Opportunity door-knockers

Oversized costume jewellery is in vogue, and 80s earrings can be had for a song.

I don’t have the skills of a fine jeweller;

I can’t differentiate real gems from fake. But I can spot legit costume jewellery of the 1980s from five paces away. As a kid of the 80s, I developed a love for that decade’s snazzy earrings, so it suits me that giant costume jewellery, and especially earrings, are in vogue right now.

There are some great, door knocker-sized earrings available that are designed and/or made locally. I’m thinking of Jasmine Sparrow, Meadowlark, Creeps & Violets, Flash Jewellery and Zoe & Morgan – all of whom do high-end costume-style jewellery, as well as finer pieces.

But there’s nothing quite like the reckless pizzazz and slightly wrong colours of original 1980s jewellery, so this pair for $5 was a really exciting find.

I’ve given them a bit of a clean, and think the opportunity to wear them can’t be far off – that rusty peachy tone of the enamel will go well with all the bright orange shades I’ve been drawn to for the last few seasons. But the best thing about earrings of this scale, and a good reason to own at least one pair, is that they could bring some glamour to a very understated dress or top.

1. Shjark Madison jacket, $599

2. Max pleat tie waist pant, $120

3. Kowtow Foldover skirt, $299

4. Salasai cult classic pants in brown check, $339

5. Storm Arch-Sleeve-Sweater, $179

6. Karlya’s Berebi earrings, $5 from St John Op Shop Whanganui

7. Isaac+ Lulu top, $229

8. Kowtow Camille top, $159

9. Karen Walker Knight socks, $35

10. Beau Coops Bensley shoes, $459 from beaucoops.co.nz

11. Moochi trust coat, $700