The gowns. The hair. The bling!

Young actresses walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards last week flaunted anywhere from several hundred thousand dollars to more than $1 million in diamonds. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and broaches from Lorraine Schwartz, Fred Leighton, Martin Katz, and others were dripping off each well-known starlet. Jewelers are more than willing to lend baubles — prominent placing on just one popular star is worth about $50 million of advertising.

But in tough times like these, who wants to promote Rodeo Drive? Shouldn’t girls aspire to send more meaningful messages? If you want to make a statement, check out this “bling”:

STRONG, SMART, BOLD
Wear rubber bracelets, dog tags, even shoelaces with this fabulous message. These are just a few of the empowering finds at Girls, Inc.

i CARE
Gals with “a penchant for bling, soul for charity, and heart of fashion” will love the the colorful crystal-covered pendants and matching bracelet sets from High IntenCity’s i CARE collection. Promote positive change with pieces boasting inscriptions like PEACE IS POSSIBLE and LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED.

I FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
ACTION NOT GLAMOUR
GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING
Sticker Sisters puts these powerful sentiments on everything from magnets and buttons to band-aids and school supplies.

What cool items do you think are worth their bang in bling?