It’s All About the Bling!
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It’s no secret that I love jewelry. I find it to be one of the best ways to give a boring outfit some pizzazz! My motto has become: Jewelry makes an ordinary outfit extraordinary. I definitely meet women on both ends of the spectrum–jewelry lovers and minimalists. There doesn’t seem to be many in the middle. Some say it’s just out of their “comfort zone.” I would say that adding different types of jewelry has significantly changed my look over the years. I went through the stage when my children were young that it was not practical to wear much jewelry. That style stuck with me for quite some time. I wore very simple, almost dainty necklaces and earrings.
About six years ago, I started receiving many compliments on what I wore and how I put things together. I started helping friends shop. It was the springboard for starting this business. I believe some of those compliments were a result of my jewelry. Back then, I definitely had the “matchy matchy” syndrome going on, but my pieces made more of a statement and people noticed.
One of the best way to take the eye away from flaws we all have is to bring the eye AWAY from the flaw (hips, middle) and to the face. Jewelry does that. A large, beautiful bracelet calls attention to the wrist and away from the upper arm which is another problem area. In the photos below I have noted the source of the piece if it is still available. If you love something that is not available, I can help you find a similar item.
Finding your Focal Point. Many women feel too conspicuous with jewelry because they’ve seen it overdone. If you make a statement with your necklace, keep the earrings more subdued. Love big earrings? Go for it, but keep the necklace smaller. If your focal point is your bracelets, then necklace and earrings should be smaller. Love it all to match? Try to stay away from exact matches, but mix pieces with the same tones, similar color families etc. Non-exact matches add interest! Still not comfortable? Start with one area or a medium sized piece and work your way up. Below are examples of what may be considered statement pieces. They could be considered medium sized depending on your comfort zone.
View 3: Lia Sophia
Elongate: You will hear me say this over and over. Two quick ways to elongate your body and help you look thinner–V-necks and LONG necklaces. Fortunately long is in!
View 2 Target: View 3: Lia Sophia
Layering: If you still have smaller pieces and want to get some use out of them, layer with larger pieces. This really catches attention and makes an outfit come to life. It’s fun to think of different combinations. The first photo is an example of the tiny pieces I wore previously. I still love them, but now they can be worn in a different way. These combinations also emphasize elongation!
View 2: Long Necklace: Lia Sophia
Things have been a little quiet with the comments. It makes it a lot more fun to hear your opinions so go ahead and weigh in on the bling! Would love to hear if your jewelry style has changed over the years.
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Thanks for doing an article about the wonders of jewelry! I think it is helpful for a lot of people to be told how jewelry helps distract from
“trouble” areas.
I shared your blog on facebook and I hope a few of my friends will check it out and spread the word. You have a gift. I remember being so impressed with the way you dressed the first time I met you.
Here you have it…I’m a “minimalist!” And, need to get out of that. Last night had dinner and drinks with a few high school friends and I wore a necklance AND earrings, oh my! Can’t wait for us to start working on me…
I used to be matchy matchy with small earrings, necklace etc….fast forward a few years, new hair cut, if I wore small earrings might as well wear nothing at all.. I love BIG earrings and haved learned (thanks Karen) how to make this work. Also this past year Karen showed me how to take a boring outfit, khaki shirt, white tee and jeans jacket and change the whole look buy getting a large fun red necklace, changed the whole look and I received so many compliments after that. Jewelry can really make the difference and make older clothes current. loved the necklace shown with the V neck sweater and ruffle blouse, tell me where I can find that one.
Thank you all for your VERY nice comments. It’s fun to put it all together and help others do the same.
In the photos, I referred to View 1, 2 and 3 for each category. If the item is still available, I noted where it came from. Kristi, that necklace is from Lia Sophia.
I love the look of layering but struggle finding the right lengths and pieces to put together. I have to admit that I have a bracelet fettish but sometimes forget to complete the outfit. I am usually a minimalist, I have a few pieces that I wear all the time and have a hard time getting thinking outside the box. Does bling have to be expensive? Thanks for your blog, Karen, I find it inspiring!
Back when I worked at Nordstrom in the Accessory Department I was so into the jewelry. Then I went through a faze when I just felt like wearing bling made me feel like I was over doing it. I have just recently been coming back to the bling! My love for Lori Bonn has brought me out of my dry spell. Thank you for the tips on the necklaces. Because my kids are little I tend to shy away from necklaces in fear that the kids will brake them… but, I like the sound of accenting my face rather than my flaws… Thanks!
I love both of the necklaces. I too, went through the small, delicate necklace phase. Now I am trying to branch out, but still find wearing anything large intimidating, although I do get compliments when I do wear statement pieces. Thanks for all of your fun advice and encouragement. You are awesome!