Costume jewelry is an asset in every woman's wardrobe

Whether you're wanting the jewelry for yourself, or if it's for someone else, costume jewelry serves a purpose in any wardrobe.

There's always room in every woman's closet for more clothes and more jewelry. The trouble is, our appetities for these fun fashion items are often hindered by a budget that doesn't cooperate. However, with a little smart planning, you can have your cake and eat it too. There's no reason not to have a perfectly fabulous wardrobe and plenty of costume jewelry to make it all come together.

The trick to having a wardrobe that is not extensive, but seems to others to be limitless, is careful choices in clothing that coordinate with as many other pieces as possible. An abundant selection of costume jewelry pieces can multiply, exponentially, the variety of looks you can achieve.

This buying strategy makes the LBD and a variety of classically styled separates indispensable. A half-dozen each of sweaters, blouses, vests, skirts and pants is all it takes. Variety in fabrics and textures also play a big part in your successful versatile wardrobe.  It's making the right choices in your costume jewelry that puts the "icing on the cake." A simple patterned summer dress becomes a party standout with modern Italian costume jewelry in coordinated, eye-catching bright colors. The LBD is stunning with a jewel-toned sequined belt set on a black velvet background.

Your color schemes are important, and everyone's got favorite colors that are standards in your closet.  Some relate to your personality and associations, while others are complimentary to your hair color or skin coloring.  For example,

• a woman with an outgoing personality,
• a creamy complexion and
• a stunning head of shiny black hair probably includes a fire-engine red section in her closet.

OR

• A more delicate blonde with green eyes and
• a rosy complexion is likely to be happy in sea greens and shades of blue and violets.

Your costume jewelry selections should span a variety of styles to suit the flavor of the occasion. For example, you'll want some appropriate for more formal occasions, everyday wear for the office and some just plain fun, trendy looks. If you don't care for the more conventional dressy occasion costume jewelry, with faux pearls and diamonds, look for some of the Renaissance-styled pieces for a hip look suited to a night at the theatre. Cloisonne, painted enamel pieces or simple bangles and hoop style earrings are good for everyday use. The fun, trendy costume jewelry, such as a ceramic Betty Boop-in-a-red-dress pin or colorful ethnic necklaces add personality and sparkle to casual costumes.

If your clothing choices consist of simple, classic styles, your entire costume jewelry collection can be worn with just about everything you own. A plain grey suit partnered with your Betty Boop pin and several bangle bracelets in red, bright yellow and black enamel is great for the office. The same suit, teamed with ornate Renaissance styled necklaces and rings is dressy enough for a presentation for a client.

Costume jewelry is inexpensive and can provide you with a wardrobe with a chameleon quality, giving all your costumes many fashion faces.