Swarovski Crystal's Beautiful "Bling" Spring Preview

The lights are glittering on Fifth Avenue in New York, but last Tuesday, on the West Side, the Swarovski Crystal preview for Spring, 2007, glittered even more brightly. In the first room I was ushered into, the items in the Couture Collection eclipsed the lovely views of Manhattan. Nearly every (but not all) of the jewelry, accessories and home items are created with crystal, which makes sense, but the Spring collections (there is more than one) have been created to cater to different tastes, and budgets. The pricey ($1,000+) Couture Collection is available only in Swarovski boutiques, and they are collector's items -- true works of art: chunky rings that glitter on fingers (and the pointer finger is the place for a big ring right now), handbags that look like crown jewels to carry your essentials, and (my favorite): some delicate, long necklaces linked with chains and crystals, that look like a rain shower of sparkle in pale hues. Just gorgeous!

For those with a beer and peanuts budget, don't despair! There are more popularly-priced items in the bridal and regular collections that are within range of reality. From the "Sands of Time" collection is a headband literally encrusted with crystal mesh, held in place by a discreet elastic for only $155.00. I thought I saw Paris Hilton in a magazine recently, wearing something similar, and it's head-turning! Not really too much for an accessory you can use over and over and dress up even last years' special occasion clothes with! There's also a bridal collection. My favorite piece was a long "scarf" necklace held in place with a dove-wing pin that can be worn as a drape and a variety of different ways. Brides with "back cleavage" will adore this and wear it for happily ever-after! There is also an amazing "tiara" ($390.00) made modern with large crystal flowers that stick out from the top. I guess you could add a veil to it, but I am thinking "lucky is the second-time bride who just wants a great headpiece--nothing more).

I didn't get the prices on some fabulous, crystal bowls featuring large, crystal "flowers" but they were gorgeous! Ditto the belts and wallets (FYI: the wallets have Italian sizing). You can purchase the non-couture collections in fine department stores. Hopefully, The Advice Sisters will be able to personally review some of the items I saw this week, along with prices.

The word "Swarovski" is synonymous with gorgeous, high end crystal. I have always been a great fan of shiny objects, big and small, and I think every woman needs some sparkle in her accessories. Add a little "bling" to your life each day with a signature piece, or (if you are lucky enough) collect a wardrobe. You'll always have "light" in your life.