Today’s musing is about stacking and layering bracelets for a unique and personal expression of one’s style and way of displaying favourite pieces of wrist adornment. The inspiration for this piece came from my acquisition of the new lovely shown below from Stunning! in Ottawa https://www.facebook.com/StunningOttawa/ I then accented it with an armload of sterling silver bangles, a studded leather strap, rhinestone stretch bracelets, black rubber bangles and a couple of pearl stretchies (yes, this is a “me” made up word describing beaded elastic bracelets). Not to mention, the sleeve of art covering my skin. The combination is one of my signature looks – feminine with an edge.
The look of many bracelets on one arm, or both, is nothing new. It has made a comeback in the fashion world in recent years but, was originally brought to light as a trend by 1980’s icon, Madonna. Who can forget all of the loads and loads of bangles, bracelets, straps and chains that Madonna and all her clones (I was one of them) wore on both arms? It was a new and fresh look and allowed for customization and cheap and easy accessorizing of an outfit. The photo below of Madonna with all her bracelets spread out on the bed waiting to be put on or just having been pulled off brings back many a memory.
While I have toned down the amount of arm décor I will sport all at one time over the years, I am still a huge fan of a more is more look for one arm. It can dress up and complete even a basic tee and jeans in an instant. Add a pair of earrings, a rockin’ scarf and a pair of boots and you are good to go. I am also very into the fact that you can create so many different looks with this method of accessorizing and can tailor it to suit your personal taste and level of attention getting. I have put together a few examples of ways to rock this look and make it your own, no matter what your budget.
CHA – CHING
BOHO CHIC
EDGY & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
FEMININE & CLASSIC
NATURAL MATERIALS
GOLD, SILVER, COPPER
MEN CAN ROCK IT TOO
So as you can see, while it’s level of popularity may wan and grow, what started as a trend in the 80’s is still going strong. The “arm candy”, “layered” or “stacked” look, whichever term you like best, can be sparse, in your face, glam, rocker, delicate, natural, metallic, masculine etcetera but, however you choose to wear it – make it personal and own it!
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