Jewelry

Q. Layered necklaces are so hot right now....I've seen both Lauren Conrad & Heidi Klum sporting them lately. I'm dying to replicate this look in gold but not sure where to start. Can you offer some suggestions?

A. Layered necklaces can look chic and studied or effortlessly "thrown together" depending on which look you are going for. There are no strict rules as this is all about personal style and having fun. It's also a great way to give new life to some pieces you may already own. Here are some guidelines:

1. If you prefer a neat look, try layering delicate necklaces of varying lengths. The chains should be the same metal (gold with gold) and approximately the same thickness (delicate with delicate; thicker chains with thicker chains). This is, perhaps, the easiest way to layer necklaces.

2. For a more bohemian-inspired look, try layering beaded necklaces of varying lengths and materials together.

3. Try layering a simple chain or beaded strand with a longer pendant style necklace for a look that is easy to accomplish.

Get inspiration from these layered necklaces below, or better yet, buy one that's already layered if you don't trust your own layering skills!

1. Juicy Couture 'Admiral's Daughter' Long Layered Necklace, $128 at nordstrom.com
2. tuleste market Layered Ball & Chain Necklace, $140 at shopbop.com
3. Lucky Brand Love Layer Necklace, $95 at luckybrandjeans.com
4. Kenneth Cole New York Double-Layer Necklace, $40 at dillards.com
5. Bead Multi-Strand Necklace, $29.99 at target.com
6. Merona® Multi-Strand Faceted Pendant Necklace, $9.99 at target.com
7. Square stations necklace, $49 at bananarepublic.com
8. Moroccan Haze Layered Illusion Necklace, $35 at lizclaiborne.com

Q. I am attending a Black Tie Wedding this weekend. I purchased a black halter style gown. My question is ...Do I wear a necklace? What type of jewelry would go with the dress?

A. Generally, you should not wear a necklace with a halter style dress. Instead, go for dramatic earrings and a cuff bracelet or cocktail ring.

Q. For my 40th birthday, I plan to do the Holly Golightly, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" look. I have the perfect black dress, the tiara and gloves, but am struggling to find something similar to the triple strand pearls with the brooch in the middle that she had. I'm wondering what ideas you might have to recreate her stylish look. I would prefer the jewelry to be fake so it doesn't cost a fortune.
-Look-a-like

A. An homage to Audrey, much fun. I searched the net for affordable options to imitate the necklace and, while they are not an exact match, they should do the trick. They range in price from $49-169. Just add your own brooch for full effect.

1. 100 inch Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, $95 at ice.com
2. Crystal Vine and White Simulated Pearl Multi Row Bib Necklace, $150 at carolee.com
3. Pearl Multi Row Crystal Deco Clasp Necklace, $125 at carolee.com
4. Three Row White Pearl Collar Necklace, $45 at carolee.com

Q. Can you advise me what kind of earrings I should get to go with my halter style wedding dress? I will probably have my hair up somehow, but nothing too formal. I'm not wearing a veil and was thinking about a small hair accessory instead. I decided not to wear a necklace, but I am clueless as to whether I should go with a stud or small drop or some mid-sized chandelier earring. What kind of earring shape should I be looking for with a dress like this? I'm not very tall (5'2") and my wedding is being held at the Forever Grand Chapel at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in July with a guest list of about 50 people.
-Not so Traditional Bride

A. Petite gals need to stay away from oversized jewelry.  Since you’re skipping all the other traditional accoutrements you do, however, need a little more shine on the ear. Skip the studs and choose something with a little drop from the lobes.

1. Aquamarine, Whisky Topaz, and Garnet Earrings, $115.60 at blueluxe.com
2. Isharya Libra Earrings, $188 at maxandchloe.com
3. CC Skye "Jackie O" Baguette Hoops, $165 at maxandchloe.com
4. Juliannes's Bow Earrings - Gold, $29.99 at emitations.com
5. 2 Carat Olive Quartz and Citrine 14K Gold Earrings, $195 at ice.com
6. 1/8 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Flower Drop Earrings, $250 at ice.com
7. Cubic Zirconia and Ivory Quartz Oval Earrings, $126.40 at blueluxe.com

Q. I'm in my early twenties and I was wondering what accessories and what kind of shoes would go well with a black cap sleeve turtleneck sweater dress for casual wear as well as dressing up for Winter?
- Accessory Uncertain

A. The shoe part is simple: knee high boots, ankle boots, heeled oxfords and even embellished flats with opaque tights. As for jewelry, go with longer length necklaces with big charms or bolder pieces in color. I loathe the thin necklace dangling out of the top of a turtleneck so please don’t even consider it. Wear smaller earrings while adding a chunkier bracelet on your wrist or a contemporary twist to the cocktail ring for evening.

