Vacation Inspired Jewelry

As the weather heats up and the stores stock the racks with sundresses, shorts and tank tops, the jewelry of the moment is inspired by the cool colors of vacations to tropical locations. Here are some baubles that will help to remind you of paradise abroad.

Shells – Authentic sea shell jewelry is both beautiful and unique, but this year, why not try something new and equally as stunning? Shell shaped charms, pendants and drop earrings are absolutely eye-catching when adorned with rhinestones or CZ in a pave setting. Sterling silver jewelry starfish shapes are delicate and can up the style quotient when worn in jewelry sets.

Palm Tree Shapes – Inspired by the swaying trees of far-off destinations, a palm tree pendant necklace can add a beach vibe to classic pieces. Worn by celebrities such as Kate Hudson, you can recall memories of your favorite vacation spots with this tropical treat.

Fish – With a colorful coat of scales, these underwater creatures look phenomenal when worn as sterling silver jewelry adorned with precious gems. From royal blue to aquamarine, tropical fish inspired jewelry makes a great statement necklace or cocktail ring. For an Asian inspired look, look for a Koi fish piece in red, orange and yellow. You'll be sure to make a splash!

Flowers – Hawaiian flavors abound, flowers like the orchid look great when set with colorful stones in a statement necklace. Asymmetrical multi-strand tropical flower necklaces are chic and stylish as ever this year. For a more understated look, small flower earrings, such as those donned by starlet Hayden Panettiere can make anyone glow.

It's easy and inexpensive to incorporate a beachy vacation vibe that will get you thinking about bright sunny days lounging at a poolside cabana or a beach side hide-a-way. Simply don a piece or two of jewelry inspired by your destination.

Jewelry like Jennifer Lopez - Fashion Style

Jennifer Lopez has been on our style radar for some time now, shocking us with daring choices and dazzling jewelry that is fabulously frivolous and over the top. Though most of us probably can't afford to spring for Jennifer Lopez size gems, we can take some tips from her to create jewelry looks that add glamour to our own wardrobe.

Jennifer Lopez makes her own rules, as she chooses combinations including both gold and silver. On a recent promotional experience she wore a large silver chain link bracelet with a jumbo size pair of hoop earrings and a handful of rings. She favors hoop earrings, often choosing oversize textured pairs to compliment a flowing hair style.

Mrs. Mark Anthony also likes to pile on the bangles, wearing wristfuls of sterling silver thin bracelets as a casual accessory. She also stacks large wooden bangles, sporting several at a time, plus big earrings to complete an outfit.

Jennifer Lopez's jewelry style is versatile and fashion, as she switches back and forth from pop rocker to glam goddess. Onstage, she needs to be the center of attention, rocking piles of accessories. But lately, her red-carpet look has leaned more toward tailored and posh, consisting more of classic pieces like humongous diamond studs, which shine with an elegant up-do. Other faves include romantic art deco drop earrings with matching bezel-set bracelet. Often the gowns she wears are decadent unto themselves, so she's careful to choose jewelry that doesn't overpower. Instead, it adds just the right touch of sparkle.

To get her look, try opting for costume jewelry with glitzy gems in fun colors like canary yellow or baby pink. Also, dare to wear gold and silver at the same time if the designs are similar. Just remember that your signature style doesn't necessarily have to follow a certain set of style rules. You can play with jewelry and mix it up, just like Jennifer Lopez.

Michelle Obama's Fashion Jewelry Style

Over the past few years, we've watched as now First Lady Michelle Obama has undergone a style evolution. From her super-chic sheaths to floral printed dresses, she's upped the style quotient in the White House at every appearance she makes. Not to be forgotten are her look-at-me accessories that define her signature look and pull her outfits together. From bubble-gum size pearls to big brooches and hoop earrings, we examine some of the most memorable pieces she's worn and try to keep up with this fashion-forward all-American mom as she makes history.



Pearls, pearls, pearls – Michelle Obama favors these classic stones, but she adds her own contemporary twist by wearing oversize faux pearl necklaces and gorgeous strands of color in gold and brown.



Pendants – Ever the fashion icon, Michelle pushes the envelope by wearing multiples of classic necklaces. One of her most memorable pendant choices was a peace symbol and hope dog tag necklace, that she has casually sported on several occasions.



Classic shaped earrings – On election night, the new First Lady of Fashion chose a pair of double oval hoop earrings. The silver tone set a beautiful compliment to her black and red dress. She's also opted for gold hoop earrings as a simple accessory to accent colorful pieces.



Color – Michelle is not afraid of adding a pop of color here and there, and that includes her jewelry. She loves look-at-me beads, like the chunky double-stranded blue choker she wore to a speaking engagement. More recently, she wore a layered necklace look with canary and turquoise colored beads to contrast an all-black ensemble.

Mrs. Obama certainly keeps up with – or is responsible for setting – some of the most favored fashion jewelry trends to date. We can only wait in anticipation to see what she pulls out of her hat next.