Fall Accessory Trends: Neck & Ankle Candy.

NECK CANDY:

I remember last spring when I asked a few friends what they thought about a certain look — the whole combo scarf + statement long necklace.  There was much divided opinion here.  I noticed that the spring Garnet Hill catalog was filled with pictures highlighting this necklace w/scarf thing.  The magazines also had this look gracing their pages.  But, editorial and real life are two different things.  Well, I’d like to proclaim loud and clear that the answer has now been given a definitive YES through one picture: behold the cover of Town & Country:

I promise that this one picture will have women embracing this combination as Tory Burch looks hip, classy, stylish and age appropriate.  She’s over 40, and fabulous.  She’s also queen of the cool chicks and followers line up to mimic her.  Sigh, I’m sometimes one of these followers.

Here is follower me.  Wiff Harmer took my picture when she was photographing me for the lash tinting offer that Trace Skin Care has going on during the month of September for StyleBlueprint readers (see THIS WEEK section for details.).  Wiff made me dance and be a total goof, and to prove I’m not too proud, I’m actually posting the picture.

The stack of sandalwood bracelets are by Judith Bright.

When making such a strong statement at your neckline, limit your bracelets — which I wish I had done for this photo — and make sure your earrings are on the smaller size.  (note: I love these Judith Bright sandalwood bracelets.  They’re a little much paired with the neck candy I have going on, but probably wouldn’t be if I had taken off all my OTHER bracelets!  If you are in search of some ‘throw on with almost anything’ bracelets, check her out online: www.judithbright.com)

But, you see that the overall trend, scarf + necklace, can be worn by normal people.  And, as seen on Tory, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear this look while reading a book, on a picnic blanket, at the park.

ANKLE CANDY:

What am I talking about?  Last year, we pointed out that the socks w/pumps (or sandals) 80′s throwback look was starting to pop up.  Well, it’s back and I think this is the year where you’ll see this look go more mainstream.  WARNING: this is not a good thing. Sure, it’s a cute way to accessorize a classic outfit — if you are 18.  However, since I can guarantee that none of our readers are 18, I simply need to say, “Be careful.”  This look, for anyone over 25, is oh-so-easy to mess up.  Here is the look done well, on models with super skinny little calves, and they really do look great:

Picture from the New York Times. These cuties all make me want to say that this look is easy to pull off. Real life stinks as this look is actually difficult for anyone over the age of 25.

I know I’m going to notice with delight when an adult pulls off this look with ease.  We all know that certain someone who can always pull off the most current of looks, no matter what her age, and still she seems so right on. However, I’m mostly going to grimace when I notice fellow women missing the mark…which, with this look, will be often.  Just for you, I did try out this look below.  My daughters both made a point of telling me how bad I looked.  My husband, my photographer for the picture below, said my ankles looked big. Ouch!  Big ankles?  No, thank you!

The full body shot is just too embarrassing to post. Trust me, it's really bad.

So, tread carefully.  Do experiment this fall with new ways to modernize classic looks.  When you hit the mark, you’ll know deep down that it’s OK to leave the house.  If you can’t figure it out, call your friend over.  You know the one: the one that is so honest, it sometimes hurts.

-Liza

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