Go Bold or Go Home

I’ve been watching a lot of the TV show “Pretty Little Liars” lately (I know I’m way late to the game, but I only just got Netflix!), and if you’ve ever seen the show, you know those girls love to accessorize, sometimes a little too much. 😉 But all of their fun outfits and jewelry have inspired me to experiment a little more with the accessories in my own closet. Thus, this outfit was born…

I’ve owned this large elephant pendant choker for many years now. It was a birthday gift, and as you probably know from my Ernest Exposed posts, elephants are my favorite animal. However, despite having it for years, I only finally decided to wear it for the first time this week (and twice, for that matter)! Of course I love this necklace, but I always felt a little intimidated by it. The pendant is so big and flashy.

I first wore this choker on Thursday with a t-shirt and my trusty jean jacket. This was a good way to ease into such a bold accessory because the collar of the jacket helped disguise and hide the necklace; as a result, the shiny metal was less “in-your-face”. I was shocked to receive a ton of compliments on my necklace from classmates at school. A few of them seemed surprised by the large pendant, saying in an incredulous voice, “Is that a necklace?” But for the most part, people really liked it and admired how the elephant is truly a piece of art. I know other people’s opinions don’t affect my fashion choices, but their kind comments definitely helped me feel more comfortable in this statement jewelry.

After gaining a little confidence with that first outfit, I decided to completely embrace the flashy choker by pairing it with a scoop neckline and simple clothing. I wore this boho, goddess-like outfit to the matinee showing of a play on Saturday. I kept the accessories rather simple, choosing sparkly brown sandals and a plain sack purse to let the necklace really shine. I also did my hair in milkmaid braids and added in little hair rings. My dad kept teasing me and calling me Swedish, but I really liked how my hair turned out. 🙂

I didn’t receive any compliments on the necklace at the play, but I felt really confident and pretty in such a bold outfit. Sometimes taking fashion risks really pays off! So if you have a bold item in your closet, whether it be a large piece of jewelry, a scarf, a pair of shoes, or a blouse, here are a few tips to go bold rather than go home:

• Pair the item with simple to no accessories. If I had added stacks of bangles, ankle bracelets, and lots of rings on top of my big elephant necklace, it probably would’ve been too much. The best way to test out an item when you’re feeling shy about it is to just focus on that one item. Play it safe the first time.
• Pick the right clothing items. Like the accessories, you want your fabrics and textiles to be rather simple. Had my dress been patterned or a thick texture, less attention would’ve been on the necklace and your eyes wouldn’t know where to look. You also have to consider necklines when it comes to things like scarves and necklaces. The low scoop of this dress framed the elephant perfectly, but a boat-neck tee or even a v-neck would clash with the choker.
• Wear it with confidence! This is my biggest tip—if you look timid wearing your bold item or feel embarrassed by it, then it will show. You just won’t be able to pull off the look. But if you stand up straight, push your shoulders back, and smile, then your outfit will look great no matter what you’re wearing. 🙂

I hope you enjoyed this post! I had a pretty busy week last week, so hopefully this time around I’ll have an easier few days. Do you have big plans for the week? Would you ever wear a large jewelry item like my elephant necklace? I’d love to know in the comments below!

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Black Tank Dress: hand-me-down // Beige Cardigan: Arizona via JCPenney, $18 // Brown Leaf Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW, $45 // Black Cat-Eye Sunglasses: Charming Charlie, $7 // Beaded Sack Purse: borrowed from my mom // Elephant Necklace: art show