Please keep your dainty diamond studs and fragile 14k gold chains and give me costume jewelry instead... gaudy goldtone things, chunky chains, flashy brass, exotic figural pieces, poor man's silver that will never tarnish. Underneath it all, it's just...metal. But costume jewelry gets to be big and bold, dramatic, sophisticated and unusual, fun, wild, weird, whatever. That $2000 tennis bracelet usually doesn't get a second look but that crazy gold choker with the parade of elephants with "ruby" eyes and dangling chains and charms, well...that's a different story.
Here's a few pieces to have fun with this summer that will inspire many wonderful ensembles (and stories of your own!)... Enjoy!
Vintage 1970's owl necklace- a charming little guy with his big, glowing eyes and dangling white glass charm "feathers". He'll look fab set against that mid-summer tan.
Vintage 1970's Original by Robert pin/pendant necklace- this piece is insane... the pendant is the size of a piece of toast (I hope you like rhinestones with your toast- less calories that way). Definately some runway fabulousness going on here...
Vintage 1960's silvertone shell charm necklace- these are beach ready with denim cut-offs and a plain white tank top. Charms are a perennial fave and these are so realistic looking that you can almost hear the ocean if you hold it up to your ear.
Vintage 1970's goldtone amulets- a great piece to play around with and layer with others of course. Weighty with nice detail, plus protection from evil perhaps?
Vintage 1980's brass and wire "web" necklace- I absolutely looooove these bold statement necklaces from the 80's. A beautiful example of intricate metal crafting and the mix of three different colors is especially eyecatching- a must-have for those of you that love unusual pieces.
Vintage 1980's Thierry Mugler silvertone star pin- still fresh and modern after all these years. A basic black jacket is the perfect backdrop for this one.
Vintage Castlecliff goldtone snake pin- snakes: exotic, pretty and dangerous (but so much nicer in jewelry form!) Weave this through a silk ribbon for a dramatic headband or pin it on to a jewel tone purse or clutch for some added shine.
Vintage 1980's Givenchy goldtone earrings- just what the 80's were all about: big, gold and flashy...LOVE IT!
Vintage 1980's Judy Hornby Couture- pale smokey grey chiffon with a mixed metallic lame floral pattern...such beautiful lightweight material, great when worn someplace breezy to get that full-on fluttery, shimmery effect.
Vintage 1970's Albert Capraro cotton gown- folksy at its finest! Love the vivid, fresh floral set against crisp black and white with lace print details...garden party darling!
Vintage 1980's Dominic Rompollo silk dress- peasant girl chic in a vivacious shade of emerald green with dainty floral sprays woven into the fabric. This flows beautifully and can be shortened if desired.
Vintage 1970's Malcolm Starr mini dress- so simple and so, so chic! The perfect LBD for summer can be accessorized a million different ways and seriously, will this silhouette ever go out of style? I think not. 
Vintage 1970's halter gown- a hot weather fave, sleek and sexy with a little rock 'n' roll/Elvis flavor thrown in from the denim-esque material and silver studded embellishments.
Vintage 1970's Young Edwardians sundress- hard to find black sundress gets a touch of prairie girl sweetness from icy blue satin ribbon trim and sheer floral ruffles. Go casual with cowboy boots or vamp it up in strappy sky-high platforms.
Vintage 1960's Shaheen sundress- light and sweet (without being overly juvenile), in a flattering coral polished cotton with paisley print in dark gold and white. Isn't this just summertime defined in a dress?
Vintage 1970's Carole Little for Saint-Tropez West silk dress- another frock that flows and flutters so beautifully due the lightweight 100% silk material, spectacular floral print both dainty and bold at the hem. The bodice is a dream with its perfect puff sleeves and drawstring neckline.
Vintage 1970's owl necklace- a charming little guy with his big, glowing eyes and dangling white glass charm "feathers". He'll look fab set against that mid-summer tan.
Vintage 1970's Original by Robert pin/pendant necklace- this piece is insane... the pendant is the size of a piece of toast (I hope you like rhinestones with your toast- less calories that way). Definately some runway fabulousness going on here... 
Vintage 1960's silvertone shell charm necklace- these are beach ready with denim cut-offs and a plain white tank top. Charms are a perennial fave and these are so realistic looking that you can almost hear the ocean if you hold it up to your ear.
Vintage 1980's brass and wire "web" necklace- I absolutely looooove these bold statement necklaces from the 80's. A beautiful example of intricate metal crafting and the mix of three different colors is especially eyecatching- a must-have for those of you that love unusual pieces.
Vintage 1980's Thierry Mugler silvertone star pin- still fresh and modern after all these years. A basic black jacket is the perfect backdrop for this one.
Vintage Castlecliff goldtone snake pin- snakes: exotic, pretty and dangerous (but so much nicer in jewelry form!) Weave this through a silk ribbon for a dramatic headband or pin it on to a jewel tone purse or clutch for some added shine.
Vintage 1980's Givenchy goldtone earrings- just what the 80's were all about: big, gold and flashy...LOVE IT! 
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