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We're seeing a whole lotta bling these days. Sartorially, speaking. Wearing crystal-encrusted sweaters and blinged-out high heels and handbags at a party is one thing. Strutting around the grocery store on a Tuesday afternoon is another. So what are the new rules for bling?

Tina, here.

It's like they used to say, you may only frost yourself after dusk. Back then, this social more applied to your white jewelry (diamonds, pearls and platinum) and now I'd say it works well to remember this for the other kind of bling, your clothes.

So how about we talk about how to wear stuff that still excites you and isn't the same ole same ole jeans and a sweater? The new bling is all about beaded, metallic and embroidery. Sparkle not necessary. And every one of these outfit ideas is daytime appropriate, IMHO. So you can frost yourself a bit during daylight hours.

Metallic

A sweater that has metallic threads running through it casts a subtle sheen that catches the light in such a pretty way. Without being bedazzled. Or shiny.

And of course I love to juxtapose (hear that, D? ha) something that has sheen against something rough, like cowboy boots. It's a great, modern way to wear metallic.

Beaded

You know me, if I'm sparkly anywhere on my body, everything else is dull. I only like one thing at a time vying for the statement-maker role. All black with a beaded shell works for me.

See those little beads? Just the right amount of bling. This outfit might be great for an awards luncheon or some other fancy kind of daytime event. Great for evening, too.

I'm always looking for an excuse to wear a fun shoe, though. I don't think this cap-toe heel is too much, do you? Nah, especially during the holidays when you can sneak one more little pop into your blingy ensemble. For evening, definitely wear a sparkly shoe!

Another way to wear bling - as an accent.

This bedazzled cuff certainly meets my definition of what traditional bling is (now that's an oxymoron). Which is why I paired it with suede pants, naturally. To make sure that bling doesn't holler too loudly at anyone. For evening, I wouldn't hesitate adding something else a bit more party-ish.

Embroidered

This sweet blouse belonged to my mother. And I started wearing it again about ten years ago. I'm sure she wore it with a pretty skirt or pair of slacks and little leather pumps.

What a hoot! The embroidery is so beautifully done.

I wanted you to see the old Neiman Marcus label and sweet collar.

An embroidered silk blouse with faded jeans is my current update for this beloved blouse.

Insiders, you can shop these outfits (similar) inside the newest Vault! If you're not a member and would like to shop our curated selections from real stylists, try it out for free!

Thanks for reading and Merry, merry!

Tina