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Accessory Report

Accessory Report: Bib Necklaces

Though it has a rather infantile name, celebrities and tastemakers alike are going ga-ga for a decidedly grown-up accessory: the bib necklace. As we mentioned in Looking Forward To: Spring Trends, this key piece of jewelry had a major presence in the season's shows. Now much-discussed fashionphiles like Natalia Vodianova and Mischa Barton are translating that runway look into their real-life style and are opting for everything from baby bibs to full-blown breastplates!



Speaking of Ms. Barton, we must point out that she was one of the first paparazzi-favorites to try this trend. She started piling on these theatrical pieces back in late fall, choosing a sinuous silver-and-neon-beaded number for a Guitar Hero party. Barton's selection—a Tom Binns Design Dumont Florescent Collection Necklace ($2325, 917.475.1412)—added a bright pop of color to her all-black outfit.

Barton may have been an early adopter, but she's certainly not the only one who likes this accessory. Last month at the New York shows, it seemed like nearly every single attendee had tied one on! For example, The City's impeccably coiffed Olivia Palermo showed up at Zac Posen's Fall 09 show in an ultra-glamorous version by Roberta Freymann. The navy Wine Drop Necklace ($220, 212.585.3767) appears to be one of Palermo's favorite pieces as of late, as she's been spotted wearing it with both dressy and casual outfits with great results.

Of course, not every woman in the world wants to wear bold pieces à la Barton and Palermo, so we also included a few subtler style examples in today's story. If you prefer your baubles to be a little daintier and less dramatic, just take a cue from Natalia Vodianova and Molly Sims. Spotted at Marchesa and Diane von Furstenberg, respectively, the two women both opted for bibs that are smaller in size but no less intricate and stylish than the supersized runway versions.

But enough with the examples—let's talk about products! No matter what you're looking for, we've sleuthed out the best statement-making styles on the market. Vintage aficionados will love J. Crew's Jeweled Palm Leaf Necklaceicon ($175); it's got a gorgeous old-world look and is the perfect piece to dress up a simple t-shirt or sheath. Banana Republic—always one of our favorite spots for exceptional costume jewelry at a great price—has several can’t-miss options right now. The coral Bold Bib Necklace ($69) is a stunner, so snap it up as soon as possible!

On a completely different sartorial note, we would also like to point out By Malene Birger's Multicolored Bead Necklace ($295). It reminds us a bit of Palermo's go-to piece in terms of its shape, though it has a completely different spirit! This bib has a futuristic feeling and is encrusted in chunky Perspex beads in jolly shades like neon lime and grape. Another excellent option is Dannijo’s Ettalita Necklace ($320), a neat bib woven from interlocking rings. We love how it has a mesh-like chain mail look, yet manages to be completely modern at the same time. All in all, a drool-worthy option!

Accessory Report , Mischa Barton , Molly Sims , Natalia Vodianova , Dannijo , Tom Binns , Vera Wang
DISCUSS/19 post(s)


I am loving the bold necklaces that we have been seeing lately. They add drama to an outfit. http://www.perfectlocks.com

        Posted by: PerfectLocks  |  2009-03-22 23:40:04

i like this trend, but honestly, what would you wear a bib necklace to? You can't wear it during the day because it's so gaudy and not all of us have huge parties/premieres/shows to go to...

        Posted by: Britni  |  2009-03-14 09:51:04

who is that model on the vera wang catwalk? her name escapes me but i adore her.

        Posted by: Lars  |  2009-03-13 17:38:01

Indeed the best fashion splurge this season might just be an eye-catching necklace. For those who tend to play it safe, a chucky Multi-strand Pearl Necklace (like this one: http://www.tinatang.com/necklaces/pearl/n34_4tau.html )could be a good place to start with this trend. :)

        Posted by: TheTinaTangCrew  |  2009-03-13 14:31:02

olivia doesnt have any artistic personality--she just has money to buy whats "in style."

        Posted by: row  |  2009-03-11 14:06:25

Palermo's look is amazing. She has been rumored to be working with www.ednielsen.com on some costume jewelry pieces. Crazy huh?

        Posted by: che  |  2009-03-10 20:45:58

Amber-She is on the MTV reality show "The City".

        Posted by: J  |  2009-03-10 20:37:52

I am not too familiar with Olivia Palermo, who is she just wondering? I love her necklace <33 beautyandthestreet.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Amber  |  2009-03-10 14:05:46

love these. wish there were inexpensive options... all the beautiful bib necklaces are outrageously expensive. x egotrippingatthegates.blogspot.com

        Posted by: D  |  2009-03-10 14:01:39

haha anna. does natalia's even really count as a bib? more like just a short necklace. her outfit is pretty ridic too. is it just me or is mischa barton looking less hideous these days?...

        Posted by: lauren Powell  |  2009-03-10 12:47:21

Love Olivia Palermo!

        Posted by: Peb  |  2009-03-10 11:56:50

i love the one on olivia. check out kirnazabete.com for more... jennifer fisher has some amazing collar necklaces with agate stones.

        Posted by: leigh  |  2009-03-10 09:59:23

We have some really cool ones we just put up on FreePeople.com http://tinyurl.com/c3pruh

        Posted by: Megan  |  2009-03-10 09:20:48

love the one molly sims is wearing! so simple and chic! olivia's looks great as well! fashionhedonism.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Christing  |  2009-03-10 08:57:42

Great necklaces, but kind of creepy how similar all these women look. New trend, tall thin white women with light brown hair...

        Posted by: anna  |  2009-03-10 08:53:56

I love Olivia Palermo's look! She looks the best. The others look downright strange, in a variety of ways... http://cascadingvari.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Jacki  |  2009-03-10 08:35:33

i love the one on Olivia Palermo. http://chicheroin.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: Victoria C  |  2009-03-10 08:12:20

The yellow Vera Wang necklace is gorgeous! It reminds me of forsythia which should be blooming very soon... Good couple of posts lately, WWWD!

        Posted by: MEP  |  2009-03-10 07:50:48

Good post, but you spelled Olivia Palermo's name wrong more than once!

        Posted by: aimy  |  2009-03-10 06:38:57

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