A revered Australian fashion designer (who shall remain nameless for now for it is irrelevant who he is or what TV show he used to judge), once told me that he thought jewellery and accessories could make or break an outfit.
This may seem like a given to many – of course ten strands of fluoro pink beads wont sit well with that beige tailored dress you bought especially for that corporate lunch – but it is a point I feel should really be reiterated. Because the reality is, an outfit's downfall often doesn't occur because you have selected bad jewellery or too much jewellery – no. I believe it’s because sometimes people don’t wear enough jewellery – they fail to accessorise at all, and therefore fail to make the most of out their outfits. Perfect people understand the importance of jewellery and the many aesthetic benefits it brings to the table.
I know lots of jewellery everyday isn’t for everyone – and I’m certainly not suggesting you constantly be dripping with diamonds. That would be vulgar. But there are certain jewellery staples that I think should be worked into your “every day” wardrobe. And my fashion designer friend agrees. There’s nothing wrong with trying to look a bit “special” on a daily basis – in fact, I think effort when dressing should be embraced. Celebrated even. Go crazy.
Diamonds Are My Best Friend:
It may be an over-used adage and rife with gold-digger connotations, but I really do believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Growing up, I loved nothing more than adorning myself with sparkles, and lots of them. Of course at that point in my life, they were faux diamonds (come to think of it, they mostly still are), but that never mattered. I would rarely be seen out on the town without glittering chandelier style baubles dripping from my ears. I swear the sparkles reflect on your skin to make your complexion shimmer and glow.
Marilyn shows us how the 'chandelier' diamonds are done, in a way we can all attempt to emulate:
That woman has so much sex appeal it's ridiculous. Perhaps it's because of the diamonds?
A fashion photographer I know often insists that his models wear diamonds on shoots for that very reason! “Luminous” is a word he has thrown around. I think he also likes the way they glint in the light, making his photographs look all sparkly and special.
At the very least, diamonds get people’s attention.
Most of the time, I usually go for more modestly sized diamonds. A simple diamond stud, of whatever size, still brings light to your face with its clear, pure glitter. It has an understated elegance to it. A diamond stud is what I will wear most days in my casual or corporate life– regardless of whether I am spending the day in the office, or seeing a movie, a diamond stud is like wearing jewellery, without wearing jewellery. It is a staple and pre-requisite to any outfit, in my opinion (does that make sense?!).
Reese does understated diamonds well. Here she is with some simple (but probably ridiculously expensive) diamond studs:
If you can't afford diamonds – and let’s be honest, most of us can’t – then I’m all for faking it (afterall, that’s what this website is all about). I’m a big fan of Shhh Secrets jewellery and their diamond simulants.
Kicking Back With Turquoise:
Turquoise is another piece of magic jewellery that has the ability to glam up your whole ensemble and make you look “effortlessly chic” – and despite how much effort I put in, I always want it to look effortless. So turquoise is a winner.
The chunkier the better – you can’t go past a statement turquoise necklace and it’s the perfect addition to any outfit in the following core colours: Black (classic); White (fresh); Coral (Summery); Jeans (casual).
I'm not a fan of Megan Fox, but I will concede that she is very beautiful and demonstrates here just how well Turquoise teams with black:
While not techincally coral (though there are definitely splashes in there), Scarlett also goes very well with turquoise. Zing!
Turquoise works particularly well with a tan (fake tan of course, we’re not heathens). And for those who are game and have a killer body, you should know: I’ve been to several swimwear fashion shoots and nothing says beach glamour like a chunky, ridiculously-over-the-top turquoise necklace teamed with teased hair, a deep tan and an itsy bitsy bikini. Sky-high wedges optional (personally I find them a tad ridiculous and impossible to navigate the sandy dunes of the beach in).
I acquired my favourite chunky turquoise necklace from Dubai – I’m not ashamed to admit that it is faux turquoise and cost next to nothing (Dubai is great for shopping – if you haven’t been there, book a flight immediately. They could do with the tourism at the moment too). The important thing is, my Dubai necklace looks real and it looks fabulous and it always garners loads of compliments. Which is what we want from jewellery isn’t it? To bask in their reflected compliments?
This is the sort of Turquoise I’m talking about – this one is very much like mine – but it’s Bulgari darling, and it’s vintage.
Pearls for Girls:
A strand of pearls strung elegantly around ones neck is a fast way to glamourise your look. I’ve always thought the luminous colour and sheer texture of pearls does wonders for a woman’s complexion and highlights white teeth. Some may find pearls too preppy or old-school – I just love them though and am always complemented when I wear them. I feel I always look a little bit more “special” when I’m wearing pearls, and it’s nice to look like a bit of effort has been put in.
For me, pearls evoke memories of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn – two contrasting schools of thought when it comes to fashion, but both equally seductive.
I always have several strands of pearls in my jewellery collection
- A tiny strand of south sea pearls past down from my grandmother. I love wearing jewellery that tells a story. It makes the whole thing just a bit more romantic and there’s something very spiritual about adorning yourself in the very pearls that your grandmother wore years ago. I don’t even mind that the once stark white of the pearl is now slightly yellowed – in fact I prefer it that way.
- A larger more modern strand of pearls. Prominent, clean, sophisticated. A fresh take on an old classic.
Pearl studs are also a fabulous, under-stated edition to your daily outfits - and look amazing and coordinated when teamed with a matching necklace.The advice with pearl studs is the bigger, the better.
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