I expect most people’s buying habits have changed somewhat this year. Even during lockdown, when living in leggings I would find myself reaching for a good pair of earrings to lift my spirits and instead of buying clothes I found myself seeking out new jewellery and beauty products.

• 

Gold hoops seem to have become more and more popular over the years, particularly in Summer and ‘it’ designer of the year, Bottega Veneta has reintroduced the chunky gold chain into our wardrobes.

I had been looking for a big link chain for a while and wanted one that was a longer length for wearing with shirts and scoop-neck tees in Summer and then over turtle-necks and jackets going into Autumn/Winter. I found this one (above), put it on my wishlist at Matches and then snapped it up in the sale, it’s by Aurelie Bidermann but is sadly now sold-out (I’ve linked to a similar one further down).

• 

It always surprises me how just the addition of jewellery can really update an outfit and I feel a hefty chain and hooped earrings is quite an easy way to do this. It gives an instant boost to an otherwise simple classic outfit.

Since buying my first hoop earrings from Missoma I have become quite smitten. I love the vintage feel of their chunky waffle hoops (above) and still adore my Baya hoops (below) which are probably my favourites:

• 

I love the size of them and the texture, plus they’re really light and comfortable to wear. I bought them last Summer and have got so much wear out of them. The shell bracelet pictured above is also by Aurelie Biederman and is still in the sale at Matchesfashion here (I can never resist shell jewellery in the Summer).

After falling in love with my longer chain necklace I then managed to convince myself that I also needed a slightly more delicate but shorter chain and after much deliberation bought this one from Browns:

• 

It’s by Saskia Diez and is available here. I’ve already worn this a lot with dresses, tanks and tees for Summer and will wear it with crew neck jumpers going into Autumn/Winter.

• 

I chose this piece as it’s a bit different to the norm; I like the fact it’s a double chain and both chains are different lengths and thicknesses.

When buying fashion jewellery I think it’s important to consider what you want to wear it with, and if it’s a necklace you’re after make sure (if you’re buying online) that you know what length you want. Also look out for finishes, clasps and metals used. I think it’s criminal that some high-end designers charge over £2000 for a gold-plated necklace, so it’s worth shopping around.

My current picks are:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Even if you’re still not going out as much, it’s nice to have a little wardrobe boost and jewellery is a good investment in terms of price per wear (so I tell myself!).

My next fashion post will be an Autumn update and as always, I’ve also got some travel and recipe posts coming too. I hope everyone is managing to keep their spirits up in this challenging time we’re finding ourselves in.

X