Romance is in the Air - Final Week

Here it is the last day of February. I can't say that I am disappointed. January, February and March are not my favorite months, but I also don't want to wish them away. Time goes so fast as it is. Today is the last post in my Romance is in the Air series. I tried to pick fabrics and patterns that are reminiscent of the idea of romance, such as velvet, florals and lace. Today's outfit is a more casual look, but still incorporates the softness and frill associated with romance.  

For today's look, I went back to my berry colored velvet jacket. This time I layered it over a light pink chiffon top with a hi-lo hemline. I added a pair of Christopher and Banks skinny pull on pin striped pants and my gray over-the-knee boots.

For my accessories I wore a matching necklace and bracelet that I had bought when my oldest got married. For a little bit of fun I carried my bird tote bag and added a light blue fringe key fob to match the birds. 

Because the blouse is fairly sheer I wore a light pink cami with lace trim underneath. I think the peek of lace adds another romantic dimension to the outfit.

This photo provides a better look of the hi-lo hemline of this blouse and the lace trim on the cami underneath. You can also make out the pin stripe detail on the pants.

Here is a view from the back. 

I featured these boots on a previous post here. I wasn't too sure about getting an over-the-knee boot, until I actually tried them on. There are many different styles of otk boots, so if you are thinking about purchasing a pair at the end of this season, be sure to do your research and see what is available. Trying them on is the best idea.

Let me know what you think of this outfit. I appreciate when you make comments. It helps my blog out as well. Next week, I will have a recap post on all of these outfits so you can see them side by side. 

Check back on Thursday for March's Piece Perfect column where I will be showing how to transition a shift dress from winter to spring.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a shopping link I get a few cents. If you purchase an item through one of those links I get a little bit more. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Happy shopping.

Sunday linking up with Rena of It's All Fine. Whatever Tickles the Fancy. Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up. Friday linking up with Jennie of  A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Jo-Lynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up and Laurie of Vanity and Me. 

Awesome Accessories - The Statement Necklace

Accessories are the fashion flare on our outfits. An accessory can do more to pull an outfit together and give it a bit of sass than spending a mint on certain labels or brands. I am not against brands. Being a thrift shopper, I have actually found my hands going towards high end labels at my favorite second hand stores, because I have been educated by following other bloggers as to what is a good quality, well made piece. However, I have oodles of clothes that are not high end. After all, when I do shop at regular retail stores I usually find myself back at Kohl's, Penney's or Christopher and Banks. What I have found, however, is that my cheaper selections can actually look more high end by pairing them with great accessories. 

Today I want to take a look at statement necklaces. This will be an ongoing series over the course of several accessory posts to show you what is available in the necklace category and how one statement piece differs from another. There are so many options available, sometimes it is hard to know what piece to wear with what outfit. 

For this post I will be looking at short statement necklaces that are made with beads and metal. 

A statement piece does what it says. It makes a statement. Often the statement is bold, an exclamation of "Look at me! Aren't I pretty?" Statement pieces can also be unique, whether it be the arrangement of the materials involved or the colors. 

The above necklace is more simple, but simplicity can also be a statement. The uniqueness of this piece is found in its shell, stone, metal and wood beads and in the rawhide used to hang it around the neck. 

Sometimes during the heat of the summer I will get a rash wherever I have metal against my skin. I have a nickel allergy, so usually stick to silver or gold, but I love cheap costume jewelry. Having a rawhide chain rather than a metal one, can alleviate some of those issues. 

Isn't this one fun? I love all the silver circles, the way it dangles and the way it shimmers. This piece can be worn with just about any color and really dresses up and outfit. 

Most of these statement necklaces have an adjustable clasp in the back so you can make the necklace a little bit longer or shorter depending on your outfit and your preference. 

I have this necklace in two or three different colors. I know! I have a jewelry fetish, just like some people have purse and/or shoe fetishes. Ha, ha. I just love the way the beads cascade downward, reminiscent of a waterfall. 

I love everything about this one. The color of the beads, the strings of bling, and the chains all give it a more expensive feel. It almost looks like something a princess would wear! Here is a pic from when I wore this for a recent blog post. You can see the whole post here.  

Finally, this last one is just layers of fun. I love the color, the differing sizes of beads and even the way it feels when I run my fingers over it. 

What sorts of short statement necklaces do you have? Do you have just one special piece that you love to wear for special occasions or are you like me and have hooks full? I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments. 

Adding a special statement piece can serve so many functions for your outfit. It can add color, pizzazz and texture. It can draw attention away from problem areas and put the focus on your neck and face. A lovely statement necklace can make you feel and look more confident and vibrant. 

Thanks for hanging out on the blog today. I appreciate all your support. Check back next week for more fashion fun. Have a great weekend. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Shopping for Statements:

Black multi - Venus - $19.00

Sage - Modcloth - $5.99

Blue - Chico's - $34.99

Crystal - Francesca's - $20.98

Light pink - Charming Charlie - $10.00

Linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge , Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, Laurie of Vanity and Me,