Did you know that choosing the right accessories can accentuate your best features? Gwen Lewis is back today with some tips on choosing the best accessories for your face shape!


Choosing the right accessories is more than just a fashion statement. Sometimes deciding on accessories like jewelry, scarves, and sunglasses involves making the best decision for your face shape. Having this insight can even help when it comes to gift-giving for birthdays or holidays. The right accessories can easily accentuate your facial features and bring out your natural beauty. Here are some of our best tips on how to choose the right accessories for your unique face shape.

Round

Round faces typically have a similar width and length throughout, resulting in well-proportioned features. For round faces, choose accessories that bring more length to the face. For example, choose long, dangling earrings and necklaces. Also, rectangular or square shaped jewelry can bring a nice contrast for a balanced look. Avoid accessories that add width to the face such as choker necklaces or large, round accessories that may not be as flattering for this particular facial shape.


Oval

As a common face shape, oval faces are often long, but all features are still well-balanced. This soft shape is most flattered by jewelry and accessories that are more structured in shape. These will include accessories with strong lines, angles, or geometric characteristics. Such accessories will bring a welcomed contrast that highlights the delicate lines of an oval face. Since oval faces are usually lengthier in appearance, avoid long earrings or necklaces that may further accentuate this face’s shape and structure.


Diamond

The diamond face shape is very similar to the oval. It is typically identified by a narrower forehead and chin with wider cheekbones. To highlight the features of this shape, create width towards the upper face, chin, or neckline areas. For instance, choose large, bold necklaces with gemstones or brilliant diamond cuts. Alternatively, wear large, daring eyewear to add poise to a diamond-shaped face. The key here is to bring in the glam and drama when it comes to this face shape. Therefore, do not shy away from bold accessories that can make this shape even more beautiful.


Square

Those with a square face shape tend to have stronger jawlines with structured foreheads and hairlines. Try round or otherwise curved accessories to bring out the best features of this face shape. For instance, large hoop earrings are a great choice, as are necklaces of medium length. Also choose soft, delicate materials that help to diminish the strong lines that characterize this face shape for the best results.


Heart

Heart-shaped faces typically wider at the top half of the face to the cheekbones. This face shape meets at a pointed chin. For a heart-shaped face choose long earrings and layered necklaces that accentuate the neckline area. Tear drop accessories like earrings can also bring in contrast for this face shape by bringing width to the chin area. When it comes to the neckline, fill the neck with brilliant statement necklaces or scarves, that help to emphasize but also bring symmetry to the narrow chin area.


Not only can accessories be chosen based on the latest fashion trends, but they can also be hand-picked according to your unique face shape for a flawless look. Overall, know your face shape before you purchase your next accessories. The right accessories can bring out your features for a fashionable new you!


Gwen Lewis is a writer who lives in California. She has been in the makeup and fashion industry for years and loves writing on the topic to give tips from experience. In her free time she loves to stay active and has just taken on learning how to surf.

Don't forget to check out Gwen's other posts: 5 Tips for Protecting Your Skin from Nature This Summer, Enhance Your Beauty With Yoga, Tips That Help Your Makeup Last Longer, The Complete Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Beauty Products, Beauty Threats: Why Sharing Makeup is More Dangerous Than You Think!, Beauty and Nutrition Tips for Spring, and Pampering on Purpose: Why treating yourself is healthy, not frivolous!

Since my daughter, Lulu, moved to a different state, Gus and I have been traveling a bit more than usual. Like most women, I insist upon having my makeup and jewelry (and plenty of shoe options) with me. Jewelry can be tricky to pack, and today I have a guest post from Heather Lomax offering some tips on keeping your jewelry untangled while traveling!



Traveling with jewelry can be a challenge because it seems as though at least one piece is always getting tangled or lost. But there are several ways you can pack earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in a way that keeps them knot-free while you’re traveling.


1. Drinking Straws (And Not for Drinking)

This particular tip has become a favorite among travelers everywhere. To keep your necklaces from getting knotted and tangled with other jewelry, all you need are a few minutes and a package of drinking straws with bendable ends.

To get started, simply count out the same number of straws as you have necklaces to place in your suitcase or travel bag. For each of the necklaces, take a straw and thread your necklace through until it comes out the other end. Clasp the necklace and voila! No more tangles.



2. Save Those Containers!

Many travelers simply throw their jewelry into a random compartment of their luggage, but you can turn everyday containers into makeshift travel jewelry boxes. Some options that you can find in your own home range from pill boxes and bottles, mint and candy tins, glasses cases, or even travel soap dishes.

