Prêt-à-porter jewelry for Fall 2010 – Banana Republic

I’m so pleased that fall is (almost) here and my sartorial jewelry choices are ready to take a more substantial tone.  I’m working on my own collection, but it’s always a great idea to get out and about to see what’s happening in costume jewelry retail.  So, in the spirit of research, I attended a fashion event at Banana Republic recently (thanks for the invite @pilarascloset)! Their runway didn’t focus on jewelry per se, but I couldn’t keep myself from browsing their collection.

I was not disappointed. I saw lots of gorgeous high-quality enamel work decorating a lot of the animal inspired trinkets. Go there for some darkly serpentine bracelets or mysterious owls.  The attitude in the pieces I saw was definitely more ‘lady lost in the scary forest’, than ‘cheeky little red riding hood’.  I don’t buy much commercial jewelry but the kissing banglewith dragon heads deserves a spot on my armoire.  If wild kingdom themed jewelry isn’t for you, check out their big translucent stones worked into necklaces, bracelets and cocktail rings. I loved them in smoke gray, ice blue and crystal clear with the occasional crimson crystal ring making a statement at any party.

Finally, I’m so pleased by the recent trend of top shelf designers making a discount line for mass market appeal.  Jewelry designers are getting into the game, witness the partnership between Banana Republic and Chan Luu.  The wrap bracelets available at Banana Republic are stunning and look like they merge the best of comfort and fashion.  Luckily you can purchase those online, so I won’t have to feel bad about leaving them in the store!