Today’s guest blogger is Tamara Bradshaw, a jewelry collector and regular contributor to Show & Tell.

You can stay incredibly up-to-date and stylish while wearing costume jewelry. I prefer vintage pieces for several reasons. For one, the quality is better. Secondly, they’re not made in China (it’s shocking how many “American” brands are made overseas). Lastly, I usually find these items at great prices.

Take this current trend: Layering those bangles and bracelets. Within the last few days, I have seen this look in a “Glamour” magazine photo spread,  a Subaru commercial, and on a segment for weddings on Nate Berkus. The preference for piling on bangles on bare arms began in the 1920s with the flapper movement. But these days, this can be done with all kinds of bracelets—wood, plastic, silk wrapped, gold and silver linked.

At first I was hesitant, thinking I wouldn’t like it, but it actually looked good! I used four vintage clear rhinestone bracelets for one and a mixture of 10 bangles in silver plate, brass, and cloisonné in the other. Try it for yourself.

Of course, if you want you can go and buy these jewelry styles at most retail stores. But where’s the fun in that?