What to Wear to the Beach: 5 Outfit Ideas

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As I mentioned in yesterday's article Top 10 Fabulous Beach Day Essentials, there are so many cute coverups and other options to wear to the beach. If you're stumped for what to wear to the beach or just want a little bit of inspiration, here are five beach day outfit ideas.

Outfit #1

This outfit makes the quintessential "shorts and a top" look a lot more interesting. First, a black monokini doubles as a top when worn under denim shorts and a button-down white shirt left unbuttoned for maximum cool factor. A fun floral bag adds color and interest, while turquoise gladiator sandals are far more fabulous than basic flip flops.

Outfit #2

This outfit keeps it simple in the best possible way. A loose white tee and shorts combine for the ultimate summer uniform, while a basic black bikini is universally flattering. Dark faux Wayfarers (or real ones if you have the cash) are just as classic. I love the addition of some metallic Havaianas sandals and a buffalo plaid bag for a little extra interest that still keeps it simple.

Outfit #3

This look channels the 80's trend that's so popular right now with lots of brights and a hint of acid wash for good measure. This outfit would be a great way to play up a bright bikini. Neon aviators match a cute eco-friendly shopping tote that doubles as a beach bag, while basic Havaianas are simply a summer staple that go with everything.

Outfit #4

This outfit reminds me of a mix between Charlotte York and Elle Woods - cute and preppy, but still fun. The overall look is very matchy-matchy, but that's part of what makes it work. A pretty pink dress is the focus of this outfit, layered over a crisp white bikini with metallic accents. A wide brimmed hat adds style and sun protection for your scalp, while white and gold metallic accessories tie the whole ensemble together.

Outfit #5

I think this outfit is my favorite of the bunch: a forever classic white beach kaftan paired with some stud-embellished flip flops, Chanel-inspired sunglasses and a colorful tote. Perfect for the stylish city girl who doesn't want to give up her basic black but still wants to embrace summer fashion.

Your Thoughts?

What's your favorite outfit to wear to the beach? Do you like to keep it simple with a dress and flip flops, or mix it up a little more? Share your beach outfit ideas in the comments section.

Choosing the Right Necklace Length for You

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To look great in a necklace — whether it’s a chain, pendant or string of pearls — look to your face, neck and body type to get the right “fit.”

If you were to go through your jewelry collection right now, would you find a necklace — or five — that you rarely, if ever, wear? Let’s think about why.

Now, it could be that you just don’t like the piece anymore. It could have been part of a fun fad and you got bored with it. And, of course, it could have been “that unfortunate gift” from someone well in the past.

But it’s more likely that there are two key reasons for the lack of wear. One: It doesn’t work with your overall wardrobe. And two: It doesn’t flatter you.

How do you avoid making these same mistakes twice? Let’s look at your options to find the best necklace length for you.

The jewelry industry has standard necklace lengths measured in inches, which are more often even numbers than odd. However, chain can be cut to any length, and custom-designed pieces can be whatever the designer decides.

Women have lots of standard options:

LENGTH	STYLE	PLACEMENT	WORN BEST WITH ...
14 inches	Collar	Tightly around the neck	Open-neck clothing such as scoop necks, V-necks, off-the-shoulder and boatnecks
16 inches	Choker	Tightly against base of throat	Almost everything
18 inches	Princess	On the collarbone	Almost everything
20 to 24 inches	Matinee	Between the collarbone and the bust	Great for both business and casual wear
28 to 36 inches	Opera	On the bust or an inch or two below	High necklines and evening wear
36 to 42 inches	Rope	Wrapped to sit on or just below the center of the bust	Elegant business and evening wear

Note: If you have a wide neck and are considering shorter lengths, you may need to go up an inch or two in length.

Men, not surprisingly, have fewer options, and all really work with any shirt or sweater:

LENGTH	PLACEMENT
18 inches	Base of neck of smaller man
20 inches	Collarbone; most common size
22 inches	A few inches below the collarbone; medallion can be added
24 inches	Above the breastbone

Sticking your neck out

So, since men don’t have the same concerns about wardrobe choices or body type, we’ve got tips for women. (But gentlemen, stick around and eavesdrop because you may learn something about buying a necklace for a woman.)

For a super-quick way to figure out the perfect necklace length, measure the extended length of the necklace you wear most often (or the clasped length, then double it). That’s likely the most flattering length for you, or the one that works best with your wardrobe.

