Essential accessories

February 2, 2010 (CHICAGO) A simple change of earrings, adding a silk scarf, or pairing the right shoes with an ensemble can change the look from day to evening, from career to casual, says personal shopper Suzanne Newman. She has years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry. Her career has included positions with Lancome and Liz Claiborne. She started her own business in 2004, offering personal shopping services as well as "Wardrobe Workshops" for businesses and community groups.

Suzanne, whose personal shopping services are available at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie, says accessories are for every woman of every age and are essential for every wardrobe. You can change your entire look with accessories. And remember, when it comes to accessories, a little goes a long way. With just a few key pieces you can show the world your personal style.

For example:

  • Mix old and new - accent a strand of pearls and secure them with an heirloom brooch
  • Pair your favorite comfy sweater with a wide patent belt and wear with a pair of jeans
  • Wrap a colorful silk scarf around the brim of a straw hat
  • Stack bangle bracelets for an updated turn from your jewelry box
  • Keep the size of your accessories in proportion to the size of your body
  • Repeat an accessory color no more than 3 times (hat/belt/shoes, necklace/bracelet/bag)
  • Have only ONE focal point per outfit
  • If you think it's "too much," it probably is

    Make room for one or two essential accessories like these, Suzanne adds. All accessories shown are available at Westfield Old Orchard Center in Skokie. For more information, call 847.673-6800 or visit Westfield Old Orchard.

    ANN TAYLOR:
    Tote/clutch purse -Leopard print tote reduced from$275 to 99.99 (a hold all plus). Black exotic envelope clutch $95(put this into your tote for a versatility when you don't need everything in your tote).

    Statement/bold necklace: it's about adding interest and your personal signature. Pink pyramid statement necklace $68. Nautical multi-chain necklace $68. Peach and crystal sunburst necklace $128. Linear bib crystal necklace $78.

    LORD AND TAYLOR:
    Belts: You'll need different widths or sizes depending on rise of pants or placement on dress.

    Black Calvin Klein stud belt $38. Black Another Line faux snake wide belt $45 (this belt is great because it has a black buckle and will not interfere with different colored metal jewelry that you're wearing). Black Lauren skinny snake belt with gold buckle $42. Lauren 1.5- inch black patent belt $52.

    Scarves

    Echo leopard print silk scarf/wrap $58 (wear as a wrap around your neck….an accessory that transforms an outfit). Baby leopard print smaller oblong silk scarf $38

    Hoop earrings

    Lauren large gold hoop earrings $44. Lauren silver hoops $32. Ann Klein multi metal hoops $26; Hoops are always classic, these are updated because they are a little bigger and thinner.

    XXI FOREVER:
    Classic timeless pearls and trendy variations

    For Love Collection: Pearl necklaces

    Cream black gold long pearl necklace $6.80. Large pearl choker $5.80. Long strand pearls $5.80. Pearl/ tulle long necklace $8.80. Pearl/ bead long necklace $6.80

    For Love Collection: Earrings

    Pearl studs assortment $2.80. Trendy pearl dangle earrings $4.80

    Sunglasses, all priced at $5.80

    Two oversized black sunglasses, one cat eye, one tortoise oversized, one wire rimmed/ tortoise

    MACY'S
    February 3-7, customers who wear red and shop at Macy's can receive an extra 20 percent or 10 percent off of most sale and clearance purchases. Details available at the store.

    Black pumps

    Classic black patent pump Nine West $69 "nuncio". Classic black suede pump Enzo $79 "eaelaya".

    RED Lipsticks/Gloss:

    Estee Lauder rich red $19.50. Estee Lauder Sangria $22. Chanel red lipstick in lover $30. Chanel Glossimer in red shine $27.

    Tights/Pantyhose: Sheer hose that matches your skin and black matte opaque's should always be on-hand.

    Black matte opaque tights DKNY $13.50. HUE black matte super opaque tights $12.50. Calvin Klein shear pantyhose in nude $14.50.

    Watches: Classic day to evening watch at a great price

    Ann Klein watch steel/gold link with mother of pearl face $55. Anne Klein Swarovski crystal steel/gold link watch $75. Guess (bling) watch with changeable straps in spring pastels $95(not sure whether to use this in display).

    Also: Kate Spade red patent coin purse/ keychain $45

    Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.