Necklaces: 5 Favorites

I've been getting a lot of requests to see some accessories. I have literally tons of jewelry because, like the Magpie bird, I'm attracted to shiny objects! Here, I picked the five most versatile pieces I own. I'm am partial to silver although I've been wearing more and more gold lately.

In the picture above, the silver chain (left) is from Banana Republic (years ago). I wear this with anything that I want to add a little "toughness" to, such as a button down shirt or even a black tee shirt. When I'm at a loss for a necklace, this is my go-to. It's amazingly versatile for casual wear.

Middle: My little middle necklace is an Etsy purchase. It is a charm necklace with a silver peace sign, silver pine cone and gold owl (because I LOVE owls.) I like this one because it's perfect layered with my shorter cross necklace that I always wear (a gift from my hubby!) It's perfect with tee shirts when I need something super casual and not bulky.

The clear stone necklaces (right) are a birthday gift from my mother-in-law. We picked them out at Target (here) and (here). I like to layer these necklaces together. However the long one can be doubled or even worn wrapped as a bracelet. Because of the clear stone, they go with tons of outfits.

Above Left: This Target necklace (again from Target, $14.99, don't see it online) is both silver and gold so you can easily mix it with either metal. I wore it the other day with a white tee shirt and brown wool cardigan. It looks equally nice with a dress.

Right: The PERFECT statement necklace. This is from 2009 Banana Republic holiday collection but there are similar ones everywhere. In fact, when I first saw this, I thought it was so unique and I had to have it. But, it was very expensive. So, I bought an old silver chain that I found in a bin of jewelry at Renninger's Antique Flea Market and pinned my grandmother's old brooches to it. The problem I found was that the brooches were so heavy they wanted to turn all the time. But, it looked darn good! Then, I found one of these beauties on eBay. I still do the DIY necklace if I need a pop of color as a red brooch looks super for the holidays.
I've worn this necklace to dress up a black sheath and to add interest to my red silk shantung dress. I've also worn it with a white tee shirt, navy velvet blazer and jeans.

Do you have a necklace you just can't figure out how to wear? Email me and I'll try to help.

Today's Outfit: Casual Comfort

I think the hardest outfits to put together are the comfy, casual ones! This one just came together and I really felt great in it. It was perfect for a day working from home and running errands.

Sweatshirt: Bought at Lake Mary boutique 4th and Ocean

Jeans: AG Adriano Goldschmied The Premier Skinny Straight (bought on ebay)

Boots: Target Mossimo Katherine Engineer (also in black)

Necklace: Brighton (gift)

Boots: Target Katherine Engineer

Why it works: The over-sized sweatshirt balances out the chunky boots and the long necklace breaks up an otherwise blah neutral oatmeal color.

Fashion Faux Pas

Inspired by my girlfriends, I'm doing a series on fashion faux pas. Some are obvious; others not so much. But the No. 1 is:
 
I'm not shopping until I lose [insert number here] pounds.

Seriously? So, you hate your wardrobe, but you're going to feel frumpy until sometime next year when you lose weight? [Disclaimer: Adrea you do not look frumpy!] I hear it all the time. In fact, I used to live it. Then, I figured why not buy for the body I have and feel confident about how I look? Here are my top reasons why you should NEVER wait to dress well.


1. It may never happen OR it may not NEED to happen. I went for years saying I was going to lose 10 pounds, but guess what? I never did. I exercise, I eat right, and I've decided I'm at my happy weight right now. Even if you're not at your happy weight, until you decide to fully commit to eating healthfully and exercising faithfully, the weight will not magically disappear. So, at least you can look good while trying. [Disclaimer: To my friends, this does not mean I don't think you look good, it just means if you're unhappy with your wardrobe, why stay unhappy?]


2. Hello, alterations anyone? I am really shocked when people say they didn't think of having something altered. If you do lose the weight, take your favorite items to a tailor and have them smallered--which isn't a word but it should be ;). 
When I started running, I lost 30 lbs (and have since gained back 15 of it!) I took every classic item of clothing in my closet a few pieces at a time and had them altered to fit. At the time, I couldn't afford a new wardrobe. 
Regardless, how much are you really going to buy in that transition period anyway? Jackets, slouchy/loose tops and other items may not even need alterations if you're only losing 5 lbs.

3. Accessorize, girl! If you're stubborn and still not convinced, then at least invest in some Super Wow accessories. Throw on a necklace with a tee shirt, a cool belt and rock some shoes that make you feel fab. Or, consider stepping out of your box and wearing a hat (Target has some AWESOME ones right now). I love the Mossimo Cloche with Feathers.  Even a sequined headband would add some panache to your look. Wear some colorful shoes and chunky bracelets. 


Designer Paris Gordon (who will be featured on this blog in the coming months) says this, "Style is timeless; fashion is fleeting." So, rather than plan for the life you want to have (like when you're 5, 10, 20 pounds smaller) live in the moment, look fabulous and take this time to find your personal style.

Fantasy vs. Reality

Here's what I would love to be wearing today:

Wearing: Tory Burch Sequin Turtleneck (Sold Out)

JCrew Black Wool Tuxedo Shorts

Black Tights

Black Suede DVF Claude Bootie Bought on Gilt Groupe

similar ones here

But, my reality is school pick up, doctor's appt and working from home! So, here's what I'm actually wearing.

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Kelly Bootcut (bought on Gilt Groupe)

Military Top: H&M (in store)

White Tee Shirt: Merona Target

Belt: Leather Grommet Belt Banana Republic

Necklace: Vintage Owl (bought on Etsy)

Sneakers: Converse from Target

Weekly Loves!

I adore Target's designer collaborations and the recent one with Mulberry is no exception. This is the satchel in denim. They also make one in black velvet/patent leather and black patent leather. And, if you like smaller, crossbody bags, they have those too! $49.99

Tory Burch has a totally impractical sequin skirt on sale right now! It is to die for and can be paired with a black turtleneck, chiffon blouse or a slouchy sweater like this one from JCrew. This one is TOTALLY me! Now I just have to figure out where to wear it--football game? Playdate? Girls Night Out!