(Photo Credit)

Whether it’s the good stuff or fun jewelry, every girl should know how to pick jewelry that’s going to look the best on her.  Here are my 5 tips to help you pick out jewelry for a woman (whether that’s you or someone you know!):

1) Choose colors that match what you have in your closet. If you wear a lot of blue, for example, then select a few pieces with blue in them.  Perhaps a necklace has all blue beads on it, another has black, silver, and blue, and yet another includes yellow and blue.  You can then mix and match any of them with what you have to create different looks.

2) Add a pop of color. If you wear a lot of black or grey, try adding color with jewelry.  For example, red or pink with black is quite striking.  Try selecting a few different colors that will make your outfit pop (think yellow, coral, teal, pink, red).

(Yellow necklace and tank under a blazer.  It still looks professional, but the pop of color adds interest.)

3) Take your size into account. If you have larger wrists, stick with bangle vs. cuff bracelets as they might make your wrist look too thick.  Larger rings or wide bracelets might be too overbearing if you’re really petite.  For example, I bought my sister this wide cuff bracelet as a gift.  It looked nice on me, but I’m 5’6″ and she’s 5″.  It didn’t appear as flattering on her because I didn’t take her size into consideration when selecting it.  I guess that turned out well for me as I now have a new bracelet. 

4) Don’t wear large everything. Meaning don’t wear large earrings with a statement necklace, plus a cuff bracelet and statement ring.  It’s too much.  Rather, only wear the statement necklace and bracelet, or long earrings and statement ring.  Big earrings are in right now and pairing them with an oversized necklace will look too overdone and cheesy.  Either go without or wear a dainty necklace that complements the earrings, but doesn’t detract from them.

(Statement earrings and ring on Beyonce.  No necklace.  Photo credit.)

(Here she is again wearing a statement diamond necklace and small diamond earrings. Photo credit.)

5) Buy varying necklace lengths for various necklines. A boat neck top looks best with a choker or long necklace.  A sweetheart neckline would be good with a tiered or large statement piece because you have the room for it to lay on your skin (It shouldn’t lay half on your chest, half on your top.  After a while, part of it will slide into your top and you’ll be fixing it the rest of the day or night.)  Long necklaces, whether single strand or cascading, multiple strands, look best with turtlenecks.

(Here’s Debra Messing wearing a statement necklace with a sweetheart neckline and no earrings. Photo Credit)

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?

- Violet

What to Wear: 5 Tips When Picking Jewelry is a post from: Violet Revolution

So I started thinking are there any stylish, warm weather boots out there?  Surprisingly, there are, but you have to look for them.

Sorel boots have gained popularity this winter.  I can vouch that this fur trim pair looks way better in person.  They even make a style that has crystals instead of little studs on the boot instead.  Of course, because of the rubber at the bottom, they’re quite easy to keep clean.

Ugg has branched out into other styles this winter.  This low wedge, sweater shaft boot still has the sheepskin lining, but a little more structure around the foot.

This rhinestone embellished pair is perfect for the fashionista out there.  Not only are they adorable, but they also have faux-shearling lining inside to keep your tootsies warm.

My personal favorite is these all-over furry boots, but that could be because of my fur accessories this year.

I may have to venture out into the cold to get these!  What about you, what are your favorite boots this winter?

-Violet

What to Wear: 4 Warm (& Stylish) Boots You Need Now is a post from: Violet Revolution

What’s your most unique piece of jewelry, or best jewelry find ever?  Here’s the top 5 unique jewelry finds I’m craving (some I own already, some I want), right now anyway.

I could not resist these funky, spiral wire dangly earrings with a hot pink beads suspended from them.  My husband and I were in Seattle on vacation (something I wish I was on right now), and happened to wander in some Sunday market in nearby Fremont where I found these earrings for $1.  Yes, $1.  Since that never happens to me, I of course bought them because even if I never wore them, I’ve thrown $1 away on worse things.  Turns out I wear them quite a bit.

I’m on the lookout for a fun ring.  I bought one earlier this year, but feel it’s just too big to be functional.  It’s good every once in a while, but every time I wear it, I keep taking it off because I feel like I can’t maneuver with it on.  I thought this one was still fun, less chunky, and certainly uncommon.

Statement necklaces are as much a part of my collection as are large earrings.  I apparently like to trade off between the two.  Tip: Don’t wear large earrings and a large necklace at the same time.  There’s too much stuff going on wearing both, and it will look too costume-y.  This silver floral one,which was a gift from my mom, is actually made of leather.

You may have seen the House of Harlow jewelry at various boutiques locally or online.  However, I have yet to see these zig-zag bangle bracelets.  If you love the collection but wanted to find a different piece, or want some bangles, but not something plain, try these out.  I like that they’re not your typical round bangles, they’re made in versatile colors, and they’re also striking but not so memorable that you could wear them for years to come.

My most recent statement necklace purchase is this crazy mixed-media necklace.  It has these tube beads, little silver disco ball beads, black beads wrapped in lace, and it’s all sewn on a cloth backing with satin ribbons to fasten around my neck.  I haven’t had much of a chance to wear this one yet, but am working on some outfits centered around it.  (Who hasn’t done that at one point or another?)

What to Wear: Unique Jewelry Finds is a post from: Violet Revolution

Fall is on the horizon, and judging by the hottest runway looks, colorful metallics are reinventing everything you know about the smokey eye. The latest seasonal shade I’m in love with is shimmery cranberry — it’s surprisingly striking with any eye color (slightly bolder than tamer plum shades) and gives you that vampy look without making you look like you’ve come down with a mean case of pink eye (sorry, TMI). It’s sultry without looking costume-y, so if you’re brave enough to amp things up from your go-to coppers or browns, the effect is worth the risk!

