Prada Butterfly Keychain

So you’re probably thinking, “Keychains? In a fashion blog?” Yes, keychains. Here’s the thing. If you’re going to take the time to coordinate your clothes, and choose complementary shoes, then carry a matching handbag, I’m thinking you probably also put some thought into the jewelry you wear, how you fix your hair, and the way you apply your makeup. It’s all about the details, right? That’s how you create a complete and put-together look. So after you go to all that trouble to create a unique style that says who you are, do you really want to pull a faded, banged-up, plastic keychain from your designer—or at least stylish—handbag? I didn’t think so. Complete your look, right down to how you carry your keys, with a keychain just as stylish as the rest of your accessories. This Prada butterfly keychain is a great way to start your collection.

That’s right—collection. Why should you just have one keychain? Just because it’s something utilitarian doesn’t mean it can’t be an important accessory, one that coordinates with your ensemble, or matches your handbag. You should have a few keychains, in different styles and colors, to go with different outfits, or to use on different occasions. Prada’s butterfly keychain is classically styled, with a Saffiano leather body in a color called cipria. It’s whimsical at the same time that it’s classy, with delicate stitching and tiny studs decorating the butterfly’s wings. The hardware is silver, and features both a clip and a ring. The ring is for your keys, and the clip allows you to attach it to a built-in keyring inside any handbag, or to the outer handbag hardware. As all the company’s accessories do, the keychain comes in a Prada box with an authenticity card. It normally retails for $180, but you can get it now for just $79 at ModaQueen.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

So who doesn’t like butterflies? I do, but $79 for a keychain just because it says Prada on it? I swear, sometimes I think designers could put their name on toilet paper and charge twice as much as the regular stuff, and it would still sell. And you know where that extra money would go, right? I’m digging this Lucky Brand butterfly key fob. I think it’s actually prettier than the Prada. The detail on it is so astounding, it almost passes for jewelry. The fob is an antiqued silver-tone metal with enamel inlay in a beautiful combination of colors—ivory, turquoise, dark teal, and sky blue. In the very center, the two parts that make up the butterfly’s body are tiny, multi-faceted crystals, also in dark teal. The small connector that attaches it to the actual keyring is adorned with small flowers, one on each side, and a hammered teardrop charm hangs from the bottom. The back of the butterfly is covered with peace signs, and the Lucky Brand logo across the center. The clip is embossed with the words “peace and love,” and is adorned with a tiny peace sign as well. Take a closer look for only $28 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

If butterflies aren’t your thing, or if you prefer gold to silver, check out this Juicy Couture Queen of Hearts keychain in gold-tone metal. Four hearts of different sizes are suspended from the keychain: a flat one with the Juicy Couture logo embossed across its center; a simple cutout heart; one adorned with sparkling white crystals; and one adorned with feminine pink crystals. Both the crystal-encrusted hearts have gold-tone banners across their fronts that say Juicy Couture, and the brand is also embossed on the keyring. There is no mistaking who made this keychain, is there? Is Juicy practicing branding, or are they just conceited? Anyway, if you don’t mind being a walking billboard for Juicy, it doesn’t even have to be used as a keychain. Use it to simply decorate your handbag, whether it’s made by Juicy Couture or not. The gold color and shiny crystals also make it a good keychain to carry when you’re dressed up for a night on the town. Dress up your house and car keys for just $48 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 3

We’ve got butterflies, hearts, what’s missing? Of course—flowers. Yeah, I’m in a girly mood today. What about it? You can’t tell me this isn’t a keychain you’d want to swing around. Look how pretty it is! Lucky Brand gets it right again, this time with antiqued two-tone metal and enamel inlays. And again, the details are not to be missed. One charm is a sunburst flower design in deep magenta and bright yellow with gold accents. The other has seafoam green petals with silver accents, and a magenta crystal right in the center. Both flower charms hang from textured, gold-tone chain links. A third charm is suspended from dainty silver links, and is a simple round garnet crystal encased in gold-tone metal. The fourth and final charm is a cutout peace sign. But we’re not done yet. The backs of the two flower charms are also adorned with peace signs, the larger also with tiny stars embedded within the sign. The round crystal charm has a raised flower on the back that contrasts with its silver chain. The connector that holds all these charms and connects them to the actual keyring is decorated with a small maroon bead. The top ends in a clip, once again with the words “peace and love” carved into it. You could remove that clip, and attach the key fob by its ring to a long chain and wear it as a necklace and no one would be the wiser. In fact, get two just for that reason, especially since it’s only $31 at Zappos.com.