Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Some Fashionista Advice for Accessories

Did you know that fashionable accessories can add many different ingredients to your outfit including color, shape, personality, and creativity? Sometimes often more so than not we recognize the little things that one wears before we notice what stands out the most, or what one would think stands out the most.
Don't think that the odds and ends go unnoticed.....oh certainly not!  Belts, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and hats are all accessories that play an important role in your wardrobe. My fetish is handbags....With all the different shapes, textures, colors and styles available, such accessories can help create a fresh summer look without breaking the bank on new clothes.  By using these items you can wear a single outfit in a multitude of different ways. With economy the way it is today, we need all the help we can get. We love to pamper ourselves, so why not find ways to get more bang for your buck?

For example:
  • Shoes can instantly transform a garment into sexy or casual.  Adding a pump, peep toe, or stiletto to any outfit will instantly sex it up for an evening out on the town.  Platforms, sandals, and flip-flops will automatically shift your ensemble into casual mode.
  • Colored glass beads and fashion necklaces provide added color to any basic top or dress. Big chunky necklaces are a great way to reinvent a basic tank top, print, or T-shirt. Looks cute too!
  • Handbags add character to a basic outfit.  Whether it is a large over sized tote or a signature novelty bag, one should never overlook the importance of a remarkable bag!   Using a large handbag instead of a clutch can transform your dress from classy to casual.
  • Colored belts will transform any basic top and bottom combination.  For example, take a black top tucked into a pair of black pants and throw a green, yellow, or red belt into your belt hoops.  It will instantly add an accent color that you can base your other accessories around.  This will work with most basic and neutral combinations. 
  • Accessories can also be used to transition an outfit from one occasion to another.  You can take a day look, for instance, add the right accessories and reinvent it into an evening look.   If you have a dress that is inappropriate for work, throw a button cardigan over top or a fitted blazer. Paired with a trendy or staple handbag and a comfortable pump or flat, you are office ready in no time flat, and you'll look fabulous too!
CASUAL –
Style is often sacrificed when finding a casual outfit to wear during a hot summer day. Luckily, accessories can add a number of stylish components to your casual summer wear.  An easy way to spruce up any solid-colored or basic fitted tee, tank, tube or halter top, is to wear a neck piece that adds embellishment.  The length of the necklace can be used to elongate the shape of the torso.  A necklace that sits between the belly button and chest is a fail-proof length that will help create the illusion of a more slenderized figure.  To add a fashionable touch, find a necklace that is colorful and stands out against your shirt.  Play around with different styles, thicknesses and materials when choosing a neck piece.  If you are top heavy, thinner styles will work better. If you are petite try shorter and thicker styles.

OFFICE -
Depending on your working environment, what’s acceptable office attire will vary based on the individual and office dress code. Follow the rules. If you think your dress or skirt is too short, why on earth would you put in on and walk out the door wearing it to work? NO NO NO......you want to get noticed for your hard work and efforts at the office, not for looking like the office whore., ...unless you are a whore and in that case my guess is that your profession would not be in an office setting and by all means then, and only then I would say dress for "your office."

Remember.....How you dress speaks volume.  If you are limited to two piece suits or separates, then you can still add some personality to your career wardrobe. By incorporating the right accessories, you can add excitement to any basic corporate look.   

Using an accessory like a thin belt will make your office attire appear very chic and stylish. Many women wear belts, but myself personally,...that's just one mor thing to put on and take off, so honestly I pass. I wear them occasionally.....it doesn't happen often though. However, belts will help tie in your separates and add a subtle shot of color around your waist.  If you wear a dress to the office, try adding a thicker belt with stretch just under the bust area around your high waist. This is the smallest area on any woman’s body.  It used to be mine, and then I had kids....Emphasizing this area is a slimming way to accessorize an otherwise indistinctive dress. Try to avoid belts that are too wide and too busy, as they are not professional or suitable for the work environment.  In a more business casual environment, add belts with different textures and rich colors to your attire, but keep them tasteful and simple.

Despite the summer heat, avoid open toe or strappy shoes.  Casual Friday does not mean flip flops and halter tops.  Save them for the beach! Just make sure your shoes are not worn-out or over-embellished.  With neutral work outfits, suits, or suit separates try adding a colored pump to your ensemble.  If you wear black or grey bottoms everyday to work, this will help you look more current.

  Go through the work tops in your closet and find a consistent color theme.  Nothing see through, nothing too strappy that shows skin, unless you wear a light sweater vest or cardigan of some type over it. Look professional! Dress for the job you want, not the job that you have! What you wear is noticed by many! Why not be the one to stand out and be the office eye catcher? I mean that in a totally respectful way. No one wants hoochie mama in a professional industry......the night clubs await you for that.

Select a colored pump that will match most of your tops when paired with a dark bottom!  If your bottom is a knee length skirt or a dress pant, you should always wear a closed-toe shoe.  The length of the heel should not exceed 3 inches, as it can be inappropriate for the work environment.  In a business casual setting, it is a great idea to wear flat shoes that are clean and presentable.  They can be worn barefoot or with comfortable ped socks.  Avoid heavier hosiery that will add heat and sweat.  It is never a good idea to wear skirts or dresses above the knee in the office.    

The basic rule of thumb is “more is less”. Over accessorizing can kill your outfit and distract people around you. Accessories should be used to accent your outfit and should not be the focus of your outfit.  By adding the right ones, you can create a more tasteful and subtle appearance. 



EVENING -
Evening affairs are a great occasion to make a memorable fashion statement.  My suggestions are to accessorize very lightly. Don't over do it. No one wants a neck that feels like its going to hit the table because your jewelry is too heavy! Accessories play a key role in spicing up your style while keeping you cool for those warm summer soirees!  Add a prominent neck piece that sits on your chest when wearing a strapless top or dress.  Not only will this fill up the area that bares a lot of skin, but it will also accent your outfit and draw attention to your facial features.  The same can be done to tops or dresses with straps and deeper necklines such as scoop and V-necks.  If the top-half of your outfit is a solid color absent from any busy prints, embellishments or details, then add a longer necklace to jazz up that area. 

If you choose to keep your neck simple or bare, then add signature earrings.  If you have a loud or busy necklace, keep your earrings as simple as possible. If you want to stay cool by wearing your hair pulled back, a note-worthy earring is the key accessory to enhance your look.  To elongate your face and neck, wear a lengthier earring or one that dangles. 

Jewelry is available in various styles, so it is important to select pieces according to a particular evening occasion.  When attending a fancy event, choose a fine necklace, a thin bracelet and a pair of subtle earrings to add an elegant sparkle to your look.  In contrast, a colorful neck piece with some chunky bangles and playful earrings will create a trendy look for date night.
Ladies, men LOVE a great pair of high heels and this is a must-have summer item.  By putting on heels, you instantly appear slimmer, taller and sexier!

Where to buy -Many retail stores carry fashion accessories. My suggestion is frequent those stores that you know well, the locals (if you will and support your neighborhood mom and pop stores) and step outside of the box slowly to visit new shopping areas. How about second hand shops? If you've never been to one, you have no idea what you are missing!!! It's fun to go with the girls on an all day fashionista extravaganza! I used to go all the time with my girlfriends....there were times that none of us had an money, but window shopping can be just as fun to get great ideas! Any time to spend with your BFFs is always a reason to go! Remember the rule of thumb......if it's something that should only be worn in the bedroom or in the privacy of your own home.......don't walk out the door in it! Simple is Sexy.



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