Olympic Fashion Fever

By: Sharon Mosley

Time to wear your true colors — red, white and blue! To celebrate the upcoming Olympics in London, many fashion companies are offering lots of ways to get inspired both here and across the pond. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite things to get you in the winning spirit, just in time for the summer games.

—The official site — Start your search for Olympic-inspired fashion here at www.teamusashop.com. It’s chock full of everything from collectible pins and accessories to T-shirts, hats and jewelry for the whole family. My favorite is the USA flag logo bracelet made of stretchable paracord. It will stretch 15 feet if you ever find yourself in a situation demanding a strong rope. Fifty shades of red, white and blue? Hmm … $44.95.

—Boden USA — One of Britain’s well-known retailers for women, men and children, established by Johnnie Boden in London in 1991. Boden was launched in America in 2002. This summer, you can find all kinds of stylish accessories online, too. The Union Jack flag charms are memorable additions to a charm bracelet. (www.bodenusa.com)

—Judith Leiber clutch purses – Another way to get into the British spirit big time. Judith Leiber is famous for her jeweled minaudieres, which have become a collector’s item since the Hungarian-American designer founded the company in 1963. This year, Leiber has new crystal clutches that are tributes to the Olympics. My favorite features the Union Jack flag, priced at a mere $3,495. (www.judithleiber.com)

—Gemvara stackable rings — In celebration of the 2012 Olympics, Gemvara is introducing a limited edition of stackable-style rings inspired by the official Olympic rings. The online retailer of fine jewelry produces more than 1,500 original designs that can be customized using your choice of gemstones and precious metal options to create one-of-a-kind looks. The rings cost $150 to $250. (www.gemvara.com)

—Dannijo necklaces — Dannijo is another luxury jewelry company named after two sisters, Danielle and Jodie Snyder, whose designs have a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. (Beyonce is a favorite customer.) To celebrate the Olympics, the Snyders created unique “collar” necklaces studded with red, white and blue Swarovski crystals, making a bold style statement and another jewelry collectible for $995. (www.dannijo.com)

—Old Navy T-shirts — You don’t have to actually go to London to show your team spirit, you can just pick up a “Team USA” T-shirt at Old Navy stores. Check out the dozen or so graphic Olympic-inspired shirts ranging in price from $6 to $22. And while you’re there, pick up a pair of red, white and blue flip-flops! (www.oldnavy.com)

—Union Jack boots — Yes, this has to be one of my top picks! Clark’s has come up with a great-looking pair of canvas desert boots with the Union Jack flag printed on them. Talk about real show-stoppers, and they’ve got to be really comfy! Grab ’em quick. They are on sale for $89.99 at www.piperlime.gap.com.

—Red, white and blue nails — Nails Inc. celebrated their British heritage with red, white and blue nail polish shades for the Queen’s Jubilee. Paint alternate shades on each finger or create miniature Union Jacks, the ultimate tribute to the Queen. In “St. James,” a classic blue red, “Floral Street,” an opaque white, and “Baker Street,” a cobalt blue. Priced at $9.50 each, these nail colors are available at Sephora and Sephora.com. I’m going for the “Baker Street” blue; I’ve always had a thing for Sherlock Holmes.