For a more measured process, think about your entire body — from the shape of your face to the size of your bust to your height to your general body type.

But start with your neck. All necklaces actually touch your neck, so what’s going on there counts a lot. Necks have length and necks have width. And some necks have wrinkles. Long necks can wear just about anything. Short necks and wrinkly necks have issues to work out, so not every necklace will be a good fit. And do remember, as with any “general” advice, there are always exceptions so it’s best to try necklaces on, if possible.  

Lengths and widths

A choker will work beautifully on a long, thin neck (the proverbial “swan neck”). A choker on a short neck can make that neck look stubby — and possibly wider than it is. A wide, short neck can’t rock a choker, especially a wide one. Don’t try. Instead, choose a necklace 20- to 24-inches long; this will elongate your type of neck and make it more swan-like. Wrinkled necks need to stay away from short and tight necklaces too. Unfortunately, they draw the eye to those wrinkles — use a longer necklace, perhaps with a stunning pendant, to draw the viewer’s eye away instead.

Another key part of your body to consider is your upper torso. Usually, a necklace shorter than 22 inches sits above or at the bust. When you go longer, though, you want to be sure the necklace works with the length of your torso and your bust, especially if you are short or full-figured.  

Where many women make a mistake is by not considering height. This is understandable because women of average height and taller can wear just about any length necklace (although if you’re taller, a short chain may get lost on you). But short women may be overwhelmed by long necklaces and chunky designs. If you’re 5’4” or smaller, choose a length that sits on your collarbone or just below.

Bottom line: look in the mirror and decide how the necklace looks on you; and if you like it, wear it!

Face it

A final consideration is the shape of your face. The common descriptors are oval, round, square and heart-shaped. Oval faces can wear any length of necklace (keeping in mind, of course, height, neck and body size). If you have a round face, you want to pick a longer necklace, possibly with a pendant or charm, ideally something that creates a slimming “V” as it glides away from your face. Avoid the round choker as it will make your round face look rounder. The recommendation is exactly opposite for heart-shaped faces. The roundness of a choker will smooth out the heart shape’s planes and angles. Long, rectangular faces also benefit from the roundness of the choker.

So chokers sound great for a lot of different faces. But what if you wear turtlenecks all the time? Then a choker is not for you. When choosing a necklace length, you must also consider what you wear.

Your closet

Your everyday wardrobe is another important part of your necklace length decision. Let’s stick with turtlenecks as a wardrobe example. Long ropes of chain or beads will look great with turtlenecks on most women, but if you are short or full-figured, they may not.  Once you have decided what you will wear, just make sure the necklace length you choose adds to the overall look and enhances your appearance.

There are many things to consider when you’re properly outfitting yourself with a new necklace. We’ve talked about neck, face and body type, and a bit about how your clothing will drive the length of the piece you choose. For all that planning, though, you just may come across something you adore and have to have. All things considered, only you can really decide if that cool necklace that may not be the perfect length might actually be the perfect necklace for you.

6 Tips for Buying Antique & Estate Jewelry

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My mother recently gifted me a locket that once belonged to my grandmother, and it is one of my prized possessions. It is an heirloom I plan to someday pass along to my own daughter, and in addition to holding great sentimental value, the quality and durability of the item is great. Plus, it’s gorgeous to boot.

There are many reasons to love antique jewelry. However, what often looks like antique jewelry is actually a clever reproduction of the real thing. So if you love older pieces, it’s important to know what to look for so you don’t end up paying top dollar for something manufactured on an assembly line last year.

How to Shop for Antique Jewelry

1. Investigate the Seller
When I search for antique jewelry online using websites like Craigslist or eBay, the first thing I do is investigate the seller and check for other items for sale. If a seller has 10 of the same antique ring, I’m going to assume that it’s not the real thing. Most antique and estate pieces are one-of-a-kind, so ordering in bulk is not an option.

I also look through the feedback of a seller, if available, and see what other buyers have said about the wares. If a seller has sold antiques in the past, you can get an idea of how satisfied a buyer was with a certain piece.

2. Ask the Right Questions
Get in touch with the seller – you need to ask a few questions about the piece to decide whether or not it’s the real deal. One thing I always like to ask is how the seller came across a piece. I look for a viable story that would explain how the item came into the seller’s possession, such as that it was bought from an estate sale, is a family heirloom, or was found in the process of antique hunting.

