Jewelry Essentials
by Cathy Phillips
Your jewelry collection is an essential part of your wardrobe that should be ready to accessorize any outfit. Of course, most of us have much more jewelry that we’ve collected, but with the following essentials, you’ll not only be ready for anything, but will look and feel fabulous while you’re doing it.
Bangles: Sometimes a gal needs to announce her arrival and what better way to do that than the clinking of bangles? Go with a uniform pile of thin silver or gold, or mix and match to create a group in different thicknesses and colors.
Brooches: From Jackie O to Michelle O and Madeleine Albright to your grandmother, it’s a chic classic. Keep one on the collar of your favorite wool coat or add one to a blazer or jacket to jazz up a work outfit. To make the look modern, group several together.
Charm Bracelet: From the one you created as a little girl to a gorgeous version from Tiffany, nothing is more meaningful. It’s a stand-out piece that’s a conversation starter.
Chandelier Earrings: They add glamor to any outfit. Perfect for a party or date night, wear them during the day for unexpected drama.
Cocktail Ring: A bold ring is great for taking an outfit from day to night, or making an outfit instantly party-ready; although you can wear yours to breakfast just because you’re that fabulous.
Cuff Bracelet: It’s is a great statement piece when your neckline is too busy for a necklace. Choose one that suits you, from sleek and simple to colorful and ornate.
Diamond Studs: They are your on-call choice for days when you just need a little bling. They go with everything so wear then with any outfit and don’t worry about coordinating. Diamonds don’t have to be real; go with a big over-the-top pair of costume earrings or more subtle ones that you can easily pull off as the real deal.
Hoop earrings: Hoops wane and gain popularity at times but are always in style. A basic pair in gold or silver, the thinner the better, will get you through many an outfit and event.
Pearls: A classic necklace that every woman should own. Try wearing your pearls in unexpected ways, such as with a basic tee and jeans or a funky dress.
Statement Necklace: This is the piece that literally makes an outfit. Throw on a basic black tee and jeans, and by adding a statement necklace, create an outfit that stands out in the crowd.
Watch: The most functional of all your jewelry, choose one that doesn’t look that way: form over function in this case. From $10 to $10,000, there is a watch in everyone’s price range and style. Find the size and shape that works best for you.
Signature Jewelry: Finally, every woman should have at least one piece of signature jewelry that she is known for wearing, and more importantly, has meaning for her. Whether it’s your grandmother’s necklace, the ring you picked up on a trip, or the gift you got on your sixteenth birthday, use this as a means to tell the story of who you are and what’s important to you.
Meet James Cornwell and Elaine Mensah, two of DC's most stylish fashionistas. If you haven't checked out DC's hottest fashion radio show, Fashion BS, it's time to tune in. And what better excuse than to hear yours truly in a 'sneak attack' interview at the Current Boutique opening in Old Town a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy!
