All that glitters...

Everyone has their kryptonite: I may be able to refuse that gorgeous geometric-patterned blouse or pair of heart-attack inducing platform heels (though this isn't willpower that I often find myself in the possession of) my one enormous weakness is accessories: bags, necklaces, bracelets, earrings - rack 'em up and pile 'em high is the mantra I find myself living by when it comes to the finishing touches of an outfit. Imagine my excitement then when I flick through the trend forecasts for AW'12 and see page upon page of glorious garments adorned with massive jewels, killer studs and Fifty Shades of chains.

Left to right: Anna Sui AW'12; Jean-Paul Gaultier AW'12

The bigger the better is always a sweet phrase to hear, and even better to see in action in the fashion world. Here comes the tricky part though: a stylista on a budget can find herself at quite a disadvantage when the mind-bogglingly intricate and eccentric jewellery of her dreams is accompanied by a huge (though often justified) price tag. Enter: the high street. For a fraction of the cost you can buy yourself a chestful of style swag to layer up and make look super expensive thanks to those notoriously fabulous designers at H&M, Zara, ASOS, Topshop and a host of other helpful high street brands. Here's a selection of what you can find in the shops this Autumn/Winter to update your look.

Clockwise from left to right: ASOS Double Ring Spike Doorknocker Earrings £15; ASOS Spiked Headband £10; ASOS Jewelled Moon Doorknocker Earrings with Detachable Stud £20; ASOS Shard Necklace £10; ASOS Hair Spikes with Hanging Chains £12

Left to right: H&M Necklace £12.99; H&M Bracelet £7.99; H&M Necklace £7.99; H&M Earrings £5.99; H&M Earrings £6.99

Left to right: Zara Women's Golden Mesh Bib Necklace with Black Stones £19.99;  Zara Jewel Necklace with Stones and Glass Tear £19.99

Left to right: Topshop Deco Chandelier Earrings £15; Topshop Curve Hollow Bar Necklace £15; Topshop Wild Thing Shard Ear Cuff £8.50; Topshop Perspex Peter Pan Necklace £25

Pssssst... you know those super cute detachable Peter Pan collars that are all over the shop right now? If  you want something a little more unique without paying custom/couture price tags then head over to Etsy for some handmade bargains! Here's a few I think are worth checking out...

I haven't listed the sellers or prices of these Etsy delights as these pieces are one offs (yay!) which does mean they go quickly (boo!) BUT there's pages and pages more of them (YAY!).