (at least, the store near my university always seems to) which isn't my thing either. It could be a lot of things. I like some of their accessories though, and they have good sales. Their sister store Anthropologie might be another one to check out for jewelry. Shop their sales, though, they are extremely expensive (for what you're getting, I think).

Inge

(website)

I agree with Nancy and Ana, some real treasures can be found on etsy.com, but the search options aren't that great, and there's loads on offer.

What makes it a bit easier to find what you are looking for is combining search terms. If e.g. you want a long pearl necklace in blue you type in: long + pearls + necklace + blue, etc.

When you find items you like from a certain seller, you could also track this seller's favorites: look at the side bar on te right in each shop, click on 'Favorites' and then on 'Favorite sellers'. There you get a list of the favorite sellers of your seller. They often have similar items for sale, and it makes the search less random.

(Maybe we could start a thread where we can post links to our favorite Etsy jewelry sellers?)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These style savvy ladies are full of great suggestions. I’d like to add that you should not overlook AT and the Loft despite the fact that their clothing might not be your cuppa tea. AT in particular does extremely good costume jewelry that is often a lot funkier than their clothing and the quality is super. And they have specials all the time.

BR is another one that is worth a look this season when they go on sale.

Maya

Veteran

I don't have much to add to what everyone else said in terms of suggestions, but I rather like Urban Outfitters. A lot of their stuff just isn't meant to be figure flattering--it's meant to be funky, retro, ironic, and a lot of other things. You really need to know how to shop there to enjoy it. I can't bring myself to wear an entire outfit from a place like Banana Republic or J Crew. It just isn't my style. Popping it with accessories or small details from stores like UO or Anthro makes it much more interesting to me. I know Angie is not a fan of Anthropologie (to put it lightly), but I haven't experienced the same problems she has to the same extent. There have been a few pieces whose quality was inferior for the price, but I have experienced that at almost every store I have ever regularly shopped at so it's not exceptionally bad.

katieck

I agree with BR, AT Loft, Macy's. What about Target or JCP?

Anonymous

Thank you for all your suggestions.
I will make it a point to check out these stores. Etsy sounds too good to be true. I love Jcrew and BR, especially this season, and no lie, I've actually bought two pairs of sandals and a top from AT. The top was very young, a silk halter type shirt, and the sandals were both on sale. I definitely want to hit up the sales, too. For some reason, I never see jewelry sales at Macys or other department stores. Am I just not looking? I guess I'm cheap when I buy jewelry just because I like to spend all my money on clothes.

I think I agree with you, Ana, about UO. I had no idea it is a sister store with Anthropology. I have shopped a tiny bit at Anthro - sometimes they have some great tops. But I agree, it's a little pricy. I have never been a fan of their dresses, pants, or skirts.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Yay vegetarians! If you don't mind, I'm not going to share where I go to school just for privacy reasons, but I am in northern california, about 30-45 minutes away from San Francisco. I actually shop in SF a lot. I remember Angie posted once about SF style and everything was right on it made me smile. As of now, I'm studying biochemistry, but that may change. I'm hoping to go into the health field, maybe nursing.

Anyway, I'm so happy I decided to join. Thanks again for the suggestions and the welcome.

Maya

Veteran

I didn't know you were also vegetarian Ana. Interesting! Anthro, UO, and Free People are all sister stores. If any of them are boho, it's definitely FP. I think UO is more for hipster college students. Anthro is what those same hipster college students wear when they grow up and either have buckets of money or are just irresponsible

jayjayjewellery

(website)

Member

Hi Girls,
Ive just notice your forum & would like to invite you all to my own jewellery website where you will find big bold jewellery, distinctive in design, nothing small & flimsy here! Larger ladies, strong personalities & girlies who love to wear this seasons dramatic accessories are all very welcome. You can enjoy a fast dispatch, safe online payments by Paypal & all items arrive in a complimentary gift pouch. We are also looking forward to our Fair Trade collection coming soon & are proud be stockists. Hope to see you there!
http://www.josephinesjewellery.co.uk
For Distinctively Bold & Beautiful Jewellery

Steph

Veteran

Hi Lissy,
I felt the need to chime in (although I don't have much to offer that is new), because I am also a vegetarian and chesty. It actually amazes me how many busty women are on this board--you would think designers would catch on to the fact that there are a lot of us out there!

As for jewelry, are you at all crafty? If so, have you ever thought about making your own? I started making my own jewelry a few years ago and can be so inexpensive. Now whenever I go into a store like Nordstrom and see the prices they charge I get worked up because I know I can do the same thing for, literally, 1/10 of the charge!

Nicole

Veteran

Boy, I miss some posts..I'm just seeing this for the first time tonight!

