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I like jewelry because it always fits.  And if you don’t care about being hip, it is always in style. My friend Shannon told me that there is a rule: put all your jewelry on and then take one piece off.  Shannon and I are the opposite; we usually add one or two more pieces.

There is one rule I do follow, however: the statement ring.  If you are going to wear a ginormous ring, as I often do, wear only that one ring.  I am no expert; this is just my opinion. Wear one huge ring or a few small rings.  That is it.  Do not, under any circumstances, wear a ring on every finger.  It looks tacky and very uncomfortable.  It may make people stare at you, which is rude.  So don’t give people a reason to be rude.

Necklaces are great.  They can make a plain shirt fabulous.  Wear as many as you’d like.  Beware of gold, however.  There is a fine line between hip layering and Mr. T.  Make sure you are on the right side of that line.  And don’t worry about matching colors exactly.  I feel that if it’s in the same color family, you’re okay.  If you have a grey and white striped shirt, wear a bright necklace to jazz things up.

I just discovered that I am no longer allergic to the metal in most earrings.  They have become my new vice.  I love them.  The bigger the better.  I just found some great new 80s styles from the Hastings Citywide Garage Sale.  They are plastic and vibrant and have been the source of many compliments.  And what girl doesn’t like a nice earring compliment?  I don’t think earrings have to exactly match the rest of your jewelry.  As long as they match some part of your other accessories or outfit, you’re good.

If you like accessories, Claire’s is your store.  It’s one of those tried and trued retailers.  I have been shopping at Claire’s since junior high.  They have evolved over time, and while they definitely cater to the tweens of the world, I think they can still offer us 30-somethings some blingtastic options.  They also have a great 10 items for $10 sale that happens pretty often.  I rarely pay more than $1 for anything when I walk into that store.

One item my accessories collection is sorely lacking is a good pair of red earrings.  I have a great red necklace (thank you, Amy), a great red ring (thank you, Claire’s), and no great red earrings.  I feel a little incomplete.  I don’t want orangey-red.  I want blood red.  Plastic would be best.  If you know of some fairly cheap ones floating around out there, please let me know.

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You can also find jewelry in Hastings at:

• Brodkey’s Jewelers
• Zinn’s Jewelry
• Jewelry Design Studio
• Imperial Jewelers
• Allen’s
• K-Mart
• Walmart

About the author: Russanne Erickson

Russanne is a 30-something who doesn't mind being 30-something.  She loves accessories and makeup.  Her only criteria for clothing is that she likes it, she can afford it, and it fits.  Russanne is relatively new to Hastings and living here has given her the opportunity to build her scarf collection. She has two cats and no children, but she doesn't think that makes her a cat lady.