Here is my recent article from
Southlakemoms.com
Accessories: The Life of the Party
By now we are all in full “summer mode.” The kids are out of school, you’re busy running them around town, lounging by the pool (ha!), playdates at the park and looking forward to that much needed vacation or staycation. So the last thing on your mind while you are running out the door is what you have on. I am here to show you an easy way to make sure you look great even when you are running late.
Accessories. I am including jewelry, scarves, purses, shoe and sunglasses. If you have a good little stash at home you can make any plain old tank top look great. Yes, this can make a big difference in what you have on.
For instance, you are meeting your playgroup so you need something casual. You don’t feel like go through your closet and putting something together. If you have a plain black tank (or your favorite color tank) and a pair of shorts or a flowy skirt you can add a statement necklace and look fab. Maybe something in turquoise or coral, anything that will stand out amongst your otherwise plain outfit. Or you have a date night with your hubby and haven’t had time to figure out what you will wear. Take the same tank top; add jeans and wedges or heels with the same necklace. I think having 2 or 3 of these is a great asset to your wardrobe. Not into big necklaces? That’s ok, you can have the same effect with an arm full of bracelets or “bigger than you would normally wear” earrings. Jewelry is great because you don’t have to spend a lot on it. If you find a classic piece that you love than spend a little more but for the most part you can go cheaper.
Another great accessory is a scarf. Having 4 or 5 in an array of colors can be helpful all year around. No matter how you wear them everyone looks chic in a scarf. I know it is 100 degrees outside but they are good to have at the movies, airports or on a chilly night somewhere other than Texas. I am currently looking for a good leopard print one.
Next are shoes. It seems shoes and women go well together. Remember the closet Mr. Big built for Carrie? She had a shrine for her shoe collection. Shoes can make an outfit. If you can afford expensive shoes, I say “go for it.” I like mixing expensive things with less expensive. Shoes are great for this. Bags fall into this category as well. I like that you can buy a classic pair of shoes or handbag and have them for years. You may spend a lot up front but you will get good use out of them. Fear not, if a pair of $600 stilettos aren’t in your future (I am right there with you) than you can have a collection of sandals, heels and wedges to mix things up. Picture again, a plain outfit you may have and pair them with a coral (or any other color) pair of flats or a fun heel. It is that easy.
Accessories are also great to bring on a trip. You can bring a few articles of clothing and tons of jewelry and/or shoes, sunglasses or purses to mix it up. They are easy to pack and don’t get wrinkled! I am not at all saying if you don’t wear a big necklace or a colorful bag with something simple you look bad. This is just for those of you who are wanting a little more or don’t want to go out and buy a bunch of new clothes. Accessories can make things look different.
So by now you’re getting the idea: A white t-shirt can be spiced up with jewelry, shoes, purses etc. Just remember, you don’t have to wear them all at once. “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take off one accessory” Coco Chanel. So true.
