Jewelry Essentials – Pieces Every Woman Should Own
In my Real Girls Need Real Closets and Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition I discussed the pieces that are worth putting money into in order to build a complete wardrobe. Today I’d like to focus on what jewelry should make it into your collection in this guest post for Sasha Maks Vintage.
Over the years you’ll invest in new accessories, update your collection, and pick up great pieces on your travels, of both the new and vintage variety. Truth be told, putting together the perfect jewelry collection isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s a long process and while your personal style may evolve over time, the basics of what you should acquire will remain relatively static. With that in mind, here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind while you’re shopping!
Statement Necklace:
Having a dramatic and eye-catching piece at your neck is a Must. Something that’s versatile and can work as the central focus for your look at a number of events – From casual to dressy to office appropriate.
{Monet Enamel Fan Necklace 1970s – $225}
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Nonoo - Letticia Floral Shorts, Jaeger Sleeveless Silk Blouse, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses & COGGLES EXCLUSIVE Lorelei Black & Blue Shoes}
Summer Casual – Inspiration for this look: Olivia Palermo’s fabulous floral shorts look from Verona, Italy photographed in July of 2012. A statement necklace can be the focal point of a basic or monochromatic look, or just another fabulous piece in a fun, vibrant outfit like this one.
Cuff Bracelet:
A cuff or wide bracelet allows you to throw on a single piece of jewelry and call it a day. This acts as an understated but dramatic piece that can complete a look without a lot of effort.
{Silver-tone Wide Ridged Cuff 1970s – $135}
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Fluoro Stripe Double Breasted Knit Coat by M Missoni, Black Peep Toe Booties, Diva clutch plain black leather from Boticca, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses, Mixed Chain Collar Necklace & ‘Betty’ thin leather dress}
Punk Princess - Inspiration for this look: Punk and edgy are two ways to go with a thick silver bracelet, so take inspiration from Brooklyn Blonde and try something new & exciting by pairing unexpected pieces. Unique styling, like these peep-toe booties and the sleeveless trench, make a look fresh and unique and 100% you.
Evening Earrings:
Whether you’re wearing a simple suit and attending a work function or a fun Little Black Dress for a cocktail party, you need a pair of killer earrings to punctuate your look.
{Trifari Beaded Ball Drop Earrings 1960s – $165}
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Leiby Wide Leg Jumpsuit With Belt, Fatale Natural Shoes, ASOS HARLOT Stiletto Leather Sandals, Lipsy Playsuit With Scallop Edge Hem & Blue, Jade, Noir & Sand Jersey & Silk Jumpsuit}
Retro Luxe - Inspiration for this look: The beautiful & fashionable Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon’s fun Summertime look. Depending on the size, style, and color, dangling earrings can easily go from day to-night, the key is to pick the right outfit to complement them.
Cocktail Ring:
A one-of-a-kind cocktail ring is an absolute must have. You need a piece that is fun and flashy, that makes you feel glamorous and acts as a great conversation starter.
{Rhinestone Cocktail-Party Ring 1960s – $95}
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Emerald Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress by Halston Heritage & ASOS HYLA Strappy Heeled Sandals}
Cocktail Fabulous – Inspiration for this look: Katie Holmes’s September 2012 cover for C Magazine, photographed by Matt Jones. A fun ring is very versatile, it’ll work equally well for girls night out, after work drinks, or a cocktail party.
Personality Piece(s):
Whatever your style, whatever your taste, you should have a stand out piece of jewelry in your collection that is 100% YOU. It doesn’t matter what it is, it could be s a fabulous pair of drop earrings, or a handful of stunning bracelets for stacking, or a simple pearl necklace that you inherited from your mother.
{Left: Christian Dior Faux Coral Demi-Parure 1970s – $1250, Top Right: Snake Bangle 1970s – $135 & Bottom Right: Faux Jade Cocktail Ring 1960s – $135}
Me? I’m obsessed with classic gold vintage pieces and animal jewelry like the pieces above. They suit my classic style and act as great finishing touches for my outfits.
{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Left Outfit: Cream Asymmetrical Tie Blouse by DKNY, Black Leather Exposed Zip Skirt by McQ Alexander McQueen & Reiss Lotta BUCKLE SHOE BOOTS, and Right Outfit: White Poppy Blouse by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Black Full Flippy Skirt by Halston Heritage & Red Bow Front Patent Pointed Court by Moschino Cheap & Chic}
Black & White Stunner – Inspiration for the look: Donna Karan Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear & Temperley London Pre-Fall 2012. Perfect for a work party or a formal evening, the cut, silhouette, and lengths can be adjusted to suit the appropriateness of a given outing.
All jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage - Original post on the Sasha Maks Vintage Blog
If You Like Stripes & You Know It Clap Your Hands – Clap Clap
As this Spring has progressed I’ve found myself pining over and adding more and more outfits containing striped pieces to my Looks of the Week posts.
I have to make a confession, I love stripes. Love.
Without a doubt, stripes are my favorite pattern. They’re my go-to when basic black is out of the question. I love adding a striped piece or two to an outfit to make it standout or to make it more distinctly me. And luckily, they’re always “in” during this season.
Whether you go nautical, classic, or dramatic and eye-catching, work some stripes into your wardrobe this Spring and Summer.
Dresses & Skirts:
Wearing a striped dress or skirt gives you a great starting place for your outfit, from there you can pile on layers of solids or even other stripes. You can make your look all black & white, you can add some color, you can keep it traditional and demure. The sky is the limit.
I really like how this dress mixes directionally different black & white stripes, it gives the dress an interesting and eye-catching quality that basic stripes wouldn’t have. I also love that she paired a cargo pocket Anorak with a chic work-style dress. It’s a great juxtaposition.
A flowy maxi dress is a relaxed but chic way to stay cool. This particular dress is especially cute since it incorporates the trends of brights and pleats for Spring.
A striped maxi skirt is a great option and I like the business style double-breasted blazer and the white Oxfords she paired with this, it’s a unique one-of-a-kind look.
A knit dress is perfect for warmer weather, as are the flats, sunnies & day clutch she added to her look. Cute & comfortable, what more could a girl ask for?
Jackets & Coats:
I really love striped outerwear, for both men and women. It’s a stylish way to top off an outfit and give it that great final touch, or you could even wear a fabulous striped coat as a dress!
Amazing! I love love love this coat. If you click on source below you can see some other looks that Atlantic-Pacific put together using this gorgeous J.Crew coat. This is the perfect standout piece, everyone should have a great statement coat like this in their repertoire.
This is a great striped jacket & shorts suit, absolutely to die for. And I love that she paired the black & white stripes with red & white polka dot platforms. Great finishing touch!
Truth be told, when I saw this Tinley Road blazer I immediately went online and ordered one for myself. 
Enough said.
I seriously can’t get over these coats, they’re all so cute, so chic. I want one of each please!
Basics:
Adding a single striped piece to your look - for example a basic sweater or a pair of pants – is another great option. For those of you who are pattern-phobic wearing a single striped tank under your jacket or a cute pair of striped short-shorts with your T is going to be easier than wearing stripes head-to-toe. It gives you a chance to ease into it gradually.
This is the perfect type of blouse for summer, the fabric is lightweight and the fit is relaxed. You could easily pair this with shorts, jeans, or even a mini skirt, and stay cool all Summer long.
Seriously chic! I loved these pants from the moment that I saw them. They’re eye-catching and dramatic, but the look is still somehow relaxed and laid-back.
I also raved about Taylor Tomasi-Hill’s personal style here, during Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012.
Such a great, chic look. A basic striped sweated styled with great accessories that make the look anything but basic. The Glamourai doesn’t let the fact that she’s wearing stripes keep her from experimenting with other fabrics, textures, and prints.
This is a great look if you’re more of a tomboy than a girlie-girl. Its well put together and fashionable, without being over the top. You could easily switch out her mini satchel for a messenger bag or cross-body bag too, which would make it even more laid-back.
Brights:
In the mood for something colorful this season? Brightly colored stripes are a great way to add a splash to your outfits. Whether it’s a sweater or a scarf or a bag, fun striped pieces are a good way to make a look wholly your own.
Not only is she rocking that striped sweater like no body’s business, she’s right on trend with her bright red cropped pants. Too cute!
This adorable striped top showcases the versatility of stripes. Stripes & florals? No problem!
You can see more great looks from Miss Jones here, I raved about her fresh new style a few months ago when she was making the red carpet rounds.
I like that she didn’t try to match her jacket to her stripes here – The contrasting colors are bold and fun.
You can even pull stripes in with your accessories – A pice like this amazing neon necklace will add a much-needed shot of color to your looks for Spring.
DIY Neon Tassel NecklaceSource
And if you’re in the City by the Bay with me you’ll probably get a kick out of this piece from Refinery 29 on stripy San Francisco blogger fashion!
6 Girls, 1 Look: S.F.’s Blogger Babes Show Us How To Rock Stripes!
So tell me the truth, are you ready to rock some stripes?
