Lacking a Jewelry Wardrobe?

Accessories are an afterthought for many women when getting dressed.  So many of you wear the same few pieces of jewelry everyday.  You take them off (or not) before bed and then put them back on when you get up in the morning and head out the door.
So why not try a fun new pair of earrings or a new necklace to spice things up?
To get you started, here are a few tips for building a jewelry wardrobe.


1. Try "Gold" Jewelry
I cannot tell you how many times I've heard, "I don't wear gold".  It's like the fear of the 80's is returning, planning to take you back to crazy town, and make you the mayor.  Gold is not a bad thing people.  It is actually quite pretty.  A simple gold earring is all you need to take a baby step in the right direction.

Stella & Dot - $44

Coin Drop Chandelier - $13

Target

Pave Hoops - $22

Cusp

2. Make a Statement
I've used this line before, but buying a bold piece can change a look instantly.  Try a fun necklace with a basic T-shirt and jeans.  You won't be disappointed.

Stella & Dot - $89

Kate Spade - $148

Piperlime

Cascade Necklace - $29

Urban Outfitters

Sequined Bib Necklace - $50

Zara

3. Layer your Bracelets and Necklaces.
Pull all of your jewels together and practice layering.  Layer anything and everything.  Mix cheap and expensive.  No one will notice the difference.  

Blair from atlantic-pacific

Stacked by theglitterguide

http://www.saucyglossie.com

4. Get Personal
Try a piece that reminds you of your husband, grandparents, parents, kids, or whatever gives you the warm fuzzies.  Wear it around your neck to keep them close to your heart or wear as a bracelet and see Tip #3.

Stella & Dot - $16-$49

Build your own - Charm Collection

Build Your Own - $18-$24

Fossil

5. Go Long

Try a pendant necklace.  They are really stylish and effortless when worn with shorts and a tank top in the summer.

Rebel Pendant - $79

Stella & Dot

Spring Pendant - $49.50

Banana Republic

Hive & Honey Pendant - $22

Piperlime

Colored Locket - $50

J. Crew

6.  Add Some Color

Tired of the same old silver and gold metals.  Add a little color to your jewels.  

Tribal Trend - $28

Cusp

Serenity - $49

Stella & Dot 

Enamel Flower - $60

Banana Republic

 Assorted Bangles from the Loft

Coming Soon! 

Enamel Link Necklace - $49.50 (on sale)

J. Crew

It is okay to switch things up.  You don't have to wear the ring or necklace that your husband gave you on your anniversary EVERY day.  You don't have to wear your kids birthstones EVERY day - I'm sure you will not forget about them if you wear another piece of jewelry.  Have fun with it and try something new today! 

Which tip will you start with?  Happy Shopping! 

Spring in a Nut Shell

If there were 30 hours in a day, I'm still not sure I would get my "to do" list tackled.  Since I haven't finished the trends for Spring yet, I thought I'd give you a cheat sheet to take shopping if you are looking to update your wardrobe.

Spring 2012 Trends by jmewbourne featuring a metallic shirt

Happy Shopping!

"The List" Part 6: Silver Shoes

A metallic shoe is like a basic with a twist.  As with black or brown hues, metallics can be worn with just about everything and sometimes look even better than their basic counterparts.  According to Neiman's, silver shoes are a hot trend for spring and the hottest (and most expensive) designers strutted their way onto the list of things to buy for the upcoming season.  

INSPIRATION

Manolo Blahnik - $595

Yves Saint Laurent - $795

Stella McCartney - $495

As beautiful as these shoes are, they are not very realistic for everyday.  Here are a few less expensive and more versatile options for the real world.

REAL LIFE 

Boden - $88

Toms - $59

Tahari Silver Cap Toe - $70

At DSW

Nine West - $89

Target - $21 (SALE)

Vera Wang for Kohl's - $48

Leopard meets Silver!  The fashion gods have spoken! 

Tory Burch - $195

On the $ side, but great everyday flats to wear with jeans and ankle pants.

And they are less expensive than some shoes from J.Crew! 

Michael Kors - $110

At Cusp

Libby Edelman - $69

Bandolino - $69

Silver shoes are getting recognized by several online fashion sites too! 

whowhatwear.com

Happy Shopping! 

Joining Bloglovin

In hopes to attract a wider audience, I'm joining Bloglovin with all the other fabulous fashion bloggers out there.

