May 10, 2012
Putting together the Accessories portion of this series was a bit more fun, and more challenging, than the wardrobe pieces, just because overall, even in the designer realm, accessories are a bit more attainable. Higher accessibility means more to choose from and I had a tough time narrowing my personal list down to just 10. Some of these selections come from my own personal experience. I have invested (or received as gifts) some of these items already and can attest to just how nice it is to have a pair of earrings I can rely on wearing every single day if I want to, or to have a wallet that looks as good 6 years later as it does the day I received it. Let’s get started shall we?
1. A quality, go anywhere, do anything bag – if you read my post from over the weekend, I’m currently looking into investing into one of these, for my current stage in life. Which means a bag big enough to carry all the stuff a mom needs to carry, yet still attractive enough to not look like a “mom bag” when I go out to dinner. Classic in color and shape too, with minimal hardware detail so it always looks current. It’s tough because bags are expensive and I’m debating whether I’m really ready to go there just yet. Or maybe just hold off till the kids are in college and it won’t kill me to see goldfish crumbs lying at the bottom of my $400 bag. In case you’re wondering, my dream bag of dream bags is a Bottega Venetta hobo in a classic chocolate brown. I’ve wanted one for years. If I had one I’d want to make out with it everyday.
2. A pretty, yet sturdy wallet – wallets are many times an after thought for a lot of women. But think about how many times throughout the day you pull it out to grab cash, an insurance card, your ID, or a credit card. Each and every time you’re putting wear and tear on it, and showing it to the world as you do so. The way I see it, the wallet is just as important as the bag, and if you have a beautiful bag but a shabby wallet, it’s a contradiction in terms. I can attest to the statement that if you invest in a good quality wallet you’ll have it, and be happy with it, for years to come.
3. A season-less scarf – I was originally going to say a cashmere scarf, but the more I thought about my favorite scarves, I realized that the scarf I get the most use out of is a lightweight wool blend in a graphic patter in bold, yet classic colors that works all year round. It feels just as comfortable wrapped around me in winter as it does in summer, and adds such a classic touch to just about any look.
4. A good pair of sunglasses – Note, that does does not mean a designer pair of sunglasses you have to spend $350 on. It just means a classic shape that flatters your face and are comfortable! They must also have good lenses with UVA protection since they are sunscreen for your eyeballs. It kills me when I hear of friends wearing $5 sunglasses from Forever 21. There’s no way those could be good for you. I’ve held out for 2 years now to find the perfect pair of Aviators and finally found them in a pair by Coach that were $69 and won at an event. I wear them everyday and love them so.
5. A pair of specs you love (if necessary) – What did we do before Warby Parker? I know, we wore glasses we were sort of okay with just wearing at night after you took out your contacts, or we spent hundreds on designer frames. Because I’ve finally found a pair of glasses I LOVE after wearing glasses for almost 30 years, I’ve been able to change up my look day to day, and save some money on replacement contacts since I don’t go through them as fast. Get thee a pair you love if you need them! You won’t regret it!
6. A good pair of boots (in brown or black) – The tough thing about boots is how expensive they can be if you want to get a decent pair, and how vast the difference in quality is in a cheap versus expensive pair. Basically, it seems easier to scrape by with an $80 pair of shoes than with an $80 pair of boots. The good news is though, if you buy a classic style, they can last you for years due to being worn on a seasonal basis. Take good care of them by getting them polished and resoled every season or two, and they’ll take care of you.
7. Nude pumps (or black) – It took me years to finally buy a nude pair of pumps, and after finally finding a pair on Shoe Mint of all places, they’re my go-to shoe for going out at night. They go with everything, and now that I’m no longer working in an office environment, the need for a black pair of pumps is also no longer. Take your pick though, either nude or black, you want a comfortable, classic pair of heels in your arsenal. You never know when you’re gonna need them!
8. Practical pair of flats – I’ve been a fan of the Gap City Flats for a couple of years now, but after realizing that even at $30 a pair, I was replacing them every 2-3 months because they scuff and tear so easily, I’m ready to take the plunge and buy a comfortable and quality pair of flats to wear for errands and general running around. I think I’ll still have the city flats on reserve though for park days. I can’t see wanting to get sand in a pair of $100 flats.
9. A long strand of pearls – maybe when I’m older I’ll want a really pretty strand of short pearls, but for now, a super long strand is a classic essential that instantly glams up any outfit in a non-offensive obnoxious way. Sure big chunky statement necklaces are great, but for the times and occasions when subtlety is called for, nothing is better suited for that than simple long pears, wrapped several times around your neck. Here’s how I wear my long strand (which I picked up at a garage sale for 50 cents! One day I’ll buy the ones pictured from Nordstrom. I’ve wanted this strand for at the last 5 years).
10. A pair of diamond (or CZ) studs – whether real or not, a classic pair of studs will see you through thick and thin. Through trends and stages of huge hoops, to neck grazing bejewled numbers, your studs will always be there for you. They’re so classic and easy to wear that I often sleep in mine and have one less accessory to worry about when getting dressed in the morning.
So what do you think of my personal list? Any you would add or delete? I just thought of another one; a classic watch. See, I told you it was a tough list to narrow down!












































