Learning the art of accessorizing

April 29, 2015/Style

I grew up in a family that was happy for hand-me-downs and new shoes at Christmas and Easter. I never felt deprived, but that’s probably because I really never cared much about clothes – as long as I was wearing some, I was fine.

Fast forward to high school where I fit in more with the guys than the girls and fashion wasn’t on any of my guy-friend’s radars. Metrosexual was not a thing where I grew up.

My husband and I met in high school and bonded over sports – playing them and talking about them. Many of our afternoons were spent lifting weights together at the Y. True story. Probably about the time we got married, God bless him, he finally said something like, “It’d be okay if you wore something other than an athletic shirt every once and awhile.”

Moving to Pittsburgh was fun for me because it gave me a chance to reinvent myself. I started carrying a purse and tried to pay attention to style. I’ve come a long way in the last four years, if I do say so myself, thanks to Stitch Fix and Pinterest. But one thing I still struggle with is accessorizing. I just don’t know what to do with jewelry.

So, I asked my friend Rachel, a stylist with Stella and Dot, to teach me how to pair different necklaces with different necklines and you know what, I’m feeling pretty confident about it now. I thought it would be fun to share her insights with you, too, in case there are people like me out there (please, tell me I’m not the only one!)

Here she is:

One of the things I love on other people, but lacked confidence in is layering. Stella and Dot makes layering really easy. They sell sets that do the work for you. Like these two:

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Fortuna Stone Pendant

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Aria Pendant Necklace

Or, with Rachel’s tips, I now know to layer three “delicate” necklaces together like these:

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Interlock Cross Necklace

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Signature Engravable Disc

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Devon Layering Necklace

Now I need to learn more about stacking bracelets! But for now, necklaces go in the check column!

If you see something you like, you can order something through my Stella and Dot trunk show through the end of this week. Click here.

Comments (3)

  • Heather from Ontario Canada / April 29, 2015 / Reply

    You are not alone. We could be fashion sisters. One time I went to visit my sister at her work and she told her fellow workers that I’d come in jeans, runners and a t shirt. Amazingly that we the first and only time I might add, that I came dressed up. In short boots with heels, a nice top and dress pants. Most likely no jewelery.

  • Linda / April 29, 2015 / Reply

    I love jewelry and accessories! I have been that way since I was a little girl! My mom was that way too. I may not always get it right…but I have jewelry on everyday and I feel naked without it!

    I think it’s fine if people aren’t into stylish clothes, or “girlie girl” stuff…but I think people can look fresh and pretty with a bit of make-up and a little bit of jewelry.

    I also love purses as an accessory…and shoes are fun too. However, now that I am getting older and I have foot issues, I wear an awful lot of Crocs, because if I don’t, my feet hurt too much. So, my high heel days are long gone!

    You are so cute Leighann…and petite. (At least you look petite next to your “giant” hubby! Ha!) I love your great smile, and that’s the best accessory anyone can wear! 🙂 Love, Momma Linda

  • Martha / April 30, 2015 / Reply

    You’re certainly not alone! More than once my sisters have asked me ‘is THAT what you’re wearing???!!!’ – I ‘dress up’ for work – meaning I don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt to the office, but also have a hard time with accesories. – I do wear earrings, mostly loops and a watch – that’s it.

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