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We see jewelry advice all of the time. But most of it is a pretty dry read. It’s always nice when a jewelry enthusiast (this time, Kirsten at Chicago’s Objet d’Envy) kicks it up a notch and offers creative, personally-infused pointers:

1. Cut up those layered gold chains.
The trend is moving toward ‘statement’ jewelry…that’s one standout necklace. Maybe it’s a dramatic medallion. Or a rich textured chain. If you have a long layered necklace, you can clip off some of the chains to turn it into a solitary piece. Use a wire cutter to cut near the clasp.

2. Less is more.
National Jeweler is recommending wearing bolder, larger pieces that are gem- and color-intensive. Check your jewelry collection for dramatic pieces. Then wear only one or 2 at a time: an oversized cocktail ring or dangly earrings. Whatever you choose, be sure they make an impression.

3. Look for versatile pieces.
A long necklace with a clasp can be worn several ways: as a single strand, as a triple strand choker, even as a bracelet.

4. Earn a compliment.
Pay attention to which piece of jewelry wins you a compliment. If your best friend, or a neighbor, or a stranger compliments you on a necklace, wear it more often. Jewelry is meant to enhance your look. It should catch someone’s attention. Same goes for what you like…if you find yourself giving a compliment, remember the piece. You can keep that in mind when shopping.

5. Buy what you love.
If you’re out shopping and something catches your eye instantly, respect that instinct. That first reaction is powerful. You really like a piece when you feel that emotion of “I want that.” If you love it, buy it. You’ll love it every time you put it on.

6. Try it on!
That being said, try on jewelry before purchasing. Be sure it’s comfortable. Is it the right length? Can you work the clasp? Does it stay on? That test run is important because if a piece doesn’t fit, you won’t wear it.

7. Stack your bracelets.
Women’s Wear Daily declared the bracelet THE piece for this season. Wear any style you like: thin, thick, cuff, beaded, silver, gold, bronze. Many trendsetters are stacking them. Often it’s the same style stacked together. Or it’s the same color in a few different styles. Or it’s a group in complimentary colors. Any way you want to wear a bracelet, you’ll be a fashionista.

8. Give up the watch!
If you don’t wear bracelets, your excuse is “but I wear a watch so I can’t wear a bracelet!” So wear bracelets on your other wrist. Or buy bracelets that are thin and will coordinate with your watch (same metal, same color). Better yet, give up your watch. You carry a cell phone…get the time from that. Or ask a handsome stranger for the time.

Read the rest here.

Thanks Kirsten!

Nicole Richie is a well-known and polished celebrity fashionista. So when she doled out fashion advice to fan Cara Hillie in this month’s Glamour magazine, we couldn’t help but spread her words of wisdom.

Her take on business attire?

Think business attire has to be boring? Not so, says Richie. “We’re in a different time now. You can’t be so serious about fashion,” she told Hille. “People really appreciate personal style. For work I throw on a lot of jewelry.” That’s a liberating perspective for Hille: “The people who surround me have always encouraged me to be a little bit more conservative on a job interview,” she admits. “Hearing Nicole say that makes me think about adding some color or an element that shows my personality.” Jewelry is an easy go-to; try a simple sheath dress with a statement necklace.

 

If you’ve lost your sparkle, remember those words from spoken word poet Shane Koyczan. His piece, “Instructions for a Bad Day,” is read in the video above. The five-minute clip, created by Jon Goodgion from his own footage as well as pieces from Kevin Macdonald’s crowd-sourced documentary “Life In A Day,” makes for instant inspiration. – Huffington Post