Happy New Year!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!


Wow! A whole decade of accesory fashions, I have seen everything from shoulder pads, to chunky bracelets and funky hats. Of course to true blogger form, this would not be a blog or a New Year accessory post if I did not give you the top ten accessories in the past decade and also my three accessory resolutions for the new year. ;-)

Top 10 Accessories

10. skinny silver bracelets - goes with everything, whether you want to dress them down or up, you can wear all at the same time or just three for a simple look.

9. Chunky bracelets - you know the kind that came in neon colors, black, red or white and looked like huge versions of life savers on your wrist!?!? Too cute for the summer and spring, especially when paired with your favorite pencil skirt for after the office happy hour or skinny jeans for a weekend run

8. Oversized- sunglasses - in the style of Nicole Richie and Victoria Beckham. These shades shades not only blocked the sun and the glare but also your haters. lol

7. Pearls - for some reason, in the past decade, I started seeing a lot of young women between the age of 21-35 wear pearl necklaces to the lounge, clubs and even going out with friends for a date. You don't have to wear them in the office anymore! yyayyyyyy!!

6. skinny belts - great for when you didnt want to wear a cardigan and look like your grandmother. Great way to accentuate the cardigan, without it looking like a straight box on you when you put it on.

5. oversized big belts- love these belts! I swear I love 3 inches off my waist when I wear them.. lol. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this accessory NEVER goes away.

4. large hooped earrings- no explaination, these things go great withn #8, can someone say DIVVVVAAAAAAA!!!

3. Large clutches - the ones that look like you're toting a legal size paper out. lmao! love these

bags, they are the best! PSSSSSSSSt, ladies, great for holding your flip flops when your heels no longer feel "comfy".

2.Oversized bags - I'm not too sure about this one but it came in pretty-handy when I recently vacationed in Vegas. It was cold and I wanted to wear some really cute pumps. After the fourth club, I just wanted to be in my flip flops...sigh. But tun tun tunnnnnn I had my oversized bag and of course it conveniently had my gorgeous suede flat booties that coordinated perfectly with my outfit...great night..

and the #1 accessory of the decade or 2009 was.........

drum roll pleasseeeeeeeeeeee

1. chunky necklaces/bib necklaces!!! -I think this was the best invention EVER!! The bib necklaces can dress up a T-SHIRT!! A simple white T-Shirt and jeans with a bib necklace and you are so ready for the day or night.

Ok, so we just went through the TOP TEN, now on to my three resolutions for 2010:

1. Buy more colorful jewelry, my jewelry box screams silver and gold and black..
2. Buy a watch...a really good watch
3. Try having patience to rummage through vintage shops for great finds.

I will definetely let you know my progress during the year.

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BE SAFE!!

New York & Company Sale

Hey Everyone,

Did some shopping today and found some great accessories at New York & Company! Imagine my happiness when I saw that the accessories were on sale!!!!! Just wanted to share with you the accessories I bought.

NEW YORK & COMPANY SALE

Buy One get Second 75% off

Necklace

Ring

Don't know how long it will last but I know I got mines!!

Oh this is Ladies Night!!!

Here's another great product and this one is a manicure at your fingers tips....literally. I also saw this great find at the Shecky's event on November 19 in Miami.

According to the company website, Lorie Riley, who is a former skincare specialist began to make scrubs, salts and lotions in the back room of her salon. She uses only the finest ingredients to make the products and makes sure that they are all natural. Customers started begging her to take the concoctions home and that is how Bath By Riley was born!

I tried their manicure scrub also known as Hand Candies at the event and this too left my hands soft, moist and my cuticles shiny. It felt like a mini-manicure. The minute I tried it, I thought of it as being great gifts for Ladies Night out events, Bachelorette parties, stocking stuffers, gift bags and also a quick hand scrub if needed at the office before heading on out for the happy hour. So many uses for the hand candies!! And an added bonus is they come in candy wrappers so you literally can drop them in your purse or in a gift bag and go. Sorry everyone, you cannot eat these lovely scents.

