Today we will be discussing my ten (or eleven) most used (and most desired) accessories. I think that what can make or break an outfit are the accessories, even if they are just the shoes you choose to pair with them. I am not a big fan of accessorizing, as anybody who knows me well can attest to. I do enjoy a really fun bag, pair of shoes, or funky pin. Now, in no particular order, the list:
- A watch. Yes, I said it, a watch. It can be just the right thing to pull everything together, and with one on, you don't have to use your cell phone to check the time. I currently have two watches. One is casual and can be paired with my everyday wear, and the other is more dressy. I built my casual watch at a Fossil store near me, which allowed me to personalize it and make it truly mine. You can find some really fun watches on eBay and at antique and secondhand stores in your area, too.
- Flats. I didn't realize the beauty of flats and skimmers until this year, and now own three pair. Flats can add a flash of pizazz to an otherwise dull outfit, or pull together a professional look. Skimmers, like the neat patterns you can find from Keds, can be paired with most anything. I wore mine endlessly with bermuda shorts, capri pants, and even jeans throughout the summer. I added leopard print flats to an outfit with khakis to add that little something else, and to pull my overall look together.
- A Shawl. I don't have one YET, but I do feel that a shawl can definitely add to a woman's wardrobe. They not only can keep you warm at the movies, but can make your little black dress even more unique by adding color and luxury. I am currently infatuated with a cashmere wrap from J. Crew, and secretly hope that someone will surprise me with one to add to my LBD this summer when I attend a close friend's wedding.
- Kitten Heels. I can wear high heels, I just don't like to very often. Rather than pull on a pair of high heels that I am going to want to kick off midway through my afternoon, I'd rather add to my outfit a pair of stylish and sophisticated kitten heels. Mine are black with a pointy toe, and I love to pair them with my straight-leg jeans and wide-leg khaki trousers. Add a shimmery top and a fun jacket and you have a sophisticated outfit to go from office to evening.
- Diamond Studs. Mine came as a birthday gift from my late great grandmother, and I wear them to all special occasions in my life.They are small and simple and a classic look for anyone.
- Head wraps. J. Crew currently has some very lovely easy headwraps. At 20 dollars each, they are a little pricey, and you can probably find something similar at a Claire's store. I love head wraps and head bands for days that my hair (which I am currently growing out), just won't behave, or on days that I just don't have time to blowdry. They help me look put together, and brighten up any outfit. I have a handful of them, and a fun tip to help keep them in place: bobby pin them at the sides of your head, they won't slip and muss your hair.
- Scarves. My winter style wouldn't be the same without my one-of-a-kind hand-knit scarf. It's made of multi-colored green wool and keeps me warm while brightening up my outfit. I am hoping to find something fun and lightweight to wear during spring and parts of summer, and right now the Gap has some really pretty bright colored scarves available. My clothing choices tend toward earth tones, so I like bright colored accessories to make things really pop.
- Your bag. I currently carry a Vera Bradley bag that Allen got me for my birthday. It has a unique paisley pattern on it, and is not a pattern that I see very many women carry. I won't call my bag a purse here, because not all women carry a purse. Whatever type of bag you carry, make it something unique, however, I will advise having one or two bags that you can wear for fancy and flirty nights out that won't distract from your amazing outfit.
- A Belt. I don't have one currently, but that is only because I haven't found one that I truly enjoy. My friends who wear belts use them in so many different ways, from using out of necessity, to accenting and creating a waist, a belt slung loose over your hips may take your favorite outfit to the next level.
- Necklaces. My favorite necklace is one that was made from a ring I was given at my sixteenth birthday. It's an amethyst pendant, and I like that I can wear it with both casual and dressy clothing. It's simple and elegant and one of my favorite accessories. I also have a handful of other necklaces to suit my mood, and add something else to my otherwise simple wardrobe.
Next up: why are these two lists my twenty pieces?
