Bejeweled

Hello darlings – I do hope you all are having lovely weekends!

And the answer to le petit examen de vogue #4 is (as most of you guessed correctly)… the fabulous Kate Lanphear, Style Director of U.S. Elle!

Image Source: Jak & Jil

I absolutely adore her. And perhaps even that is an understatement. Obsession sounds a bit too strong – on the creepy side, perhaps. I love her edginess, her all black ensemble, her shoes, those blazers, and most of all, how she accessorizes. Though I must admit that her style generally differs from mine in the sense that it is a bit more darker/rock-chic, I do, nonetheless, greatly admire her.

Coco Chanel had always said every woman needs a good amount of costume jewelry. Jewelry does not always have to be expensive or bedecked in diamonds and other precious gems – jewelry should be fun! And now, some great pieces to invest in. The basics of jewelry, you could say.

 The Cocktail Ring

I guess you all understand my infatuation with lovely rings – especially cocktail rings – after my last Etsy post. I do believe that they are the easiest and subtlest way to incorporate and interweave your personality or even a new trend into an outfit. And it does serve as a great centerpiece and a conversation starter. Bigger isn’t always better in this case, however. Do keep in mind that if you have small fingers or hands (like myself), wearing larger or bulkier rings can offset and draw too much attention to that one piece. It can also be overwhelming, making your already petite hands seem even tinier. But investing in a few cocktail rings can upgrade an outfit: a lackluster day uniform of a tee and jeans is immediately glamorous with the addition of a ring, and a little black dress can go from simple to exquisite. But where to wear the ring, you ask? I personally wear larger rings on my pointer finger for no particular reason really; perhaps its just an aesthetic thing?

 The Bangle

I am completely infatuated with Kate’s pave pyramid bracelet – it’s glamorously edgy, a perfect mix between the feminine and the punk rock look. Before I completely go off on a tangent about how I found a piece just like hers, and it would have been mine had it not cost hundreds of dollars, I shall address the difference between a bangle & a bracelet (as requested by a reader :-)). A bangle is made of one piece of metal; rarely is it seen with a clasp. Bracelets, as you have guesses, have clasps of all sorts, and are usually made with chains, elastic, or string of some sort. My personal preference would be the first; they’re hassle-free, easy to slip on and off in under a few seconds, and easily stackable. The one problem I do have with them is because they are not adjustable, it’s so incredibly difficult for me to find one that fits me (small wrists are quite the problem here). So when I do find a piece I love and fits me, I buy multiples, as a precaution in case I lose a few. I love the look of bangles; they’re always perfectly polished and sit beautifully on the arm because of its set structure. Which makes them perfectly versatile; wear it on your wrists as you would a bracelet, or push it up on your forearm for a slightly different feel. With bangles you can get away with larger pieces or more ornate ones – but once again, keep in mind that if you are tiny, wearing large bits of jewelry can overwhelm and take away from you. What I love most about them is the variety of materials and textures used; they can be carved of lucite, of metals, of plastic, in fabric; pave, engraved, enamel, studded – the possibilities are endless.

 The Statement Necklace

It truly is the ultimate piece; some are so extravagant that they require a great amount of bravery to wear them in public. Yet the notion that all statement necklaces are ostentatiously large or could have potential blind innocent bystanders with it’s uncountable gemstones is false. A statement piece could be a unique pendant on a simple chain. Or a variety of chains, all of different textures, lengths, or color worn as one piece. Whether you love them simple or rather them to be as excessive as possible, wearing them is an easy way to transform an outfit. It is recommended that the base (the outfit) should be as simple as possible. Solid colors and non-printed tops should be worn; like, say, a plain tee with jeans or pants. I find that statement pieces work extremely well with more modest neckline; and they work wonders when paired with little black dresses. I absolutely love Stephen Dweck’s collections; everything is just so impeccably designed. A bit out of my budget as of now, but, nonetheless, dream-worthy.

xoxo.

La C.