When Great Accessories go Along for the Ride with Bad Outfits

The work of a great accessory is nearly never done. Having to bring out the best of whatever it's accompanying, along with the wearer's natural features and style, accessories from costume jewellery pieces like cocktail rings and charm bracelets to purses, shoes, and scarves have a lot of style quotient to pull off in any given ensemble. Usually, with a basic getup or even a more complex set of clothes, costume jewellery is able to put in a remarkable performance. Sometimes, though, it must work overtime to combat the occasional bewildering fashion choice, especially in the case of celebrities dragging their jewellery pieces along with them into the spotlight. Such was the case on a recent X-Factor episode in which host Cheryl Cole by now famously donned a quizzical dress by designer David Koma. Plastered across the web and in fashion and gossip mags, Cole's choice even got a surprised reaction out of fellow host Simon Cowell, who told Cole that she “had better sit up in that dress.” We've done our duty and taken in the full horror of the frock along with everyone else, but we've also spotted Cole's set of perfect bangle earrings putting in extra duty to suggest to criticising onlookers that even if her taste in dresses is a bit misguided, there are plenty of accessory memories to be made on the show.
The star wore a pair of amply-sized, polished metal bangles at a perfect mid-length, resting about halfway between her jawline and shoulders, emphasizing her neck and echoing the sleek look of her well-groomed updo. The earrings were no doubt chosen as a tribute to the 60's British mod look, well-matched by Cole's pair of dark matte thigh-high black boots. With earrings like these, we could almost be persuaded to overlook the jaw-droppingly awful dress that made its way onto the camera, but the sheer oddness of the swerving neckline, protruding armpits, and scrap metal-esque silver appliques (are those pieces of rebar or perhaps fridge magnets?) make it hard to stand by without saying anything.
Nevertheless, we think Cole's bangle earrings did a great job of showing that accessories can help dampen the blow of even the worst fashion faux pas. Of course, we'd love to see them working their magic alongside an outfit that doesn't evoke a bizarre space-age Barbie, but there are plenty of episodes left in which the set might get the chance to make a second appearance. We do our best to stuff our online catalogue full of original costume jewellery pieces that know how to handle the best and the worse of fashion situations, helping every outfit find the perfect flourishes in form, color, and creativity with prices that make owning an ample wardrobe easy. Next time you're not sure of a daring fashion choice, step out with the best of costume jewellery for support –but we imagine you'll fare better than Cole in any case.

Adam Lambert Loses "Idol" Title, But Wins Over Fashion Fans

The latest finale of hit TV show American Idol was a pretty extravagant spectacle; from start to finish, all the elements of the program were as packed as possible with action and extreme suspense as the final two contenders vied for their claim to international fame. Fans of the series were especially rapt this season as they followed the progress of two extraordinary male talents, each of which quickly became hot topics in the entertainment industries for their vocal talent and electrifying presence on stage. Though the competition between Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, the two competitors who battled (and belted) it out 'till the end, was abuzz online and among coffee-shop banter for weeks, Lambert seemed to be emerging as the favorite choice of viewers as the show drew to its end.
But it was not to be; in a pretty major upset, Kris Allen emerged triumphant and will go on to reap the glory and profits of the show's title and prize. But while Lambert may not have received the specific honors so many hoped he would win, he certainly managed to attract an almost cult-like following in the episodes leading up to the finale. With a handsomeness described by many as "dark and intriguing" and a talent that's clearly visible in his stage performances, Lambert has won scores of fans through his stint with the series. And these fans aren't likely to diminish simply because he wasn't handed the ultimate prize. In fact, Lambert's defeat may prove a significant boost for his professional career, helping him to draw new fans and call on the support of old ones to help him launch his own place in the sun.
Great things may still come from this engaging singer, and avid Idol watchers who felt let down by the final decision may find that there's a different kind of winning awaiting those who have the right spirit. In Lambert's case, a great deal of that special spirit may come from his fashion sense, which was often in the entertainment news headlines during the course of the show and helped to define him as a performer. Always provocative without entering the realm of the ridiculous or overdone, Lambert seemed born for dressing like the rock star he had hoped to become. During a performance with legendary band KISS in the show's finale, Lambert donned an awesome leather jacket festooned with cage-work shoulder guards --a garment that might seen outrageous for most people, but looked perfectly in place and full of punch as the singer let loose with some of America's most popular bad boys. Throughout the season, Lambert's fashion choices showed a keen sense of taste and explored the possibilities of modern men's fashion, from costume jewellery to dangerously tight pants and drool-worthy shoe styles. Though he won't be wearing his duds for the show anymore, here's to hoping the entertainment industry adopts him and lets his excellent voice and accessories choice waltz back into the spotlight.