This outfit is a slight tweak on one of my all-time faves. I subbed this blue sweater (which I suspect is Banana Republic) for the black one I have worn with skirt before, and different shoes, and … that’s it. Don’t mess with what ain’t broken. I think I’m wearing the same necklace, come to think of it. It is also one of my fave pieces, and I am sad to see it starting to tarnish. It still looks fine from a distance, but up close the gold finish is almost completely worn off in places. I’ve gotten lots of wear out of what was, originally, a $60 necklace, but it still makes me mad that, in another year or two, I’ll have to part with it; I still adore it, and I wish I’d had the foresight to buy a back-up when it was still possible to do so. Still, compared to BR jewelry I’ve purchased more recently, this one has held up well … which is frustrating in itself, and it’s the reason why I’m reluctant to invest much money in costume jewelry of the ‘fast fashion’ sort.

Does anyone have recc’s for affordable statement jewelry of good quality? I’ve been partial to Swarovski for the last few years, but I would love to hear others’ faves.