Welcome back ladies, I hope you enjoyed last month's segment. More importantly, I hope the advice helped with your continued endeavors of putting yourself together.

This month's question and answer series will be devoted to questions pertaining to accessories.

This is my favorite part of putting yourself together. Accessories are the simple things in your wardrobe, which will tell people who you really are. Your accessories can be inexpensive and yet they make you feel like a million bucks. Are you ready? Here we go:

Hats

Q: Can everyone wear a hat successfully?

A. Absolutely! I believe that hats are for everyone, however, if you have never worn a hat your may be a bit unconformable at first. The brim of the hat should not exceed your shoulder with and should be worn just above the eyebrows, If the hat sits back on your head you'll end up looking goofy, instead of sophisticated. This is one of my biggest fashion per peeves. So get off the fence it's spring and summertime, try a new straw hat, they are truly great fun and can hide a bad hair day.

Let's talk Scarves

This is one of the most important accessories of all. They will give you the ability to transform a basic suit several times.

Q: How do I properly tie a scarf?

A. There really is not a proper way, this is where practice and creativity will come in to play. Stand in front of a full-length mirror, with a suit coat on and begin playing, as if you were a small girl, playing make-up in your mother's closet. There are books out strictly written about accessories and scarves, pick one up and begin your adventure.

Jewelry

When in doubt remember, minimal is always best.

Q. What jewelry is appropriate to wear everyday without going overboard?

A. It depends on your situation for the day. In a non-formal atmosphere your wedding ring, a watch, a pair of earrings and that favorite necklace will work just fine.

Q: If I am dealing with weight challenges, what type of belt should I buy?

A. Be sure to add chain belt to your collection. They should sit at the hips or waist, these fine beauties will help disguise waist and tummy challenges. Once the belt is on add a classic style blazer or suite coat, unbuttoned and drape over the hip area. This will take off 10-15 lb. I promise.

However, for something after five or black tie, you can become the Cinderella or princess you've always dreamed of becoming. Picture yourselves in that classic black dress with a beautiful rhinestone necklace, bracelet and earring. This is where fantasy meets reality, just have fun.

Suggestions on staples to have in your jewelry boxes:

Earrings
•    One pair of gold earrings
•    One pair of silver
•    One pair of two tones (gold/silver)
•    One pair of cultured pearls
•    One half-carat diamond studs

Necklace
•    One cultured pearls, any length
•    One gold chain
•    One silver chain
•    One nice two-tone chain

Bracelet
•    Gold and silver bangles
•    Gold and silver charm bracelet

Watches

Note: Watches are inexpensive today, have several in your possession.

•    Leather band
•    Gold
•    Stainless steel or silver
•    Two-tones (gold/silver)

Extra's
•    Pins or brooch
•    Rhinestone
•    Jade
•    Onyx
•    Any precious or semi-precious stones

Thank you for visiting. I look forward to answering all of your fashion and image questions in the future. Contact me using this form.

Warm Regards,

Diane
Selective Style

Diane Keelan is the Founder and President of Selective Style, a full service image company located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Along with her partner Flossie St. Clair, the two conduct personal style development training seminars throughout the United States. Clients include United Airlines, American Trans Air, Century 21 and The Kellogg Corporation. Diane's passion is teaching women the basic principals involved in looking good and feeling good -- every day of their lives.

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