Saturday, October 20, 2012

Matching Earrings to Face Shape

Finding the right pair of earrings to complement the shape of your face is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. It may be challenging, but when you find the perfect pair of earrings they will flatter every angle of your face.


Round
The round face is as wide as it is long, with the greatest width falling at the cheekbones.

The Earring 
Long and streamlined styles work best with the round face shape.

Round faces are naturally youthful and soft and are ideal for wearing long, vertical styles--especially dangles, drops, narrow chandeliers and ear threads. Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and choose rectangles, trapezoids and other long, vertically angular designs. Any style that draws attention to a strong vertical line will be flattering for a round face. 

 Oval
The oval shaped face has a forehead that is the same width as the cheeks and then narrows to the chin.

The Earring 
Almost anything, though it is best to avoid earrings that dangle past your chin as this makes your face appear too long.

Oval faces can wear almost any shape or style of earring, if the designs are in proportion to your face. Avoid styles that are overly long, as they will lengthen the oval face. Echo the oval face with hoops, hoops in circles, chandeliers and other soft, curving designs using open link chain, teardrops and go-gos--or dramatically set off the oval face with triangle-shaped earrings.


Heart
The heart shaped face has a forehead that is wider than the cheeks and narrows to the chin.

The Earring
Shaped opposite the shape of your face -- wider on the bottom than the top.

With a distinctive shape and killer cheekbones, heart-shaped faces require earrings with more detailing at the bottom than at the top. This face needs jewelry that adds width at the level of the chin, so use horizontal lines of hoops, teardrops, curves, triangles and other dangling space-filling designs. Avoid small posts and any long narrow earring styles.


Diamond
The diamond shaped face has a forehead and chin that are both narrower than the cheekbones.

The Earring
To complement the natural beauty of your cheeks and jawline, go for earrings that are wide.

Diamond-shaped faces can wear almost any shape or style of earring, if the designs are in proportion to the face. Add width to a pointy jaw line with dangling earrings with teardrops, pear-shaped or triangle drops. Echo the diamond-shaped face with dramatic and angular styles using triangles or soften the look of the diamond-shaped face with hoops.


Square
The square shaped face has a forehead, jawline and chin are about the same width. 

The Earring
Earrings that are round or with curved edges or multi-tiered earrings.

The square face is ideal for wearing large oval hoops, long drop and narrow chandelier earrings. Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and choose long narrow designs. This face needs jewelry that adds length and camouflages its width, so any styles that create an illusion of length will be flattering for a square face. Avoid short post (button) style and wide chandelier styles.


Rectangle
The rectangular shaped face is similar to the square shape, but is longer in overall length.

The Earring
Thick or wide earrings with rounded edges like hoop earrings are a great choice.

Since the rectangular shaped face is naturally elongated with an angular jaw button, fan and round earrings are excellent choices to help widen your face.  Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and chose large rounds, curves, crescents and other wide, space-filling designs. This face needs jewelry that adds width and camouflages its length, so any styles that create an illusion of width will be flattering for an oblong/rectangular face.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

All About Earrings Styles


Stylish earrings are essential for putting the finishing touches on your wardrobe. Whether you prefer a simple stud or a dramatic chandelier, earrings are a simple way to accessorize your wardrobe. Because our faces are our communication centers it is important to think about how to draw attention there. 

Using earrings to draw attention to your face helps focus attention.  The four basic earring styles are the Stud, the Drop, the Chandelier and the Hoop. 

Stud Earrings

Stud earrings are a timeless, versatile choice with a decorative element that appears to float on the front of the earlobe. Any element can be attached to a post that goes through the ear. 
An earring back is used to hold the earring in place. Clip on earrings can be used to achieve the same look when the ear is not pierced.  


  

Drop Earrings

Regal and feminine, drop earrings dangle straight down from the ear. This style of earrings can vary in every imaginable way.  

Dangle earrings can vary in material, style, design, and can even range in length from an inch to nearly shoulder length.  Dangle earrings suspend from the ear with one of a variety of types of ear wires.   



Chandelier Earrings

This style of earring is elegant, feminine, and boldly dramatic. This Chandelier earrings hang from the earlobe with several levels cascading to a point an inch or two (or more) below the ear. 

