The Bib Necklace: Its Now and its WOW!

Occasionally I’m asked what the current obsession is in Los Angeles as far as fashion goes. Not being a huge fashionista myself, especially with two small kids under age 5, I have to go digging around. Fortunately there are some fantastic boutiques and shoppes where you can learn what the trends are. So I visited some.

And I was happy!

Stop number 1 got my motor revving! It was obvious what was new and fabulous...this cool bib style necklace. It was on a funky mannequin in the front of the shoppe, and at the front counter there were more. I looked at the price tag. The lowest one was $184.00. Yipes! These were bead encrusted beauties that had tons of beads on them. And then I realized they came in a myriad of designs. Check these beauties out…

Bejeweled bib

The first one I noticed was this stone jewel type of bib, with large cabochon stones set in a design. In some cases the stones were against a thin netting fabric to make them look like they’re floating. Or, they were set in findings that were linked or soldered against each other. Love the transparent and opaque glass and plastic stones. They have a bit of retro 80’s flair to them. I’ve noticed this style of necklace for sale in department stores, not just in trendy boutiques.

Fleur de bib

This one makes me smile! A cluster of ribbon flowers with buttons and beads in the center, all held together with a simple ribbon to tie around the neck. The simplicity of this design is a bit surprising, since it looks so complex. If you’ve got any sewing skills you can pull it off.

Vintage bib

A smattering of vintage buttons is just the perfect thing for a bib necklace. Since there are many times when you have a single button and you're not sure what to do with it other than use it for a clasp, you can gather a few up and create a bib necklace that has a touch of nostalgia and patina. You can mix metals with plastic and mother of pearl.

Fiber bib

Varied sizes of rings with crocheted embellishment are arranged together to be a lovely organic shape, but it also gives off a few geometric vibes. This one hangs from a piece of chain for a strap, and the contrast between the metal and fiber is really nice.

A necklace bib

You’d think that a traditional necklace couldn’t be converted into a bib… wrong! If you simple hang enough dangles of some cool beads into a V shape on a necklace then it begins to look bib-like nearly instantly! This fantastic version is done with round mother of pearl discs and chain, along with jumprings to hold it all together. The necklace itself is a great blend of wood, stone and Bali silver. Beautiful!

Metallic bib

How about a metal version? This one begins with a ring of brass to form around the neck, with swags and loops of wire holding together small daggers of clear glass. A bit of chain draped across the top row gives it a touch of cool texture. I bet this one feels wonderful to wear. The metal is so contrasting to the fabric and this one is a definite winner!

A sequin bib

Talk about bling! This verison of the bib is so twinklie and sparklie that you practically have to squint! Assembled on a base of felt with each sequin sewed down individually. If you look close enough you’ll find some stones embedded in the nest of sequins. Tied with a simple black ribbon. How pretty can you get?

How do I get one?

I don’t think you have to spend hundreds of dollars on one of these. You can actually make your own by simply using a fabric base, or even a wire base to attach your beads to. Sew beads on with Fireline and thread, or you can wire wrap onto a wire base. Add a bit of chain or ribbon for the back to use as a necklace strap, and you’re home free. I guess the hardest thing to choose is what to use on the bib itself, since your choices include everything from feathers to beads to buttons to whatever your mind can fathom. It’s a free for all! Call me crazy, but I always look way ahead when I see designs like this…  to the days when they become vintage and someone like me is browsing around in an attic or antique shop and stumbles across a few. So fun!

“I think the bib necklace is a classic vintage design. Its just begging to be filled with old buttons, chains, flowers, pins, components and charms. What other style allows you to combine all that into one piece and looks amazing?”  ~Dolores Roza

Resources:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43841738

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43921885

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1244063&ga_query=bib%20necklace

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=487741&ga_query=bib%20necklace