Accessories: How to know when you're wearing too many

"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions." Coco Chanel

When architecting your look, design using scale, balance, and proportion.


Proportion:  The relationship of a part of one unit to the unit as a whole.


Petite pocket people can carry off fewer, smaller accessories than  elegant Amazons or voluptuous vixens.  Choose appropriately sized baubles for your frame.


Balance: The equalizing of weight, color, or line on either side of a central axis.


Wear your cuff on the hand opposite your cocktail ring.  Pair a complementary coral satchel with your turquoise peep toes. Ornament the strong vertical lines of your blouse with a dainty floral stocking. Adornments should balance not bend visually to one side or style.


Scale: The comparative size of one object or design in its relationship to the size of other objects with which it is to be associated.


Pick a single focus for your ensemble.  If you're donning a statement necklace, leave the chandelier earrings in the case in favor of simple posts.


And be vigilant of clothing's built-in accessories: shine, ruffles, or other dimensional embellishments.  If you opt for pre-adorned pieces, adjust your accessories accordingly.


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If you want to maximize your accessory opportunities start with a simple base like a black dress or a impeccably cut white t-shirt and jeans.


If you're timidly dipping your toe in the ocean of accessories, push yourself to tack on at least one trimming per day, be it a belt, scarf, or hoop earrings.


If, conversely, you are accessory addicted, follow Chanel couture, and "remove the last accessory you put on."

String your finger if you need to, but don't forget to enter the Swib Handmade Hear-Wear Accessory Giveaway.