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Coco Chanel said, get dressed and then take one thing off before you leave the house.

My hero, Iris Apfel, says, get dressed, then put one more item on.

Jiminy Christmas! No wonder even the most style-savvy girls around are conflicted.

Case in point… A couple of weeks ago, my girlfriend Taylor (the statuesque blonde in the Masque Post) and I were chatting and the topic of accessories came up. She asked if I thought there was such a thing as too many, and without giving the question any real consideration, I said, ‘No. If you have a limb it should be decorated.’ Like a Christmas tree.

Links to the pearl necklace, the crystal one, and gold hoops. Oops! Almost forgot the scarf.

Why?

If you’re thinking why should I care, I’d say…

• Versatility – Changing up your accessories can give an outfit you love, but are maybe slightly bored with a completely new look and a whole different vibe. And giving new life to something you adore is brilliant.
• Style – If you’ve taken the Style Quiz or watched the video, then you’ve heard this philosophy before, accessories are what elevates a nice outfit and turns it into, ‘Oh my gosh! That girl has great style.’ And how awesome and easy is that!?!

While I truly believe in the Have-A-Limb-Decorate-It philosophy – there are a two-and-a-half caveats. Hint: it’s all about you.

#1 – Comfort = Confidence

I put it first because comfort really is the most important thing. Wear as many accessories as you can while still feeling comfortable. Comfort leads to confidence, which’ll make you even more beautiful than you already are.

On the flip side, if the jingling from your stacked bracelets annoys the heck out of you – or you can’t answer the phone because your huge chandelier earring keeps getting in the way – take that crap off and try something else. Or ignore the phone that day. It’s up to you.

Like all things fashion and style, accessories should make you feel like a super hero not a fidget widget.

#2 – Pick A Theme

If you live in my camp and feel naked if both arms and at least one finger of each hand isn’t decorated, then a simple rule to live by is pick a theme and make sure every piece you put on fits that category. Not to say we should rush to Uno de 50, Kendra Scott, Tous, or whatever brand is your jam, buy every piece in a collection and wear it all together.

But rather, all the pieces you pick have a similar feel.

A picture is worth a bazillion words, so here are examples of two of my favorite themes.

The 1/2 Caveat:

Body type does play a bit of a role. For example, my neck is short, so when I layer on a ton of necklaces I try to keep the earrings simpler and vice versa.

Now, if you have a neck worthy of Swan Lake – Go Wild!

Hit A Speed Bump…?

I would bet if you look in the mirror and something feels off, it’s because the theme doesn’t quite click. Play around a bit, switch out some items with others until you find a winning combo you love.

Now, go out there and decorate your tree like Clark Griswold.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, personal accessory mantra, or the signature you selected after completing the Style Quiz, so leave a comment or question below.

‘Til next week.

Hugs and happy shopping.

P.S. Stay tuned next week. Provided nothing crazy happens, we’re going to chat about my favorite facial exfoliator!

P.P.S. Did you miss last week’s post about the most badass shoes of all time? We’ve got you covered – click here and you’ll be all caught up.