Choosing Accessories

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During a money crisis the last thing you might consider would be a total wardrobe makeover, but just buying a some new accessories can help you come very close. A good quality gorgeous new bag for instance can really update your look, and you'll get a lot of bang for your buck when you know that you'll be carrying it often. Earrings are the accessory I can't live without. I have lots that I've bought, and others that I've made. A scarf can turn a basic black dress into a fashion masterpiece' and though you might be a little too conservative to wear a really bold or dramatic outfit, several pieces of bold handcrafted silver and turquoise or semi precious stone jewelry could really set off your favorite black business suit and give your "trusty" pearls a rest.

A Good Bag, A Girl's Best Friend

When I lived in the city my bag was not a mere accessory, it was an appendage. It was a part of me and I needed it be good looking, high functioning, and heavy duty. For many of us city chic's it had to be able to hold a small meal, books, an extra pair of shoes and possibly a change of clothes in addition to the usual things a woman carries in her purse. We serious purse carriers buy them in neutral or men's wear colors. Like brown, black, navy, tan and taupe. Now that I am a regular driver and can leave lots of my "stuff in the car I no longer need such a heavy duty bag but old habits die hard, and so do my bags. I enjoy looking at all the colorful trendy styles but I still like a bag to look good, keep it's shape and be stylish for at least 5 years. Good leather is the key. I also enjoy natural fibers and occasionally denim styles in summer that can work as a neutral.

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If you have wide hips but like a shoulder bag adjust the straps so that the bag is not at hip level. It will add more visual width to that area of your body. Your purse should be in the same scale of your body. Tall women look great with a large purse, petite women with a smaller purse; but if you tend to have a round-ish plus size body stay away from a round purse go for more angular styles.

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Be Creative With Earrings and brooches

My favorite kind of jewelry are earrings. I won't leave home without them. I love the way they perk me up. If you have a very round face choose drop or dangling earrings instead of large hoops which will just bring attention to the fullness of your face if you have a short neck you should also keep your earrings short. They should not be too near, or touching your shoulders. It will look cluttered and can actually be uncomfortable if they do. And remember also big hair -small earring. Small earrings look great with short hair, but large earrings get to really show off under a short do. Don't be disappointed if you can't find a style you like in pierced or non- pierced I've seen some great earring converters

I wear pierced earrings but I also collect beautiful clip-ons because they can make such wonderful ornaments for clothing and other accessories. For example two vintage style rhinestone clips at the sides of a very deep v neckline black dress, can turn it into a stunning evening outfit, or add them or a brooch to a plain black fabric cosmetic bag to create an elegant evening purse. Clip to a hat for sparkle or use them to keep a scarf in place. They can be used like matching mini brooches.

                            www.the-antique-store.com

             

   

www.vintagecostumejewels.com       www.amazingadornments.com

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Necklaces

For shorter ladies and apple or rectangle body types, long necklaces are great for visually adding length to the body; but please don't let them overlap a belt it's just to busy. I love extra long flapper type pearls, and just recently I have learned to tie the knot at just the top of my cleavage. The beads hang closer to my body and having the knot high up also brightens my face. I love chokers especially the bold, dramatic exotic or artsy type but as my neck has gotten a little thicker they aren't as comfortable as they used to be , so I opt for the triple strand of pearls or colorful beads that lay perfectly on my chest between my neck and bust line. I always loved that Audrey Hepburn look I'm so glad it's done a 'rewind.

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Show off Graceful Hands With Rings and Bracelets

Lane Bryant has a collection of "stretch Rings" no need to worry about fit

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Rings do a wonderful job of drawing attention to nice hands and well kept nails but please, if you want to be taken seriously wear no more than two at a time. Personally I think one is enough but I understand some people like to collect; but do remember that there are 365 days in a year after all...

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Bracelets look good with bare arms or a shorter sleeve. I must admit though that I like the look of a sleek fitting knit top or sweater and a shiny bangle at the wrist in the cool weather. for those of us with thicker wrist Plus Size stores like Lane Bryant have some really pretty stretch bracelets.

Remember to be consistent or keep a theme going with your jewelry. Go all gold, or all silver or all natural like shells, hemp and wood. Also wear jewelry appropriate for the season. Shells and colorful costume jewelry are generally for warm weather.

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Scarves, wraps and Ruanas .

Wraps and Ruanas are a great way to deal with transitional weather.

I, like many plus sized women have a short neck. So although I love scarves they are not an accessory that I wear well. When I do purchase them I will usually buy a long oblong shape that I can tie low at my midriff, I've always admired women who do fabulous things with scarves by using pins and making bows etc and I love the way they can make a simple outfit outstanding.

Belts

I love the sophistication and drama a belt can bring to an outfit being a rectangle/ apple they are another thing I don't wear well. I really envy the hourglass and pear shaped ladies for the way they can rock a wide leather belt, or obi sash, and even those old fashioned corset type belts. I think the elastic variety is probably most comfortable for a BBW I especially like to see them over long shirts or tunics. To avoid a muffin top do not adjust the belt so tightly that is squeezes your flesh over and under the belt. Dark matte colors will of course make a small waist look even smaller. And brighter colors will look good under an open shirt.

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BTW: being rather round at the middle when I did venture to wear a belt they would always slide up and under my bust line. But I discovered a way to make them stay in place by using shelf grip liner . I hot glued several large strips to the inside back and front of the belt and it stayed in place all day. Two strips in the back and two in the front worked just fine. Use black for dark colors and white for light. It also works great in strappy sandals or mules to keep your feet from sliding forward.

BTW: Shopping for accessories is fun, but another way to build up your wardrobe is to exchange with family and friends. Some times your drawer gets cluttered with things you no longer use or maybe things you just don't want. Clean them up and instruct your friends to do the same, then have a swap meet-literally. Remember one woman's trash is another woman's treasure You can probably organize them according to estimated value and just go from there. what a great excuse for a get together.

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Use Your Bling Sparingly

The General rule is don't be a Christmas tree and wear too many accessories at one time. Less is definitely more especially when it comes to jewelry. Sometimes though they will sell very elaborate costume jewelry in sets. For instance, I inherited a very pretty set of crystal chandelier earrings with a matching bracelet and necklace. But Instead of wearing all three I wear the necklace and bracelet or the earrings and bracelet, again to keep the eye moving the length of my body. Keep your look rich, clean and un- fussy, whatever your style.

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up next are shoes,

Loving Your Feet First

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