Have you ever considered having a jewlery party, Lissy? I recently had a Lia Sophia party and got a ton of free jewlery and HUGE discounts on more jewlery. The key is find a jewlery line that you like, the two that come to mind are Lia Sophia and Silpata. (I'm not sure if I'm spelling the second one correctly though). I have never hosted any kind of marketing party (like tupperware or the like), but there were a few necklaces that I really liked, so I figured what the heck.

Also, two of my favorite necklaces came from the sale/clearance rack at Kohls.

The necklace you bought is pretty. My MIL wears one very similar, except her's isn't costume.

BTW, Ana and Maya, I did not know you were vegetarians.... My 11 y/o daughter has never liked meat. We used to force her to eat it, but every meal ended in tears, so I do quite a bit of vegetarian cooking myself. I'd love some recipes (I can give you my email addy).

Maya

Veteran

Nicole, I find a lot of my recipes on cookinglight.com. It's hard for me to say what your daughter will like because there was no way I had a sophisticated enough palate for veggie food when I was 11!

One of my favorite things to make is just a 16 oz can of chickpeas, a can of diced tomatoes, and chopped onions cooked in a cup of vegetable stock and a tablespoon of olive oil. I eat it with couscous or rice pilaf, both of which I get packaged. It's ridiculously easy to make, healthy, and delicious. I usually eat it with a very simple Lebanese salad of baby spinach, chopped fresh mint, sliced red onion, and whatever other veggies happen to be available. All it needs is some salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.

One of my favorite things in the world is stuffed peppers. There are so many different kinds of peppers and fillings. You're only limited by your imagination.

Types of cuisine that I find conducive to vegetarian cooking are Indian (obviously), Mexican, Italian, Thai, Greek, and Lebanese/Middle Eastern. Chinese can also work.

OK that was waaay off topic but hopefully helpful!

Nicole

Veteran

Yes it was helpful, thanks! My daughter has a salad every day for lunch--in it, I put spinach, bean sprouts, alfalfa, cuke, craisins, sunflower seeds and croutons. She likes it soggy, so I dress it beforehand. I keep asking her if she's sick of salad and she says no! Her other favorite lunch is a roll up with humus, red onion, taboule, cuke, sprouts and any other crunchy veggie I can find.

And here's a recipe that you might enjoy--I made it up cleaning out the fridge one day, and I've called it "Delish". Cabbage chopped up like you're making cole slaw, red onion cut into strips, green pepper cut into chunks and carrot peelings. I saute some garlic in peanut oil then add all the veggies. I just keep stirring til it's soft but still crunchy. I usually add some S&P and Onion Powder. Mia and I eat it just like that, or rolled up in flat bread.

Thanks for your recipe ideas. (sorry to steer this off of fashion, Angie).

Anonymous

Lissy - you should also try Express - they have some really fun jewellery and lots in silver. Often they also have a buy 2 get 1 free or other similar deals.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't eat mammals either. Food and cooking are my very next passion and I used to run a catering business with some friends in France, so not to worry Nicole, this topic is close to my heart!

Antje

Veteran

Hi Lissy, I second the recommendation for Express. I shop there and at Macy's for fashion earrings and bracelets (they have nice necklaces, too), in addition to cruising local arts and crafts markets. Even our farmers market has a booth with jewely, and I got one of my favorite pair of earrings there for $15.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Sorry, off-topic post:

Nicole, does your daughter eat eggs? I eat eggs, but I substitute eggbeaters in the recipe most times, because I like to watch my cholesterol (or powdered egg substitute in baked goods). I found this recipe on foodnetwork.com and tried it this week and I really liked it! I used 1 real egg, and substituted egg beaters in for the other two. The crust is easy, because you use the puff pastry you buy pre-made in the freezer section at the grocery. I don't have a tart pan, but used one of those small 9" square pyrex dishes (sprayed with Pam), and it worked great. There was enough for 2 big pieces for my husband, and one big one for me for dinner, and another one for me the next day. You might want to double the recipe if you have a bigger family:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_18764,00.html

Smart Ground by Morningstar is great for tacos--I use it with a packet of taco seasoning and feed it to my friends and they don't even realize they're not eating meat. And if you guys are ever all making burgers, you can get one of those really large portobello caps for your daughter and those grill really nicely and have a similar texture to meat. My husband isn't a vegetarian, but he loves portobello burgers.

Nicole

Veteran

Thanks Ana for the recipe. My daughter does eat eggs. Actually my whole family would enjoy that recipe. (sans me, I don't care for eggs). I'll try the smart ground too....I usually make tacos with some kind of bean (usually chick or kidney). I love portabella 'shrooms, but my daughter hasn't gotten that far yet.

My husband and son are big carnivores. But I'm finding myself eating less and less meat--especially since I make a vegetarian option for my daughter every night anyway.

Thanks for humoring me, Angie. It really sounds like you have lived an exciting life!

Becky

Veteran

Nicole, there is a great bean burger recipe at http://www.tasteofhome.com/Rec.....an-Burgers . My family and I really enjoyed it (even my husband, who is also a carnivore!).

