Michele Baratta atHome Blog

I’ve spent many of my days in everything from custom gowns, tailored suits, to ribbed tanks and ripped jeans. When it comes to fashion and style, one thing is for certain, I love variety, and even when being comfortable I love to be casually stylish by accessorizing. As an example when I walked into the office today, Rita had on a black tank paired with a chic turquoise patterned gaucho pant, and to accent it all a pair of patent leather sandals. Sometimes a simple glare of sparkle, shine or color is all you need. Of course there are many rules individuals throw out there such as, less is more or bold is beautiful. Where does one find their balance? My hope after this entry is to provide a little guidance and thoughts on the nuances, tips and tricks to complimenting and embellishing any outfit.

My top favorite essential accessory by far is the ever so versatile scarf. Whether it be a heavier wool scarf during the winter, or a silk one for all year long, scarves add the final touch of sophistication and detail to any outfit. I often get the question of how to wear a scarf, and what to wear one with. With a little creativity, scarves can be worn in almost any way. I personally like to tie a scarf around a simple handbag, wear it as a headband or bandana, a feminine version of a necktie, or if large enough I will wear it as a wrap or halter top during the summer. During seasons where the air is too chilly for a short sleeve, but still too warm for a light jacket, I like to wrap a Pashmina (click link for example) around me, which can also doubled as a neck scarf. Anyway you wear a scarf, you want to care for your scarves by steaming out wrinkles and storing them in a box or drawer to keep from absorbing or fading colors and collecting dust.

Next on the accessory agenda is one most of us women love, jewelry! Gold, silver, gems and pearls, we love them all. One of the most frequent questions I receive is, “Can I wear gold with silver”? The answer is yes, but in doses. For example, I have a white gold bracelet with yellow gold accents. With this bracelet I’ll often wear either dainty gold earrings, or silver earrings with amber gems. You always want more of one than the other, meaning mostly silver with gold details, or more gold with silver details. Even amounts will just be to heavy on the eyes, and clash with most attire. As fashionably adventurous as I am, one accessory I feel should be retired are door knocker earrings. I adore bold jewelry, but anything that adorns the ears and frames the head should be kept delicate and smaller in width than your actual entire ear. Extensive length in earrings can be managed if worn correctly, with the correct attire. Keep in mind professionalism depending on where you work, or the nature of the event you are attending. On top of gold and silver, pearls are a another way to beautify an outfit. Pearls provide the perfect classic and timeless balance to any modern day trend.

Lastly, belts are more than to keep your pants up. Whether to cinch the waist with a wide belt, or to accent a sweater with a corset belt, belts help dress up even the most casual wear. Chain belts can be for night wear, or to accent a simple single colored dress. I’ve also worn my scarves as a wide belt on a fitted tunic.

Although some days our outfit, body shape, or hair may not be perfect, sometimes all it takes is going with it and accessorizing the rest! Have fun, be confident, and add the final touch with is a great smile!

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