Refresher Course: Accessories Make the Outfit

Hello!  I don't have time for much of a post today, thanks to an impromptu dinner with clients who are in town without anyone to entertain them.  As I rushed to convert my usual casual outfit into something more befitting the occasion, I was reminded of just how important accessories can be in the business world.

If, like me, your company sells your time and expertise then looking nice and fitting in is super important.  However, nobody needs to run out and buy all new outfits for every meeting because you can completely change the tone of your look with shoes, jewelry and a purse.

Don't believe me?  Look:

Style Sessions: Accessories Set the Tone by cardiganjunkie featuring crystal jewelry

The look on the left screams "business time", while the other suggests that you're a bit more creative and relaxed without being dressed down.  Even if you're not dressing for clients, the same philosophy also helps you get lots of wear out of your staple pieces.

What's your favorite way to jazz up an outfit?

Roaring Twenties Style

Like everyone else, I watched Downton Abbey last night and was instantly caught up in the glamour of the 1920s.  Unfortunately, while looking for blog post fodder, I caught some major spoilers and I shall not be doing any further research.  Luckily, we also have The Great Gatsby movie to look forward to this May and since I know how that ends, I was free to search the interweb for some beautiful inspiration images.

Source: stylecaster.com via Astrea on Pinterest

 

via

Source: walkingthruafog.tumblr.com via Rosina on Pinterest

Source: to-the-manner-born.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

We're also very lucky to have TONS of art deco inspired clothing and accessories available for us to emulate the look in our own way.  Some pieces are under $10 and look like they could have been heirlooms.  Here are some of my favorites:

art deco style by cardiganjunkie featuring a sheer tank

Where do you stand on art deco?  Is it a trend that just gaining steam, a classic that will never go away, or played out?

Always in Style: Simple Chic Jewelry

If you've read this blog for a while, you know that I love me some jewelry.  Just this weekend I was putting my closet back together and realized the extent of my necklace collection.  I may have a teensy little addiction:

However, lately I have been more and more drawn to simple pieces that I know will look great ten years from now.  Of the 30+ necklaces shown above, I think the one I've worn most often in the past five months is the simplest - the Dana necklace designed by Noa Sade of Lionette. (the picture below shows three)

All season I've been aspiring to recreate everyone's favorite layered necklace pin (check out the Kei Jewelry Etsy shop here) and load my hands with delicate rings instead of chunky tortoise cuffs and enamel necklaces:

Source: shopkei.etsy.com via Haley on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Haley on Pinterest

Check out a super cheap option and my favorite new designer after the jump:

New Swarovski Elements App + Bracelet Giveaway

I think it's safe to say that I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to jewelry.  So, when Svarovski reached out and asked me to review their new iPad app and offered a great piece from the Elements collection, I decided that I'd probably enjoy checking it out and then pass the swag along to all of you (since nobody really wants to read about something I got for free).

If you've got an iPhone or an iPad, I suggest you check out the new Swarovski Elements app that is basically a free monthly magazine with GORGEOUS imagery.  If you like high fashion photo spreads, you'll enjoy seeing the jewelry styled in such amazing ways.  I'm completely in love with the glam, art deco feel of the Elements collection, plus some of the more rocker chic pieces.

See, look:

The nice people at Swarovski have sent a Twisted Glamour leather and crystal wrap bracelet worth $77 and I will mail it to one lucky winner this weekend. 

 Here's how to enter:
- Leave comment on this post by noon Central time on Friday October 5th.  Be sure to include your email address if you don't have a Disqus account! 
- For an extra entry, download the app or like Swarovski Elements on Facebook and then tell me that you did

Good luck!

Help Me Shop! Kendra Scott Favorites

This Sunday I turn 29.  I'm not freaked out about it, and if anything, am enjoying my birthdays even more now that I can treat myself to a little shopping without guilt.  Kendra Scott is making it even easier by offering 50% to email subscribers during their birthday month (in-store only) and I plan to take advantage!

I'm torn between the prospect of getting some more "work horse" jewelry to wear all the time, or a statement piece to wear more sparingly but to more attention.  Since I plan to head down to the Dallas store this weekend, I need a little help deciding what to choose. 

These are my favorite pieces - which one do you like best?

kendra scott faves - birthday discount by cardiganjunkie featuring kendra scott jewelry

In other news, my birthday party is on Friday at my house and the theme is "High School" - specifically 1997-2001.  I need some help with the playlist.  What songs should I be sure to play??

Right now, I can't get this song out of my head: