Summer-Ending Styles: Where to Find That Gaudy Goodness

It’s hard not to wonder how a girl stands up straight in these fashion days.  Girls are putting more and more strain on their bodies every day by adding what seems to be pounds of jewelry.  Plain stud earrings with a simple necklace are no more.  Gaudy creations sparked with color and intricate designs are sweeping the nation.  Heavy earrings and large statement necklaces have sneaked their way into young women’s accessories.  Sure, it’s gaudy, but who’s to say it isn’t great?

I believe that this keen interest in unique handcrafted jewelry has been prompted by none other than Pinterest, the addictive center for cute do-it-yourself projects and new styles that are always changing.  Here, (typically) young women pin what they are interested in, and their followers see this and contribute as well, creating a huge pool of color and designs which are unlike any other.  More and more online boutiques make it easy for college students to find exactly what they’re looking for and have it shipped at a decent price.  The online world of shopping and sharing is in a complete boom to say the least.

The summer was all about the bold jewelry and unique styles, and I am interested to see how this will translate into the fall season.  And will the chunky jewelry that is so beloved make it through to next year now that everyone has caught on to the trend? In the meantime, here are a few of my recommendations on where to get cute clothing and accessories online and locally without paying the J. Crew price:

1. Etsy.com: A go-to for all things unique and handmade that you just can’t live without. Many of my friends have recently acquired a huge interest in Etsy, which is a great place to buy the latest homemade trends.  Feeling crafty? Become a member and sell your creation for a profit! Etsy carries the most unique crafts from hand-designed keychains to custom preppy dog collars.

2. Tobi.com: A great go-to for a fun dress, a loud piece of jewelry, or a slouchy sweater that you’re looking to wear on a rainy day.  Tobi has it all.

3. Pitaya/Pitaya.com: If you’re not into the online shopping saga, this is a fun store with a boutique-feel that groups its displays by color.  Located directly on High Street near the Ohio Union, Pitaya is undeniably a great last minute place to grab that flashy jewelry you need to spice up your simple dress.  From great boots to cute scarves, they have something for every campus girl to love.

Happy Shopping!