Lucky Charms

Who knew Grandma was such a fashion plate? Charm bracelets, once the staple of dusty jewelry boxes, are jingle-jangling their way into some chichi places: Saks, Bloomingdale's, and DKNY all offer versions this winter. Neiman Marcus has Konstantino's $1,230 sterling-silver beauty and a celeb- endorsed bracelet (starting at $600) from Rene Russo, who, after watching the Wendy Brigode pearl necklace she donned in '96's Tin Cup inspire countless imitators, put the craze to good use. Ninety percent of the proceeds from sales of Russo's aptly dubbed c.h.a.r.m. bracelet benefit an autism charity. Enthusiasts — who've made a virtual art of charm collecting — can thank a warmed-over trend for the new exposure. ''Bracelets came back last year with power beads,'' says Ginger Reeder of Neiman Marcus. ''This is the dressed-up version of that.'' And Joyce Packman, an accessories merchandising manager with Bloomie's, expects the item to sell well because of its versatility: ''You can wear it to work. You can wear it to go out. It's timeless.'' And they'll always hear you coming.