Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I bought some Chuck Taylor Converse All Star black high top sneakers embellished with pearls and jewels. Looking closer, I realized these were stick-ons done by hand. I Googled “Sneaker Embellishment” and saw dozens of customizing kits available.

Since I bought them, I’ve seen a few (mostly younger) women wearing fabulous blingy sneakers. Are bejeweled sneakers a “thing” now — and just for the young (which I’m not)? I’d like to design and wear a pair myself.

--Pam J.

Dear Pam: Bling is a Thing. It even rhymes! Wearables from purses to evening gowns, to denim…and Chuck Taylor Converse All Star high tops are bejeweled.

As you point out there are kits to buy online to embellish DIY. Etsy.com sells customized blingy high tops, although they’re likely to run you in the $200+ range. And converse.com lets you personalize your sneaks with embroidery, metallic eyelets and more, although if you want them jeweled you’re on your own.

You ask if these jeweled sneaks are “just for the young” and the answer is no (with an asterisk). I’ve said many times that in fashion there are no rules. That includes age limits. Except: Never wear anything that makes you truly uncomfortable. Fashion designer Betsey Johnson, 81, has shown up in some pretty out-there styles and you can too.

But, if you want to take your bejeweled high tops slow, consider limiting your bling to a classic: covered in white pearls.

One more thing: The self-adhesive on many rhinestones and other embellishments can be pretty feeble. My favorite to make stuff stick is clear, transparent E6000 adhesive, which is widely available at craft and hardware stores and online.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I know you are a big fan of Goodwill and other thrift stores, but buying “used” items is not something I was brought up with. It makes me a little uncomfortable. Any suggestions for getting over this? I certainly love a bargain, but…

--Jennifer S.

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