designer

5 must-have accessories

If you are not using accessories to maximize your overall style, you are missing out on a fun opportunity to look your best. The right accessories can tie the elements of any outfit together, presenting a cohesive look that will turn heads everywhere. Here are five accessory ideas that you can lean on to complete any of your favorite outfits.

Statement Jewelry

Do not underestimate the power of a statement piece of jewelry to add a whole lot of splash to your outfit. You can use the statement piece to play up what would otherwise be a plain outfit. Looking to add a new layer of fun to a simple cashmere turtleneck sweater? Try pairing it with a bulky beaded necklace. Or maybe sport a pair of glittery chandelier earrings.

If your outfit on its own is flashy, you will want to choose jewelry that is more understated. For example, a simple pair of pearl earrings is a good choice for a dress that already has a lot going on.

Belts

A classic belt can elevate any look. Not only do belts boast the practical function of holding your pants in the perfect place, but they can also add pizzazz to a variety of fashion pieces. Belts also have the ability to shape your figure.

For example, rather than choosing a boxy sweater dress on its own, try pairing it with a wide belt. Not only will the belt add an element of color and texture to the dress, but it will also break up the monotony of the one-piece clothing item while accentuating your figure. Your waist will instantly appear thinner when you use a belt in the right size for your shape.

Handbags

Every outfit needs the perfect handbag to match it and carry out the vibe you are looking to achieve. You will want your bag to match the occasion. Boho backpacks are great choices for a day trip while wearing a casual outfit. A clutch bag is a better choice for a night out on the town.

Choosing the right style, color, and material can elevate the overall aesthetic of your outfit in numerous ways. Not to mention, handbags carry a great functional purpose holding all of your essentials when you are out and about.

Shoes

Shoes are more than just a practical accessory. Your footwear can make or break your outfit, making it important that you choose wisely. Every closet needs a good pair of running shoes, a comfortable pair of heels in a neutral color, and a practical pair of boots.

From there, you can have fun by adding cool sandals, stylish booties, casual sneakers, and more. While it is always fun to use shoes as a fashion accessory, remember that comfort will always be the most important factor when picking out a pair of shoes.

Hair Accessories

While you are paying attention to your shoes, be sure not to neglect your head. Although simple bobby pins and hair ties will always reign supreme, do not be afraid to branch out with your hair accessories. This is an ideal place to experiment with different looks.

Try a bejeweled barrette, a flirty headscarf, a romantic bow, or a sophisticated headband. You do not need to have long hair to enjoy playing with hair accessories. Those individuals with shorter cuts will appreciate using decorative bobby pins or minimalist barrettes to keep hair out of the face.

With smart choices, you can use your accessories to inject an extra dose of style into your overall look. The right accessories can completely transform any outfit, giving you more style options every day.

This post is written by our guest blogger Sierra Powell. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Writing. When she's not writing, she loves to cook, sew, and go hiking with her dogs.

 

This handmade statement cuff is a perfect accessory for a distinctive look

This handmade statement cuff is a perfect accessory for a distinctive look

Shoutout LA interview

I was recently interviewed by Shoutout LA, a California-based magazine covering local artists and interesting stories. Here is their first question with my response:

Hi Maddalena, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

One of my favorite quotes is by author, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I believe this statement to be true. I think wildlife offers endless possibility for creativity. More nature-inspired pieces I make, more designs I came out with. At times, I find difficult to keep up with my own ideas while sitting at the jewelry bench. Just need longer days…

You can read the full Shoutout article here.

An interview about my handmade jewelry and my work as a marine biologist for Shoutout LA

An interview about my handmade jewelry and my work as a marine biologist for Shoutout LA

A hungry fish around the neck

A new article in the magazine Style & Trashion features some of my handmade jewelry pieces and introduces my new collection.

“In her latest collection ‘Costellazione’ Maddalena Bearzi has created exquisite jewelry inspired by constellations……a group of stars that form an imaginary pattern on the celestial sphere. Maddalena is seen here wearing some of her handmade collection which includes rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings made from materials such as partially oxidised silver with patina.”

“This gorgeous Pesce Affamato necklace is also new and was inspired by the disappearance of large predatory fish from the worlds oceans in recent years.  It’s a unisex necklace and is made from bronze with an oxidised sterling silver chain.”

All these pieces are available online and in selected shops.

a few handcrafted and unique jewelry pieces from Italian designer Maddalena Bearzi latest collection

a few handcrafted and unique jewelry pieces from Italian designer Maddalena Bearzi latest collection

The layered jewelry look

I don’t usually post many pictures of myself wearing my eponymous handcrafted jewelry but I couldn’t resist to share this colorful pic shot in Los Angeles. Here, I mixed and matched several pieces from my textile and metal jewelry collections. I believe it’s always best to overlap long and short necklaces for a different look with a bit of edge. Bracelets and rings must be original and… they need to make a statement! As always, one can see the influences of nature in my handmade work.

Jewelry designer Maddalena Bearzi wearing her own handmade jewelry inspired by nature

Jewelry designer Maddalena Bearzi wearing her own handmade jewelry inspired by nature

Source: https://www.maddalenabearzi.com/locations

Be aesthetically stimulated...

If you find yourself strolling along the hipster Abbott Kinney in Venice, California, stop by The Piece Collective.  Nested in a cute yellow & white cottage, this shop channels the neighborhood’s original artistic appeal with an elegant and fine-tuned collection of boho-chic clothes, accessories, gifts and home goodies from all over the world. Among the many products ranging from very casual to "relaxed" luxury, different pieces of my handmade and one of a kind textile and metal jewelry can be discovered throughout this elegant shop. Take a look at the slide show and let me know what you think...

Where to go: 1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Learn more: https://thepiececollective.com - https://www.instagram.com/thepiececollective/