Bling it up

I think Marilyn Monroe had it right, diamonds are definitely a girls best friend and why not add jewelry in general to this statement. :) I see people all the time fall into the rut of wearing the same boring jewelry, not sure how to venture beyond the boring stud earrings or simple chain necklace. Well, I've just done the work for you and if you follow these 4 simple rules, you will be a jewelry know it all in no time!


1.  What's your flavor..oh wait, I mean style :) - What's the overall look you are going for, causal, professional, boho? Determining your theme will help you determine the pieces that you will want to layer onto your outfit. Accessories add to an outfit,  so make them fun and a talking point, because the jewelry someone wears is one of the first things people notice about a person's outfit.


Professional: Keep it a little more simple (but not too simple!), usually professional outfits are more understated so adding some sparkle usually works. Earrings work best for a business suits since they stand out great against black and dark colors. 


Boho: Color, color, and layering. Wear statement pieces to really get this look right. 


Causal: You can't really go wrong here, just have fun, there are no "rules".

Style - Jewelry by brittany-diedrich-hayes featuring swarovski jewelry

2. Matchy, Matchy - We've all been in the stores where they sell the earrings, with the matching necklace, bracelet, ring, anklet...OK you get the idea. Remember that just because they make all these items to match doesn't mean you have to buy them all (and please don't!). The biggest sign of an amateur is someone who takes the easy route. Remember, fashion is about being creative, doing the unexpected, if you buy the set, you are letting someone else do the work for you. If you love the set, you can buy one piece of it, then go to another store and find something that you like with it.

Photo credit {Charming Charlies}

3. Mix it up - Don't be afraid to mix metals, colors, lengths. Gold and silver are equally popular right now, so you don't have to worry about wearing the two together in difference pieces or even in the same piece. Have 10 pieces of jewelry you love to wear? Mix them up, wear them in different ways, layer a long necklace with a short 18" chain, add a fun cocktail ring and leave your standard rings at home.

Mix it Up! by brittany-diedrich-hayes featuring a peacock ring

4.  Size Matters - Big earrings, big necklace, the bigger the better...right? Definitely wrong. Rule of thumb, if you have a big necklace on, wear stud earrings or none at all. If you have large earrings on, do not, repeat me, do not wear a necklace. Let the pieces speak for themselves.


5. Golden Rule -  The age old rule, look at yourself in the mirror before you leave and remove one thing, especially if you are a beginner. It's VERY easy to over accessorize and too much of a good thing can completely throw off an outfit.