We’ve all heard it before, ‘pay attention to the details,’ but have you ever applied this notion to your accessories?  Have you ever noticed how different an outfit can look with the right pair of earrings, the right pair of shoes, the right pair of bracelets?  Now take it one step further and ask yourself, “Have you ever realized how the most basic of an outfit can transform once you add accessories to it?” How many times have you said to yourself, while staring at a FULL closet, “I have absolutely nothing to wear?” I know I’ve said it to myself a million times if not more.  But it finally dawned on me, I had plenty of clothes, I just needed to learn how to change up my outfits by adding different pieces of jewelry to it, or by pairing it with different shoes.  And not only that, I could throw in a scarf, or headpiece, or belt and even further change the way the outfit looked.  There’s no need to spend tons of money on new clothes every other day when you can make an outfit LOOK new by swapping out different accessories.  Even better is the fact that you don’t have to always buy expensive pieces to make a statement. I have plenty of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that range from $5-$25 from places like Target, Forever21, Express, Macy’s and so on.  And when I do splurge on pieces from stores like White House Black Market, Nordstrom, or Marciano, I always try to purchase them when they are on sale because I have a tough time paying a high dollar amount for costume jewelry.  Now, if I am looking for a cool statement piece around the $50 plus dollar range, then I like to shop at boutiques like Kendra Scott but I don’t do that very often (side note: if you shop at Kendra Scott during your birthday month then you can buy one item at 50% off).  The point is, you don’t have to have a million dollar budget to shop like one when looking for accessories.

What type of accessories am I a fan of? Definitely earrings.  I absolutely love earrings.  I love hoops (all sizes, you need to have a range here), dangling chandeliers, large studs, and big, multi-pieced earrings.  You should look for an assortment of metals as well – silver, onyx, colorful jewels, etc. Having different sized earrings allows you to play up, or down, your look.  Especially for a day verse night event, or a work verse play, outing.  Earrings also allow you to try out different hairdos with each outfit.  This may sound ridiculous, but try it out.  One time wear your hair down with a favorite outfit and pair your ears with a set of colorful drop earrings.  The next time wear your hair up with the outfit and try on a pair of large hoop earrings.  It makes a difference, believe me.  By buying three different earrings you can turn one outfit into nearly three different outfits without spending too much.

I also believe a good watch and some go-to bracelets are vital staples to have on hand as well (no pun intended). I have two watches: one gold and one silver, that’s it.  I like them thick and chunky as they can double as a bracelet as well.  Now, I have tons of bangles and bracelets in different colors, materials, and sizes.  These are fun to pair together or separately as well.  I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a bracelet/bangle for more then $15 a piece and none of them look cheap or have broken.  So as I mentioned before, you don’t have to break the bank when purchasing these accessories.  Try something new, wear eight bracelets instead of two, pair your watch with a bangle, add a large ring and some beaded charms.  Get creative.  Be brave.  Have fun.

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about shoes.  I am a shoe hoarder.  I probably have too many pairs but I make an effort to wear all of my shoes so that I make it worth the money I spent on them.  I practically live in either tennis shoes, high heels, or wedges, but I do own my fair share of flats and sandals.  Like I said earlier, having a wide range of options helps you to dress up, or dress down, an outfit.  Wedges are a great alternative for those individuals who are not very comfortable walking in heels, while booties are a good choice for those who prefer not to show off their toes.  Hey, we all have parts of the body that aren’t our favorite, who am I to judge! Now, it’s completely up to you on where you buy your shoes, but I am a fan favorite of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse).  Who doesn’t enjoy buying brand name shoes at a discount?  If you don’t have a location near you, fear not, simply use the good ole internet and shop online!  Plus, when you become a member (at no cost to you), you can rack up points and earn money off on your next purchase.  It becomes kind of an addiction, but remember, you are buying shoes that will last AND at a discount.  Your mom will be so proud.

So remember, you can easily “double” what you have in your closet by learning how to accessorize.  Try it out and let me know how it goes.  I imagine you and your wallet will be proud.