Thursday, May 15, 2014

Major Construction Ahead - Detour

Hello everyone !!! Lots of exclamation points because I'm really excited!!! I actually got a request from a viewer!!! I have hit the big time, baby. Anyway, the request was to illustrate how I select my accessories. And I will do a little photo demo. But not until I have tortured you with another outfit. Away we go.

I wore this on May 14, because it was triple digits, even at the beach. So cool and comfy is my huckleberry. The slacks are from Salvation Armani. They are several years old (that's why they have flared legs, so 70's chic). The top is from that fine French store , Jay Cee Penyay. (JCP). I have accesorized this ensemble with a thin leopard print belt, becase I am working an animal theme.


The animal theme continues with my wedge shoes. They have a reptile band and reptile insoles. The wedge is 4" high, and the platform is 1.5", leaving me with a 2.5" rise, whichi is very easy to walk in.



Now for the arms. On the right, i have a citrine ring. The stone is rectangular and in a plain setting. I got it at the Gem Faire that they have at the OC Fairgrounds. I have only been there once, and the prices were good that day. The rose gold watch and bracelet set is by RJ Graziano. There are 11 bangles total, all of them different. I am sporting 6 of them.



On my left arm, I have a hinged costume turtle bangle. I got it on Haight in San Francisco. I love to go down that street whenever I am in the bay area. There are all kinds of shops, bars, and restaurants. I went into a restaurant and ordered a martini and garlic fries. I got a MOUND of fries and ate them all. I smelled for 3 days. It was worth it. The ring is once again my Black Diamond Swarovksi Nirvana.



My necklace is by a company called Cookie Lee. They have these home parties where you buy costume jewelry. It's pretty good quality - I have 3 or 4 pieces and none of them have broken or tarnished. I don't know if Cookie is still around. I haven't been invited to a party or gotten a catalog in quite a while.



This necklace came with matching earrings that I never wear for one reason or another. I have used the black leather cord to hang many other pendants on, so you will be seeing it again sometime.

Okay, so now let's get to the secret stuff. How do I choose which accessories to wear? Well, let's start with what I plan on wearing tomorrow. It'll be another hot day, so I want something light.

I chose a white denim skirt by Clio. This is another remnant from the Robinson May days - that was their house brand. The printed chiffon top is from Express, a generic mall store. Since it's sheer, I have a yellow cami underneath.

Next, I will choose which shoes to wear. Here are the contenders.

On the left, we have some high wedge espadrilles. They are yellow and gray patent leather. I got them at Target. The middle pair are low snakeskin wedges with a knotted front. The brand says Worthington. On the right, once again, the Sole Society sandals in beige. I first eliminate the snakeskin - the low heel combined with a knee length skirt would be stumpifying and unflattering. Then I eliminated the Sole Society, because they would be more appropriate for a dressier outfit. So the espadrilles win the shoe battle. Next, which handbag?


On the left, we have an Italian leather handbag that is tan with an equestrian print on the flap. It's very high quality, and I got it at Happyness Consignment. It is made by The Beverly Hills Bag Lady. It struck out because the print doesn't go with a floral top. On the right is a gold clutch that I also got at Happyness. It's really striking in person, a little fancy, but maybe. In the middle is a plain tan patent leather shoulder bag from Kate Spade. This one is the winner - I like the simple lines, since I am planning on wearing a lot of jewelry.

I can go two different ways with my jewelry today - either dramatic or delicate. Let's check out the delicate choice first:


The necklace is by Cookie Lee again. It's silver with green shell teardrops. It is double stranded. The earrings are liquid silver, given to me by my mother in law. For rings, one diamond set and one citrine and diamond. For bracelets, one Tiffany link and two silver with peridot ( a pale green stone). Let's compare the dramatic option.


The necklace is green agate. I got it from Amazon. I won't buy from this vendor again because this thing is a nightmare to fasten. It is pretty though. The rings are citrine and mobe pearl set in silver. The bracelets are my serpahite from Southwest Indian Foundation, and a Brighton hinged piece that I got when I left yet another job several years ago. The earrings are just some cheapy beaded hoops. So which version won?


Of course!!! The drama wins!! Why? Because it goes better with the casual theme of the outfit, and it entirely covers my bony chest. Here's the final look:


Not bad for 110 degrees in the shade. See you all later!!