They range in scents from Vanilla Dream to Grapefruit cocktail (my favorite). You can purchase 20 assorted candies for $20 or $2 each scent. Also, get this you can get free shipping on orders over $50! So whether you are interested in the hand candies, sugar scrubs or fizzles, you can't go wrong. The scents are so wonderful, but sadly you cant eat these candies.

For all those curious about the ingredients in hand candies, here they are:

Sodium chloride (sea salt), a combination of one or more of the following butters and oils: Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Hydrogenated Persea gratissima (Avocado) Seed Oil, Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Butter, fragrance and color.

All natural products!

Hand Candies (photo provided by BathbyRiley.com)

They also have an assortment of other products available such as the Sugar Scrub and Fizzles but I was only able to try the hand candies. Lorie Riley (President of Bath by Riley) also said that the hand candies can also be used as a mini-scrub in the shower. HMMMMMMM, got me thinking of using it after my spinning classes at the gym.


You can purchase these lovely candies at www.bathbyriley.com or hopefully at a Shecky's event near you.

Enjoy!

Soooo Yummmyyyyy

Ladies and Gentlemen!

These candles are the truth! I bought this great accessory at the Shecky's Accessory and Fashion Expo on November 19. I had to try these candles out before I posted them on this blog. These candles are phe-no-me-nal!

Here is a quick description of the candles provided by the maker:

" Our soy candles are made using 100% pure soy...not paraffin wax. Their delicious fragrance will burn cleanly for up to 80 hours without smoke or soot. Once the candle liquefies you can dip your fingers into the wax (don't worry the soy is only slightly warmer than body temperature) and use the oil as a mosturizing protein rub; to keep hands, feet, cuticles and elbows soft & luxurious; like a personal spa experience in the comfort of your home. When you have completely burned out your candle, clean out the glass with soap and warm water and use it as a tumbler to serve your favorite drinks."

Ok, everyone I know what you're thinking, this can not be true. Well it is! I lighted the candle like the instructions said and waited for it to melt. Of course, I was a little skeptical that I could rub my feet with it and it wouldn't have a wax residue but LADIESSSSSS AND GENTLMEN I THINK I FOUND THE BEST ACCESSORY EVER!

Here are the things it said it could do and I tested:

Smells great (CHECK!)
Melts into an oil (CHECK!)
Use oil to rub on feet, hands, and elbows (CHECK!) - please put out the candle before dipping your fingers into the oil.
Clean glass and reuse (CHECK!) -I felt like I was saving the planet at the same time, my place smelled delicious!

I bought the following scents lotus flower and peace of mind. I have used the lotus flower scent so far and I have received compliments when I went out about what scent I was wearing. LOL! I so wanted to say candle wax but decided against it and told them about the candle and its green use.

So check it out Ladies and Gentlemen, it's a great stocking stuffer for the holidays or just to freshen up your place a bit. It is not only decorative and smells good but it also has multiple uses and you can't go wrong with the price.

It currently goes for $34 for the candles in the glass but if you just want to sample it before taking the leap, you can try the tins that range in size from 2oz to 8oz and price from $6 to $14.

You can get these lovely candles at www.Soy-Delicious.com


Soy-Delicious Candles in tin

Soy-Delicious Candles in tumblers

Quick blurb and pictures provided by Soy-Delicious.com

Shecky's

Hey Ladies!!

Sorry been so late in updating my blog. I have been busy with other projects under way but I attended Shecky's fashion and jewelry show in Miami, Florida on November 19,2009. Ladies if this fashion and jewelry expo is in your town, don't walk, run to the nearest expo!

It was such a great experience from beginning to end. They had everything from local accessory designers to clothing designers; with most of them having discounted specials.

I got a few things, which I will tell you more about in another post and also feature the designer. Just to name a few, I got a candle that when it melts also turns into massaging oil!!!! And I also got a 32 inch chain with a leaf that was dipped in 24 kt gold. Yeah, I know sounds all exciting.

