Accessories make the outfit

Do you like your accessories small and understated or bold and in-your-face? 

I’m a bit bi-polar when it comes to accessories: there are days when I’m all about minimalism and understatement, and then there are days when I want something that makes a big, bold statement. It depends on my mood, of course, but also on what I’m planning to wear. Some outfits just seem to need a bit more bling.

scarf: Marja Kurki  / statement necklace: Zara / sunglasses: Tom Ford

Take this rather plain outfit, for example: here I am, shopping in London, planning to try on several pairs of trousers, maybe also tops, even dresses. It’s going to be frustrating, time-consuming and I will hate every moment of it (yes, I will: I hate looking for things and trying on countless items, hoping to find the one that fits…), so I want to wear something comfortable, something that I can take off easily, time after time. But it’s a damn boring outfit, so I need to spruce it up a bit, with something that won’t distract me from the main task at hand. Enter the statement necklace and a silk scarf.

I’m very sensitive to draught, and spend a lot of time on trains and planes, so a scarf is a must in my book: I hardly ever leave home without one. If I’m not wearing one, I have one in my bag.
And I have quite a collection of necklaces, in different styles: I like very modern jewellery, but I also love vintage.  However, when it comes to jewellery, there are a few non-negotiable ground rules. First, the material must be nickel-free (I have a bad nickel allergy). And second, no moving parts or dangly bits (they drive me crazy). I like solid pieces that are fuss-free. when it comes to jewellery, or clothes, I hate anything that needs constant adjusting or restricts my movements. For the same reason I can’t stand multiple strands of necklaces or an armful of bracelets. Still, I really like the look on some bloggers I follow, and I think it is a look that is very natural to them, i.e. in harmony with their personalities. And that’s what is crucial here: accessories must match the personality of the wearer. When it comes to my own style and personality, low-maintenance is everything…

What about you, what’s your acessories style? 

Tiina

Linking up with Rachel the Hat for Passion 4Fashion
and with Patti for Visible Monday

12 Comments

  1. Mrs C
    2 October 2014 / 3:40 pm

    I am usually simple when it comes to accessorizing, some classic pieces on the daily basis but once in a while I like to go big too especially if the outfit is somewhat minimal.

    • Tiina L
      3 October 2014 / 7:40 am

      I agree, big jewellery looks best with a very minimal outfit, it's the perfect background.

  2. Debbie Burns
    2 October 2014 / 10:04 pm

    I'm definitely all over the map when it comes to accessories. Like you, it all depends on my mood. I like you're point about scarves. A beautiful scarf can completely change an outfit. I love the scarf/necklace combination here. It really glams up your look! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You've got me curious regarding the bad tourist bit…I'll have to check that out! Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com

    • Tiina L
      3 October 2014 / 7:42 am

      I have these accessorry crushes… There's hardly a style I haven't tried, from very pretty and vintage-inspired to tough and rock and roll. Thanks for stopping by!

  3. dan
    3 October 2014 / 7:27 am

    Hi! I love accessories too! They can make an outfit! Your delightful necklace matches very well to the colours of your cardigan and blouse!

    • Tiina L
      3 October 2014 / 7:43 am

      Thanks, Dan. Yes, I think I spend much more on my accessories than on my outfits, but I wear them a lot, and for years.

  4. Anonymous
    5 October 2014 / 12:50 pm

    I agree! They can take a simple outfit and really zhush it up!

    • Tiina L
      5 October 2014 / 6:04 pm

      Yep, and that's my style strategy: a plain outfit and killer accessories…

  5. Lisa
    6 October 2014 / 12:25 am

    The color in these accessories is so pretty and really compliments the color of your cardigan.

    • Tiina L
      6 October 2014 / 1:31 pm

      Thanks, Lisa! These are my favourite colours… thanks for stopping by.

  6. Jan Graham-McMillen
    9 October 2014 / 5:45 pm

    Your necklaces are such a hallmark of your personal style. You wear them so well. I've had vicious nickle allergies in the past … painful little rash after a single wearing! The good news is that in the last few years they haven't bothered me like they used to! A few years ago, I started putting a layer of chemical barrier cream (like that used on baby-butts to fend off diaper rash!) on my neck where the costume jewelry chains touched … and gradually the allergy diminished to nothing! Don't know if it's a function of age, or immune system changes, but cheaper metals don't bother me nearly as much as they used to. On the other hand …. better jewelry is always better by definition! Great reason to buy only the best things, but hard on a budget. I'd only wear gold and silver if I could manage it!

    • Tiina L
      10 October 2014 / 3:53 pm

      Thanks, Jan. Oh, the nickel allergy… I had a really bad reaction to some earrings, years ago… Yes, real jewellery would be nice, but hard on a budget, and if you like really big and impressive items… I have a few statement silver pieces, though. When it comes to rings or earrings, it's gold or silver only (somehow I seem to get the rash from cheap metals easier on my fingers or ears…)

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