Bead It
Adorn yourself with something bold and beautiful.
* WHAT'S IN Who'd have thought looking chunky would be a good thing? It is when it comes to adornments for the neck this season, where bigger is definitely better. Picture being stranded on a tropical island. No, not left behind, but covered in layers of exotic beads. They were all over spring runways in playful multiples or a single, super-sized choker. Choosing lightweight fabric pieces, like Prada's inventive crocheted cotton beads, lets you avoid neck strain. If your tastes run to the more classical, hit the right fashion note with several matching strands of semiprecious stones worn close to the neck.
* HOW TO WEAR IT Layers of necklaces add spice to sundresses, tanks, and summer whites. And while beaded bracelets and rings lend a hand to the bohemian look, oversized earrings overdo it.
* WHERE TO FIND IT At Beadworks for exotic strands and make-your-own, 167 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-247-7227, and 23 Church Street, Cambridge, 617-868-9777; Beauty Mark for jewelry by M. Flynn Accessories and others, 33 Charles Street, Boston, 617-720-1555; and Alianza, 154 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-262-2385.
