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Make a statement
Looking for an easy way to update your spring wardrobe? Accessorize with a statement choker or bib necklace.
Shopping for a client’s trousseau the other day, I shared with her one of the best ways to dress up simple knits for her honeymoon: pair them with a bold, statement bib or choker necklace. Perfect with a white tee and a boyfriend blazer, these striking pieces are the newest accessory for spring. In an instant, your go-to jeans and basic knit tops will transform from dull to glam. When you pair the jeans/tee ensemble with wedge sandals and one of these necklaces, you’re all set to meet the girls for lunch on Saturday or run errands (without resorting to your old yoga pants and flip flops).
Some favorites (just click the mosaic image to see where your favorite is from):
Spring Statement Necklaces/Chokers by achiccritique featuring
Kenneth Jay Lane Wooden Stone Drop Necklace, $528, via Shopbop
Millie’s Jet Bib Necklace, $198, via Shopbop
Betsey Johnson ‘Iconic Collection’ Layered Necklace, $195, via Nordstrom
Kate Spade faceted stone statement necklace, $195, via Nordstrom
The bolder, the better, as far as this trend is concerned. These necklaces look equally stylish when paired with a cocktail dress for an engagement party, wedding or date night. A stand-out necklace will revamp and update your favorite little black dress in an instant. Just remember to pair with basics – black dress, solid cotton tee, simple knit (you get the idea). The necklace should be doing the talking. Either way, investing in one of these versatile necklaces for spring is a must!
Looking for some looks for a bit less? For you Nashville gals, check out Hemline & Francesca’s (in the Hill Center). Hemline is one of my favorite boutiques, and they have fabulous, inexpensive costume jewelry (same goes for Francesca’s).
Stay chic!
Annie
Your new best friend: The Cinch Belt
Want to know an easy, inexpensive way to take basic, shapeless pieces in your wardrobe from drab to fab? Ladies, it’s time to make friends with the cinch belt! This accessory is an absolute must-have for me – I’m not sure how I’d do without it. Perfect for cinching in a shift dress, simple knit top, or flowy, chiffon blouse, this thick belt accentuates your waist and gives definition and shape to any garment. I find myself recommending them to friends all the time.
A simple mistake many ladies make: buying a shapeless, loose-fitting, otherwise trendy top/dress, yet finding it swallows your petite frame, hides your curves, or adds unwanted bulk to your figure (who wants that?). A quick fix – the cinch belt. Highlighting a slender waist, minimizing volume, and creating a flattering, hourglass shape in an instant, these belts really DO make a difference.
I pair mine with knit cotton dresses in the summer, and my favorite billowing, hippie (okay, Anthro) tops in the spring. Try one over a vest, flowy dress, shift, long cardigan, or ruffled top this spring – you can’t go wrong.
Here are just a few I found while browsing online (note: I also saw some cute budget-friendly steals at Forever 21 if you want the look for less!). Anthropologie always has the best belts.
Top left: Fina Firenze Studded Double Buckle Belt, $45. Top row right; Betsey Johnson Crystal Buckle Stretch Belt on SALE for $31.90, both belts via www.nordstrom.com; bottom left, Infinity Belt, $38, and bottom right, Over Under Belt, $38, both via www.anthropologie.com
Stay Chic.
Annie
Photo credit: 1st board – from left to right: www.lpcollection.com, www.celebrity-gossip.net, www.thefashionreview.files.wordpress.com, www.sugarscape.com
Cuff Love.
One of my favorite trends for spring is the cuff bracelet. Cuffs are a perfect accessory to spice up any outfit – try wearing one with a simple black or white knit top, and let the cuff speak for itself. These bracelets are definitely statement pieces! One of my favorite things to do on the weekend to make a classic knit go from basic to glam is to add a bold, chunky, cuff – the bigger, the better!
Silver Gothic Cuff, $25, via http://www.guess.com
Stud Textured Bracelet, $28, via www.guess.com
Stacked Etchings Cuff, $38, via www.anthropologie.com
Alethia Cuff, $39.50, via www.bananarepublic.com
House of Harlow (Nicole Ritchie's jewelry line!) 1960 Gladiator Cuff, $55, via www.piperlime.com
Fretworks Flower Cuff, $178, via www.anthropologie.com
House of Harlow 1960 Peacock Cuff, $185 via www.piperlime.com
Kenneth Jay Lane Sculpted Cuff Bracelet, $190 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
Alexis Bittar Molten Bracelet, $375 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
Oscar de la Renta Chalcedony & Turquoise Bracelet, $390 via www.saksfifthavenue.com
I have my eye on the Kenneth Jay Lane cuff – loving the grecian-inspired look!
Outfit your wrist with one of these lovelies and make a statement.
Annie