A good, honest seller can provide some type of information as to where the piece came from, along with some general information on the date and location the piece was acquired and its overall condition.

3. Check for a Mark
Antique jewelers almost always left a maker’s mark somewhere on the piece. Therefore, if the piece is said to have been made prior to the 1950s, definitely check for some type of mark, such as a small icon of the initials of the maker.

Next, do some research online. There are many websites that post pictures of various well-known antique jewelers’ marks with explanations of the origins and craftsmen behind the different pieces. That’s how I found out that a garnet bracelet (also left to me by my bauble-loving grandmother) was made in the 1920s. It’s one of the fun parts of shopping for antique jewelry.

4. Look for Patina
“Patina” is the word that dealers use for the sheen that occurs after years of use. While dealers can have pieces restored, most antique jewelry is sold in as-is condition so as not to damage the gold, silver, or other metal.

In short, your piece should show signs of wear. Tarnish, dents, and a lack of shine are all common earmarks of the real deal. If a piece looks like it’s brand new, ask the dealer if it’s been restored. Otherwise, simply assume that it’s a really clever fake.

5. Consider the Price
One thing I always tell prospective buyers is that if the price is too good to be true, tread with caution. True estate and antique pieces are made to last and have serious heritage, so they aren’t going to go for a couple of bucks on eBay. Instead, compare the price to the stones, metal, and quality of the piece. If you think you’re snagging an antique, marked watch for under $20, you should be pretty suspicious.

6. Try an Estate Sale
If you’re worried about buying antique jewelry from a dealer or online, be your own dealer and hit an estate sale in your area. You can find estate sales by combing your local classifieds or by checking out dressbarn.com for local events.

Peruse the goods and look for the signs of a true antique piece. If a piece of jewelry is being presented as genuine, ask to see the jewelry certification. If there isn’t any documentation, negotiate a better price before purchasing, then head to an appraiser to make sure you bought the real thing. Estate sales are perfect because you know that the pieces came from a personal collection, which usually gives you a better chance of netting a gem of a deal.

Final Word

Whether you’re in it to resell or just because you’re sentimental like me, you can find amazing antique and estate pieces pretty much anywhere. Online dealers, garage sales, estate sales, and craft fairs all showcase jewelry that looks old. By checking the pieces thoroughly, you can separate the real from the fake to make sure you get a great deal on jewelry that means something.

Do you enjoy antique jewelry? Have you ever had a bad experience shopping for them?

5 tips for matching your clothes and jewelry

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We define our style, either daily or for special occasions, through the clothes we wear, but also through the accessories including jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings are part of the equation in terms of fashion. Jewelry is indeed the little extra, the final touch to bring to an outfit for a 100% successful trendy look. In trade, the choice of accessories is so broad that the options to match jewelry and clothes are innumerable. Nevertheless, let’s see five tips applicable for any occasions to avoid missteps.

Tip N°1 : Each piece of jewelry must match with your morphology

The trick to apply this rule with each outfit is to check where the "eye" is attracted (the focal point). When properly made, the focus remains on "you" and your outfit should achieve this goal. Jewelry can also contribute to this, but the size of each piece or the general layout of accessories is the key. For example, layering necklaces can be beautiful but only if the visual effect on your body is not too "weighting". As such, also pay attention to the length of your necklaces. The goal is neither to truncate your neck if it is not very long, nor draw attention on a little round belly that you would hide. For more specific advice on jewelry and morphology click HERE.




Tip N°2 : Each piece must match with the context and the occasion
Today's style rules are much less conventional than before, even at work. So you can afford a few fantasies. But not forget to match jewelry with outfit and circumstances. At the office, for example, it will not be easy to type on a keyboard with big bling-bling rings and a myriad of bracelets hanging on the wrist. 
Also think that jewelry will catch the eye. Placing a big brooch on a generous bust is surely the best way to focus all eyes on this part of your anatomy. Not very suitable for a meeting where you will have to argue, defend a viewpoint or persuade.





