I PREDICT A ROBOT

Tarina Tarantino and Kid Robot, the sequel.

For those more comfortable in Converse than Chanel, the search for comfortable and cool jewelry is often quite tough.  Charm bracelets boast pink enameled puppies; necklaces bling from ten feet away; even earrings seem more fit for Marie Antoinette than a day in your actual life.

Tarina Tarantino gets that, and - despite her pink hair and penchant for rhinestones - seems determined to do something about it.  Her second collection for Kid Robot debuts this week, and with it, some serious options for bauble-phobics.

There are silver chain necklaces adorned with small guns.  There are plastic hearts, rockets, and grenades.  There's even a set of beaded bangles that comes in ten colors - and with the waterproof ability to get scrubbed in the sink.

True, the jewels are a bit Punky (as in Brewster, not Sex Pistols), but if you're looking for a way to turn a t-shirt and jeans into something more standout, this is a frill-free way to go.

And anyway, who doesn't love a pendant with a giant smoking bunny?
--FARAN KRENTCIL



This story was published on January 28, 2009.