making a statement
Published On: 01-08-2012 08:35am
Comments: 0 - Hits: 107
Let a "statement necklace" be your next wardrobe addition. What, exactly IS a statement necklace? Before we decide, let's talk about the meaning of a "fashion statement". This can be anything you wear that "says" something about you. I suppose that a team tee shirt could be a fashion statement of sorts. It tells people that you like sports and what team you favor. Ruffles and bows = romantic personality, casual wear, a carefree, earthy type, classic tailored suit is all business. What you wear tells the world what you want them to see about you. For an in depth study of what you wear says about you, I'll refer you to this great book, The Language of Clothes by Allison Lurie.
So, for starters, a "statement necklace" would say something about you. Going a little further, a statement necklace is typically bold, daring, and dramatic. It's just NOT your typical piece. Look for pieces of above average length with big stones or beads, or shorther necklaces that have unusual focal pieces, or many layers of beads with unusual charms or focals. Look for pieces of unusual color cominations or shapes. Above all, a statement necklace is unique. A dramatic necklace is a simple wardrobe upgrade; . The statement necklace goes with almost everything. Some of us tend to save our more elaborate pieces for special occasions -- weddings and parties and dates. Don't do it! You can pair a dramatic necklace with jeans and a tee or a suit for an everyday look that has a cutting edge. Whether you are designing or shopping for a statement piece, go for distinctive details like beautiful stones and an intricate setting. Don't be afraid to go big -- the whole idea is that this piece will be a focal point for an outfit. Think about colors and shapes that will work with your existing wardrobe, you want to be able to wear this necklace with everything.
Here is a very dramatic but simple necklace from Shanghai Tai's studio. You could wear this Koi fish and pearl necklace anywhere and say "class act".
Before you buy, take into consideration your skin tone, height, frame, hairstyle and lifestyle. For example, women with cool skin tones often look best wearing silver rather than gold. A choker-length necklace may look elegant on a long, thin neck, but may not be attractive for someone without a swan neckline. '
Here's a beautiful choker style from Shadowdog Designs studio. This piece could go with anything from a suit in the workplace to an evening out and even make a pair of jeans and casual top "pop" if you're out shopping at the mall.
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Statement necklaces with lots of color or flair (bows, baubles, feathers, you name it) are fun, but not as wearable or versatile as plainer styles. Fabric flowers, for instance are often hotglued to felt before chains and beads are added and are not washable. I found a tutorial online to make a fun flower necklace and HAD to make my own. Once it was finished, I realized that the color of the flowers, though pretty for spring, was very light and a consumer would not get much wear out of it. I ended up keeping it for myself. These wire roses, however are durable, fashionable and will not soil. From Kath's Elegant Accessories.
Keep in mind where you will wear a statement necklace. A large, bold, chunky necklace looks great with a suit for work, if it is not too whimsical. This necklace from Blue Tina's shop with rainbow obsidian, Bali silver and green agate would look smashing with a suit.
If you have a more creative job you could get away with designs that are off the hook to embellish your workplace wardrobe. Check out this necklace from Bohowirewrapped studio.
Watch how other women wear statement pieces in magazines, newspaper ads, and TV shows and take note of any styles you like. Also visit websites of major fashion and beauty magazines like Elle or Cosmopolitan to give you ideas. Try imitating them by buying similar pieces. Check out your favorite stores, either in person or online, for statement necklaces. Here is one from Epicetera studio, a deceptively simple triple strand of turquoise, golden sea coral and natural coral. Wow!
Here's one from Spiral studio, a Victorian style cameo pendant that suggests romantic personality, but NOT a shy, retiring lady who sits in her chamber and embroiders
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You can wear your statement necklace with a variety of style tops depending on the look you're going for: try low, open necklines, high necklines or collared shirts to show it off. Not sure you have the right clothes to wear a statement necklace? Check out this article. There are lots of photos with different style necklines and a nice variety of statement necklaces. Or, watch this You Tube video.
Maybe you don't feel bold enough to wear something as dramatic as a statement necklace. You are shy and don't want to invest the money in something you may or may not wear. No problem. Test your wings with a "statement bracelet" before you jump off your comfortable perch. Zoomgraphik Designs is a master of the statement bracelet combining odd shapes and wire formations with bold bead
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Or try this gorgeous agate slab bracelet from My Personal Oasis
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f you've already tried the statement bracelet and are ready for real flight into fancy, spread those wings, girl, get yourself a daring statement necklace and FLY!
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