Personal Style vs. Designer Products
Designer labels are typically out of reach to all but the wealthy, except in outlet stores or resale shops. However, what makes a designer-label product more valuable than any other? Usually nothing more than the name of the designer. Designer clothing and shoes are not guaranteed to last any longer than no-name brands that cost 70 percent less. Yet, people continue to go into debt attempting to pursue the elusive designer label for the dubious pleasure of saying that they own a designer piece.
Sometimes the reason behind such behavior has to do with the fact that what is difficult to obtain is more desirable, especially if people perceive that they will be viewed as more important for having the item. But having an individual personal style is actually much more important than trying to impress others with wealth you do not have. For instance, if "everyone" is wearing silver this year, but you prefer gold, then you should wear gold.
Many fashion jewelry manufacturers take pride in offering "designer-inspired" items at a fraction of the price. You can also find jewelry artisans at craft fairs, and get a designer item at a much lower cost because you're going straight to the source: the actual jewelry designer. Another thing to consider is whether your preferences run towards modern or vintage jewelry.
One of the latest fashionable jewelry pieces is the beaded bracelet. If you're crafty, you can get semi-precious and glass beads at a discount and string them yourself on a stretchy band for a truly customized, easy, and inexpensive accessory. In fact, do-it-yourself is gaining in popularity lately, as many people are tired of cookie-cutter designs and want one-of-a-kind pieces. Jewelry made from kits sold in the 1950s is now worth a substantial amount, so who knows how much the items you make today may be worth 30 years from now? If you're not very crafty, perhaps you can describe what you like to someone who is, and they can make the item for you.
You can even make your pet some do-it-yourself designer-inspired neck jewelry. Just make sure you do your work on a collar that fits, or put it on a stretchy band so he or she won't choke if it gets caught on something.
Rather than following the example of the wealthy and chasing after expensive designer-label items, you should set an example and let your own personality and individuality show by buying pieces that you like, or even making your own designs.