Now place your jewelry into the container of your choice and then place that in your suitcase. Mint and candy tins work well for stud earrings and collapsible bracelets, while pill boxes with the days of the week work well to hold necklaces. Just match the size of the jewelry you’re bringing along on your trip to a similarly-sized box or tin, and you’re ready to go.



3. Plastic Wrap Isn't Just for Food

Because necklaces and bracelets tangle so easily, here’s another great way to keep them ready to use at a moment’s notice after you unpack. And like the last tip, this method involves something you’ll probably already have on hand: plastic wrap (the press-and-seal type works best for this).

Start by tearing off a strip of plastic wrap that’s long enough to lay your necklaces, bracelets and any other jewelry you’d like to keep organized. Then, take your jewelry and lay it out on the wrap, taking care to stretch necklaces straight across. Finally, take a second piece of plastic wrap and cover the jewelry pressing it down so that it’s firmly in place. Your jewelry should now be protected from any movement during your trip.



4. Bags and Buttons and Pouches, Oh My!

Ziploc baggies are another item that work wonders for storing individual pieces. Just choose a size that corresponds to your items and seal them up. Stud earrings can be placed together in the same bag.

Similarly, jewelry pouches can be used for the same result. You can purchase a pre-made one, or if you need a DIY option on the cheap, simply take a piece of cloth, put some jewelry in, and tie it up with a ribbon or a piece of string – just make sure it’s a secure knot!

To keep better track of your stud earring pairs, take any buttons with more than one hole, and slide a pair of earrings into each button. Hold them in place with backs and use your Ziploc baggy or cloth pouch for safekeeping.


   
5. Don't Forget Towels

Similar to the cloth pouch, you can use a hand towel to hold even more jewelry, but this way, they won’t move around in transit. Lay the towel out flat and place each piece of jewelry with a little space between each one. When you’re finished, carefully roll up the towel and secure the ends with rubber bands, hair ties, or string.


Heather Lomax is a contributing writer and media specialist for Lovely Jewelry Organizers. She regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle blogs, discussing solutions to various tips fashion, beauty, and travel issues.  

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. I'm exhausted - how about you? The holidays will be here before we know it - can you believe Christmas is less than 3 weeks away?

(This post was sponsored by Onecklace. All opinions are honest and strictly my own.)

I do about 90% of my holiday shopping online. I hate traffic, crowds, and standing in line, and lately it seems like my local stores never have what I'm looking for anyway. Shopping online saves me time, money - I can almost always find what I'm looking for - and I don't even need to get dressed!

While there are always a few new items that catch my eye each year, I usually fall back on the tried and true when I'm choosing gifts for the ladies on my list. Something I think you can never go wrong with is jewelry, and I think most women feel the same! Who doesn't love to open a gift to find a little sparkle and bling?

Layered necklaces are trendy right now, and I love them! One of my favorites is this sterling silver starry sky necklace - it is so pretty! It's versatile, too. I can wear it as-is, or I can add an extender to make it longer, so it really works with a lot of different tops. Priced at just $39.95, it would be a perfect gift for ages 18-81!


If you're looking for a more personal gift, engraved jewelry fits the bill! The Roman numerals on this engraved bar necklace are my wedding date. I love it so much! I've received a lot of compliments on it. I have the sterling silver version ($39.95), but you can also choose 24K Gold Plated ($44.95), or Rose Gold Plated ($44.95). Not only can you customize it with any date, but you can also choose the length and style of the chain.


This necklace isn't engraved in the traditional sense. Instead, the letters are delicately laser-cut into the metal. I love it with the box chain!


There are so many necklace options at Onecklace! Fingerprints, Braille, signature (handwriting), birthstones, names, dates, different languages - and the prices are reasonable. As I mentioned above, most necklaces give you the option of choosing the type and length of the chain. I love the linked hearts necklace and this chevron birthstone necklace. They also have some of the cutest Mother jewelry I've seen! You may remember my post from April about the Family Tree of Life necklace that coordinates with my tattoo. It's one that I find myself reaching for quite often!
 
They also have bracelets, rings, and earrings. Orders are shipped free worldwide (first class mail in the US) and you have 60 days for returns or exchanges. Each piece of jewelry comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and you have the option of adding a gift box and bag for $4.95.


You can take advantage of their Christmas sale now through December 24, 2016:

• Save 10% off all orders with code XMAS10
• Save 15% off orders over $100 with code XMAS15
• Save 20% off orders over $200 with code XMAS20

Don't forget to check out their Christmas collection!

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at Onecklace on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

I'm so happy that booties are still trendy this fall - I love them!!