To dress it up:

1. Pave cabochon cocktail ring, $55 at jcrew.com
2. Pave-stripe enamel bangle, $49.99 at jcrew.com
3. Silk pendant necklace, $38 at bananarepublic.com
4. Pave cabochon teardrop necklace, $85 at jcrew.com

Casual chic:

5. Inlaid square bracelet. $34 at bananarepublic.com
6. Argento Vivo Multi Circle Silver Necklace, $98 at nordstrom.com
7. Betsey Johnson Charm Pendant Bracelet, $50 at nordstrom.com
8.  Juicy Couture Ladybug Pendant Lip Gloss Necklace, $72 at nordstrom.com

Q. This may not be your bailiwick because it is a hybrid question that crosses over from style to relationship.  I have been seeing a woman for about a year now.  Due to the disparity in our ages (23 yrs.), I refuse to be involved more than just dating and am clear about my availability.  When she travels, she always brings me a little something.  I was in Santa Fe on business and brought her an inexpensive liquid silver necklace ($60).  You would have thought that I brought her a 3k diamond.  Now I need to get her something for her birthday (27th), I would like to get her something nice, preferably jewelry, but don't want to send any message other than I enjoy her company.
-Guy and Younger Girl

A. Having had romance, love, liars and cheats, I can take on the role of style and relationship expertise for your answer. I think your soon-to-be 27 year old has been sticking around believing and hoping that your “dating” has turned into more of a commitment. While you made it clear early in your dating that you did not want a relationship due to your age difference, she probably needs a refresher course. She’s probably a great girl who has treated you well and thinks of you often, as is obvious with her consistent gift giving. But it is apparent that you are only offering her morsels of attention when she deserves a full banquet.

Perhaps you give her a grand gift like sending her and a friend off on an all expense paid spa weekend (spafinder.com) and let her know that you are setting her free to find someone closer in age that will give her a chance at true love, perhaps marriage, and maybe a family.  A man that wants to travel the world with her or plant a garden and barbeque in the backyard they share. A weekend away with a friend will give her a chance to vent, release and relax without a bill at the end. She’ll walk away with clean skin, polished nails and a pampered body to start anew. Pair the gift with a heartfelt note about her best qualities and how lucky you have been to know her.

If you are direct with your “only dating on your availability” and she still chooses to stay, then I presume you’ve also made it clear that when a good man comes along and asks her on a date, she should go since you have a no-strings attached affair.

No spa grand gift? Don’t wimp out and buy a gift that carries no meaning or barely cost you a hundred bucks. Does she have a lovely apartment or home? Why not choose photographic artwork and have it framed to add décor to her home. Jewelry is always a safe and memorable gift, but this time, choose real gold in a style that is simple and sophisticated. Or how about a stunning pair of expensive heels that she’s been coveting but would never fork over the cash for. Get her an appointment with a personal shopper at a department store (it’s free) and give her a gift card for $500 or more bucks to spend with the help of the personal shopper so she can get the benefits of the shopper’s talents of finding what she wants in her size.  As long as you are honest, your gift can be exuberant, lovely, and expressive in its meaning that you appreciate her.

Some of my favorites:

UNDER $200

1. Satya Jewelry aquamarine relief lotus necklace, $158 at satyajewelry.com
2. 18k Gold Circle Pendant, $150 at bluenile.com
3. Kevia Tulip Shaped Rococo Hoop Earrings, $138 at blueluxe.com

$200-$300

4. Tiffini Dooris Luna Necklace, $228 at tiffinidooris.com
5. Julie Sandlau Mint Crystal and Cubic Zirconia Circle Earrings, $224 at blueluxe.com
6. Julie Sandlau Champagne Zirconia Circular Chandelier Earrings, $211 at blueluxe.com

$300 & UP

5. Anna Beck Large Teardrop Pendant Necklace, $398 at nordstrom.com
6. Quinn's Tulip Small Disc Diamond Earrings, $413 at blueluxe.com
7. 18K Gold Ginko Leaf Pendants by DeanBurke, $300 at vivre.com

Q. I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming beach wedding that the chosen colors are fuschia and turquoise.  I have to say, the bride picked out a hot little fuschia halter dress for the bridesmaid dresses.  But, my dilemma is the shoes and the jewelry.  First of all, what color shoes would you suggest?  I’m thinking more of a silver sandal or very low heel.  Second of all, they just sent the picture of the jewelry (see attached) and the turquoise large teardrop pendant and earrings are supposed to be for me.  Is it just me, or is this a hideous ensemble?

-Jewelry Uncertain

A. Not loving the jewelry choices, especially the “rough” cut combination. Without seeing the dress, it’s difficult to choose many options for you that may work for the dress. I am not a fan of wearing matching earrings and necklace. I think it’s boring and skips an opportunity to express your style and take a chance. I do not know how many bridesmaids are in the wedding party, but as I’ve said in past Ask Alison columns, I am not in favor of making the bridesmaids into paper cut-outs and dressing them the same from head to toe.  It can become costly to the bridesmaids to buy the dress, the jewelry, the shoes, etc. that are the choices of the bride.  Unless the bridesmaids are clueless about style, I believe in letting them make a few choices in their attire, whether it be shoes, jewelry or both. And, of course, with the help of digital cameras and computers, friends can send photos to the bride to let her know what they intend to pair with the dress to get final approval.

With that in mind, I would suggest keeping jewelry delicate for a beach wedding. A thin silver or gold necklace with a charm or small bead would be lovely - and then add earrings. As for your feet, keep to flat silver or gold sandals since you’ll be in the sand. If the reception moves indoors or to a real dance floor, you can bring along heels to slip into.

some beachy suggestions:

1. Lisa Goodwin Wishful Linking Necklace Chalcedony/Optimism, $85 at maxandchloe.com
2. Lisa Stewart Hoop Earrings with Wrapped Turquoise, $180 at maxandchloe.com
3. Allison Daniel Large Starfish Necklace, $8 at allisondanieldesigns.com

4. Haley M Endless Pearl Hoops, $55 at haleym.com
5. Zoe Chicco Silver Wishbone Necklace, $75 at maxandchloe.com

Q. What a fantastic site!  I’m attending a friend's engagement party in late Oct.  It will be held in the afternoon at a country club.  I was planning to wear a shawl collared white shirt with a wrap tie (new at Ann Taylor), a black pencil skirt with some small pleats in the back and some awesome Stuart Weitzman peep toe pumps in a deep red/burgundy patent leather.  My sister tells me I would look like the staff and I shouldn’t wear the black and white.  Help?  I thought I could pull it off with killer shoes!  BLACK AND WHITE?
-Non-Staff

A. You can definitely pull it off with killer heels and add a multi strand or chunky stand out necklace or a big cuff to add to the punch of the outfit.

1. CC Skye Enamel Cuff Bracelet, $202 at pinkmascara.com
2. Mod hammered cuff, $32 at bananarepublic.com
3. Resin pyramid bangle, $24 at bananarepublic.com
4. Circle link necklace, $38 at bananarepublic.com
5. Floral triple-strand necklace, $88 at bananarepublic.com

Q. I have an 18” string of pearls that I received for my wedding.  I used to wear them to dressier events and functions, but my style has changed and evolved over the years. I am mostly in casual, daytime situations with children and other moms and work part time from home in a creative profession. I would love to wear my pearls again, but no longer just for special occasions. How can I make them more of an everyday, hip accessory?
-Pearlized

A.  Unfortunately, an 18” string of pearls is never going to be considered hip.  It will forever be in the sophisticated, classic category - and there's nothing wrong with that. Multiple strands piled on are tres chic a la Coco Chanel, and one strand worn with your button down shirt is the ultimate in country club prep style. Simply put, pull out your pearls and put them on with your cute tops, button downs and your favorite jeans whether you’re running after the kids, working or headed to a movie. Make the pearls “your thing” to wear, and if you want hip, add a patent leather bag to your wardrobe.

Q. I am the mother of the groom at an August wedding. I am wearing a light pink dress with 1 or 2 strands of pearls, pearl earrings, pearl bracelet. My question is, can I wear shiny silver strappy sandals that have a rhinestone on top? If not, what color shoe would be best? I was thinking bone but aren't shoes supposed to be the same color or darker than the dress?
-Accessory Uncertain

A. That’s a lot of pearls to be sporting. Shoes no longer have to be the same color or darker than the dress. There are many variables these days to mix up and add sass to an outfit. Wearing silver sandals with rhinestones will help give your outfit a dressier appeal. Cream can also be worn and many times can give a sophisticated look, but the silver will be more youthful.