How to Accessorize
Sometimes one of the greatest mysteries to women's fashion is how to accessorize. LoveToKnow spoke with Lina Henao, the Chief Creative Officer at Bijoux Terner to find out just how to do it.
About Bijoux Terner
Tell me more about Bijoux Terner. How did you get involved?
Bijoux Terner has over 600 boutiques across the globe featuring luxury accessories -- all at the unbelievable price of $10. We are known for our endless variety of stylish, colorful pashimnas, scarves, clutches, necklaces, bangles, watches and much, much more. At Bijoux Terner you'll always find something you love, and for only $10!I came to Bijoux Terner with international fashion experience from product development to sourcing to branding and marketing. My goal at Bijoux Terner is to help women feel beautiful every day.
Choosing What to Wear
I hear a lot of women saying they can't wear certain things because they're too old for them and they would look silly on them. How does a woman know when she's "too old" for a trend? How does one gauge that?
Comfort is the name of the game. Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, wear something you feel good in. This isn't an excuse to wear only sweatpants, but it's important that whatever trend you choose to follow, it makes you feel your best.That said, a woman should be true to her age. If an outfit looks like something your 15-year-old babysitter might be sporting or your great-aunt wore to the last family reunion, it might be time to consider a different style statement.
What do you think of mixing metals? Is it okay to wear gold, silver, and other metallics at once?
The ban on mixing metals is one of those rules that went out with "no white after Labor Day." Mixed metals can add a lot of warmth and texture to a look, but getting it right can be a little tricky.To avoid ending up a fashion victim, keep it simple. The easiest way to mix up your metals is to layer gold and silver bangles for a polished but updated look. A lot of bracelets, watches and necklaces already combine gold and silver for an elegant two-toned look.
Find a statement piece.
Do you have any advice for the mature woman who either can't dress up too much because she's home with small children or one who has a 9-to-5 job and has to wear a fairly toned-down, basic wardrobe? What's the best way to accessorize in a way that makes a mom or an employee feel like a woman again without being over the top?
Find one big statement piece you love. A great necklace is a good start. A pop of color and texture will add interest to basics and elevate a look, even if you're just stepping out to the grocery store. Big beads, enamel flowers, even ribbons and pearls are all great statement-making options.
How do you know when you're wearing too many accessories?
To keep your look polished, think more about balancing your accessories rather than the actual number you put on. If you're wearing a statement necklace, don't add a pair of chandelier earrings, stick to studs. If you're stacking up the bangles, keep it minimal around the neck.
Don't worry about matching your bag to your shoes or belt, just think about keeping it balanced. If you're wearing sky high heels opt for a clutch, but if you're running around in flats go for a great oversized tote. Think about picking one accessory to be the star of the show and then having the others fill supporting roles.
How to Accessorize
Wear scarves and pashminas all year.
What are some of your favorite ways to wear a pashmina or silk scarf? Can they be worn year-round?
Absolutely they can be worn year round. So many women I know keep a pashmina at their desk at work because their office is freezing, even in the middle of July.
I love adding a silk scarf as a to a classic suit, using it to belt a little black dress or tied to a handbag for a chic statement.
Belts are big right now. How do you know whether to choose a skinny one, a chunky one, which pieces to layer it over, and so on? And should they always be at your natural waist or are there times when a low-slung belt will work?
Belts are a great way to pull an outfit together. When choosing a belt it's important to think about your body shape and which part of the body you want to accentuate.Skinny belts tend to work best on a slim figure. Belted at the waist, a skinny belt is the perfect finishing touch on this season's cardigan and printed pencil skirt combination.
Wide belts make a big statement and can work for all body types. Worn at the waist over a dress or tunic and jeans they can create a coveted hourglass shape. For the most part I shy away from wearing a wide belt around the hips. This look is often age inappropriate and going out the way of low-rise jeans.
Do you have a guide to matching necklaces with necklines? For example, which necklines look best with very bold necklaces and which ones call for more demure pieces?
When it comes to necklaces and necklines it's more about creating contrast than matching and I always think the bigger the contrast the better.
A classic white collared shirt looks great with the pop of a big, chunky statement necklace while a crew neck or turtleneck looks best with a long pendant necklace or string of beads. Accessorize strapless necklines with a choker or piece that stays close to the neck.
Adding an accessory or two to an outfit can take it from boring and drab to something that makes a statement. When you're wondering how to accessorize an outfit, try playing up contrast for the most balanced look.
Special thanks to Esther Griego for arranging the interview.
