Fashion Trends

Trends for2022 ACCESSORY

After a year of staying in the house, wearing sweats and other assorted quarantine gear, it is time for a change. Many are now finally ready to dress up, even while still wearing masks and social distancing. Break out all of those accessories that piled up from months of online shopping. Nobody will judge if you overaccessorize.

The new year brings changing trends in jewelry, both traditional and avant-garde. Pearls have always been in, but we are now seeing more of the freshwater variety. They have a more contemporary look. From pearl drop earrings to layered necklaces that mix

pearls with other materials, pearls work for all occasions. There are also personalized extra-long pendant necklaces and charm bracelets. Colorful beads are always a hit, whether worn as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. Chain link necklaces and bracelets with attached charms are also hot at the moment. And feel free to stack rings on a couple fingers while you’re at it!

A brand new trend is mismatched earrings or simply wearing one dramatic shoulder grazing earring. Of course two shoulder length earrings also work. Mixing and matching different textures is also very popular. Instead of smooth gold hoops, go for a textured pair in silver; silver has made a huge comeback.

Several top designers have moved towards mini handbags recently, often on long chains. They can even be worn as a necklace. And of course, let’s not forget about diamonds. They remain at the top of the food chain. Just ask Marilyn Monroe -“Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”.

Hair ornaments of all sizes can make a powerful fashion statement. There are a multitude of choices from traditional headbands to pearl hairpins or hair clips, barrettes, and even scrunchies. They come in a variety of fabrics from velvet to fur to leather. Most popular are headbands embellished with pearls, rhinestones or feathers. You’ll always look chic with a You’ll always look chic with a headband! headband!

Regardless Regardless of individual of individual style, all can style, all can agree – now agree – now is the time is the time to shine! to shine!

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or medical insurance account numbers. The information could then be used to make purchases, get new cards in your name, open a phone, electricity, or gas account, or even steal your tax refund or medical benefits

No one wants to be the subject of identity theft. If it happens to you, there are steps you can take, and the government is there to help at Identitytheft.com.

The important thing is to take all the necessary steps to prevent it.

Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards and any other documents that have personal information in a secure place. If getting rid of them, be sure to shred them.

Do not give out your Social Security number other than to the IRS, your bank, and your employer without asking why they need it. If they have a valid reason, try offering just the last 4 digits.

If you are logging in to an on-line account, use a strong password.

Do not give your personal information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you. They could be a scammer trying to steal your information.

In addition to taking steps to protect your information, there are things to do to detect identity theft.

Track what bills you owe and when they are due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign someone changed your address or other information

Review your bills for charges that don’t belong to you

Check your bank account for withdrawals not made by you

Get and review your credit reports, as accounts you don’t recognize could be a sign of identity theft. Many companies sell identity theft protection services that may include credit monitoring, identity monitoring, identity recovery services, and identity theft insurance. These services may be offered by your bank or credit union, credit card provider, employer’s benefits program, or insurance company. Also, there are credit monitoring services like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that offer these services as well.

Identity monitoring services may notify you of a change of address request, court or arrest records, orders for new utility, cable or wire services, application for a payday loan, information on websites that sell stolen identity information.

Most will not notify you if someone uses your information to file a tax return and collect your refund, get Medicare benefits, get Medicaid benefits, get welfare benefits, claim Social Security benefits, claim unemployment benefits.

If you discover that someone is misusing your personal information visit:

www.IdentityTheft.gov

Courtesy of Federal Trade Commission