Tip N°3 : like your clothes, each piece of jewelry has to match with your skin tone
It is therefore important to choose jewelry that not only match with your outfit, but that also enhance you. Opt for metals and gems that illuminate your natural skin tone. There is a wide spectrum of different colors: gold, silver, sapphire, amethyst, etc. Maybe turquoise goes better with your eyes as ruby. Silver is the favorite metal for many of us, but if you have the matte skin and dark hair, gold is beautiful.
In short, criteria such as the color of your skin, your hair, your eyes are just as important in choosing your jewelry than your clothes. For more information on this, see our article "Are you gold or silver? Take the quiz! "





Tip N°4 : each piece should be able to be worn with different outfits

Each piece should be able to be reused. The goal of accessories is to add extra interest to an outfit. An excellent jewelry buying is made not only when it is lovely, but also when it can complement many of your outfits. For this reason, prefer to a matching set of jewelry several original pieces that you can mix and match with any outfit. More details in "how to mix and match jewelry."




Tip N°5 : the best is the enemy of the good

Each piece of jewelry you wear should add value to your outfit. As Coco Chanel recommended so well, "Before you go out, look at yourself in the mirror and remove one accessory." This rule is good advice and applicable in all circumstances. Although the trend is to wear a lot of jewelry (knuckle rings, necklaces and bracelets layering etc.), over-accessorizing is a very common mistake. For example it is necessary to take into account the statement piece that form the focal point of an outfit (see our article "How to mix and match jewelry".) And of course,even if your grandmother’s ring or your birth bracelet is a sentimental piece of jewelry for you, it does not mean you have to wear them all the time with any outfit.

7 Tips to Choose the Right Jewelry for Your Skin Tone

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Finding jewelry for your skin tone can be difficult if you don’t know where to start, but that’s why I’m here!

Below, you will find seven of the most helpful tips to choose jewelry for your skin tone and hair color.

You can wear any jewelry that strikes your fancy, of course, but some tones complement your skin shade better than others.

Read on to discover your best shades!

1. FIGURING OUT YOUR TONE

Of course, before you can find jewelry for your skin tone, you need to know what your skin tone is!

It’s easy to figure out.

Hold up your wrist in a well-lighted area.

If your veins are a bluish tint, then you are a cool tone.

If your veins are a greenish tint, then you are a warm tone!

Keep reading to find out what this means.

2. WARM TONES

Warm tones come from the “warmer” colors, like gold, yellow, red, and pink.

If you have a warm tone to your skin, you want to stick with jewelry on this side of the color wheel.

Gold is your #best friend!

Although you can still be pals with diamonds too, since they are white!

All joking aside, you can totally wear cool tones of jewelry, just be aware that warm tones will look the best on you.

3. COOL TONES

Cool tones are the opposite of warm!

They come from the other side of the color wheel, with blue, green, and silver.

So jewelry with these colors will #look fabulous on you!

Although you can absolutely wear pinks and red if you want to.

Just know that cool tones are going to pop against your skin!

4. FAIR SKIN

If you have fair skin, it will be best to choose a piece of jewelry in a very light shade of your tone.

Bright or dark colors can be overwhelming, so try to think soft colors.

But there’s a #time and place to be dramatic, so no need to toss out all your dark jewelry!

Just save it for the right occasion and place.

5. MEDIUM SKIN

Medium skin is almost the best of both worlds when it comes to the jewelry party.

You can get away with almost any shade of jewelry, whether light, bright, dark, or neon.

If you go for silver or gold, be sure to match your undertones to the right tone for your skin if you really want to stand out in a crowd!

6. DARK SKIN

For dark skin, you have a huge range!

I love to see bright jewelry on dark skin.

Nearly any color, even white, really stands out on someone with dark skin.

I would steer clear of dark shades of jewelry, as they can disappear depending on how dark your skin is.

7. HAIR TONES AND JEWELRY

Did you know your hair plays a part in how jewelry looks on you overall?

It’s not a huge role, but for necklaces or earrings that are close to your hair, there are tips to make the most of what you’ve got!

I love to contrast my jewelry with my hair shade.

For example, red hair looks wonderful paired with aqua jewelry.

And silver jewelry really pops against dark hair.

Experiment around to see which colors bring out your #hair the best!

Now that you know all about jewelry tones and how they relate to skin, are you ready to do some jewelry shopping?

I know I am!

But us girls will use any excuse to shop!

What are your own tips for picking jewelry out for your #skin tone?

Please comment #below with your suggestions!