beach jewelry | The Daily Wave

St. Tropez Cuff from Alicia Shulman

Are you looking for that hot, “got-to-have-it” summer accessory? We’ve found it! It’s no secret that thanks to an entrepreneurial OC housewife, cuff-style bracelets have gotten plenty of airtime recently. While it’s not exactly a new concept in arm jewelry (some of us still have big, cuff bracelets left over from the 80s!), many designers are giving it a fresh, updated look and bringing it into the 21st century.

Speaking of the 80s, inspired jewelry designer Alicia Shulman got her start during that same decade. Her hip line, lecia, was worn by such fashion icons as Cher and Olivia Newton John. After transitioning through at least two other careers, she eventually returned to her roots in design and fashion. This time around, she does so with beautiful, original pieces of jewelry as part of her Alicia Shulman Jewels. Now, she is bringing the cuff up to date and making it a sleek, sensual, and yet whimsical piece of jeweled body art!

Alicia Shulman has stated that her pieces have been inspired by trips to Mexico and Puerto Rico, “taking a cue from the lush countryside to the sea.” We can certainly see the nod to the sea in this St. Tropez Cuff (seen above). The hinged cuff is gold-plated and peach enamel and is dotted with Swarovski crystals and turquoise-colored cabochon gems. We have to admit, it’s the perfect combination – and makes us want to host a poolside soiree just so we can wear it! Or, maybe we’ll plan our own trip to St. Tropez and take this little gem along with us.

Of course, sometimes one stunning piece of jewelry isn’t enough. Thankfully, Alicia Shulman offers the St. Tropez Cuff in black, blue, white and a very subtle but stunning mint (each available for $195). Be sure to take a little extra time to peruse the website, because there are many more beautiful pieces and we’re certain you’ll want a few more pieces to complement this year’s hottest accessory.

Beaded Starfish from Target

It’s early in the year and most of us are still seeing far more snow than sun or surf. Even so, it’s hard not to get excited when we catch a glimpse of that sure-to-be-perfect summer dress, sleek sandals, or hot new bathing suit. You know the feeling. It’s a cold, dreary day and you’re trying to make it better by doing a bit of window-shopping while also daydreaming about warmer beach-bound days.

That was certainly the case when we set out shopping recently and ran across this set of beach-inspired jewelry from Target. Apparently, the multi-strand beaded necklace (see photo left) is a return from last season – but that must be a result of much demand. From reading customer reviews, everyone was enthralled with this fiery red necklace when it first graced store shelves last spring. Making it a tropical favorite is the addition of a gold-dusted starfish sporting a spot of teal. Several customers noted that they hesitated before buying the necklace last year and by the time they made up their minds, stores were completely sold out. “Don’t wait!” advised one customer. Well, we heeded the warning and promptly returned to Target to pick up this gem priced at only $39.

Hanging on with Style

While there, we happened to notice a few other dazzling pieces of fun. One object in particular caught our attention, mainly because it was like finding the hidden treasure of a very fashion-conscious pirate. With strands of turquoise to anchor the “nautical multi-strand” necklace, the beaded layers are entangled with a plethora of seaworthy trinkets – from faux pearls and gold and bejeweled starfish to a pop of bright choral sea life. This nautical necklace is new for 2010, but like it’s predecessor it is 21 inches long, has an easy-to-use lobster claw clasp, and has the very attractive $39 price. (Note: as of this post, this necklace is on backorder and not available online – so you better get going to your nearest store and pick up the necklace, today!) A couple of complementary interpretations of these two necklaces are also offered in the form of bracelets and earrings and start in price at $24.99. Well, what are you waiting for folks? Get to Target and scoop up one of these lovely gems before it’s too late!