Mommy Style – Accessories and Jewelry

Erin Phillips is a stay at home mom (SAHM), student and former makeup artist.  You can find the daily exploits as a wife, mother and student on her blog, My Vocations, as well as instant updates on her Facebook page.

Accessories and Jewelry

They can make a simple black dress breathtakingly sophisticated. Think about Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in that beginning scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s… what would that black dress be without those lovely pearls, the tiara barrette in her perfectly coiffed hair, or those fabulous opera gloves? Just a sheath dress in black. They can instantly take a v-neck tee and khaki capris from backyard to date night with a few lobster clasps.

Accessories. Since Cleopatra’s time women have been adorning themselves with jewels and trinkets to enhance their ensemble. And they change with the tide, but a few key pieces will translate well regardless of what’s coming out of Paris or New York this season.

1.  A simple strand of pearls. They don’t have to be real, just make sure they’re real good looking. Sometimes fake pearls are just plastic beads covered with a pearescent foil… this can chip off quite easily, sometimes with prolonged exposure to the moisture from your skin, body oils or lotions. Simulated pearls are more commonplace and last a bit longer. And good places to get quality costume jewelry is QVC.com, HSN.com, or a big box store.

2.  A nice pair of stud earrings. These don’t go below your earlobe, and you can wear them any time, with anything. The traditional choice- diamond (or nice looking CZ). Don’t take this to rap star level (extra large), it’s not ideal.

3.  A simple pair of hoops. Mayonnaise jar hoops are still gauche, but it’s your choice if you want silver or gold. (See NOTE below about how to choose silver or gold.)

4.  A nice cocktail / “right hand” ring. This is a nice looking ring that might be a tiny bit more flashy than your wedding/engagement ring(s), hence worn on the right hand. Rings are always personal choice. Some people get irritated by wearing them, and they’re not as noticeable as a necklace or earrings, so if you really don’t like them, you can skip wearing them.

5.  Statement jewelry. This is where you’d have a piece or two that states who you are or what your outfit says. For Christians that so choose, it would be their cross. Trends like the toggle style necklace that Tiffany released a couple years ago, the diamond circle pendant, etc.

6.  Trendy pieces. With the 80s making a comeback lately, this is where you’d have your thick bangle bracelets with interesting designs, piles of jelly bracelets, etc. This should be the least amount in your jewelry wardrobe, because what’s in for 2009/2010 may be completely yuck in 2011.

A general rule of thumb- don’t try to pile on your jewels just because it’s what you have. And it’s along the same lines of makeup- big and attention-getting in one area and leave the rest simple. Big earrings, keep the necklace simple.

NOTE: How to choose if you’re a Silver or Gold person- hold something silvery or gray next to your skin (face or neck is usually easiest), and with the other hand, hold something gold or yellow/orange up. Whichever side of you looks more “lit” up, that’s what you are. I look best with silver, as I feel gold makes me look a little jaundice.

Stay tuned for Erin’s new fashion and beauty column next week, Fringe- purses, scarves and shoes. 

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