I mostly have the clothing department sorted but often lack ideas for jewellery and other accessories. Big, small, bright, gold or silver? Is it okay to wear gold and silver jewellery together?
I adore accessories and believe they can make or break an outfit. I was shopping with a woman on the weekend and showed her what a difference just one long pendant necklace can make to 1) reducing the appearance of her big bust, 2) completing the look of an outfit and 3) dressing an outfit up or down.
I love that a piece of jewellery can make very basic clothing look a million bucks.
I'm a firm believer in "less is more" when it comes to accessories.
I would far rather wear one statement piece than load myself up and run the risk of looking like a Christmas tree.
So, choose your piece/s well. Having said that, the trend is very much for wearing multiple necklaces and bangles, and for mixing gold and silver together, which answers your question.
You don't have to spend a fortune buying accessories.
There are some great stores around, like eQUIP, that sell very reasonably priced on-trend costume jewellery.
But don't discount the idea of more expensive jewellery, either - think about the cost per wear, which drops the more often you wear a piece.
In terms of the size of your jewellery, you need to think about it in conjunction with your overall body size.
If you have a petite frame, large chunky jewellery and handbags may look too big on you, similarly, fine jewellery may become lost on someone with a large frame.
Your personality also comes into it; if you're a creative, outgoing, edgy kind of person, then you will be able to get away with interesting, eclectic, chunky, bold pieces; less so if you're more of a quiet, reserved and/or classic type.
Which colours to go for will very much depend on 1) what you're wearing it with and 2) what colours you suit.
The same goes for gold versus silver.
It depends on which suits your skin colouring/tone.
For people with a cool/bluish skin undertone, you may be better with silver and platinum, and those with a more golden undertone generally suit golds.
If you wish to make a statement with your jewellery rather than your clothing, then go for something bold and contrasting.
Jewellery trends are:
*Chains and big links
*Gold necklaces - big and chunky Medieval style embellished with gems, necklaces with "peace", "love" wording
*Chandelier earrings
*Brooches
*Turquoise-coloured jewellery
*Multiple rings across all fingers and layered
*Tribal-influenced necklaces
*Wrist cuffs
*Punk - leather, chain, spikes, studs.
Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz
Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co.nz