Fall Tip: All About Accessories

all necklaces from forever 21

Do ya need a quick wardrobe pick-me-up during this time in between seasons? I know I sure do! If you have been following along, you know that I have already started gathering ideas for my Fall Wardrobe. I also have begun saving for those “musts” and investment pieces for the season.

The problem?

I want to shop now.

The cure for my fashion itch is accessories — specifically those from Forever 21. I can load up on a variety of styles, look good on the cheap, and as it turns out-these items are usually the ones I get the most compliments on!

I’m obviously a necklace person; I love just tossing ‘em on over a simple tank, a fun romper or easy strapless dress to instantly elevate my look. Pieces with movement, layers, and tassels add a bit of texture and interest to outfits comprised of softer fabrics-a must for all the lightweight jersey we are currently wearing to keep cool! Bird accents are also something I just can’t seem to pass up-whether a feather for a Boho feel or a tiny bird charm for a sweet vibe, I’m all about the “fowl play”.  The statement collar is another silhouette I love, as it can be paired back to the simplest of outfits and take them from tame to eye-catching.

Do you have a go-to store for accessorizing frugally?

Bunches of Bracelets

With the mercury rising, it is quickly becoming too hot for many of the accessories we have been sporting. Sayonara scarves, bye bye wide belts, see ya later cardi….even long, dangly earrings begin to stick to my (perhaps sweaty) neck! Sure, sometimes fashion can be uncomfortable-but that rule applies for fancy events, special dates, job interviews, and things of that sort. Cool summer style should be just that-cool.

Okay fine, cool-ish.

At least comfortable?

To keep in style and on trend, my go-to summer accessories have been bracelets. Piles of them. The more the better. Here are some of my favorite styles-they all are great on their own, but look super chic piled up all together.

belleblake cuff, dannijo chain, kate spade bangle
stephan and co. stranded bracelet, lucky brand friendship bracelet

Summer Staple: The Wedge

Summer is almost upon us (woah – Spring, way to go flying by!) and I’m already embracing the sundress and summer sandals. One particular shoe will keep you looking sassy all summer long, even if you do pair it with something as simple as a cotton sundress. Of course, I’m talking about the ever-fabulous wedge.

This summer, opt for a fun metallic option that will really add a punch to the same simple dress that you usually throw on with flip flops.  Pair these babies with a white cropped pant and even the shortest gal will have legs that appear to go on for days.  Can you see why I sing the praises of the wedge?

I love these wedges from Børn, who uses cork and raffia as a natural foundation to shape some of summer’s most fashionable footwear.  All styles retail for $105, except for the “Crown Claudine” on the bottom right, which retails for $140.  I’m personally coveting the Børn Lote (shown here bottom left in gold) in bronze metallic or the Børn Amore (top left).

Do you wear wedges?  What is your favorite summer shoe?  Share with us in the comments!

Hot For Spring: Cheery Bags

kate spade, rebecca minkoff, proenza schouler
love moschino, balenciaga

Cheers, my lovelies! Perhaps the Royal Wedding coverage is getting to me just a bit? But I do want to talk about something cheery-the gorgeous, saturated colors we are seeing in handbags lately. Talk about adding a punch to a plain ole outfit! From deep blues to corals and even cornea-burning fluorsecents (my fave)-bright colors are found everywhere, in almost every style, and at every single price point. The most obvious way to rock this style is with a giant statement bag. It says, “Hi! Look at me…I’m fabulous!”. The crossbody is a bit more sly, but definitely gives you a little hipster edginess. And a clutch is a simple, quiet burst of color-this works well with outfits you feel don’t “go” with the bag, as you aren’t technically wearing it but carrying it. Which color/style combo is your fave? I’m not even gonna lie, I lurve them all!

Spring’s Hottest Hue? Coral!

flutter sleeve dress and printed top at lulu’s
waisted dress at modcloth
panel dress at urbanog
blouse at urban outfitters
wedges at nordstrom

My favorite color this Spring? Coral! It’s fun, bright, and cheery-it can spice up the simplest of looks. Ranging from a deep reddish hue to orange-y, to teetering on the edge of hot pink, coral’s many incarnations make it wearable for absolutely anyone.  Feeling bold? Throw on a fun and flirty dress. Spice up your work wardrobe with a silky blouse. Not sure if you’re crazy about coral? Pop it into your look with a great shoe. No matter how you wear it, you’re sure to love it!

Spring Style: 70′s inspired accessories

Tired of hearing me talk about the 70s inspiration for Spring? No, not yet? Great. ‘Cause I wanted to share some of my favorite, affordable, fun accessory picks that deifinitely have a retro/boho vibe. These pieces can be added to a simple tee and jeans or back to a maxi dress (or skirt-try it!) to give you a fresh, funky look for Spring. The best part is, you don’t have to choose just one…they’re all from Forever 21. So go nuts!

