Arm Parties: Then and Now

The stacked bracelet trend has been building for the past few years. I have to admit, it’s taken a while for me to embrace it fully. Lately I find myself enjoying the opportunity to adorn my forearms in different colors and textures.  Last night an image of Madonna circa 1984 flashed through my mind and it made me think about how this trend started in the first place. The style of the 80′s certainly was unique in many ways. I can’t remember another modern era where such an eclectic mixture of colors and textures converged: blacks and neons, rubber, lace and feathers, masculine and feminine, Warhol meets Mozart. However, the black and chain metal arm parties of the 80′s still were not as much fun as the ones today.

It seems were in a new age of bracelet embracement. We’re seeing large-faced watches layered with chunky mixed-metal bracelets along with leather, woven nylon cord bracelets and neon brights. When it comes to arm parties, no one is excluded. Everyone is invited. Maybe this is a political statement disguised as trendy fashion? So, if you’re feeling it, feel free to mix white leather, colorful glass beads, rose gold, copper spikes, sterling silver cuffs and a vintage brass name bracelet. You can create your own little fashion microcosm where diversity reigns. It’s a beautiful thing.

Check out our gallery of arm parties, then & now. Tell us which ones you like best and what kinds of bracelets you like to mix.

Chunky, eclectic neons for an industrial sized party.

Great mixture of textiles, cool and stylish. I love the chunky turquoise rings!

Southwestern party. Organic materials and earthy tones.

Invite some love to the party.  Adorn512 Love bracelets.

Adorn512 Taupe and gold shimmer cuff.

Adorn512 Tri-color “bling” bracelets.

Adorn512 Vintage gold locket bracelet.

Adorn512 Beaded sparkle wrap bracelet. A party in itself.

Adorn512 Brass retro name bracelet. Circa 1978.