Chandelier earrings can be all metal or can be embellished with a variety of beads, gemstones, pearls or other materials. Design and style choices are endless.


Hoop Earrings

These retro favorites have come back into style, available in a wide array of sizes and thicknesses. Large, thin hoop earrings exude a young and trendy look, while smaller hoops make a more reserved and elegant statement. 

Hoop earrings can be made with solid metal or strung with beads, studded with gemstones or wrapped with wire or fibers.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Matching Necklaces to Necklines
A Guide for Dressing Up Your Fall Wardrobe

Unique, one-of-a-kind necklaces are must-have items when accessorizing your wardrobe. Whether you prefer bold, chunky, single or layered, handmade necklaces are a very personal way to dress up your wardrobe. If you are not sure which necklace length works best with different necklines this guide is sure to help.

Because our faces are our communication centers it is important to think about how to draw attention there. Using a necklace to compliment your neckline helps create a strong focal point, drawing the eye up to face. Some classic yet contemporary necklines include the button-up collared shirt, boatneck, crewneck, scoop neck, v-neck and the turtleneck.


Boat Neck

Boat-neck tops feature a sharp neckline that goes straight across the collarbone, from shoulder to shoulder. Shorter necklace lengths are flattering with this neckline, especially ones with some substance.

Chunky gemstones, lucite or big wood all lend themselves to jewelry that will accentuate a boat neck top, sweater or dress.


Button-Up

The classic button-up shirt looks great with a variety of necklace lengths and styles. A crisp white shirt is made glamorous by adding a layered metal necklace outside of the collar. A short, scattered gemstone necklace peaking out from inside the collar adds a subtle touch of sophistication. For a more conservative look or for business attire, try a simple pendant on a chain, or a classic strand of knotted pearls.


Crew Neck

Clean lined necklaces are a classic addition to this all-American style. Whether you are accessorizing a crew neck tee or crew neck cashmere sweater accessorize for the occasion. Longer necklaces or layered necklaces work particularly well with this neckline. Remember short necklaces tend to hide behind the fabric of the top, sweater or dress with a crew neck so be sure to match the length to the neckline.


Scoop Neck

This feminine neckline is ideal for delicate necklaces like a simple strand of pearls, or a small pendant on a small chain. Creating your own pendant from a special bead and then suspending it from a simple chain is a wonderful way to dress up a scoop neckline. Dress up exposed skin as simply or as ornately as you wish. Necklace lengths worn with a scoop necked garmetn always look best sitting at the collarbone or just below.


V-Neck and Plunging V-Neck

There are a variety of options for these distinct necklines. Layered strands and necklaces with pendants highlight the neck and collarbone. Longer pieces highlight the cleavage when wearing a plunging v-neck. Longer necklaces, including lariats, are a sexy option for the plunging v-neck as they lead the eye toward the cleavage. Make certain that the necklace lands 1/2 - 1 inch above or below the base of the V, so it doesn't hide behind the fabric.


Tie Front

With its high neckline and whimsical tie at the neck, this stylish blouse or dress has an ultra-feminine feel. Worn alone or with a sweater or jacket this style transitions easily from work to business dinner. Adding a necklace is a quick way to dress up your outfit. Add some dimension to the tie front blouse by adding a long, chunky necklace. Nuggets of gemstone wire wrapped with precious wire make a bold yet super feminine statement.


Turtleneck

The turtleneck is a winter favorite that can seem utilitatarian if not dressed up for work or play. The best options for turtlenecks or other high-neck looks are long necklaces and even the ultra-long opera length necklace.  Long layers of chain, long multi-strand necklaces made from natural materials, or even a super long strand of freshwater pearls are fun accents for any turtleneck shirt or high collared blouse or dress. If you're wearing a chunky turtleneck sweater make sure that your necklace has substance so it doesn't get lost in the fabric.

Embellished Necklines

Clothing with lots of detail including beading, ruffles, and lots of draping don’t need any extra embellishment. Avoid wearing a necklace with these styles and accessorize with stack of bracelets or bold earrings. Just remember your jewelry choices, like your wardrobe choices are a reflection of your personal style. Choose things you absolutely love and you will feel confident no matter the occasion.