Style Tips for Statement Pieces Part 1 - Jewelry

There is a very simple step to great style everyday and that step is called the statement piece. You can wear a (properly fitted) t-shirt and jeans and throw in a statement piece to your outfit and your style factor can go through the roof. Statement pieces do not have to be strictly jewelry, they can come in all shapes and sizes. Today's post is all about jewelry though, we'll get to the other statement pieces in the following installments.

1). Classic All Black and a Statement Necklace.

I absolutely ADORE this outfit. It is so simple yet so amazing. Black skinnies, a black t-shirt (with awesome leather sleeves), black kitten heels, and a neutral bag. This outfit is still nice without the statement piece but do you see how different it would be without it? Without that incredible necklace it is just a really great all black outfit. The necklace brings an element of style that would be missing otherwise. If you are super uncomfortable with that amount of bling then you can go a little simpler. Statement pieces don't always have to be really large like that. The key to a great statement piece is that it stands out. The point is that the piece of jewelry draws the eye. It could be simpler but really geometric. (Photo Cred: www.gurl.com)

2). The Perfectly Styled Chambray Shirt.

There is nothing easier to look amazing in than a chambray shirt. If you don't have one, get one. I think it's a primary staple for you wardrobe. This does not mean go out and by a typical denim button down. Look for a tailored fit and thin fabric. You can do light or dark, totally up to you. Note that the necklace is underneath the collar. Some people can pull off the fully buttoned shirt with a bib style necklace over the shirt but you have to have a pretty darn long and thin neck to make that work. If you're not sure than I would stick with under like this photo. You could also choose a longer statement necklace and that would definitely go over the shirt. The key to statement pieces is to pick what you like. If you think it's fun or really pretty, it's probably going to be awesome.
(Photo Cred: www.gurl.com)

3). T-Shirt And Jeans

Do you see how simple this is? T-shirt, jeans, and great jewelry. This piece is more simple but the color of the metal, the bright purple, and the geometric shapes make it stand out. When you have a canvas as simple as a gray t-shirt like this you can do anything. Any color, any size, any shape, and any length! Also, don't you love her hair and glasses?
(Photo Cred: www.buyerselect.com)

Here are a few final tips:

1). Watch your necklines. Notice how the necklace and the t-shirt in the hit at almost the same place. When you have a higher neckline it's best to find a necklace that lands right at the same line or significantly below it. You don't want your shirt to bunch up under your necklace.

2). Try not to over think it! Statement jewelry is meant to be fun and express your personality.

3). You don't need to spend a lot of money on statement pieces. You can get some really great pieces at Target and Walmart (yep! Walmart).

I hope you get creative and dress up your simple every day outfits. Enjoy this fun aspect of style and fashion!

Monochromatic Outfits Aren't Just for Grandma Anymore

One of the best ways to create a streamlined, sleek, and slimming outfit is to wear all one color. It's a vital tool in your style arsenal but it can also go terribly wrong. There are several different ways you can utilize monochromatic outfits. That's what today's post is all about! I will walk you through two  different ways to create flawless monochromatic outfits that take 10 lbs off of your body and make you look effortlessly stylish and chic.

1). Different Shades of One Color

One really great way to do a monochromatic look is to pick out pieces that are technically the same color but are varied by shade.  The outfit I put together is all in the olive green family but each piece is a slightly different shade. I added a little bit of pattern in with the shoes too just for fun. The color family is still the same though!

This version of Monochromatic is probably the least slimming because of the different gradients of color but it is still chic and flattering (if your clothes fit properly!). Fit is still absolutely key! No color can help you if your clothes don't fit properly. Also, these pants are just an example of a pants that are lighter shade than the top. You don't necessarily have to go with lighter on bottom, I just like it. Also, if your thighs are an area that you don't want accentuated then I would recommend avoiding pants with pockets like this on the side of your thighs. Who else is drooling over that bag?

2). The Ever Classic All Black

You cannot get any classier than all black. It's just not possible. When I see classic cuts in all black I can't help but think of Audrey Hepburn. Especially with these pants. Black itself is incredibly slimming, but the stream lining also helps with that. Behold:



You could do 100% black if you want to, including the accessories, but I really like gold accessories with black so that's what I did. Also, this outfit is not just for work (although it would be fabulous for work as well!), you could wear this anywhere you want especially if you switch the heels out for black flats or even a black flat sandal or wedge to make it more comfy. Don't you love that jacket? I chose the leather cropped jacket because it made it less professional looking while still being clean enough to wear to work if you wanted to. I chose the leopard print belt because, well, I love leopard. That's really the main reason. You could do black or gold or no belt if you prefer. The blouse is a touch flowy so you could tuck the whole thing in or just the front. If you paired this outfit with black jeans instead of trousers you could also leave it untucked. I picked simple jewelry because the jacket and the shirt have so much detail to them. With a blouse like this I would stay away from a chunky necklace that lays right where the knot does because it won't lay well. Also, if you are larger chested it would be a good idea to wear a longer slimmer necklace to help elongate that area.

The purse is Kate Spade. Oh sweet sweet lovely Kate Spade. It is my goal in life to one day own a Kate Spade bag. I know, life changing goal right? You could pair this outfit with any black bag that you have or like. Even a clutch would look adorable with this outfit depending on your purse needs for that day. Lastly, how AMAZING are those sunglasses?? I'm in love. Now, not every face can pull off glasses that large without looking like a bug. If you have a smaller face than just choose a smaller size frame. Something like Ray Bans or even gold aviators.

What I want you to take away from this post (and any of my posts) is that there are a lot less rules in fashion then people think. The key is to figure out what you like and what looks good on your body. I know that figuring that out is difficult for some people, so please don't hesitate to contact me for help!

So, what color have you always wanted to wear head to toe but haven't?