Beauty Jewelry

Store this one in the why-didn't-I-think-of-that hair files: a Connecticut woman has come up with a way to make wearing hair elastics all the more convenient. After years of wrapping elastics around her wrists just in case ponytails might be an option for the day's needs, marketer Karin Zannella grew tired of the unsightly red marks they left behind. Enter her new invention: Hairbanglez. Available in two sizes (skinny for $16, classic for $20), the just-released jewelry is designed with special grooves to hold a single elastic band in place. While the bangles are currently only available in black, Zannella has plans to launch more colors in the future. So spare the hair (your arm hair, that is), and give these clever cuffs a try. Oh, snap.

Rachel Zoe is always talking about "the statement necklace," and this spiky piece featured on our model to the right is quite similar to the one the stylist wore at an August event. But the difference between the one pictured and Rachel's is this: it's actually made from bobby pins.

Designed by artist Anni Albers in 1941, as part of a traveling exhibition, the bobby pin and ball chain necklace ($13) comes unassembled for you to put together yourself.

Not only does the piece garner tons of compliments (and come in handy when you need bobby pins in a pinch), but it has a great story. During World War II, materials were in short supply, so Albers and one of her students set out to create pieces that were playful, chic, and readily available, using objects such as washers, paper clips, wine corks, kitchen strainers, and, of course, bobby pins. The latter would also make a perfect holiday gift for the hairstylist — or lock picker — in your life.