Statement Accessories for the Holidays and Beyond

Sometimes all it takes is one, well-chosen item (and it needn't cost a fortune) to take your look from blah to head-turning. Even if your budget is getting drained from holiday shopping, be generous to yourself and invest in some accessories that make any holiday outfit, a standout. White House \ Black Market, and Chicos are two favorite stores that have spectacular accessories at affordable prices. And I just recently discovered ELLE hair and jewelry accessories. Here are three easy picks for the holidays and beyond that I really love. They let you "give unto others, and still have enough left to "give unto you" for holiday merry making. You'll find yourself reaching for these one-size-fits-all accessories all Winter long. Just one, will make even a simple ensemble, outstanding:

When I first saw the Geovanna Necklace (Style: 100086484) from Chicos, all I could think of was that it would make any outfit, even a plain T-shirt or turtleneck, look amazing. It's the stuff pirate dreams are made of! This supersized chain in two-toned white and yellow gold, looks like it should be pirate booty, or maybe the key piece of a hip hop outfit, or the most luxe anchor chain every made! It looks so heavy, it should cost a fortune, but what you see can fool the eye. This chain won't set you back too many "pieces of eight," as it's not solid gold, but instead, super lightweight metal -- and it costs just $50.75! A nice touch is the adjuster chain that lets you fix the length from 36" to 40" If you're thin enough, you can wrap this one around the waist of a little black dress or a tunic, too. This is one piece that will turn heads no matter where you wear it. Imagine this tossed over a sweater. For more bling there are matching earrings for $20.00! The Geovanna Necklace is a real conversation starter that will become a signature, go-to piece throughout the year. Chicos is one of my personal favorite stores for accessories. If you haven't ever been to Chicos, check out the jewelry and belts...you will leave with more than one! Visit your favorite Chicos retail store, or go to the Chicos Web Site

White House Black Market is known for chic but within-the-realm-of-reason, accessories and fashions. For example, this Scattered Shimmer Wrap (Style: 300114354) is just $58.00. It's a generously sized wrap ( 21" x 72") made of super-soft, 100% Viscose. The wrap has long, silky fringes, and both ends are liberally sprinkled with clear, heat-set crystals that catch the light and add more than just a touch of sparkle to anything you drape it over. Ecru, or garnet, will work with just about everything you own. This will also keep away the chill in air-conditioned restaurants and when you need to cover up just a bit. After the holidays, drape it over your Winter coat or jacket to add a touch of luxe, every day. Visit your favorite White House/ Black Market retail store, or go to the White House/ Black Market Web Site

One of the easiest ways to dress up an outfit in seconds, is to holid-ize your hair. ELLE has dozens of ways to add a touch of glamour. I've picked just a few from their holiday collection. For example, this Elle Fabric Headband with Feather Arrangement srp. $15.00 looks like the super-costly versions worn by movie stars on the red carpet, but it costs less than lunch! The slim, black headband is covered in black satin. A satin bow and a spray of feathers, embellished with a large, faceted "crystal" makes any night, one to remember. Rhinestone Burst Ponytail Holder $22.00. If you want to make a pony, party-perfect, all you need is the ELLE Shell Flower Ponytail Holder $15.00 featuring a large, white "flower" set with white, "mother of pearl" with a crystal studded center, and petals opulently trimmed with white crystals, fastened to a black elastic band. For those who love updos, or have shorter hair, add an ELLE Small Black Diamond Hair Clip $20.00 that measure 1 1/2" long by 1" across the top. This small, updo clip is a jaw clip, to keep even a small amount of hair, secure in hair. The combination of rhinestone crystals, black crystals, and marquisette crystals add just the right touch for a party or after-work event. You can't ever go wrong adding a little bling with classic, Elle l Large Crystal Bobby Pins $15.00/pair. The silvery pins are large and slightly curved/ Each bobbie is approximately 3 1/4" long and 1/8" wide and set with a row of dazzling crystals. No matter where you set them, they'll add a bit of magic. Visit your closest ULTA store or the Ulta.com web site





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