New fashion dictates trends with the use of bold, big and colourful pieces of jewellery which sometimes made of materials like wood, plastic, resin or rubber. Have you ever thought why, different people wearing the same jewellery look completely different?

I did, and, as I travel a lot, I learned just how important it is to get your whole look right. I learned many things while travelling in France. Paris, Nice, Monaco, Lyon. Just observing people can be such fun! You can easily distinguish the French from tourists. Most of French women are very classy. Even with not such a great budget they know how to look elegant and cool.

Talking about budget... yes, it does matter, but you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to look chic. Inner taste should help you when you choose what size, colour or material of jewellery would be suitable to a particular outfit or an occasion.

First rule – do not overdo it! (Unless you want to look like Christmas tree) The key word here is "balance". Balance matters in colours as well as quantity and size.

Even though it’s in trend to have loads of big rings on one hand... look in the mirror...
There should always be something to balance it. For example chunky bag with similar elements in your other hand (and of course no jewellery), or perhaps some matching jewellery on your shoes. Look at your body from top to toes. Head - earrings and hair jewellery, neck – necklaces and pendants, brooches, wrists – bracelets and bangles, fingers – rings, (do not forget about your manicure, colour of your nails or absence of it may play very important part) waist – belt and finally your feet.

I have big wooden earrings which I wear with matching wooden ring and bangle on one hand and then I have my handbag or clutch in the other. This look includes my hair up (to open my face and show the earrings), open neck - otherwise the top of my silhouette will look too heavy, and of course shoes or sandals, that will draw people's attention on my feet. Now we've got the balance - top, middle and bottom. Don’t forget about the dress though, we are not going out naked! But it can be very simple summer dress; I get loads of compliments when I go out like this.

Elegance and simplicity are the key to looking great whatever you wear.

From simple and practical to elaborate and eccentric brooches have a potential to inspire many. Brooches are among the few jewellery categories that almost don't have any size limits. The smallest pins on a lapel may be a common thing, but the gigantic brooches seen on the recent fashion shows is a manifestation of the unleashed designer's creativity that really has no limits and can inspire even the ones who's "seen it all".

When it's time to be all glamorous, we look for a designer dress, an exquisite handbag, a knockout clutch, a hot pair of heels or beautiful jewellery. But besides the regular accessories like necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, let's not forget the often overlooked brooch or pin, which can spice up any look from classic to contemporary.

A brooch is like a magic touch from a fairy: it either can make you look stylish or foolish. Make it too large, and people won't notice your face, make it too small and people won't notice any difference if didn't have one. Put a heavy brooch on a thin dress and you're asking for unattractive saggy creases, put an elaborate and colourful-too-much brooch on a formal dress and you'll attract unwelcome attention.

Most people like to wear brooches as a fashion accessory that keeps them with the fashion trend or just to make their outfit more appealing. One thing is for sure - a brooch will make you stand out!

Do: Look for designs and shapes that complement your style like flowers, animals or abstract objects
Don't force yourself to wear something that you aren't comfortable with.

Do: Ask for a friend's advise or get a stylist if you are completely lost for choice of your jewellery.
Don't disregard the impact you could make if you choose the right accessories.

Do: Spend some time when choosing a brooch, compare similar style brooches, pay attention to the general feel of it.
Don't buy a brooch if it doesn't match any of your clothes. Brooch is an accessory for a dress, not the other way.

Do: Experiment with your old brooches, you might re-discover them if you wear them in a new and unusual way.
Don't be afraid to add new brooches to your collection and give the old ones away.

Do: Create and re-create again your own style.
Don't blindly follow the latest trends.

Accessorising should be given enough attention as it can make or break almost any outfit. Jewellery is an important accessory and speaks about your personality to same or even greater degree than your garments. To really ginger up a lifeless outfit it is important to match it with the decent jewellery. So if you plan on buying some, it pays to check out the latest trends before parting with your hard earned cash.

The choice on Avalaya.com as well as in the other shops is so varied that it is not so easy to choose the right kind of jewellery. What is fashionable jewellery now? What is everyone wearing? What is my all time favourite? Isn’t it better to wear just "comfy" jewellery rather than something trendy which doesn't define you? You've got to be choosy and spend some time looking for the right piece rather than just rushing into buying something just because it is cheap or looks "alright".

It looks like silver is the king of the hill at the moment. Anything in silver colour, be it brooches, bracelets, bangles, earrings, rings, necklaces, is preferred in silver today. You've got to put your love to gold colour in the back drawer for now, that is if you are even beginning to pretend to be trendy. Silver is very versatile with it's gray appearance and therefore it doesn't discord with any colour. It goes with anything and everything, almost. It goes great with the bohemian style that presently rules the fashion scene. To top the trendy list, try matching silver with some coloured gems or semi-precious stones. Swarovski crystals is a good choice, they come in all rainbow colours and also much cheaper than "real" diamonds. Instead of the overdoing in earrings, choose a simple design in a bracelet or a neck piece.

Read more »