Your favorite wrap dress is at the cleaners. All your springy silk blouses are in the dirty laundry. You opt for a great pair of jeans (can't go wrong there) and the perfect white T. You look...fine. SO - here are a few key items we've found that can turn fine into fabulous, finish your look, allow you to be both effortless and amazing at the same time. Some are investments and totally worth it, others are more more trendy and can be bought for a song. Most work regardless of proportion and frame, but feel free to to tweak them to your individual look and personal aesthetic. Just a note - we admit that most of these are not shocking, original, or "how DID they think of that?" suggestions. But we feel these staples deserve some ink and your consideration again. Especially if you they don't already populate your closet! PLEASE feel free to send us your go-to accessory ideas; we can't wait to hear what makes you feel fabulous in a pinch.
Diane von Furstenburg Tonda Print Calf-Hair Clutch, $495
BRIGHT CLUTCH or STATEMENT BAG
So someone told you yellow wasn't your color, or that a lime green blouse makes you look like you just got over the flu? They could be right, but that doesn't mean you couldn't be a little braver when it comes to slinging sassy colors over your wrist or shoulder. It can bring a basic button down or LBD to a more fashionable place fast. And on a dreary day it can even make you feel (and look) a little sunnier.
So someone told you yellow wasn't your color, or that a lime green blouse makes you look like you just got over the flu? They could be right, but that doesn't mean you couldn't be a little braver when it comes to slinging sassy colors over your wrist or shoulder. It can bring a basic button down or LBD to a more fashionable place fast. And on a dreary day it can even make you feel (and look) a little sunnier.
Michael Michael Kors Hamilton Quilted Flap Shoulder Bag in Cobalt, $248
Isharya Wood Tusk Necklace, approx $214
WE LOVE A LONG NECKLACE
We've made no secret of our affection for this wardrobe staple that flatters just about every figure. Who doesn't want to look tall and slim, really? Think of it as creating a neckline or enhancing one, and highlighting the idea of a long lean frame. This is most definitely a good place to make an investment. It is a piece you can wear day in and day out, with multiple outfits and for multiple occasions. Plus, you won't look nearly as cute if it turns your neck green. Just in case we are including these necklaces by Isharya, Express and Anthropologie all fit the bill at different price points.
Anthropologie Long Links Necklace, $298
Express Coin Pendant Long Necklace, $34.90
Giuseppe Zanotti Yellow Slingbacks, $357
RED SHOES (OR GREEN, OR PURPLE...)
No, we don't mean the sparkling kind that Dorothy wore. In fact, they don't even have to be red. Really we are talking about a statement shoe in a vibrant color that offers a bit fun to an otherwise sedate ensemble. When going bold with color, keep lines clean and the shape simple so that you still make a strong overall impression but are not forcing the general public (or hot date) to stare only at your feet. Your choices in this category are pretty limitless, but here are a few of our latest faves in varying price points.
No, we don't mean the sparkling kind that Dorothy wore. In fact, they don't even have to be red. Really we are talking about a statement shoe in a vibrant color that offers a bit fun to an otherwise sedate ensemble. When going bold with color, keep lines clean and the shape simple so that you still make a strong overall impression but are not forcing the general public (or hot date) to stare only at your feet. Your choices in this category are pretty limitless, but here are a few of our latest faves in varying price points.
Dolce Vita Bambi Platform Pump in Purple, $99
Prada Bi Color Pump, $650
Echo Textural Ikat Diamond Scarf, $21.60
PRETTY PRINTED SCARF
Here is a great place to dial up your look without emptying your wallet. There are many, many prints out there to choose from - floral, ikat, abstract, animal. Even retro polka dots (although we might not be able to pull those off as well as you could). What's important here is to keep size/proportion in mind (total amount of fabric as well as size of print itself). Remember who is boss, YOU wear the scarf, not the other way around. The most universally flattering scarves are longer, more narrow and of lighter fabric (no polyester please). We find most people who don't add on this most important accessory are actually afraid of the scarf - because they think they don't know how to wear it. You can always simply drape it over your neck for an "oh, who me? I just happen to look this great" look. More to come on scarf-wearing excellence in a separate post, but this should get you started. See these from Echo and Target to start, but check out Old Navy, The Loft, and BP Nordstrom for more options!
Here is a great place to dial up your look without emptying your wallet. There are many, many prints out there to choose from - floral, ikat, abstract, animal. Even retro polka dots (although we might not be able to pull those off as well as you could). What's important here is to keep size/proportion in mind (total amount of fabric as well as size of print itself). Remember who is boss, YOU wear the scarf, not the other way around. The most universally flattering scarves are longer, more narrow and of lighter fabric (no polyester please). We find most people who don't add on this most important accessory are actually afraid of the scarf - because they think they don't know how to wear it. You can always simply drape it over your neck for an "oh, who me? I just happen to look this great" look. More to come on scarf-wearing excellence in a separate post, but this should get you started. See these from Echo and Target to start, but check out Old Navy, The Loft, and BP Nordstrom for more options!
Target Woven Print Scarf in Teal, $12.99
