Accessorizing

11 May 2012

Ladies (and gents – I know you are out there), I have lately been hearing the call to accessorize. The most recent nudge was seeing this article featuring the adorable ladies of Ritzy Bee, but really, this has been going on for at least a few weeks.

Abby Jiu

Oh, hello, most stylish people ever. Also, I would like Ms Kelly’s hair, please and thank you.

I have never been a shoe person, and I have really never been a jewelry person. I wear my engagement ring, pearl studs, a silver link bracelet, and a Dogeared necklace day in and day out, without fail. (In fact, I sleep in everything but the earrings.) Yes, I have a few necklaces hanging in my closet, and a few earrings and bracelets in a bowl in the bathroom, but we’re talking very few. And they’re all pretty much neutral pieces. My clothing budget is so tiny that allocating money on accessories always seemed like kind of a waste to me.

But THEN. I bought a belt. A fairly simple, fairly wide, caramel-colored leather belt. From Old Navy, of all places! I bought this belt kind of on a whim, after I pinned a particular outfit on Pinterest that featured a similar piece. And ladies, the ability this belt has to make an outfit feel put together is nothing short of incredible. White v-neck tee, greige shorts, and Jack Rogers? Basic. White v-neck tee, greige shorts, Jack Rogers, and belt? Instantly super stylish (at least in my easy-to-impress opinion). I don’t know what it is, but it’s sure changed my thinking on accessories. Also bold color and tunic-style tops – see below for evidence:

Clockwise from top left: Trina Turk Suzette dress ($248), from What She Wore 365, Boden Long Island top ($78, but I got it for 15% off and free shipping by Googling for a coupon code – whoo!), Rikshaw Design Classic Kurta ($70), Trina Turk Brecita blouse ($228), Kate Spade Kati cardigan ($298)

Sorry about that, y’all – I don’t usually like to dangle so many expensive and awesome things in front of your (our) eyes, but I couldn’t help myself.

And unfortunately, my budget has not changed alongside my thinking, so the truth is that in all likelihood I will end up purchasing maybe one of the picks below. But I had fun dreaming, and perhaps one piece below will be just what you’ve been looking for to put some pep in your step! I hope so!

A. Kendra Scott Allison earrings ($65), B. Kate Spade bangle ($128), C. Design Darling studs ($32), D. Kendra Scott Cassie bracelet ($130), E. Kendra Scott Carly earrings ($55), F. Trina Turk Sao Paulo sandal ($165), G. Target enamel bangle ($18), H. J.Crew Tessellate necklace ($85), I. Target gold and coral bamboo bracelet set ($14), J. Bridier Baubles Campbell Chandelier earrings ($23), K. Target Gold Square enamel bracelet ($15), L. Target enamel bracelet ($15), M. J.Crew Classic link bracelet ($88)

Tell me: If you could only pick one piece from this post to add to your wardrobe, which one would it be? I am having a VERY hard time choosing between the link bracelet and the coral and turquoise studs…

Subscribe
Notify of

5 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
May 11, 2012 8:42 am

I LOVE C. and E!! I’m not a bracelet gal myself, I find them to get in the way since I’m on the computer all day, but don’t ever underestimate the power of bright studs. These are my go-to bright earrings – teal cabochon rose studs. http://www.etsy.com/listing/89281666/teal-rose-cabochon-earring?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_query=cabochon+rose+teal&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade
I love to wear them with neutrals!
I have also discovered the power of a big ol’ bright necklace. You can wear black pants and a white j crew tee and a necklace like H. will transform you!

Kate
May 11, 2012 9:39 am

Love B! If I’m going to wear a bracelet, I want one that I can feel is there and the thicker bangle will do that. The great pattern is a bonus.

May 12, 2012 10:29 am

Loving all of the bright colors you picked out! Thanks so much for the love!

XO,
-Kendra

Beth
May 13, 2012 2:32 pm

Love the gold J Crew bangle! I’ve learned to love silver, but I’m always drawn back to the gold!

May 14, 2012 7:56 pm

I would probably go with the link b/c it’s more practical (I love bright things but am drawn to neutrals b/c they’re quick & easy to put together!)