I picked up several new pairs of booties last year, so I don't know if I'll buy any this year or not. (I bought some before I even finished writing this post!) While I like to be "modern", I'm not terribly wrapped up in being too trendy. If a trend works for me, I'll go for it, but I have no problem passing on the ones that don't work for me.

With that said, I noticed that all of the styles of booties I purchased last year are still available this year! I'm going to share a few of my favorite styles at different price points, because you don't have to spend a lot to have a modern look!

The one pair of booties that I wore the most last year was a pair of black suede wedge pull-ons from Nine West. I picked mine up at the outlet store during a sale for just $50 (original price was $99), and not only are they comfortable, but I always get compliments on them. Nine West changed theirs from a plain pull-on to a zipper with a bow, so my exact bootie is no longer available. The pricey version is the Lanvin Chelsea at $725. The Payless Rosie is very similar and currently on sale for $44.99. It's also BOGO time at Payless, so you could pick up another pair of shoes for 50% off - great deal! (If you buy online, they have a code for an additional 10% off - ZZ10FUN.)


Another style that is really popular is the western-style bootie, and there are so many versions of this! Some are very casual with low block heels like cowboy boots, some are dressy with stiletto heels, and there are a ton of styles in-between. I have a pair of the dressier ones in light grey suede with a few grey metallic leather accents, but I would like to have a more casual pair. I do love the look of the rag & bone "Harrow" style, which is what I've featured below - but I don't love the $495 price tag. Fortunately, there are a lot of similar styles at a lot of different price points. The Indigo Rd. Sigrid booties are faux suede and faux leather, and the reviews say they are comfy but run slightly narrow.


A couple of other versions: Vince Camuto Faythe at $149. I love Vince Camuto! I haven't tried these particular boots, but reviews say they run small so size up; and Aerosoles A2 Invitation for $60 which reviews also say run a bit small and narrow so size up.


And one last pair that is definitely inspired by the rag & bone "Harrow" in black leather is the Karol bootie from XOXO - I found it at several stores in black faux leather, but Famous Footwear has it on clearance for just $30 (reg. $69)! You know I couldn't resist that, so I bought them! I actually bought 2 sizes and will keep the size that fits best. They have free returns to the store, and I saved $5 off the flat-rate $5.95 shipping by signing up for emails. I'll post an update once I get them. I was kind of sad that they didn't have a taupe suede version because I already have several pairs of black boots/booties, but I couldn't resist them for the price.
(Update: Super-fast shipping from Famous Footwear! But unfortunately, the store that sent the size 7 boots sent the wrong boots! I called right away to see if I could get the size 7 sent before I left for vacation, but the size 7 was sold out. The size 6.5 fit lengthwise, but they do run a bit narrow, and since they are faux leather I was concerned as to whether they would stretch with wear. Customer service was wonderful. They gave me an immediate refund for the size 7's even though I hadn't mailed them back yet, plus they sent me a shipping label to send them back free of charge. They offered to do the same for the size 6.5 if I didn't want to keep them, but I decided for the price, I would go ahead and give them a try. So customer service also refunded my shipping charges! Great customer service, Famous Footwear! I've only worn the boots once, but I felt like they were less snug after I had them on for a couple of hours. I'm going to try wearing them around the house with some thicker socks to stretch them a bit more. They're really cute!)


Another popular style is a modified combat/hiking boot with a block heel. I'm a fan of this style, too. I picked up a cute pair last year at the Nine West outlet - again, during a sale, so I got a great deal - and I love that the tops of mine can either be left up for taller boot or folded over for a shorter look. I don't see mine on the Nine West website, so that style must be discontinued. The Frye Sabrina 6G boot is a full leather (including the lining) lace-up version that is $328. The Timberland Earthkeepers Glancy is less than half that, with a full grain leather upper, at $130.


And if you're really looking for a bargain, DbDk has a leatherette version at just $30.99.


The one style that is trending this fall that I'm not particularly fond of is the open toe bootie. I don't know why I don't like them - maybe I just haven't found the right pair. I have other open toe shoes, but I just don't like the open toe booties. That said - I realize that some of you may love the style, so I'm going to show some of the different price points for that as well.

The perforated Majorca peep-toe booties by Toms are cute, and they're fairly reasonably priced for suede leather at $98. Target has a similar pair in their Journee Collection - the Emm faux suede peep-toe bootie priced at $50. Honestly, with only that much difference between the two, I would probably just spring for the real leather because it would last longer.


I did find one other pair that was slightly similar, with the cutwork just at the tops. The Rayce peep-toe booties by Report are also faux leather, but they are currently on sale for just $30 at Famous Footwear (orig. $70). So that's quite a steal!


Are you loving booties for fall and winter? Which ones are your favorites?