Every once in a while, I like to marvel at the crazy-amazing pieces designers come up with, which usually means I spend an afternoon scrolling through slideshows of collections by Alexander McQueen. (Love LOVE him! May he R.I.P.) But when I came across a bevy of nutso-looking rings, I couldn’t help but feature them. They’re bizarre and fascinating at the same time–in my opinion–and though I enjoy a good conversation piece every once in a while, I’m not sure I could pull off a carrot ring. The “finger” ring kind of creeps me out and makes me think of a Halloween fake zombie finger prank!

Animal heads and skulls seem to be the most popular “bizarre” find in jewelry, so I wasn’t surprised to find four that fit into that category. I do like that none of the three options are “cutesy” because I think that makes them much more high-fashion. And I really don’t mind the helmet ring at all–I think it’s the most wearable of all the pieces.

Despite their price (all are $1,000 and up), would YOU wear any of these?

-Keri

Bizarre & Expensive: Rings by klabuski

Purple is my favorite color to wear in the fall months because it’s more unexpected than browns and grays, but most shades are dark enough to blend easily into your fall wardrobe. Thanks, Pantone, for making my obsession with deep purple a way to stay trendy!

Imagine opening up a long gray trench coat to reveal the rich purple of the dress pictured above! The royal-hued frock also reminds me of the white Halston Heritage dress Sarah Jessica Parker wears in Sex & the City 2, making it even more lust-worthy.

The bangle is a great option if you’re new to purple and too shy to jump in headfirst–bangles are in no matter what color they may be, and this option is a simple acrylic cuff that makes a statement without shouting too loud.

Which is more than I can say for those fabulous boots! For the brazen fashionista, the boots will instantly jazz up any black miniskirt. Make sure these are the center of attention and keep everything else subdued.

The sequined hat is an adorable addition to your look on a casual date–add appeal to a simple yet sexy outfit like a classic white tee and pair of skinny jeans. Throw on a blazer when the temp drops, and you’ll look like a million bucks.

And lastly, there’s nothing that cheers me up more on a rainy day (other than cuddling, hot chocolate and a good book) than a pretty umbrella like the one above. It makes the rain seem a little less dreary!

All items under $50!

-Keri

Pantone Fall Fashion Color Report: Purple Orchid by klabuski

Bright yellowy-orange might seem like a bizarre choice for fall, but Pantone announced that Golden Glow will be a fall fashion color this year–and it totally makes sense! Who doesn’t love the idea of adding a ray of sunshine to an otherwise drab fall wardrobe?! Just like with woodbine green, keep this limited to unexpected accessories like the sunny filigree earrings or the wavy amber bangle pictured. Too much of this color and you’ll look more “The Man in the Yellow Hat” from Curious George than the trendy fashionista.

Speaking of hats, I love the idea of wearing a long gray trench, topped with the sunny knit hat above or in tandem with the mustard-y  mitten-gloves.

Other less obvious options are the simple enamel dome ring, which would look great with a black dress and purple pumps, or the skinny belt, which would look divine over a simple white button-down tunic.

As always, every item pictured is under $50!

-Keri

Pantone Fall Fashion Color Report: Golden Glow by klabuski

Another of Pantone’s Fall Fashion color picks is woodbine. Woodbine is a tricky color–it’s almost like a subdued lime green, but not quite an army green. It reminds me of money…and lettuce!

The best way to incorporate this trendy color is to find affordable accessories to jazz up your look, which will keep you up-to-date without breaking the bank. The oversized clutch would go great with an all-black ensemble because it’s more surprising than this season’s popular grays. Try either the sparkly green bracelet or beaded draped necklace over a neutral sweater for a shock of color at the office.

If you’re a big fan of woodbine, go all-out for the green cardigan, which is totally on-trend with a cute bow at the neckline. I would layer it over a pale pink tank and finish it with a pair of tailored gray dress pants for a business casual look. The Urban Decay stardust eyeshadow glimmers wonderfully–for maximum impact, start with a charcoal smoky eye and kick it up a notch by brushing a layer of the bright green on your lids and just under your lower lash line!

Come on, ladies–spend your green on some green!

-Keri

Pantone Fall Fashion Color Report: Woodbine by klabuski

Each fall, Pantone publishes its Fall Fashion Color Report, and this year, Lipstick Red is on the list. This is the color you would get if you melted all of your favorite lipsticks together to create the ultimate shade of pinky-red. This shade of red will flatter almost any skintone, so don’t be shy when updating your fall wardrobe. The fiery color will make you feel vampy like a pinup girl!

My favorite piece in this lineup is most definitely that fantastic cocktail ring! It’s a little pinker, but it’s big and eye-catching! I’m also loving the skirt because it makes me think of ballerinas, and it is, in fact, sold by a dancewear company (surprise, surprise). Be sure to pair it with non-dancewear, like a casual fitted tee, to keep it from looking like you’re in transit to dance class. It’s also ultra-feminine, so it would look great with some long, chunky chains around your neck or studded booties.

The bowler bag is a great casual weekend overnight bag, and I love that it combines two different shades of reddish pink. In fact, that’s what I love most about Lipstick Red–it’s easy to combine it with varying shades.

And, of  course, you can’t forget to tip your fingers with the fiery hue–it’s a nice twist on the typical red nailpolish.

And just in case you haven’t noticed, everything pictured is under $50!

-Keri

Lipstick Red for Fall 2010 by klabuski

Create four totally different looks while wearing the same amazing ruffle dress from ASOS — just by changing your shoes!

Wear the “ladylike” peep-toe pumps for a special occasion, such as a wedding or formal event. Pair the dress with the strappy “demure” heels for date night. Enjoy a girls’ night out in the “rocker” platforms. Show your playful side in the “funky” booties on a bachelorette’s weekend in Atlantic City or Vegas!

Who knew there were so many shoe options for just one dress?!

-Keri

Just Shoe It by klabuski