My friends at ShopMyFairLady have discovered a new casual line for us.
They sent me this navy blue crinkle cardigan by Focus recently. I am wearing a size medium over a size medium Clara Sunwoo mid-length tank top. The ankle skimmer jeans are old from Chico's. The BCBG bag is old from T.J.Maxx, as are the Kenneth Cole Reaction sunglasses. The Jessica Simpson sandals are old from Nordstrom (I think).
I wore a short necklace rather than a long necklace because this look needed a more structured lift to counterbalance the length, texture, and form of the jacket and the longer hip-length of the smooth tank.
Many people ask me about the rules for wearing a necklace. What length? When to wear a necklace and when to not? What style? I base that decision upon the item I am wearing near my face. If the jacket is structured and dramatic like the jacket I wore in the post for yesterday, I let it stand alone. I wore a simple pair of small wide crystal hoops paired with bracelets and a bold watch to finish the look because a necklace would have detracted from the jacket. Accessories should complement, not clutter, your look.
I wore this necklace, which is structured and bold, for the same reason I didn't wear a necklace yesterday. It complements the texture and flowing nature of the cardigan. The same flowing shape and length in a necklace would have been too much flowing in one look. It would have visually pulled down my face, whereas this short more structural necklace lifts the eyes to my face.
I got dressed in minutes right after my morning run because I had to be at my warehouse on concise notice, thanks to my adorable accountant. I am wearing practically no makeup, and my hair is still wet from the shower. You will likely never see a more unplanned photoshoot! I got out of my car, handed Mr. Mickey the camera, and said, "Quick, take some pictures!" We were both super busy. (Conveniently, our warehouses are side by side, and we share a back parking lot.)
This Focus cardigan is light as a whisper! I love that it can be worn with any of my jeans and a tank top to look polished and put together while remaining cool and comfortable. It will become a summer staple for me this year.
Later in the day, I went to my favorite sushi place for a quick lunch after all the urgent tasks. There is a beautiful young Japanese girl who is often our server there. She barely speaks any English at all, and yet she told me, "You look so elegant!" I hugged her and almost cried. I certainly did not feel elegant, but her sweet comment made my whole day.
