Building a Classic Accessory Wardrobe

by Sally on January 22, 2021 in the category: accessories, jewelry

My stylistic evolution began with clothes, moved on to shoes, and eventually began to encompass accessories. It took me a while to recognize the true power of jewelry, belts, scarves, and other embellishments to add personality, flair, and interest to an outfit.

But now that I’ve seen the light, I worship at the Accessory Altar. I know now that creative accessorization can save a drab outfit from hopelessness, and elevate a good outfit to greatness. I know that accessories can add texture to the bland, sparkle to the dull, and definition to the formless. I know that accessories MAKE an outfit. read more

Originally posted 2008-11-28 07:26:00.

Reader Request: Hats Off to You

by Sally on January 17, 2021 in the category: accessories, reader requests, shopping, style

Lovely Bianca e-mailed me with this question:

Is there a way to find the perfect hat for your lovely head? I mean, are there right hat shapes for face shapes?

OK, I’ll admit to having to do some research on this one. I mean, I knew the answer: Yes, certain hat shapes work well for certain face and head shapes. But how does one go about determining WHICH hat shape for WHICH face? Here’s what I found out:

First consider your body shape and type. Like any garment or accessory, hats affect how your entire person will appear, not just your noggin. So you petite gals may want to avoid enormous, wide-brimmed hats or anything truly oversized that could overpower you. You’ll do better with a small brim and low crown. Tall ladies may want to avoid anything overly narrow, pointy, or high since they will just add to your natural height. You can sport the wide brim that petites avoid, and try a shorter crown. Plus-sized gals may want to embrace full-brimmed hats since they add balance to a curvy figure. read more

Originally posted 2009-08-05 05:47:00.

Reader Request: Wrangling Slips

by Sally on November 3, 2020 in the category: accessories, reader requests

Superfantastic reader Erin asked:

Slips: Do you wear them? How long are your slips? Because you’re a year-round dress- and skirt-wearing woman in a cold climate, I assume that you’re a slip fan. Slips keep my skirts and tights from ending up in a horrible tussle on my thighs (no one wants to see that). I think, however, that there may be some ladies who think slips are old fashioned, fussy, and unnecessary.

Well, friends, it’s confession time: I am utter crap at slip implementation. I own several full slips, but they only get worn when I have about a billion heavy layers over them because they’ve got lots of gorgeous lacy embellishment … which means they generally show through my shirts. Also since I am generally on a mission to show off my waist, a traditional full slip only hinders: Unless worn with a dress (and most of my dresses are either lined or slippery), it pooches out at the waistband. read more

Originally posted 2009-11-13 06:55:00.