Fashion

Accessorize on a Budget

Earrings and bracelets and necklaces, oh my!

Ahhhh accessories. They can make or break an outfit. A statement necklace will take a cotton dress from casual to chic and the earrings can add just the right finishing touch to a blouse and jeans. They aren’t called “statement” pieces for nothing! Summer is the perfect time for an accessories refresh.

The bright, bold colors of the season are making their mark on accessories in stores everywhere. It is tempting to buy up one of everything in every color, but you don’t necessarily need to spend more, you just need to spend better.

Lou Lou is one of my favorite stores to frequent when I want an envy-inducing piece of jewelry on a budget. The store features all types of accessories – earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, sunglasses, scarves, watches and even bags. Prices for smaller items start in the single digits ($8) and can go up to $200 for top of the line items, but the majority of merchandise can be found for $10 – $75.

I typically visit Lou Lou for earrings and necklaces, but patrons will find a superb variety of choices to accessorize their wardrobe. The selection ranges from the understated, think stud earrings and single-color scarves, to the unique, read: brilliant baubles and bright, funky sunnies.

Here are some of my personal favorites from Lou Lou’s website:

Mint Julep Necklace – $25
Tickled Pink Earrings – $15
Blue Bib Necklace – $20
Ocean Sunrise Earrings – $15
Bali Cuff – $30

With 8 locations in the DC Metro area and a 9th to open soon, there isn’t a Lou Lou far away. If you aren’t a DC area resident, peruse Lou Lou’s website. You’re sure to find something you just can’t live without! At this price point, it is the perfect opportunity to try some of the season’s top trends.

 

Saturday Summer Style

A Saturday in DC in the summer holds infinite potential. A girl just never knows where she might find herself, so she has to be prepared for anything. This past Saturday, I went from a bridal shower, to a snazzy outdoor hotel bar, to the Pride parade and a Pride-celebration house party and miscellaneous other stops along the way.

How’s a girl to be ready for any spontaneous event that might present itself? My answer is a maxi skirt. The length instantly dresses up an outfit and it pairs so well with a casual top and a statement necklace that you can easily transition from one event to the next without looking over or under dressed.

I just blogged about my favorite new basic tank, so of course I had to break it out for the occasion. Here was my outfit of choice (I’m in the middle):

And where you can buy it all:

Saturday Summer Style

Saturday Summer Style by kerrychannon featuring maxi skirts

Seamless tank top
$24 – anthropologie.com

Steve Madden leather shoes
$60 – swell.com

Oasis flat shoes
$36 – asos.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors gold watch
$250 – nordstrom.com

Stella dot jewelry
$198 – stelladot.com

Stella dot jewelry
$138 – stelladot.com

Pintucked Maxi Skirt
$44 – loft.com
 

UGG Bridal Collection? ugh.

UGG has just released it’s new “I Do” bridal collection. Blushing brides have their pick of two boot options or a sandal/slipper option. Ranging from $80 – $245, the styles have blue soles and white, blue and/or sparkle and shimmer accents.

I have to say, I’m not sure if I can jump aboard this trend train. I’ve seen winter weddings in which the bride and bridesmaids are wearing matching UGG boots for photos and sure, it makes for an adorable photo op. But, to wear down the aisle? Not so much – particularly when they look as cheesy as these three options. Sorry, but if I’m being honest, I think UGG is trying a bit too hard here. However, I commend them for trying to leverage the bridal market, a market segment that has proven to make extremely irrational decisions on a regular basis. And yes, I say that wholeheartedly because I was admittedly part of that market segment. 🙂