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Picks

Tis the season for the color of passion.  In celebration of Valentine’s Day, here are a few red-hot picks that are high on our list.  Disclaimer:  All items will make any man swoon, use in moderation.

1. Long Tall Sally’s Cap Sleeve Ponte Dress – $105

2. eyebobs’ “bamboozled” frames – $75

3. Spring Street’s “Gem Dandy” leather and crystal bracelet – $20

4. Clava’s “Wellie” market tote – $26

5. Børn’s “Cornflower” sandal – $95

6. Long Tall Sally’s leather belt – $25

7. Long Tall Sally’s satin pumps – $32

8. Harlequin by Panache’s “Polka” lingerie set – $82 for bra, $26 for brief

Holiday Gifts: Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend {A Giveaway!}

You know what they say – Diamonds are a girls best friend!  Ok, I don’t know who “they” are but I’d have to say – they’re totally right.  Every girl deserves to sparkle and shine (oh, and showoff) a little bit, don’t you agree?  Of course, any wise man knows that the best holiday gifts come in small packages, so for all of the gentleman out there searching for the perfect gift for the woman in your life – consider spoiling her with diamonds!

Helzberg Diamonds agrees that every woman deserves to be spoiled – and to prove it they sent me this GORGEOUS diamond knot pendant.  I saw a photo of the pendant before seeing it in person, and I have to say, the photo doesn’t at all do it justice.  I opened the box and literally “oohed” out loud.

This Everlon sterling silver and 14 karat yellow gold knot pendant with a 1/7 carat round brilliant cut diamond delicately hangs from a sterling silver box chain, and would be a stunning addition to every woman’s jewelry collection.  This piece is something I feel like I can pass on to my daughter once she is older, something that will hopefully make the round for generations.

Helzberg Diamonds also sent me a box set of 5 pairs of Honora Pearl Earrings which are just lovely for the holidays.  These would make great holiday gifts for a co-worker, favorite aunt, or close friend – something different than the typical coffee shop gift card/candle/bath set.

You can purchase the Everlon Diamond Knot Pendant at Helzberg Diamonds for $299.99 or the Honora Pearl Earrings set for $50.  Both are stunning and would make incredible holiday gifts – so consider clicking over and getting some of your holiday shopping done!

Win it! Helzberg Diamonds wants to give one very lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader the opportunity to win a diamond knot pendant and box set of 5 pairs of Honora Pearl earrings, just like the ones above!  To enter, head on over to Helzberg Diamonds then come back here and leave a comment letting me know your other favorite items is from their website, or what you would buy for your girlfriend/fiancee/wife if you could.  For bonus entries, you can head over and vote for Morgan by clicking the FB “like” button on his submission for the Last Original Idea in Marketing Contest (3 entries!), you can tweet this contest out to your followers, share it on Facebook (see the buttons at the top of this post for help sharing), subscribe to my site via email (box at the top right), subscribe to my YouTube Channel, or write a blog post about this contest (worth 3 extra entries).  For any of these that you choose to do, please come back here leaving a comment to let me know that you did so.

That’s it! Good luck!

This contest will run from December 7, 2010 to December 15th, 2010 and will end at 11:59 pm CST. No purchase necessary to win, and a winner will be chosen at random.  If the winner does not respond to emails within 72 hours of notification, then another winner will be chosen.  US entries only.

Disclosure: I was sent the diamond pendant and pearl earrings for review by Helzberg Diamonds.  This in no way affected my opinion of the product and all thoughts expressed above are 100% mine.  Check out my disclosure policy for more information.

Fab Finds: Jewelry For Under $30

One of my favorite low-cost ways to update my wardrobe and freshen up old looks is buying new jewelry. No, not jewelry like the Queen’s or anything-I’m talking cute, quirky, affordable jewelry. Piles of bangles can jazz up a plain LBD. A tired cardi/leggings look can be updated with the addition of a long pendant necklace. A statement ring, well, makes a statement. Here are a few interesting pieces that are all under $30-great for you or someone on your shopping list!

link bracelet, studded cuff, equestrain charms, corsage bracelet, hamsa necklace, stone and leather

Classic Capes: Not Just For Little Red Riding Hood

Capes have slowly been making a comeback, and it’s easy to see why. As outerwear, they are super versatile and the perfect transitional item as we slowly move into cooler temps. As mid-weight layering pieces, they add a little touch of Fall and can convey undertones of whatever mood you’re feeling-sassy, comfy, quirky…you name it. Check out a few of my favorites.