Plus besides the cool accesories and clothing designs at the event, they also had a goodie bag with practically every essential a woman needs. It had shampoos, shaving creams, shavers, lotions, coupons, and many more for only $12.50.

Also, if you're a drinker, they also had complimentary cocktails/martinis for the event.

It was a great night!

Here are the upcoming cities:
Los Angeles – Dec. 9th-10th
Houston - Feb. 18th-19th
Philadelphia - Feb. 24th-25th
Dallas – Feb. 24th-25th
New York City - Mar. 9th-12th
Boston – Mar. 24th-26th
Chicago – Apr. 7th-8th
Washington, DC – Apr. 14th-15th

Hope you can make it to at least one of them.

Studded!!!

Women's Justice-FergieShoes.com($99)
Marvel-SteveMadden.com ($129.95)

GoJane.com ($22.10)

While traveling the past few weeks, I noticed a trend coming out just in time for the fall! Studded heels and booties!! So exciting! Now your shoes are wearing jewelry!! These studded shoes are a great accessory for the fall especially when you start wearing coats and scarves and the only thing you can see are your feet. This way your feet can express your style as much as your ears! But ladies please! DO NOT GET CRAZY WITH buying the studded shoes and all of your sudden your feet look like your little sister, cousin, niece or daughter bedazzled your shoes!

They do of course all range in price and as you can see it's all about the preference of what statement you would like to say. I included the open-toe heel for all my fashionistas in the warmer climate areas like me and really don't know anymore what snow looks like! and the booties for my fashionistas that keep it rocking through the winter!

What do you think of this new trend? Is it something you would rock for the fall? Do you think it is a here now and gone tomorrow trend or will it last forever like tatoos?

photos courtesy of Fergieshoes.com, SteveMadden.com and GoJane.com, respectively.

Get this off my face!!!!....use Headbands! :)

Velvet Blossom Adjustable Soft Headband -$19

Gorgeous Headbands for the Summer! Spice it up a bit!

Remember when you were a little girl going to school and the only thing you could think of to keep back those flyaways or hair that refuse to stay out of your face was the wide headbands. Well I found the cutest headbands while browsing the internet.
I came across a blog known as CurlyNikki -www.curlynikki.com, and she did a post on some headbands designed by Andrea at WWW.AndreasBeau.com Her designs are made from exquisite ribbons, silk flowers and beaded trims. A few of her designs are included in this post and range in price from $19 to $42.

silk poppy headband -$26

Double Gossamer Flower Headband - $42

These accessories are great for those hair days that you just don't want to be bothered with a bang or you would like the to have a clean fresh look without the hassle. This is a great alternative hairstyle to the boring bun and can also spice up your wardrobe. Andrea's Beau headbands are also made for little girls, so if you have a niece, daughter or cousin that would love these beautiful headbands she also has those available. Some of the headbands are a bit pricey but well worth it because they do last and the designs are very detailed.

Feathers and Fashion

Ok, so I wasn't too sure about the feather earring worn by Eva Marcille at the BET awards on the 28th of June but I think its growing on me. At first glance these earrings seem a little too much but if you notice, she wears it with a simple black dress and a fierce haircut and color. She didn't overdo it, so the only thing you notice are her earrings.

I found a pair at Etsy.com, a site dedicated to designers that sell their creations online. The site is similar to a designers version of ebay. A designer is able to sell their work online without having to really market it to other fashion department store buyers or having a fashion show.

The accessory below was designed by L.A. Native and is called the Flying earth earring/The afternoon drink pair and sells for $58. There are less expensive versions available or if your pockets are not that deep to buy the earrings below, you could also buy a similar version available at Charlotte-Russe, Forever21 or your local vintage store such as the peacock feather earrings and instead of wearing both earrings at the same time, you could wear one with a stud to minimize the look if you dont want the extreme look.