Sarah

I'm jumping in a little late, but I would like to say that consignment stores can be the best place to find fashion jewelry for low prices. I went to one in my area this week (http://www.wearhouseandmore.com/index.htm) and came home with 5 pairs of earrings and 3 necklaces. Each of them cost between $1.99 and $5.99. You may not always find what you are looking for, but it's a great place to start and the prices can't be beat.

Anonymous

I make and sell my own jewelry and find it great to be able to make something just the right length/scale for my own body and outfit. I recommend finding a local jewelry maker in your area and possibly having pieces custom made just for you. Craft fairs, farmers markets etc are great places to find the hand-crafted stuff. And personally, it is nice to support the local crafts-people instead of the mass produced, made-in-china stuff that is made out of who knows what and by who knows who.

stacychen

(website)

The jewelry is to wear a University asked a lot of time it even more important than the clothing itself, the well-worn, like the finishing touch. How to play this jewelry inherent charm and the power of this? Occasions, first of all should know what to wear, what jewelry, what can be occasions to wear jewelry. In the past, people's attitudes, that only a solemn and formal occasions can wear jewelry and other occasions it is not appropriate to wear jewelry, but in fact it is a familiar bias, as long as the right to wear any occasion can wear jewelry. We have deep
familiarity with clothing, are aware of the equipment, clothes, dress, leisure clothes and so on the distinction, but also know that on various occasions to wear different clothes, and in the wearing of jewelry, it appears that they lack the knowledge, A jewelry to wear off no longer go to, what it all occasions . now , below is the jewelry wholesale i recommend to all of you , have a try with it , you will find a new feeling of jewelry.
http://www.worldchen.com/fashi.....liers.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stain.....angle.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stain.....ndant.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stain.....klace.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stain.....rring.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stainless-steel-ring.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stain.....esale.html
http://www.worldchen.com/stain.....ctory.html

Lee Hovey

I love finding interesting jewelry, and like to wear something different everyday. But I am a bargain shopper, here are the places I go.

H&M
Forever21
American Eagle
The Limited
Express
Target
JC Penney

BLB

(website)

Hi Lissy!

My favourite place to look for jewelry is Etsy. I also make my own.

Ana, Maya, and Angie, I didn't know you all didn't eat meat! I'm a vegetarian too--mostly vegan. The only animal products I eat are raw honey and small amounts of seafood, organic eggs, and certain cheeses (mostly raw organic cheese). When eating out I avoid all meat but will eat dairy. I am a huge foodie and I cook all the time. I do miss meat sometimes (especially when I watch Gordon Ramsey's show The F Word!) but reading the book The Food Revolution was the final straw for me and meat. I do make exception is if I'm eating at the home of someone who doesn't know I'm vegetarian or hasn't asked. Then I'll eat what they serve.

I too adore portabello mushroom burgers! Two nights ago Mike and I had an Indian food potluck and another couple brought butter tofu. MMMMMMM.

mia0807

I love jewelry.too.
As i am a college students. I can not afford expensive jewelry.
So i am prefer nice jewelry which is a little bit cheap.
I know a place where jewelry like necklace, ring, earrings or other accessories are
beautiful and low price.
I bought a lot of stuff from that online store.
Here is the link:
http://www.jewelrybase.com/home.php?cat=23
Maybe it will be helpful to you.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

My very favorite place for jewelery is Cost Plus World Market- interesting, affordable hand made pieces. I've also found some neat pieces at Kohl's recently.

Chris

Hi Lissy - Glad to find another SF Bay Area resident on the forum.
It seems I hunt for deals on jewelry wherever I go but find deals especially at ATL and Banana (they have styles I like so that helps) and recently at Express.

Anthro used to have great, unique pieces at reasonable prices but over last two years I have found the prices skyrocketing.

You might look at local bead shops (in Berkeley there are lots) as sometimes they sell sample peices. I also find jewelry vendors at flea markets or around campus. Cost Plus has good prices on the boho looks.

Hope to see you often around here

Laura

I didn't realize the large vegetarian population on here! I would have mentioned I'm vegan in my introduction. The bean burger looks delicious.

JewelryGirl

Chewyspaghetti - too funny! Those are both places I find some as well (World Market & Kohl's). I've noticed Kohl's has some nice wood & natural shell pieces right now. I just bought a fun set of inexpensive bangles there as well to mix up with other things. Silpada also has styles for every price point. I can find pieces many places, don't over look consignment, resale & thrift either. Once in awhile you can find a real gem there dirt cheap! I've also noticed on acedemichic they've even mentioned Big Lot's before. My point is, look every place! I still love bringing home a fun piece of jewelry every time we take a trip (big or small). Nothing expensive, just some fun silver or natural stone/wood/shell piece to remember the trip.

12