accessories, Fashion, necklaces, statement necklace

Striped Dress Refresh

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We are all susceptible to falling into an accessories rut. It happens.

The important thing is to know the signs that you’re in one. If you reach for the same exact necklace every time you put on a certain top, you’re in a jewelry rut.

If you look through your jewelry collection and see multiple necklaces that look alike, you’re in an accessories rut.

Let’s work together to break out of that rut.

Step one?

Follow my lead and try a new necklace with that dress that always gets worn with the other one.
When I first wore this magical number from White House Black Market, I wore it with this turquoise necklace.

But to freshen things up a bit, I decided to wear it this time with a light pink statement necklace mixed with diamonds (oh, they’re all real). What drew me to this one was the shape. I love how the jagged outline gives the light pink color and diamonds combination an edgier feel.

I’m all about that edgier feel.

This dress has such a great neck space for a statement necklace like this. That’s why it’s fun to make it look different with a new one each time (you hear that, honey? More jewelry!)

I dare you, no, I double dog dare you to try a new necklace with an old outfit next time. You’ll feel so fresh!

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accessories, Fashion, mother's day

Thank Mom With Diamonds (Inexpensively)

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mothers day gift ideas
How do you thank the woman who played a rather large role in bringing you into this world (and held back during those time when she wanted to take you back out of it?)

You thank her with diamonds. Duh.

I know that there are some women who think these kinds of gifts are silly and unnecessary (“When would I use this stuff?”). But those times when she has a wedding to get dressed for, or even just a dinner out on a Friday night with Dad, she would totally appreciate getting to reach for something sparkly.
(Or heck, the fact that these are all pieces she may never buy for herself but would make her feel so good when she wore them is reason enough! )
Take this adorable clutch from JCPenney, for example.  
Tell her to put down that everyday purse of her’s stuffed with receipts and wet wipes, and give her this slim gold clutch with the diamond details. Even if she throws on a black blouse and slacks, this clutch will take make her feel so good.
These diamond jeweled sandals found at Belk are gorgeous.
Convince her that her feet need some bling with these great sandals that will go with everything from bright capris to sundresses (Psst: They’re only $20).
You can always slip a new charm on her Pandora bracelet. This one technically doesn’t have diamonds, but it’s got hearts all over it. Close enough ;)
I know these Ann Taylor earrings wouldn’t get pulled out every Monday morning, BUT those times when she needs earrings to wear to that dinner with friends, or even just to perk up her Sunday morning attire…let’s just say she wouldn’t be frowning when she put these on.
Finally, let’s talk about this flowly blouse from White House Black Market with it’s diamond shaped metallic accents. You would truly solidify your standing as “Greatest Kid Ever” if she unwrapped this on Mother’s Day. It’s worth a little over $100 to achieve that great title when it comes time to clean the kitchen…get your siblings who pitched in for a new mop to do it ;)
However you do it, be sure to show your mom you love her big time this Sunday!
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accessories, Videos, wbir

And the Award for Best Accessories Goes to…

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There’s been a lot of accessory talk this week. Scratch that, there’s been a lot of Academy Awards talk this week.

And while it’s fun to look over all the beautiful gowns, my favorite thing to do is look at how they were accessorized.

These women have a team of professionals editing their looks, so why not glean from what they’re wearing for your next big event!

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accessories, forever21, necklaces

4 Little Ways to Freshen up for Spring (And Spend Less Than $11)

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If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a spring wardrobe, but still crave versatility, stock up on accessories.

And if you’re thinking I’m crazy for saying that because necklaces and earrings are just as, if not more expensive then great clothes, then you haven’t been in Forever21. And you have my deepest sympathies.

I don’t care WHAT age you are. If you’ve got a neck, earlobes and some ovaries then you should really get in there and check out what they have to offer and the ridiculously good prices they’re offering it at.

Take this lovely beaded necklace for example.
For $10.80 this little ditty would doll up a white t-shirt and boyfriend jeans just perfectly.

beaded necklace

Need another $10 example? I’m so glad…
How about this fresh piece that would hang just perfectly over a sweater that’s over a button down that’s under a blazer! (So it goes…button down then sweater then necklace then blazer).

teal necklace

Ok maybe really great looking necklaces for about what you paid for lunch last week isn’t your thing. Let’s look at earrings…

You know what these little $5 investments would do for that black and white striped shirt you bought last summer and a pair of dark skinny jeans? They’d take it to fresh and cute boot camp, that’s what they’d do.

black earrings

And before your wrist gets all jealous…
Dibs on this adorable $7.80 bracelet that will simply look so, so cute with last years sundresses.
I’m serious, dibs.

white bracelet

Now you see, there’s no excuse. And I definitely don’t want to hear that you’re too old to go in there. They can plan on seeing me well into my 90’s ;)

Don’t think accessories can be sexy? Read this.

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accessories, necklaces, rerun

Sexy Cool Accessories

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Whoever said accessories can’t be sexy, needs to dig out of their oversized turtle neck and start expanding their world (I don’t know for a fact that they wear turtle necks…maybe they prefer dickies?)

I say: accessories can totally be sexy.

I think they’re great for adding just the right amount of visual interest where there is none.
Take this outfit for example…

I tried it with a pair of hoops and it looked ok, but when I took those off and added this shiny happy thing, it gave life to the part of the sweater that was bare.

And pairing a necklace with a layered shirt/sweater combo like this instantly adds a cool and updated factor to a classic combination.

I probably would not have worn this necklace with just the button down, because with the visual of buttons going down the middle (and possibly pockets on either side) a swingy necklace would be too much.

Need more reasons to try a long necklace?

  1. They’re slimming. They give the eye a focal point and that’s straight down your front so that gives you a slimming effect.
  2. They move with you so you’ve got something swaying to your movements which translates, “I just threw this on as I walked out the door and now I look fabulous.”
  3. You can layer them, taking your plain black sweater from boring to hot in seconds, or you can  do just the one, which looks just as cool.

Do keep in mind that if you’re wearing your hair down and the necklace is pretty substantial, you don’t need earrings.

Remember: the less you have going on, the more flattering that one piece will be. If you’re going to wear your hair up, or the necklace is a simple chain (or maybe it has something on the very very end) then go with studs or smaller hoops.

The way I wear it? Less is more.
Have a happy Thursday!

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