Icing The Cupcake: How to Accessorize

Many women opt not to buy the accessories when shopping. However, accessories are key for creating and polishing your look. (So, you have my permission. Buy the accessories too!) Accessories are important for several reasons, they take an outfit and dress it up or down, allowing you to wear it to a variety of places. They can make a timeless classic piece of clothing trendier. They are especially important for simple, uncomplicated “canvas outfits”, such as the Playsuit.

One of the latest trends is the reemergence of the jumpsuit. Jumpsuits give you a nice, long lean line of color. The Playsuit is another one of my favorite pieces from the Spring cabi Collection. The Playsuit is a bathroom-friendly jumpsuit made of soft, dreamy lightweight French terry. It truly feels like you are wearing your PJs. It is a cupcake begging for accessories icing. It is easily dressed up or down. Regardless of whether you are a minimalist or a blingy jewelry gal, every well-dressed woman needs some basic jewelry pieces in her wardrobe:

A Statement Necklace

Brittany is wearing the Playsuit with a vintage Stella & Dot necklace and earrings along with a Premier Designs bracelet and Dr. Scholl’s nude wedges. A simple, comfy, yet date-ready look for Spring. Every now and then you need a bold necklace to fill in a simple neckline.

If you are new to statement necklaces, then start by adding a bold metal or a neutral tan or white. Once you have those then venture out with color.

The Pendant
The Playsuit is so versatile, it can be worn while running errands around town. Here, Brittany has it on with a straw baseball cap from Target, Steve Madden slip-on sneakers and a simple pendant style necklace (the eSBe Designs Silhouettes Double Tassel necklace) for a simple, yet pulled-together look. She also has her Jon Hart diaper bag.

Layering Chains
The Playsuit is great for a variety of body shapes and ages. Here, I am wearing it out to dinner while out of town with my husband (It travels wonderfully! No wrinkles!). I put on some black wedges and added some layering necklaces, a bracelet (or two) and earrings (all by eSBe Designs What can I say? My good friend Suzanne sells it and I am addicted to the quality!). I was good to go – on time I might add.
Having layering chains in a variety of lengths, textures, and metals allows you to create a multitude of looks. Both layering chains and long pendant necklaces force the eye to look up and down the body and create a longer line – thus making us look longer and leaner. I have never heard anyone say “Oh no! I hate looking long and lean!”

Scarves
Scarves are great for adding color. So, be sure to add scarves to your wardrobe shopping list – or start wearing the ones hanging in your closet. Many of you have told me “I own them, but I just don’t know how to tie them.” (That is a future blog post) I also hear, “I’m so hot natured. I can’t wear anything around my neck.” Well, scarves are not just for neck wearing. Wear them beautifully around your waist, in your hair, around your hip or on your purse. They may even be worn as a vest, as Brittany is wearing here, with cabi’s vintage Rose scarf. The scarf’s vibrant hues really make the Playsuit come to life. We added a vintage Stella and Dot necklace to tie it all together.
As you can see from the various looks in these pictures, having some basic accessories can help you change up your looks and stretch your wardrobe. Accessories are not frivolous. They are as important as icing is to a cupcake. So, ice away!

Until next time…Fashionably yours,
Ellen

Jewelry tip from Suzanne (eSBe Designs) “Don’t throw away your baby powder! If your necklaces get tangled together, sprinkle a little baby power on the knot and it easily untangles.”

Shop the cabi Playsuit and other great clothes at www.ellencaldwell-ng.cabionline.com
Shop eSBe Designs jewelry at http://www.esbedesigns.com/suzanne
Shop Stella and Dot at https://www.stelladot.com/sites/krisgerner