9th Day of Beauty - Find the Perfect Accessories

We all know the best way to make any great outfit even better is to accessorize. Where can you get great accessories that won’t break your bank during the season when most of us have absolutely no money? And how do you accessorize without looking like you got lost in your grandmother’s costume jewelry drawer?

First off, remember that accessories aren’t limited just to jewelry. Think of all the other places you can wear a little sparkle: your hair, belts, shoes, even your glasses (if you need them, no poked out lenses please) can add a ton to your style! If you have longer hair, you can pretty much add anything to it to bedazzle yourself a little more. Headbands, clips and great gem-encrusted hair ties can really bring your hairstyle over the top.

My favorite place to get hair accessories? A great website named Dressy Tresses. They may be a little more on the pricey side, but the quality is great, and it definitely wins over all the cheaper places that sell accessories. They use great crystals that don't fall out if the items are dropped or messed with. Also, unlike some accessories that seem to have great crystals, they don't get dull or lose any of their sheen over time.

I probably have the biggest hips in the world for someone my weight, so I usually buy all my belts from New York & Co. I actually just bought a great black sparkle belt from there for $12! Not all of their belts are so blinged out, but they definitely are tough enough to make you look a little hardcore.

The only other place I've been able to find belts is Burlington Coat Factory, but it's totally a hit or miss type of store. Since Burlington is kind of like TJ Maxx and Marshalls (they get all the overstocks from great brands that have nowhere else to sell) the types of products they have change every time you go. Burlington is definitely my favorite place for shoes, though!

So where's the best place to buy some high quality costume jewelry? Ugh, there's so many I can't pinpoint one! If you're going for something with higher quality, New York & Co can help you out there. Their prices are slightly higher to go along with the great quality. Charlotte Russe, Claire's and Target all have great accessories that hold up pretty well for a cheap price.

Don't forget you can always wear your REAL jewelry too, but keep it to a minimum. I know someone, who shall remain nameless, that has somewhat of an obsession with jewelry and wears multiples to the max. Rings on every finger for both hands, multiple necklaces and crazy amounts of bracelets...the walking jackpot for criminals. Don't draw this much attention to yourself, you will definitely look ridiculous.

 

If you're wearing your hair back, try wearing a great pair of chandelier earrings with some great colored crystals. Remember, you don't have to match your outfit, wear whatever color you think works well with your ensemble. Wearing something a little lower cut? Go with a sexy drop necklace that will draw just enough attention to that area (please, don't wear an over the top necklace that makes your chest look like a huge reflective sign). My favorite necklaces have a little shine, but are mostly earthy looking stones that accentuate the colors I'm wearing.

It's Christmas...all about peace, love and joy. Try to make amends with family members you may not get along with that well. The accessories you choose can be great conversation starters to work with family members you don't necessarily mesh with.

 

What is your favorite way to accessorize? Do you have a go-to place for your accessory needs?