MODERN: Looks great paired back to simple bottoms like leggings in a neutral color (ie black or charcoal) or a pair of uber-dark skinny jeans.  A long sleeve tee in white really makes the patterns of this one pop. Ultra Chic Cape $284

UTILITARIAN: Is cute and feminine, but does double duty as rain gear. And in the “it” color for Fall, you can’t go wrong! Caped Raincoat $78

LUXE: Take the “stuffy” feeling out of a fur piece. Instead of having a full length mink hiding away in the closet awaiting a special occasion, this guy works back to the most casual pieces in your wardrobe and can be worn day-to-day. Inès & Maréchal Fur Cape Coat $1668.

COZY: Throw this one on over your favorite henley, turtle, or long sleeve tee. Pair it back to leggings, jeans or shorts for a fun, simple look that says “I’m casually chic!”. See by Chloe – $760

CLASSIC: Nothing is more classic than a red piece of outerwear. (With toggles!) Back to jeans and boots-riding, over-the-knee, wellies…..seriously, do I need to paint a better picture? Classic Red Cape $170

Which look is your favorite?

Tory Burch Private Sale

A Tory Burch Private Sale?  Heck, just a Tory Burch sale in general?  You know I’m in!

Tory Burch is having a private sale.  Don’t worry, I’m inviting you.  You have to hurry though, because this sale ends tonight (10/25/10) at 11:59 pm EST – so that means you don’t even have a full 24 hours to fill your cart with items like:

You know you want to.  Go, shop!   You can thank me later!

xoxo,

E

Currently Coveting: “Midnight Shimmer” Necklace

I’m head over heels in love with this gorgeous necklace – a mix of pearls, crystals, and chiffon.  My daughter has been busy making a list for Santa Claus lately, so I’ll definitely be telling her to add this to her list on mommy’s behalf.  You can purchase this beautiful Midnight Shimmer 4 strand necklace by Spring Street for a mere $65, definitely worth the price to add this stunning piece to your collection.

5 Messenger Bags For Fall

I’m not sure why Fall is the perfect season for a messenger bag…perhaps it’s because this style is bold enough stand out from an outfit that’s packed with layers and accessories? Or because we need somewhere to stow our gloves, hats, chap stick, and tissues? Or maybe just because I said so? Whatever the reason, a fab cross body is a must-have. Luckily, you can find them at every price point and in a style to fit just about every look, purpose, and attitude. See below for some standout styles.

1. The working girl uses this as her work bag. She hustles through the big city from appointment to appointment, with all of her work necessities neatly tucked inside.  The bold size and sleek details mirror a briefcase, so she still fits in at the boardroom meetings. Yet, with a quick tuck of the strap she can head right off to drinks with the girls.  Miu Miu, $1650 at Net-a-Porter

2. The girl-on-the-go needs a simple, sleek style that can resist wear and tear. She’s going to class, meeting friends at the mall, attending outdoor concerts and spending time at outdoor cafes with her pup. The leopard nylon is right on trend for Fall and it’s super easy to clean and care for. The price point is just right for the girl who’s just starting out on her own. Longchamp, $240 at Bloomingdales

3. The indie chick is no-fuss but full of style. So is her bag-she uses her messenger as a catch all: for accessories, torn magazine pages she uses for outfit inspiration, a small stash of makeup, and her camera. This bag has to be big, tough, and neutral enough to handle her day to day outfits and adventures as they change. The gray color seamlessly blends with any look she comes up with, while quilted detail and grommets add a little edge so it can keep up with her fierce style.  Sara Berman, $275 at the Outnet.com

4. The savvy shopper found this budget friendly beauty. This bag is $90 at original retail and currently on sale, so she has plenty of cash left over to buy some over-the-knee boots! Its size makes it perfect for a long outing, whether it’s shopping or a daytime date. The strap is also convertible so she can carry it as a satchel. This style is simple in its design, but the starkness of the stone color will pop against a Fall wardrobe. Styling tip-remove the metal logo hanging from the strap for a simple chic look that doesn’t scream to everyone where you found your bag. Style & Co., $51.99 at Macy’s

5. The nonstop girl loves her small yet completely accommodating messenger by Marc. It holds all of her necessities like cards, cash, lip gloss and her iPhone with plenty of room for things she picks up along the way: matches from her favorite night spot, her cheat sheet of stores to hit while in SoHo, and perhaps a cocktail napkin or two with a gentleman’s phone number. This bag says that she is stylish but sensible enough not to haul a giant “it” bag everywhere she goes. This style seamlessly accompanies her as she crosses the Brooklyn Bridge, goes to a dive bar to hear live music, or quietly meanders the endless corridors at the Met. Sleek, simple, stylish stowage-she couldn’t ask for anything more. Except maybe a cute MMJ coin purse? Marc by Marc Jacobs $248 at Bergdorf Goodman

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