Gilded Extras

No outfit is ever complete without a little bling. Jewelry is like the cake-topper to a great ensemble. What better time of year to add gilt extras to update your look for the Christmas Season.

I am big fan of costume jewelry. The funny thing is, they seem to last forever and become close friends. Some of my most prized pieces are costume jewelry. The season's most stylish pieces are probably already in your jewelry box. Brilliant baubles look astounding when mixed. Think of pairing strands of pearls, pendants, and rhinestones all together to modernize your holiday wear. Loads of molten gold necklaces would really dress-up a blouse or black dress. Colored gem earrings and cuffs are very NOW as well.

So, how to make your "must have" holiday look more festive and pulled together? By adding strategic pieces. If you are wearing something with a collar, like a blazer, sweater, cardigan, blouse...etc, what looks the best is a collar or portrait necklace. Think of the length of your grandmother's or great-grandmother's pearls. If you have a lot going on around the neck-line (like my Vera Wang Blouse) best to go with dangle earrings with bracelets or bangles. Brooches are another amazing way to pull together an outfit. The brooch is usually the piece you last think of (it is usually that epic moment after driving yourself crazing because you cannot figure out what is missing with your look!). Brooches can be placed on the lapels of blazers or jackets, near the shoulder and breast-bone of a cardigan or sweater, or for the more daring: jeans (by the useless tiny pockets), in your up-do, a bunch going down your sweater...so many different ways! Be creative! It's bound to pay off.

For the office Christmas Party, I am wearing that Target silver/black sack dress, remember? I am pulling the look together with a black and white feather brooch placed in center of bust (see pic above), dark silver crystal earrings, and a black and white pearl bracelet (the brilliant bauble look). Speed up to the Christmas Eve work look, I am wearing a simple strand of pearls since I do not want to compete with the gold brocade blazer (see pic above). For the Christmas Eve party, I am going to wear dangle crystal earrings since the Vera Wang top has a jeweled neckline (see pic above).

Also, wearing festive colored jewelry such as red or green (emerald or ruby, fake is still fun!) will look amazing. (Check out the vintage emerald pendent from my mother-in-law). Happy Accessorizing!