A Tonic of Accessories

Love this quote:  "Remember that always dressing in understated good taste is the same as playing dead." Susan Catherine 

Let's channel the wit and eye of the sardonic fashion writer, Susan Catherine, to follow-up on my previous post, in which the subject was beating the blahs. February isn't quite over yet, so let's talk about using accessories, jewelry specifically, to declare victory over the blahs and skyrocket your style.

First, identify your best colors. How? Select from a few items -- plus size tops or plus size dresses in colors you love. Next, hold one item at a time next to your face. Which item/color makes your eyes pop and sparkle, and makes your skin clear and luminescent? That's your best color!

Second, choose tonal accessories, especially jewelry. Yes, tonal accessories will layer, deepen and enrich the impact of your best color. Tonal jewelry will allow for variations of color and texture and provide opportunities to catch and distribute light on your face -- right where you want it.

Third, bigger is better. Frankly, it's what separates the WOMEN from the girls. Choose items that mix tonal colorations, metals, stones on a grand scale. This is where faux is formidable -- it renders jewelry an affordable, ageless ally and offers an instant focal point. Remember my formula of fade and focus, in other words to camouflage the negative and draw attention to the positive. 

Here's an example of how an inexpensive, but gorgeous, big-scale set of jewelry boosts your style quotient and becomes the focal point for three different outfits:

Ulla's Blue Lagoon Necklace, 32052 and Blue Lagoon Earrings, 32051

Paired with:

Ulla's Batik Beauty Sundress, 32246

Ulla's Floral Splash Duster Set, 32444

Ulla's Matte Jersey Empire Dress, 81207, in Leaf Multi.

Do you prefer the Blue Lagoon Necklace and Earrings worn together or separately?

 

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

"Earth Laughs in Flowers" and So Can We

February, Valentines Day notwithstanding, can bring the blahs. What to do? Go for something cheerful: bring on the vibrancy of florals, the joy of petals: yes, wear some flowers! The insight of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Earth laughs in flowers," is spot on. 

Ulla’s Tropic Fantasy Floral Knit Tunic, 32550, is a great changeover piece. The fabric is dense, high quality 100% cotton, toasty enough for cooler weather but will breathe and transition beautifully into your spring wardrobe. The vibrant background of jungle red gets the energy flowing, and the sheer beauty of the sketched turquoise blooms helps you count on balmy days just ahead.

On a practical note, this plus size tunic has a scoop neckline, 3/4 sleeves, side vents and a relaxed fit. It’s machine washable and has a length of 32 inches.

Fashion presents the opportunity to wear art, to personify it, and even to transport you to a place you desire to go.

The important role flowers may play in our daily lives is documented in many sources. One recent source, a behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home. The research has further proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them,” Etcoff says. (http://aboutflowers.com/health-benefits-a-research/home-ecology-of-flowers-study.html)

So I wondered, is this effect limited to fresh cut flowers? Who’s to say that this impact is achieved only by fresh flowers? Perhaps the ahhhh experience can come from seeing or wearing a stunningly beautiful floral design. 

One last suggestion, you can also surround yourself with flowers in Ulla's 

·      Empress's Garden Beaded Tunic, 31421

·      Tunnel Waist Dress, 31257

·      Happy Garden Print Knit Pants, 31623

I can guarantee they will chase those February blahs once and for all! Hey now, there's more than one way to get flowers! Personally, I am uplifted by wrapping myself in a glorious floral arrangement! How about you?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear!