mystyle: The Art of Accessories
Thu., Jul. 30, 2009 3:00 PM PDT by Sydne Summer
For blogger DWJ, Saks Fifth Avenue is an inspirational museum. So when she had to develop a Website as part of her master's degree at George Washington University, she turned her fascination with shoes, handbags, jewelry and makeup into The Art of Accessories. "It was my way of merging everything I love in one place," she recalls. "Plus, people always ask me for advice, so it was a nice way to give suggestions."
These days, you'll find DWJ working for a trade association in Washington, D.C., from 9 to 5 and the rest of the time blogging about her individual "bold color with a touch of boho" style, custom "shimmering raspberry " lip gloss and weekly Monday manis. Out of all the nail polishes she's tested, she's found Rescue Beauty Lounge Teal to be the most flattering. "Something about that inky blue-green color seems to look good from the fair skin to the brownest girl," she explains.
And when it comes to color, DWJ insists that there is a color within a color family for everyone. "Think yellow might not work for you? Try a soft pale yellow instead of neon," she suggests. "Instead of purple try lavender."
Keep reading to hear more of the Art of Accessories' secrets—including her fall accessory recommendations and how many Swatch watches she has in her impressive collection!
Steals n Splurges
Steal
$18
"Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara is my holy grail of mascara."Splurge
$325
"Dooney & Bourke's giraffe print medium sac is my holy grail of handbags."
What are your three favorite accessories of all time?
1. My bubble necklace: When I went to Venice a few years ago I bought this gorgeous hand-blown glass necklace from a tiny shop. The MoMA store now has a version of it, but I still feel like mine is so special because it's such a unique piece. Plus, it reminds me of such a wonderful family vacation.
2. Chucks: I've had a pair of navy blue and green blackwatch plaid low Chuck Taylor All Stars since I was 15 years old. They're just dirty enough to be cool but not too worn, and I've taken great care of them. I got them on another great family vacation when we went across country and I doubt I'll ever give them up.
3. My Swatch collection: I have 40 Swatch watches and counting. My collection is pretty eclectic, and I have different watches for different times of the year, different moods, different milestones. I got my first one for my 12th birthday, and I've held on to every single Swatch I've ever gotten.
Who would you love to go shopping with?
If I had to choose I'd definitely say Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley. The Vogue editor-in-chief has the best wardrobe budget in the business and access to every designer, and I have a feeling that a day with ALT would be a day I'd never forget.
What accessories do you recommend people try in the upcoming months?
I'm loving infinity/tube scarves. People never seem to know how to tie a scarf and this does all the work for you. I like scarves because they add another layer and texture to what you're wearing, plus they're great if you're always cold.
I'm also looking forward to the purple touches I'm seeing in makeup for fall. I like a slightly purple lip and I'm obsessed with lavender gloss, so I can't wait to see all the darker touches in makeup for fall.
What are your accessorizing tips?
Instead of going matchy-matchy, I really like picking contrasting colors for accessories. It makes them pop against your outfit. If you're wearing blue, why not try orange bangles? That way you don't have to worry if your accessories are the exact same color as your outfit. And when all else fails, put on some bling! A little Swarovski crystal or diamonds will match anything you put on, and a little bling goes a long way. Have a little bit of fun and don't be afraid to try something out. You never know what might become your next statement-making piece!

4 Comments
-
Report abuse
-
Report abuse
-
Report abuse
-
Report abuse
Now loading...Juana Fri, Jul 31, 2009, 7:25 AM
1. Dana's blog is so fun. It let's women escape from all the news and think a little about which style works for them. She suggests you try things out, rather than try to sell you things. No push, just fun. I always have a smile after reading a post Tthe Art of Accessories.
A Mom in Red High Heels Fri, Jul 31, 2009, 8:27 AM
2. DWJ has an awesome site and always amazing recommendations! She is a great pick for a featured post!
ajd Fri, Jul 31, 2009, 11:25 PM
3. i have seen the bubble necklace...it is style
jane Wed, Aug 19, 2009, 1:25 AM
4. Nowadays it is not important how much is your dress. The most important to all gilrs is what accessories are you going to used for your outfit. So most of us girls search for an online accessories where we can get our favorite earings or bracelets. I know one online accessories store where you can choose the perfect accessories for your outfit. Visit http://www.tribalsociete.com/trends/