You could do the same with the earrings above. If you're not ready to rock the whole look, you could wear the shorter one with a stud or a small hooped earring. Always remember, if you wear such an extravagant piece, tone down the clothing pieces and hair. You don't want people confused or getting a headache from all the things going on in your look....lol.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

photos courtesy of BET.com and Etsy.com

The King of Style

Michael Jackson

1958-2009

Just wanted to pay my respects to the man that was not only the King of Pop but the King of Style. The minute Michael Jackson debuted the white glove in the "Beat it" and "Billie Jean" video and showed his ability to pull off a single white glove while performing, every kid and every adult rocked that glove one way or the other. Ever since the death of Michael Jackson, many artists and actors have worn the white glove to pay their respects.

The glittery white glove was the must have accessory of the 80's. Your costume, or outfit was incomplete if you did not rock the white glove. NO ONE else could pull off wearing one white glove other than Michael Jackson. Some people tried to replicate the look by having to cut their socks and dipping it in glitter, bedazzling it or just having it customized professionally.

Now a days, a few stars have tried to duplicate his style; a few of them today are Lady GaGa, Beyonce and Ciara. They each wear their own version of the infamous white glove but only one person could wear it on the red carpet and it would still be considered cool - Michael Jackson.

Have you ever rocked the white glove in public or even in the privacy of your room while doing the moonwalk? lol. What is your favorite song by Michael Jackson?

R.I.P Michael Jackson

*all pictures courtesy of google images.

I LIKE BIG..........

Jewelry!!!! The craze this summer is simple and chic dresses or outfits with bold and extravagant necklaces or bangles, not both!! When wearing either of these accessories pair them with simple earrings, a watch and keep your makeup soft and feminine, your necklace or bangle will make a more than enough statement for the evening.

These bold necklaces are best worn at night especially to a cocktail party as they could be a conversation starter. Always know the designer that you are wearing. These accesories could be found at any department, vintage, thrift, or fashion store. They may range in price from $7.80 to $1,000,000. Depending on how much you want to spend on these pieces they are available in a range of prices and they all make the statement of bold and chick.

Every lady should have a simple black or white dress to pair these extravagant accesories with. So now when you got that special event, or cocktail party to attend, never say you have nothing to wear.....pull out that black or white dress and wear that bold necklace to the event.

Have you ever worn a bold necklace to an event? Who are your favorite bold necklace designers?

I will be attending a jewelry part this Saturday and am soooo excited cause there will be a local designer at the party. I will make sure to take lots of pictures of the different pieces!!

The first picture is courtesy of Forever21 and is the Audrey Flower Pearl Necklace :$7.80

The second picture is courtesy of Forever21 and is the Floral Necklace: $14.80

The third picture is courtesy of Essence.com, Necklace worn by Michelle Williams

The fourth picture is courtesy of Neiman Marcus.com: Both necklaces by Ranjana Khan, gold necklace is $525 and Multi-stone Bib necklace is $1,200.

I would like to make an anouncement....

Hey Everyone, Just wanted to be an outlet for all those fashionista's out there or newbies to the fashion scene about accessories and how you can update your wardrobe with just a simple or extravagant accessory. I will try to be the best source of information for you on the latest trends, the upcoming accessory designers and also a few tips here and there on updating your wardrobe with accessories.
The movie, Devil Wears Prada, said it best when Andy Sachs arrived late to a bar with her friends waiting at her table and the best thing she could bring to them were ACCESSORIES!!! She handed her best girl friend a bag and her guy friend a phone..Her guy friend said it best when he said "Accessories are merely iconography, used to express individuality" which I couldn't agree with more.
With experience and just plain observation, I have noticed that accessories can make or break an outfit. So with this blog I hope to be a form of clarification for some women and men out there on the do's and don't of Accessory Fashion. I'll cover everything from shoes, to jewelry and from bags to perfumes (yes, I think they are accessories) with a splash of interviews of local designers in those areas that are trying to make a name for themselves.
If you know of anyone that would be interested in being on my website to showcase their latest and greatest designs, tell them to email Fashionista at accesuality@gmail.com.
Hope you will enjoy reading this blog as much as I will enjoy writing on it!