DEAR Mattie:
What are some fun items for summer?
Wondering in Westview
Dear Westview:
Now that you have put together a wardrobe for the summer and the sun has finally come out, try some inexpensive statement pieces. Statement pieces are individual items that stand out on their own, yet don't clash with your outfit. These pieces can either be an extension of your personality, or something new that you are experimenting with.
Statement pieces can be expensive, therefore I will give you some cheaper ideas that won't go over your budget.
Whether you decide on a narrow or flowing silhouette, with neutrals, floral or colour block styling, there are many summer ideas to add to your summer style. Some of my inexpensive suggestions can reap a big reward.
The easiest place to start with statement pieces is always jewelry. Of course, this category can be expensive, but if you try some of the discount designer stores I am pretty sure that you will find cheaper pieces. As well, it is summer and a time when many stores start clearing merchandise and put things on sale.
Accessories have a sense of girly glam. What I mean by this term, is that the styles are feminine and dressed up with a sense of current fashion.
Something in your outfit must be trendy. This is a great way to wear last year's dress with a new piece of jewelry.
Look for insects on your pieces. Not the real ones, but ornate butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and beetles that are either in metal or gems on your jewelry pieces. Sometimes they can be tone on tone with one type of metal, but most times you will find them with vibrant colours.
That is why they are statement pieces. The most popular way to wear these insects is on a ring, necklace and hairpin. Hairpins are making a comeback this summer.
Gold is also making a comeback. Because of its colour attributes and because it can be more expensive than silver, ladies are not wearing a lot of it at the same time. Consider hoop earrings, but no necklace. Gold is a good example to exercise the less is more concept.
There is a summer gold which has a metallic rose tint to it that is very trendy this summer. I consider this colour a transition into the gold that is looking popular this fall. This rosy hue softens the brassiness of bright gold.
One way to introduce this colour into your wardrobe is with makeup. Eye shadows and lipsticks have a gold shimmer with pink undertones this summer. Bags, belts and sandals are looking pretty glam in the new rose gold.
If you are looking for something bolder then a watch might be your best bet. Oversize plastic watches in every vibrant colour, including neon, are everywhere. They can have eccentric faces with funky square and circular details. I wear my oversize, hot pink $10 watch with everything. And, no matter what else I am wearing, I get compliments on my new watch all the time.
Now that you have some idea of how to create a personal summer style, try something fun that is cheap. There are many funky things going on in fashion this summer so beware. Invent your glam without going overboard.
Mattie à la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached via e-mail: mattiealamode@ gmail.com or visit her blog mattiealamode. com.
