Does Your Jewelry Need A Makeover?

jewelryWhen you took care of that bi-annual chore of switching your seasonal clothing, did you include every category?

If you are a regular reader, you already know how hard I work to get you to break down your wardrobe by category. It is infinitely more manageable that way. Think of it like grocery shopping. You start with the fresh food category (that should be 80% of your shopping cart), move to the meat department (moderation is prudent here), peruse through the pre-packaged aisles (buy the least here please), on to the frozen food section (selectivity rules) and then out the door. When you return home you actually re-categorize again by refrigerator, freezer and pantry. We are creatures of habit and we are categorizing things all day long.

Why then do you throw open the doors of your closet and find utter chaos?

By organizing your wardrobe by category, you can then divide and conquer each category by season. Come on ladies, jackets that are Harris Tweed woollies are a different season than your white linens. Giving some of you the benefit of the doubt, chances are that you already know that and for this sizzling summer season you have packed away your flannel jackets, your wool plaid trousers, your 20 pound kilt, your knee-high fuzzy Uggs, your Irish tweed cardigan and your larger than the Statue of Liberty scarves (be sure to clean those before storing as moths love dirty clothing, especially clothing that carries oils from your hair and neck).

Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 8.01.52 AMBut what about your jewelry? Yes Alice, jewelry has a season, and this is the time to do a jewelry edit. The best place to perform this delicate operation? The dining room table, yes the table. Bring it all down. Lay it out by, you guessed it, by category – necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings, earrings and pins and then follow this five step process.

Step 1. Take a reality pill – if you have never worn it or honestly hate it, then donate it – someone will love it!

Step 2. Is it your current style? If you have retired after 25 years at Merrill Lynch and you don’t plan on donning that gray suit ever again, then 20 sets of pearls may not serve your new-found (or yet to be found) style.

Step 3. If your collection is DIY heavy, flea market heavy, hand me down heavy, or macaroni necklaces, then perhaps it is time to treat yourself.

Step 4. After you have assessed what you own, what you are keeping and what you are donating, perhaps it is time to take a photograph of your collection for insurance purposes (or Will listings – okay, okay, just being prepared here).

Step 5. Now you can divide by season if in fact you see the obvious differences. Your summer jewelry might be colorful, may include coral, turquoise, flower shapes and multi-color stones. These tones will complement your summer pastels, your linens, your white jeans and your flashy fashion sandals. Pack away the heavy gold, dark garnet, deep olive tones and the multi thick strands that are better suited to a turtleneck than the delicate skin of your décolletage.

Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 8.02.12 AMWe are emerging from the trend of larger than life jewelry and entering a lighter summer trend, which includes layers of thin necklaces, slivers of shiny arm cuffs, and baubles that include semi-precious stones in an array of colors. Multiples seem to rule this season – multiple bangles, ear cuffs, necklaces, rings and even foot jewels.

Here are a few new trends to get your fashionista juices flowing. Who knew there were so many places to adorn – and I am not even talking piercings! Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 8.02.46 AM

If you haven’t made the switch and don’t know where to begin – grab my book Confidence Is Always In Style and check out Chapter 3 – What’s In Your Closet?

Need some inspiration to makeover your summer style? Let’s chat! Link herefor a complimentary 30-minute phone consult.

And remember, you are pretty. Not feeling it? Put some jewelry on!

*All jewelry – Nordstrom

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