You probably think of earrings as an outfit’s supporting players. They add the just-right finishing touches you crave to any center-stage ensemble. But why not give them a little more power and let them do the talking? It’s totally possible – it just requires finding that too-perfect pair that speaks not only to your fashion sense, but to your personality as well.
For Francophiles, nature lovers, and everyone in between, these earrings speak (some very stylish) volumes about who you are.
When it comes to luxe extras, this designer has the magic touch. From her structured satchels to her calf hair loafers, Elaine Turner churns out the investment accessories every ensemble (from jeans and a tee to LBDs) can benefit from. Here, we caught up with the handbag guru to talk must-have add-ons and festive dressing.
Rue La La: Your line is incredible. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Elaine: I’m always inspired by exotic destinations and locales and my collection has a real global spirit. This season is a little closer to home and inspired by Ali MacGraw and Wellesley and Cambridge. The collection is about strong shapes, structure, and that feminine meets masculine feel.
If you ask me, when it comes to what types of necklaces go best with each neckline, I say – almost anything goes. High crewneck? Layer on the long beads. Plunging V-neck? Show it off with a sparkly number that hits right at the collar bone.
Bear in mind that with accessory freedom, comes great responsibility to avoid fashion no nos. These cardinal rules may be few, but they are the difference between genius pairings and accidental appearances on the “don’t” pages of a tabloid.
The Rules:
Don’ts
The choker had its time (circa 1996), but it has since taken the backseat in today’s wardrobe. As a general rule, I say stay away, but if you’re working with a deep V neckline, I say lock it in a vault and sink it in the ocean. Deep necklines and chokers don’t mix.
Make sure your necklace ends ½-1 inch above the beginning of your neckline (this doesn’t apply to long necklaces, of course). Partially covered jewels can look sloppy.
If you’re petite, avoid long necklaces if possible. They tend to accentuate your short stature. If you’re like me and simply must wear them, make sure you layer them with lots of different lengths to pull the eye up.
Dos
A classic word of advice: mimic your neckline with your necklace. This is always a fail-proof way to complement your neck, no matter how much (or how little) you’re trying to show.
Save your most statement-making neck candy for simple necklines, be it a crewneck or strapless. I’m partial to keeping the top neutral so my necklace is the real focal point, but play with different patterns to find your favorite combo.
Double up. Triple up. Quadruple up. Seriously, one is never enough in my opinion.
By Abigail Kuzia, Editor
What are your necklace-pairing tips? Share it in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.
Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.
Since it’s almost Friendship Day (and in honor of a blogger we’d love to be friends with, The Man Repeller) we’re throwing an arm party and inviting all of our pals, both new and old, silver and gold. Whether we’re stitching candy stripe patterns with embroidery floss or shopping for our own signature wrist style, you can bet your bottom dollar that a Rue time will be had by all.
AN INTERVIEW WITH SHOE AND HANDBAG DESIGNER ELAINE TURNER
Elaine Turner is turning 10. And what a decade it’s been. We sat down for a one-on-one chat with the designer who always knows how to make resort wear uber chic. Read our interview as Elaine dishes on the past decade, her hopes for the future, and how one little flowerpot-top handle bag started it all.
Rue La La: Who and what have been some of your biggest influences over the past decade? Elaine: I am influenced by many things - seaside destinations, modern art, architecture, and interior design. Over the past decade I have been primarily influenced by iconic fashion and interior designers - Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, Diane Von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, and Milly - to name a few. Continue reading “A Decade of Design” »
BY VIOLET MOON GAYNOR, SENIOR FASHION AND ACCESSORIES EDITOR, ELLE.COM
Black and white are my personal staples. As a New York City girl, black has always been part of my uniform (for work and play). If you were to take a peek inside my closet, these two colors would stand out more than any other. They’re an integral part of history (books have been written about the legendary chicness of Truman Capote’s 1966 Black & White Ball), and fashion right now (I adored the first ten looks at Riccardo Tisci’s spring 2010 Givenchy show). But it’s the cool combinations and unique twists you can give these shades that really bring them to life and make them feel modern.
Cut is everything Black and white are two of the most versatile colors. They always look crisp, and can easily go from fancy (the classic LBD) to laid-back (white oversize tee paired with basic black mini). With simple pieces, it’s all about the cut. Select well-tailored pieces to pair back with more relaxed (yet still refined) separates. A perfectly cut white button-down can completely elevate the look of your favorite jeans. Continue reading “ELLE: Black & White” »
BY MARGARET MCDERMOTT, AUTHOR OF “FIERCE: A FASHION AND BEAUTY BLOG”
Spring is here (or at least en route, depending on your degree of optimism), and the easiest way to dive in is with new accessories. Here’s how to pluck ideas from the runways of New York and Milan and make them yours:
Floral Print Shoes Nothing screams spring louder than floral prints, and I saw them all over the runways this year. Floral shoes can feminize denim, which is a definite trend for spring - from a light denim mini to marble wash jeans. An airy chiffon tunic or a ruffle top completes the look. Just avoid competing flower prints. Although print mixing looks right this season, double flower power can be overkill. Continue reading “The Crib Sheet: How to Wear the Latest Spring Accessories” »