Personally, I prefer deeper, merlot-inspired shades with a slight pink tint, like MAC eyeshadow in Cranberry or Urban Decay’s in Gash. If you’re not afraid to go all-out, opt for maximum impact with the ultra-sparkly Medusa’s Makeup eyeshadow in Electro Red. For something a little more versatile for an everyday look, try a tawny take on the shade like Maybelline’s marbelized eyeshadow in Sinful Sinnamon!

-Alex Gambardella

Save on Cranberry Eyeshadow at Nordstrom from TheFind’s coupon site

Smolder This Season In Frosty Cranberry Eyeshadow is a post from: Violet Revolution

With fall’s promise of dramatic smokey eyes and a strong emphasis on heavy eye makeup, it can be tough to keep things versatile while still staying on-trend. After all, the traditional smokey eye doesn’t always suit every occasion, and doesn’t accentuate every eye color to its full potential. As a result, I’m finding ways to branch out with the smokey eye in a way that’s more versatile and softer than black or charcoal, and more fashion-forward to boot — navy shadow. I love the look of smokey navy shadow or liner in contrast with a shimmery cream base, so Giorgio
Armani’s Maestro Quad and Dior 5-Colour Palette in Navy Design are the perfect all-inclusive palettes for creating a coordinating navy shadow look. For a bolder look, DuWop’s Smoke Palette in Navy Seal comes in a shimmery slate color and an eye-popping cobalt shade for a brighter take on the trend. While navy shadow looks best on brown peepers, lighter-eyed beauties can rock the look too by sticking to darker matte shades, like Models Own pigment in Navy, which makes a gorgeous statement when applied wet for maximum intensity!

-Alex Gambardella

Save on Navy Eyeshadows at Sephora from TheFind’s coupon site

Navy Eyes For a More Versatile Take On Smokey Shadow is a post from: Violet Revolution

1) Tan and tone beforehand. Before you even leave for Spring Break, or a tropical trip at any time, prep beforehand by a) firming up any problem cellulite areas and b) applying a self-tanner/bronzer in advance so you’re not pasty or pale going into your trip.  This product does both:

2) Sunscreen and water don’t mix. When picking a sunscreen, sure you want at least SPF 30…blah, blah, blah. What really matters is getting one that’s waterproof or at least water resistant. Let me tell you, if you don’t, you had better plan on reapplying several times throughout each day AND after every time you are in water or notice you are sweating a lot. Otherwise, that sunscreen is going to ooze right off and be useless in protecting you against anything. The worst part is you won’t even know it until your sunburn comes out later that night.

3) Pick out a small sized tropical perfume. You’re going to be in paradise, so why not? Plus who wants to lug a huge bottle of perfume on vacation & risk it breaking in your bag? These solid perfumes by Pacifica are great for travelling. They are small and compact and smell awesome! (I have the lemon one — not usually a big lemon fan, but it’s so yummy!)

4) Pick a good, thick lotion. You’re skin is going to be dry from the sun. Be sure to moisturize often and with something thick with staying power. I personally love LaLicious’s body butter…

…but these solid body butters from Lush are a great idea. Again, lightweight and small for easy packing. This one will even help exfoliate some of the dry skin while moisturizing.

5) Don’t forget about your lips! Keep them moisturized and protected with SPF from the sun (they can get burned too!) I’ve always liked Too Faced lipsticks and with this one, you’re also contributing to a good cause.

What’s your “can’t live without” beauty item you take on every trip?

Spring Break Beauty Items You Can’t Leave Without is a post from: Violet Revolution

Silvermania – If you’re into basic silver pieces, or need some conservative jewelry for work, but are sick of all the common, boring tiny hoop earrings or studs you can find anywhere, then this place is for you. I totally love these simple, crocheted “sea urchin” earrings, plus you can’t beat the price. Need a simple black necklace? Try this contemporary, yet understated, black volcanic rock pendant. Finally if you’re in the mood to be daring, but not too daring, check out these teardrop zebra print earrings.

Elle Custom Jewelry – Looking for something sweet and floral? Then look no further than this emerald lily blossom necklace. I really love how all the brass, glass and crystal layered flower pieces come together. This dainty bronze flower bracelet is so beautiful, as well as this side blossom pearl necklace. If you love pearls, these are a great choice to add something a little different in your collection.

BroadStreet – Do you love vintage jewelry? Love statement pieces? If either of these appeals to you, check out this vintage “guarded castle” necklace. You’ll definitely be asked where you got this, plus it’s a must-have to spice up any otherwise plain outfit. I really love this multi-flower pendant necklace. Did you have a locket necklace as a kid??? I so loved mine – get your fill with this multi-chain locket necklace, especially if you’re looking for something a little more subdued.

WiredResistance – Want to be really daring? Check out wiredresistance’s jewelry, which is all handmade from industrial materials such as rubber, metal, tubing, etc. You might be a little apprehensive at first, but surprised at the functional finds here. Like these tear-drop and tiered circle neoprene earrings (neoprene is the coating you might find on certain dumbbells in your gym). To kick it up a notch, try this metal tiered “target” choker or peek cuff bracelet.

Which designer is your fave?

What to Wear: Etsy Jewelry is a post from: Violet Revolution