Let’s be honest: anyone can pop on a necklace, carry around a $500 hobo bag, and call it a day. To be a true pioneer of style, you should learn to strut your stuff in truly unique ways that no one will copy.

Regarding bags, why not go for one that is actually supposed to carry stuff rather than just look good? True, you can stuff an awful lot of crap into a hobo bag, but laptop bags are a great way to rock some style while keeping your computer safe. And if you’re going to walk all over town or lug your textbooks to class, you can customize a backpack for a really cool and personal look.

And have you ever thought about a beautiful umbrella? They say the greatest inventions are marriages of function and design—and if that’s true, an eye-catching umbrella is the equivalent of a couple that’s been happily married for at least 50 years.

As long as you’re out and about, why not pimp out your ride? No, I’m not talking about your car—gas prices are through the roof, and one great way to save is by buying a bike you love and adding personal touches until you love it even more. You don’t have to go as all out as this guy did, but just a little bit of style is never a bad thing.

Finally, remember when you were in third grade and you doodled on all of your notebooks? Well, now is the time to do the same thing, only in a more refined way. With the pennies it costs to buy a few craft supplies, you can really make a statement and be unique by personalizing your school (or work) stuff.

What are your best tips for accessorizing unusual things?

[Image courtesy of flickr.com.]

Big jewelry continues to be a major trend, so one key tip is that if you’re gonna go big on the accessories, you need to go minimally on the clothes so you don’t end up looking like a walking Vegas Strip.

Nature is a main theme throughout jewelry pieces for the summer; you’ll see flowers, leaves and moons & stars in everything from pendants to rings and especially in drop earrings, so go ahead and get in touch with nature.

One of the “must have” pieces of the season is the not-so-subtle medallion. Medallions and pendants are back, as designers turn to the seventies and eighties for inspiration. A sub-division of this trend is another one; zodiac pendants. Say good-bye to wearing your name or initials on your neck, showing off your star sign in silver, gold or even diamonds is the way to go.

Channel your inner Jackie O. by putting a twist on the classic pearl necklace with giant pearl pieces, whether chokers, multiple strand necklaces or even necklaces with different colored pearls tied together paired with giant pearl earrings or bracelets.

Time to raid that local flea market or your Grandma’s jewelry box. Cameos and bangles are another new/old trend and going vintage is the best way to go. The best thing about this look is that you really can do it on the cheap (or free, if you are into swiping things from g’ma).

Want to go a little more fun & funky this year? Pop art has inspired jewelry designers and you can find a slew of brightly colored plastic bangles, hair ties and bracelets in big, bold shapes. Abstract designs are also big and these pieces are great for weekend and casual wear.

A popular color combo this season is black & gold, a throwback to the 70′s/disco era, with an emphasis on oversized links and chains. For some eye-catching accessories, go with enameled bracelets, necklaces and chokers.

Last but not least, continue rockin’ out those big and blingin’ cocktail rings because baby, they ain’t goin’ anywhere and who doesn’t love showing off some fabulous bling?

No matter what trend you choose to follow, as is always the case with fashion, go with what makes you feel comfortable and sexy, and have fun with it.

If you’re on a budget like most of us are, Urban Outfitters has some fun pieces that follow the trends well, but my favorite place to get cheapie pieces that I always get compliments on is my tried and true Forever 21 . Just remember, you don’t have to break the bank to have fabulous accessories.