Bangles Big and Bold

By Marni Elyse Katz
January 18, 2011

Marc By Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

Bangle Bracelets from Marc By Marc Jacobs, Spring 2011

Beachy stripes, a rich citrus palette, and loose, casual silhouettes were the major fashion trends in the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring / Summer 2011 collection. On the fashion runway, stylish accessories — skinny belts, bowler hats pulled tight over super frizzy hair, canvas and patent shoes, and wristfuls of chunky, retro-style bangle bracelets — enhanced the playful vibe of the Marc Jacobs collection. Though spring has not yet sprung, we nevertheless found a fashion trend brewing on eBay, where online sales of bangle bracelets are up 17 percent in a recent 30-day period (12/08/10-01/06/11) compared to the prior period.

Marc By Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

Fashions from Marc By Marc Jacobs, Spring 2011 (Photos by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

eBay is full of similar bracelets, in lacquered wood and bakelite, studded, sparkly, and striped, in an array of price points that represent one-offs and top designer finds.

Vintage Marbleized Bakelite

(buy it now price, $95)

With its faded orange shade, this authentic bakelite piece looks like it stepped right off the Marc by Marc Jacobs runway.
Retro '70's Chunky Four-Color Layer Lucite

(buy it now price, $195)

This funky design could have come right out of Marcia Brady’s jewelry box.
1960 Vintage Exquisite Fuchsia Lucite

(buy it now price, $87.50)

This raspberry estate sale find is in line with the major color trends for spring.
Vintage Yellow and White Stripe

(buy it now price, $41.24)

These cheerful, sunshine yellow stripes would look at home on the beach.
Wood with Brass Stripe

(buy it now price, $7.79)

This wood bangle has a tribal vibe with its brass and bone-like accents.
Kenneth Jay Lane Brown Wood Studded

(buy it now price, $73.10)

Gold-plated studs provide a shiny texture to the smooth, domed wood of this bracelet, designed by costume jewelry master Kenneth Jay Lane.
Alexis Bittar Lucite

(buy it now price, $139.99)

Alexis Bittar, known for inventive collections, won the Council of Fashion Designers “Accessory Designer of the Year” award last year.
Lee Angel Orange Oval Bead Resin

(buy it now price, $30)

The rosy coral shade, studded with turquoise color stones, is very Palm Beach.
Chunky Copper

(buy it now price, $8.99)

The texture of this asymmetric bangle recalls wood, but the piece is actually made from acrylic metallic copper.
Vintage Lucite Sriped with Hinge

(buy it now price, $68)

The basket weave pattern and tortoise shell colors are a stellar combination.
Kara Ross White Square Enamel with Gemstones

(buy it now price, $95)

This pretty, square enamel piece is studded with yellow gold-plated, bezel-set white agate, hematite and turquoise stones.
Alexis Bittar Green Lucite with Chain

(buy it now price, $105.99)

The chain detail of this opaque kelly green lucite beauty is very on-trend right now, as brass is finding favor over silver tones.
Square Leopard Resin Lucite

(buy it now price, $1.54)

A spectacular square-shaped animal print bangle will work year round.
Green Square

(buy it now price, $5.49)

A very bright, inexpensive bangle with patterns reminiscent of African beads.