Happy Shopping!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3116503/closets-amp-couture?claim=e27atpke86z">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

"The List" Part 5: The Clutch

This is the perfect example of my quote, "not all trends are created equal".  Let's be real here.  My lifestyle and several of my mommy friends for that matter do not have the luxury of carrying a clutch style handbag on a regular basis.  The possibility of dropping it, losing it, or leaving it are common fears and the over the shoulder bag wins out every time.

I am, however, a slave to fashion and I do LOVE the look of a clutch.  It looks so effortless and simple.   

INSPIRATION

Jimmy Choo - $1550

Prada - $2280

Ouch! 

Diane von Furstenberg - $495

REAL LIFE

If there is an occasion where we get to ditch our "mom" bags and downsize to a smaller handheld version, here are a few of my favorite affordable pieces.

Ninewest - $35

Old Navy - $16

A cross body for those days when you need to be "hands free".

Banana Republic - $70

DSW - $35

Stella & Dot - $148

Pop of Color! 

Etsy - $55

Nordstrom - $72

Studded clutch from Zara - $100

Target - $13

Francesca's - $28

FASHION BLOGGER's

who rock the clutch

http://www.stylewithinreach.net

http://www.sterlingstyle.net

http://moodboard.typepad.com

With two small children running around me at all times, effortless and simple are two adjectives I seek on a daily basis.  However, my reality is the giant "mom" bag filled with diapers, wipes, and even a few goldfish crackers that have made their way to the bottom.

Happy Shopping! 

Buyer's Remorse

We have all been guilty at one time or another of making a bad purchase on a piece of clothing.  It could have been the crappy sales lady lying boldly to your face to make a sale,  a markdown on an item of clothing you just couldn't pass up because it was ONLY $__.99 (insert your price here), or a joyful purchase on your first item of clothing after having a baby because - well it fit!  Whatever your reasons, you are not alone.  Even I have made and will continue to make poor decisions on an item or items of clothing since I love a bargain too!


So how do you never buy the wrong thing again?  Never say never, but we can certainly limit our mistakes by asking ourselves a few simple questions before heading to the cashier and swiping our debit cards.


Q. Am I buying this only because it is on sale? 
A: We all love a sale, but sometimes there is a reason it is on sale.  It could be the fit, the color, the fabric content.  Make sure you try the article of clothing on first before buying.  Some retailers have strict return policies on sale items so don't waste your money if you can help it.

Anthropologie - $40

Q: Is it versatile?  Will it go with other things already in my wardrobe?  Can I wear this with at least 2-3 outfits?
A:  It is certainly okay to have a signature "fancy" party piece for that one night of the year you get to cut loose, but other than that, make sure you can remix your new purchase with other things you already own.

J. Crew Cardigan - $88

Q: Does this fit MY lifestyle?  Do I have some place to wear this?
A: If your night out on the town is dinner and a movie with your husband, then buying a sequin pencil skirt and 4 inch heels are probably a bad decision.  If you are a stay-at-home mom, buying a suit is not the best investment either.

J.Crew

Q: Does this flatter MY figure? 
A: Try EVERYTHING on first before you make a purchase.  
Just because something is "in style" does not mean it is right for you.  And just because it looks cute on the size 0 mannequin does not mean it is right for you.  
ALSO
A: Do NOT buy something on sale in a smaller size with the intention of losing weight.  This is the worst thing you can do for your confidence.  Wait until you actually have hit your goal and reward yourself with something new then.

Ya Los Angeles - $54 

Q: Does the color highlight your complexion or make you look like death warmed over?  
A: Retailers will shove a trendy color down your throat, but that doesn't mean you have to fall victim to a color that doesn't work for you.  Learn what looks good on you even if you have to drag your harshest critic along to tell you the truth.

Old Navy - $40

Q: What upcoming events do I have that requires a new outfit?
A:  It is all in the planning, ladies.  If you know that your husband has a business dinner at an upscale restaurant in a few weeks, be sure to plan accordingly.  Knowing what you have in your closet can help you can shop in advance.  Waiting until the last minute will only result in poor purchases, over spending, and possibly a return trip to the store.

Anthropologie - $148

So is it okay to buy stuff on sale?  Of course!  Scouring the sale rack can be a fun challenge.  Finding that hidden treasure is like hitting the jackpot!  But before you bring something home, be sure to ask yourselves a few simple questions and avoid those fashion mishaps.


Happy Shopping!