citrine earrings – Blue Nile, bracelet – David Yurman, cardigan- Miu Miu, sunglasses – Coach, tote bag – Marni, scarf – Vera Bradley, desert boots – Jamie Fame
cardigan – J.Crew, peridot stud earrings – John Lewis, peridot bracelet – Blue Nile, bag – Alexandra de Curtis, sunglasses- Oakley, flats – Franco Sarto, scarf – Brooks Brothers
bracelet – Armani Collezioni, sunglasses – Gucci, earrings – John Lewis, bag – Marc Jacobs, scarf – Gaudi, pumps – Daniele Ancarani, cardigan – Woolrich
jade earrings – Mija, bracelet – Bounkit, sunglasses – Oakley, bag – Audrey Brooke, scarf – Coach, cardigan – J. Crew, flats – Jil Sander
bracelet – Inbal Bittan, earrings- Linnie McClarty, bag – Georgina Skalidi, sunglasses – Dorothy Perkins, scarf – Wonderfold, cardigan – Jucca, flats – Aldo
earrings – A.B. Davis, bracelet – Madison Precious Jewels, cardigan – Ralph Lauren, scarf –L.L.Bean, sunglasses – Ray-Ban, bag – RIEN by Penn Vomva, flats – Marsell
I'm going to have to re-read this VERY slowly and try to absorb it – accessories are my biggest struggle. I guess some just have natural instincts – or do you think with effort and time it could become instinctive …
Well, OKAY. My first response went "poof"…
I think the key to becoming a master accessory-er is to give yourself full permission to determine what it is that you really most love, what most "sings" to your heart, and then giving yourself permission to use those things as your signature. It's so easy to get caught up in the idea of wanting to wear things that are beautiful, but not us, or that are "current", but NOT US, or that are on those lists of things that "all women must own", but WHICH ARE NOT US…
Ignore all advice except what your instincts shout to you…
as usual you are spot on with your assertions. it might be more a case of uncertain instincts about WHO we are (style wise) that lead to acquisition of 'not us' items.
At some point could you do a more in depth post on SIGNATURES … identifying, developing etc …
I'll take everything in the burgundy selection, please…
that's a wonderful post, Janice, thank you !
orangette
Oh, fun! You inspired me to put together my own accessory capsule. http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=85593961
I am working at pulling my accessories together and I will try to use my orange/coral colour group. I like your choice of pink and green together. I expect that I could pull orange and blue or orange and purple from a scarf and use them together. Or better yet, orange and pink. Your blog is so inspiring. Thank you.
There's much to think about here; thanks for another great post. I do want to ask, though, something that I and others have wondered about: your thoughts on colored shoes. It doesn't seem as though they're in your personal wardrobe, or have I got that wrong? They add so much to the outfits you illustrate … Yet despite my intentions, I always seem to buy black or beige shoes. Any advice, Janice? Thanks! Joy
I'm a big fan of metallic shoes – silver ballet flats and gold penny loafers are big in my rotation. I buy preposterously expensive shoes, because I try to walk at least 5 miles per day, and I don't always do it in my gym shoes. My preferred option to colored shoes is socks – I really adore colored socks…
This may be my favorite post yet. I love the idea of these groupings. It makes for such a cohesive idea…taking all of the "does this, or doesn't this, go?". I think the best way for me to try to 'group' my own oasis of accessories, in my mind, is to take them out, put them on my bed and just begin to play with combinations. Sometimes, when things are all put away nicely, it's tough to reimagine wearing a scarf, sweater, shoes or earrings with different pairings.
This is great food for thought to create new 'groups, using pretty pieces I already own.
Yes, and take a photo of each group for future reference.
I love the gray/black/yellow grouping and the pink/green grouping. And, I didn't know Vera Bradley sold scarves. I'll have to go by the Vera Bradley shop here in Dallas and see if they carry them.
Great post Janice!
Another great post. I will take the burgundy ensemble but make it slightly more brownish red. Thank you. I also note you are including other options for scarves in your creations….very helpful for those of us who may not choose Hermes for a variety of reasons.
Deb from Vancouver
The top combination and the all-yellow vignette inspire me. Now to gather up the scarves and scattered jewelry (my biggest problem) and make some combos. Thanks, Janice.
you may have addressed this before, and I missed it, but how do you store your scarves?
Folded in a wire mesh Alfa drawer in my closet. I don't have a proper dresser!
Another winner, Janice. One thing I have been wondering for some time now is why your collections rarely (ever?) include hats. Possibly a hat is more an outerwear item than an accessory (a hood on coat, for instance.) I live in the desert southwest where a hat is a necessity in the summer sun. I'm not talking full out Royal Mum here, but I think some of these collections here could incorporate a hat or a head scarf. Just wondering.
I am making a big effort to wear hats, not so much for style as for sun. I already slather 50 SPF on my face, neck and arms, but re-application is difficult when you're out and about. So I've been grabbing a hat. Sometimes I feel a little flamboyant, when I am anything but. However, I think it just requires practice and getting used to.
I am on the hunt for a hat with a wide brim for maximum coverage, which can be flipped down when there's wind (high winds are a problem here), that sits tightly on the head (again for the wind) and that can be squished–nothing fussy or fragile.
My Swedish mother has always been puzzled by Americans that insist everything must match exactly. This is a beautiful post–thank you!
You are amazing! Love this post. You make everything look so simple. Have you ever thought about being a wardrobe consultant? I would hire you to critique my wardrobe! Then we could shop! Just a thought!
Sarah
One of the things I have {finally} learned from you is that it's ok – actually desirable – to have multiple accessories in the same color. I used to think that one pink whatever took care of "pink". Now let's get one green thing and check that off the list, too.
Multiples make it so much easier to mix and match within in palette. thanks.
I like to see how you combine the different colors and types of accessories. I love accessories because they seem for the most part timeless and sizeless. I have my mom's and grandma's jewelry and scarves. They are precious, just as the woman who wore the necklace everyday.
Amazing pieces!