This season, there is a major return to costume jewelry. Balenciaga‘s dazzling bling has been included in practically every fashion magazine’s September issue. Alexander McQueen‘s maharajah worthy gems dripped off models as they strutted down the catwalk. Vera Wang‘s girls had crystal encrusted snakes slithering around their necks and super-oversized crystal cuffs locked on to their wrists (created in a collaboration with Philip Crangi).

About 3 or 4 years ago, brooches seemed to be everywhere and I couldn’t leave the house with out wearing one – so needless to say I’m very excited at the idea of piling them on my capes and coats this coming fall.

Believe it or not, fabulous faux jewelry is (sort of) in my blood. My parents are ballroom dancing instructors and over the past ten or so years, my mother has amassed quite a collection of costume jewelry (her favorite place to shop is Hello Beautiful in Honolulu, HI). My mom and I actually went through a Swarovski phase together, buying delicate crystal hat pins and exotic bird brooches that have long since needed to be repaired and are sitting in my jewelry box.

I also began my career in fashion as an intern for Showroom Seven where I had my first taste of the crazy fashion jewelry that is Erickson Beamon…and I after several sample sales, I’ve gathered quite a little collection of my own. And although my jewelry box is already overflowing, I’d gladly make some room for pieces by Tom Binns (he actually has a ridiculously gaudy necklace at Moss right now called, ‘Now This is a Fucking Necklace’) or the House of Lavande.

No collection to call your own? Well, there’s never been a better time to start your own collection of brilliant baubles…Begin with Kenneth Jay Lane, Banana Republic, HSN, or at any vintage shop and bling it up. Don’t be afraid to wear more than one piece at a time – after all, it is costume jewelry.