2008 Jewellery Trends

2008's trends will be all about wearing less jewelry - but being bolder and more unique. Think statement pieces and one-off show-stoppers. If you want to get yourself some new jewelry for 2008, here are the top 5 things you should be hunting down:

• A one-of-a-kind chunky cocktail ring. Cocktail rings in the coming year shouldn't be about bling - but about colour. Think jewels and stones in bright, deep colours - the more exotic the better.
• Diamond-studded geometric shapes. Forget trashy bling - if you're a diamond girl, go for sparkle in classic Art Deco geometric shapes, like sharp diamond cuffs or geometric brooches. Stars are also a big motif, so cute diamond or marcasite stars will also get plenty of wear.
• An exotic show-stopper. Ethnic influences will be big in 2008 - from oriental inspired to egyptian elements. To stand out, look for a big brooch or pendant with an exotic animal or ethnic design - again, bold jewel colours work perfectly, for example turquoise against gold.
• Crest and coat of arms symbols. Heraldic elements will again be big - for men and women. They can be in the form of badges and embroidery or engravings. Also go for chunky signet rings as an alternative to the cocktail ring.
• Statement bangles and cuffs. These can be worn at the wrist or on the upper arm. As with everything else, go for jewelled, chunky silver or gold, lucite or wood. Motifs like serpents and exotic animals will be particularly strong in summer.

Spectacles, Glasses, Sunglasses Trends 2008

Unlike hair trends and clothing trends, spectacles and sunglasses trends seldom undergo any major change and flux. Looking back over the past 5 years, it's really only the re-emergence of oversized sunglasses which have caused the biggest stir. But that doesn't mean that that you can wear any old pair in 2008. While last year's pair will get you by, that's not to say they're going to be fashionable. Instead read on to find out which styles of sunglasses you should be wearing in 2008.

1970s Inspired Thick, Plastic Frames

The revival of 70s fashion has been going on for sometime, but with 80s definitely fading, 2008 is the year it'll become much more obvious on the fashion scene. Naturally, 70s inspired glasses will be prominent amongst sunglasses trends for 2008 and thick, plastic frames will be one the year's key looks.

This is going to be an easy trend for many a fashioniser to keep up with after the 2007 Rayban Wayfarers trend, any many of 2008's sunglasses are going to take their cues from the look. Making it even easier is the fact that many a designer have sunglasses to fit with the look: there's a pair for women amongst Proenza Schouler's Fall-Winter 2008/2009 collection, Polo Ralph Lauren have an elegant pair for men, and you'll also find suitable designs from the likes of Dries Van Noten, Yohji Yamamoto, and Raf Simons.

This is also going to be a trend you can wear as a spectacles and not just sunglasses. Carrying on from 2007's 'librarian' look we've seen thick framed spectacles for both men and women on Michael Kors' Autumn-Winter 2008/2009 catwalk.

Selecting the right pair is crucial. Most importantly, when you choose a style of retro glasses be careful that you're not picking from a decade currently not in trend. While you'd get away with 60s inspired frames, loud 1980s inspired sunglasses are a definite no no as are the more eclectic, multi-tonal pieces from the 70s. Some of the sunglasses seen on Betsey Johnson's Autumn-Winter 2008/2009 catwalk are a prime example of those to avoid, while if you were after a safe bet for 60s inspired sunglasses you could turn to some pieces in Mulberry's Spring-Summer 2008 collection, avoiding their 80s and 90s revival pieces.

Round 'John Lennon' Sunglasses

The comeback of the round 'John Lennon' sunglasses can really be considered a sub-trend of the thick plastic sunglasses trend, but as you could wear them with a think, metal frame we're considering this a separate frame. While we recommended one avoids Betsey Johnson's take on 1980s sunglasses, she was definitely on trend with round sunglasses. We've also seen them included in Karen Walker's Spring-Summer 2007/2008 collection and Moschino's Cheap & Chic Autumn-Winter 2008/2009 runway. But despite appear on both Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter we can't really imagine this look being more than a one season wonder.

This is also a sunglasses trend only for women, while originally popularised by John Lennon any guys wearing these about town are going to come off looking like a sad git or Ozzy Osbourne. Perhaps that's the same thing.

Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized socialite sunglasses will go out of fashion at some stage, but it won't be in 2008 or 2009. Brought back earlier this decade by stylist Rachel Zoe and popularised by the likes of Nicole Richie, we've seen them on many of the Spring-Summer 2008 and Autumn-Winter 2008/2009 catwalks including Oscar de la Renta's Autumn-Winter 2008/2009 collection and Emporio Armani's Autumn-Winter 2008/2009 collection.

You'll be able to invest in several styles within the oversized sunglasses trend. Emporio Armani, de la Renta, and Christian Dior (photo, right) have all designed squared off versions of the look, and it's this style which is getting our preference for 2008 as it purposefully avoids appearing a part of the rounded lense trend. If you're not worried about the comparisons you can take a cue from the 1960s with a pair from Ralph Lauren. Classic in their design, these pair also tie in with 2008 and 2009's tortoise shell sunglasses trend.

Gradient Lens

So far we've only looked at the frames on 2008's sunglasses trends. Much like clear and blue lenses in the 90s, this year will see attention paid to detailing of the lens itself. Of course, practicality dictates that this is an Autumn(Fall) - Winter 2008/2009 trend only but look for glasses where the colouring travels from black to clear, top to bottom. We've seen the look on many of the year's catwalks, including the pair right from Gucci's Autumn - Winter 2008/2009 runway. Gucci have also added a pattern to the gradient, which is clear in the picture montage at the top of this article.

Spring Fashion Trends
Spring into 2008 with these hot finds!

Ruffles:

Ruffles are the epitome of spring fashion. Their girly, elegant appearance is perfect for the "not winter anymore but not summer either" weather. Ruffles are great for any occasion. Embellished on a pale pink blouse for the office or lining the hem on the bottom of an electric blue cocktail dress, ruffles are delicate enough for daytime, but can be ultra glam at night too!

Striped woven top, $24.00

Thin Belts:

When it comes to belts, this season, thin is in! Although chunky belts are still great adornments for hippie-inspired ensembles, a skinny belt add a classic touch to any outfit- they are a fresh take on an old classic. Add shape to a voluminous dress or long cardigan for a cozy layered look, or add an extra pop to your outfit with a brightly colored belt. No matter what color, a slim belt instantaneously adds a classic yet modern appeal.

Skinny lizard belt, $24.50

Color block:

Welcome to the 60's! The color block dress was a key piece during its halcyon days in the 1960's and 1970's! Back when Twiggy ruled the runway, Marsha Brady was the grooviest, and the mod movement was the way to go, bold prints and colors were worn by many fashion forward gals. Update this look by adding a 21st century touch with bold beads, opaque tights and fun flats. Groovy, baby!

Bianca color block top $24.50

Patent Leather:

Though patent leather may remind you of your grammar school Mary-Jane's, this shiny textile is back in a big way! Last year, patent leather flats, belts and even jewelry were seen all over! And while these pieces will still be big in 2008, patent totes are a trendy take on an old favorite.

Broadway Jewels Patent Leather Doctor Bag $99.99

Winter won't last forever - get a jump on great fashion finds for Spring!