Welcome to the inaugural post for How To Accessorize. Okay, I’m kind of lying because I did one in April about how to accessorize an outfit for a wedding, but you probably forgot about that one, didn’t you?

Today’s example is how to accessorize a day dress, and to look and feel like a lady. This outfit was from last Saturday when I went to afternoon tea at the Mayflower Hotel in downtown DC. Can I say if you want to really feel like an adult go to tea at a fancy hotel. At the Mayflower there was just something about having your own personal pot of wildly fragrant tea and little finger sandwiches and deserts that made me feel like a grown up – and a responsible one at that! HA! Who knew tea could do all of that?

So for the day I decided to go with a great day dress. This is a little black and white cotton dress I picked up at TJMaxx for $25. I always suggest that you have a simple a-line dress that looks great on you for those occasions when you need a “lady dress” like high tea or going to the theater during the day. People don’t dress up anymore and they should, I try to look my best whenever I can. I decided to pair my dress with peep toe high heels, a great hand held clutch and a brooch. Nothing says lady to me like a great brooch. You know your grandmother and your mother have one in their wardrobe stash and you should too. A great brooch can add a bit of character and color or sparkle to any outfit. Most of my brooches are bugs like dragonflies or bees and this particular sparkler is a Swarvoski crystal dragonfly. I love it!

For the makeup, I decided to go simple but add a punch of color. I used Bare Escentuals matte foundation to give my skin a soft and smooth matte finish, just a little bit of Bobbi Brown bronzer on the cheeks instead of blush and I decided to make my eyes the focus. I used Sephora eyeshadow in a gorgeously vivid green and then swiped on Chanel Glossimers in Unity to keep the rest of my make simple. I also wore my Burberry watch since it’s very slim and sleek and I tend to wear it when I’m more dressed up than my normal jeans and t-shirts.

So what would you have paired with this dress? Do tell…

For ideas on brooches and high heels that go perfectly with a lady dress scroll below.

Swarovski Ex Aequo Brooch

Things have been moving at lightening speed since the new year began and I feel like my luck is really on the up and up. Since I’ve been so lucky, I’m heading to Vegas on Saturday (don’t worry, there will still be blogging treats for all of you, including a contest next week!)! So of course I thought the Swarovski Ex Aequo Brooch was the perfect accessory for my trip.

Unfortunately, 8 is not my lucky number. I would’ve loved it if the card was a 3! I actually wear a lot of brooches. I think they’re a nice touch to a blazer, cardigan (my wardrobe staple) or a coat. I have several Swarvoski brooches, including a gorgeous dragonfly I received as a gift. I think the quirkier the brooch, the more attention they seem to get. People can’t seem to stop touch my blinged out bumble bee

If you’ve been to Vegas before, feel free to email me or leave me a tip in the comments section. This is my first time! Oh and because I’m heading to NYC for some fashion week things I’ll have lots to talk about and I’ve been told I must show you guys how I organize my packing. It’s a very neat, organized process that involves color palettes and minimal shoes…I’ll keep you posted.
dwj