Let’s face it–pulling off some of the couture looks of the runway isn’t all that easy to do in anyone’s day-to-day work life or personal life.  But there is one new runway trend that can be adapted to real life–the jewelry.

The hot new jewelry trend that filled the Spring/Summer 2009 runway shows?  Statement jewelry.  The runways of Giambattista Valli, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, and many more were filled with models wearing ornate and exotic necklaces, chunky bangles and elegant cuff bracelets.  This type of look is one you can easily bring to your wardrobe!

On the left is a necklace from Giambattista Valli’s 2009 Spring collection.  Gorgeous, isn’t it?  Yet I doubt many people would have an occasion to wear such an elaborate piece.  A statement necklace like the one on the right by Bounkit for Vivre can give the same strong effect and fits right in with the trend.

The statement necklace above isn’t exactly inexpensive (it normally sells for close to $1000), but it goes without saying that a piece like this is well worth the money.  Imagine how much mileage you would get out of a necklace like this during the spring and summer this year!

The bracelets seen on the runway were made of all sorts of materials.  Traditional gold and silver is, of course, always in style.  But the bold, chunky bangles and cuffs were also offered in more exotic materials–anything from enamel to wood to wool and much more was fair game.

Take a look at these bracelets (from left, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and The House of Dereon–Beyonce’s fashion line):

You can find some great options for adding a style statement to your wrists this spring and summer–and the choices are pretty much endless.  Go with designer pieces like those above if you like, or go vintage and stack some Bakelite bangles on.  Try a lacy cuff or a couple of colorful chunky bracelets.  Here are a few good sources for finding some new pieces for this season:

Topshop.com has several designer-inspired pieces at not-so-designer prices.  Check out my fave, a rhinestone leopard bracelet:

Etsy.com is a treasure trove of handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.  There is such a huge selection of jewelry on this site, so shop when you have some time to browse.  Here’s an exotic kingwood bangle I found for only $36:

I also like www.shopkitson.com as a source for bracelets.  They carry a wide range of styles, many of which are from well-known jewelry designers such as Alexis Bittar, Rafia & Bossa, and The House of Harlow (Nicole Richie’s line).  I especially like this black cuff from Tommassini: