Match Made in Seven: Accessories Make the Look
Welcome to the monthly edition of Match Made in Seven! We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet virtually once a month. One of us chooses a theme each month, and that can be anything: a book, music, a color, a movie. And then we all style an outfit based on that theme.
This month’s theme was chosen by Debbie of Debbie Styles Life and is “Accessories Make the Look.” See my post about the theme below…and be sure to take a look at my fellow bloggers to see how they have interpreted the theme this month.
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Debbie of https://www.debbiestyleslife.com/
Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/
Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/
Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/
Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/
When we were first told that this month’s theme was accessories, I was very excited! I’ve been due a new bag (or two) and some new shoes. However, life was not on my side with my shopping plan and I really couldn’t invest in anything fun. Well, I did order a new pair of sneakers but they have yet to arrive. So I’ll share some accessorized looks from the past, and show you a few things that I’ve had my eye one.
Why accessorize at all? Accessories are like the cherry on top of the sundae…they’re the dash of color or interest to an outfit, the little bit of bling or sparkle or contrast that can bring an outfit from okay to outstanding. They’re the scarves, hats, bags, jewelry, shoes, etc, that we add to our basic looks that make them special.
Here I am last summer with All the Accessories, ha. I’ve got a scarf, bag, hat, sunglasses, beaded bracelets, locket pendant and drop earrings. Without all that, it’s just a stripey dress with a pale cardigan. Which is fine, and honestly, what I would wear most times. But when I want to oomph it up a bit, I add The Stuff.
Probably my favorite and most-worn accessory is a scarf. Most of my clothing items are solids, so it’s fun to find a patterned scarf that pulls the solid colors together and adds some visual interest. They’re also cozy 🙂
Or you can do a little pattern mixing.
I also really love sunglasses. I see more stylish ones on other people and think they look terrific…but I always go for a more masculine style. I think my father had a similar shape to this, that may be the pull for me. Isn’t it interesting how seemingly insignificant things from our past can play out in our current lives, without us really even realizing why? His were more green-tinted I think (Sister?).
I struggle with jewelry. I’m drawn to sort of vintage, boho, handmade looks…but I never feel they look at home with my more tailored, simple outfits. A perfect example of “just cuz you like something, doesn’t mean you should own it.” It’s an ongoing search for just the right jewelry pieces, that I like and that feel like me to me. I do wear more fun jewelry in the summer because I wear more fun dresses.
For the longest time I’ve wanted a nice gold pendant. Almost every day in the winter when I’ve gotten dressed – a solid knit under a solid cardigan – I’ve felt that a gold pendant on a long chain was just what was needed to break up that big expanse of solid color on my chest. That long necklace would make all the difference!
I’ve been looking at some like this…an initial or medallion or astrological sign. My mother always used to buy me jewelry with my astrological sign (Virgo), so again…a sentimental draw to something in particular.
Bags! I have always struggled with having a good collection of bags. Usually I look and look and look and manage to find ONE, and that is my bag for the next 1-3 years, til it looks like cr*p and then I have to look and look and look for another one. But I fall in love with the looks of so many, they’re just not practical for me…or affordable.
BUT THIS BAG. If you have been reading this blog for any time at all you are probably thinking, what?? THAT? I know, right? It looks Nothing Like Me. And yet, I am deeply, deeply in love with it. It finally went out of stock and I was like GOOD, now I won’t be tempted, cuz really, when would I use it? Then it came BACK in stock…and NOW it’s even on SALE. And I am trying So Hard to not click BUY cuz (insert good reason to not buy bag here). Look, it’s even named “Bettie.”
Now, THAT bag would Make All the Difference!
Okay, I think I’ve blathered on long enough! I hope you’ve enjoyed our little stroll down Accessory Lane…it was a good reminder to ME that I could stand to focus on it a little more.
Do you do much in the way of accessorizing? Do you different things for different outfits, or do you have your favorites that you wear with everything? In my fantasy life I’m the former, but in real life I’m more the latter. That’s okay.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
jodie filogomo
Let just start with the fact that I’m a good enabler. It’s a wonderful personality trait.
SO….get that darn bag!! Especially considering you don’t have a dozen others to switch around and have fun with. I think it is you…sassy and fun. And that exactly why you need it.
As an accessory junkie, I feel that these pieces add so much to any outfit. Sure, the cherry on top. But also the whipped cream, nuts and sprinkles too.
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
Ha, enable away, Jodie. I am THIS CLOSE to hitting buy on that bag. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED, HA HA.
Laurie Elliott
I LOVE the whole hat, sunglasses, heart bag with dash of color, striped dress with the long sweater look. What panache! I don’t bother with accessories but that combo is sure tempting me. You look great!
bettyewp
Thanks, Laurie. I don’t usually bother with THAT much either, but I liked it when I did!
Tina von Tinaspinkfriday
Accessoires are essential for my outfits. I love them so much :)Bettye you look fabulous with hat. This bag is cute and hey her name is Bettie;)
Xxx
bettyewp
Tina, I THOUGHT of you as I was working on this post! You are the QUEEN of darling accessories! We should have invited you to be a guest poster this month with all your wonderful purses, etc!
Sonja Van de Sande
I am a jewelry lover as well and off course I like that cute bag in your first outfit!
bettyewp
My darling niece gave me that bag two years ago for my birthday so not only is it adorable, it has a special meaning. Interesting how many of my accessories are like that. The floral scarf in the second pic, my daughter gave me. My niece gave me the large pendant. She also gave me the hat! Ha, I should have attributed this entire post to her!
Marceline S Miller
You look great in a hat!
That bag you want — yum, yum! Handbags are my Big Thing.
bettyewp
I don’t usually look good in hats. The super short hair was a help. But I really started liking them the past two summers and I hope I still like the way they look “with hair.”
And yes, that bag. You guys may be pushing you over the line.
Nancy
Oh but that gorgeous bag! If anyone deserves it it’s you! I never wore that much accessories but with this theme I already worne last week more then ever.
Debbie@debbiestyleslife.com
Isn’t it amazing how adding accessories changes up all our looks? You did a great job, Bettye and…..I’m keeping an eye on my kimono, LOL!!
Pauline starsmore
Some lovely outfits and you look so well, buy the bag wouldn’t it go well with the red cardi and dress.
Darlene
Bettye, you were brilliant to use your series of photos and looks from past posts! And yes, do go BUY that bag!! There’s just something about a red bag that makes a statement and you deserve it! And the initial necklace is very cute–and very unique–so get that, too! It’s easy for me to spend your money, isn’t it? Lol!
So glad to meet you as part of Match Made in Seven. Have a wonderful week~
xx Darlene
bettyewp
Well, y’all convinced me to go buy the red bag…but by the time I got there it was sold out again! It’s gone in and out of stock several times now, so…there’s still hope.
Looking forward (hopefully??) to this month’s theme!
Anna at Muttonstyle
Oh do keep your eyes out for the bag. It will so suit you and your outfits. I’d like a red bag . I was with Gail from Is this Mutton last night when she bought herself a new bag. A feathered burgundy tote. YOu are right, it’s such a statement item. Along with boots of course:) I’m a scarf person too.
Anna at Muttonstyle
bettyewp
Feathered? Burgundy? Tote? THAT sounds amazing!