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Aaah, the maxi dress. Is there any other piece of clothing that manages to make you feel like you’re a fancy lady and wearing your pajamas at the same time? This summer staple comes in many forms and colors, and the accessorizing options are endless. Here are twelve of my favorites:
1/ printed maxi dress // 2/ convertible contra necklace // 3/ crocheted clutch // 4/ mixed metal stacking rings // 5/ leather studded sandals
Summer style is all about keeping it simple (and cool) by going for a few pieces with major impact. Mixing prints on your maxi dress and clutch show you aren’t afraid to experiment. And when you finish the look off with a major necklace that also manages to be simple and chic, you’ve got a bold look that’s perfect for a long summer day.
It’s pretty safe to say that my love for distressed denim knows no bounds. At this point, there isn’t a single pair of jeans in my closet that doesn’t have at least one (intentional) hole in them. But distressed denim doesn’t have to look sloppy. (This is something I’m particularly sensitive about, as I spend most days working in my studio, and dirty and messy is par for the course.) Here are eight outfits that prove distressed denim can look great when dressed up:
1/ with ankle boots and a bit of bling // 2/ with a blush blazer and bronze accessories // 3/ with wedges and a cozy cardigan // 4/ with d’orsay flats and a major necklace
5/ with a crisp white shirt and wedges // 6/ with cute boots and a statement coat // 7/ with a sweet top and two-tone flats // 8/ with black and white and a bit of edge
Some days just call for a little more toughness in your style. But at the same time, you don’t want to frighten strangers and coworkers into thinking you’re auditioning for the role of Jane in the Daria reboot. (If only that was really happening.) This outfit mixes a few pieces with attitude with some elements that are just plain sweet (and a few pieces that manage to walk the line between the two). It’s just enough toughness to get you through whatever the day throws at you.
1/ leather bomber jacket // 2/ gingham gathered skirt // 3/ contra bib necklace // 4/ ombre mesh clutch // 5/ stainless steel and leather watch // 6/ point toe flats
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As temps heat up, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort for style. This black and white look will keep you cool, while long lines, classic styling, and bold accessories will make you feel chic and powerful. What more could you ask for in your summer style?
1/ crepe top // 2/ wide leg pant // 3/ contra necklace // 4/ mechanical watch // 5/ crossbody bag // 6/ suede sandals
If you’re looking to add a little creativity to your style, a bold patterned coat and statement necklace will certainly do the trick. Pair the coat with all black pieces with a bit of visual interest (like a solid/sheer skirt and peep-toe booties) to keep the look a little more cool than over the top.
1/ vintage bomber jacket // 2/ a-line skirt // 3/ contra bib statement necklace // 4/ crossbody bag // 5/ open toe ankle boots
Who says statement necklaces only have to be for special occasions? A bold necklace adds the perfect pop to a slouchy sweater and distressed denim.
1/ slouchy sweater // 2/ mini bag // 3/ mixed metal stacking rings // 4/ denim slip ons // 5/ contra bib statement necklace // 6/ distressed boyfriend jeans
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard it. Someone takes a look at one of my big, bold necklaces or major statement rings and says with a sigh of longing, “I wish I could pull that off.”
Well I’m here to let you in on a little secret. If you’ve been dreaming of becoming that woman who can rock bold jewelry on any occasion, stop dreaming. Because you CAN pull that off.
But I also know that making what (in the moment) feels like a major change in your everyday style can be a bit scary. Which is why today I’m sharing four tips to help you take the plunge into wearing big, bold jewelry.
Just be warned. Once you’ve been bitten by the bold jewelry bug, you’ll never go back to your basic wardrobe again. (Not that you’d want to!)
1. Start small(ish). If you’re the type of person who doesn’t wear much (or any) jewelry, a big statement piece is going to feel just plain weird. So instead of trying to go from zero to super intense, start off with some jewelry training wheels. A piece like my Audrey necklace is the perfect starting point for someone looking to step up their bold jewelry game. It’s high impact in a super lightweight, easy to wear package, perfect for making the transition to bigger, bolder jewelry down the line.
2. Keep it casual. So many people make the mistake of thinking that bold jewelry requires a fancier outfit. But if dressed up isn’t your daily style, you’ll quickly start to feel overdressed. Instead, pair your new bold jewelry with casual clothes, like boyfriend jeans and a basic t-shirt. A casual outfit can make even the boldest jewelry seem totally appropriate. It’s a trick I use when I want to wear one of my Contra Collection statement necklaces to even the most mundane of family functions.
3. Go for one signature piece. When you’re first journeying into the world of bolder jewelry, there’s no need to attempt a full on Iris Apfel from day one. Instead, consider investing in one signature statement piece and then challenge yourself to wear it every day. You’ll be amazed at how many different outfits a great piece of statement jewelry can work with. And once you commit to wearing your signature piece on a regular basis, you’ll be surprised at how naked you’ll feel leaving the house without it. Ever since I started rocking a Contra ring on my right hand, I have a hard time not wearing it, even if I’m just headed to the grocery store!
4. Fake it ’til you make it. There’s no one ideal person when it comes to wearing a piece of bold jewelry. In fact, I’ve see a huge range of women rock a serious statement necklace like the Maya. The common denominator? Attitude. Chances are, the first time you step out in bolder than normal jewelry, you might feel a tad self-conscious. But what if instead of worrying about how others might perceive you, you gave yourself permission to feel just a little cooler than everyone else in the room? (Because let’s face it, if you’re rocking a piece of bold jewelry, you are cooler than everyone else in the room.) Roll those shoulders back and add a little swagger to your step. You’ll soon be surprised at how a little pretend confidence (paired with your new, bolder jewelry) quickly translates into a real boost of confidence.
Ready to rock some bold jewelry? These six pieces are perfect for beginners looking to up their bold jewelry game:
the Audrey necklace // the large droplet hoops // mixed metal stacking rings // tiny contra ring // oval contra pendant // the Eleanor necklace
Pin ItLooking for a graduation gift that’s both thoughtful and practical? Why not help your grad transition into work appropriate style with a new piece of jewelry?
Read on for some of my favorite pieces to help a recent grad make the leap from college casual to distinctive professional style:
curved post earrings:
The small curved post earrings are perfect for every day wear, with a unique design that makes them a great alternative to traditional hoops. Perfect for wearing to the office, a party, or even to yoga class! Available in sterling silver, bronze, or oxidized silver.
Audrey necklace:
This classic necklace is equally at home under a blazer for an extra boost of confidence at work as it is paired with jeans and a tank top for some weekend fun. Plus, the distinctive two-tone design means you can wear it several different ways – it’s like getting two (or three!) necklaces in one! Available in steel and bronze or steel and silver.
petal earrings:
These simple yet stunning earrings are perfect to toss on with any work wear for a dash of added style. And with four metal options to choose from, you’re sure to find one to please!
With lots of choices under $100, you’re sure to find a gift your grad will love! And all jewelry comes in a gift box tied with a bow – making gift giving perfectly easy! (Short on time? We can even ship your order directly to the recipient!)
Lately, I’ve been all about keeping my style simple, and then making an outfit pop with great accessories! A fun pair of shoes and a statement necklace have always been my go to, but now that I launched my newest earring collection, I’m having lots of fun playing with earrings too!
1/ short sleeve blouse // 2/ ripped boyfriend jeans // 3/ small curve post earrings // 4/ melissa necklace in silver // 5/ foldover clutch // 6/ ankle boots
