Low-Effort, High-Impact Accessories

a curated edit of personality accessories for Summer

Hi Friends,

Apologies for the delay getting the newsletter out from my usual Sunday! I went to preview my final draft (after a very long weekend of moving) only to find that none of my edits from the last 36 hours saved 🫠

Such a bummer as I was really happy with how it turned out but it was bound to happen at some point with technology…still quite a feat trying to re-write the entire newsletter from memory this morning but I’ll do my best. (Also, one day I’ll write a newsletter that’s under 15 minutes, but today is not that day.)

ANYWAY…I’m back this week with another subscriber requested topic — PERSONALITY PIECES!

I love this request for so many reasons:

1. I find that most people don’t need more new clothes when they are feeling bored with their outfits. It’s amazing what one new accessory can do for outfit making than another new top/jean/dress.

2. If you rely heavily on a neutral wardrobe for versatility and longevity, accessories are a great way to inject color, pattern, or texture in a small intentional way.

3. In the warmer months when you can’t layer as much with clothing, accessories are a great way to visually create “layers” by way of stacked jewelry, scarves etc. I also think you get a more visual punch when you wear accessories with bare skin vs when you have a bunch of thick clothing layers on you!

4. Accessories are what I call a low-risk, low-stakes, low-effort styling tool:

   1. It’s “low-risk” in that these items can be a lower financial investment than clothing. Yes, you can definitely make investment purchases with accessories but you can also find so many great options on the high-street, secondhand, or Etsy which means you can play with new ideas each season more easily.

   2. It’s “low-effort” in that these become hero pieces and quick outfit makers. Throwing on a belt or switching out a bag takes much less time than trying to figure out what pair of bottoms your new statement top will work with.

   3. It’s “low-stakes” in that these usually create a smaller “visual footprint” than a piece of clothing which can feel more approachable when stepping outside your comfort zone.

What Exactly Is A Personality Piece?

Pieces that help articulate your personal story — the quirky and fun items that light you up and express aspects of your personality visually. Maybe they made your heart skip a beat when you discovered it, or they were passed down from a close friend or family member, or you picked it up on your travels. Maybe it’s something you already express without realizing it (ie: you like pinning a brooch on all your jackets).

I’ve pulled together an edit of jewelry, bags, shoes, belts, and Summery accessories that can bring some fun to your look. Note that you don’t need these specific items. I hope this can be a guide to point you in the right direction if you are looking to fill a gap, re-inspire you to shop your own closet, or just get you excited for warm weather dressing!

A snapshot of 4 of 11 curated boards I’ve pulled together for you below!

You’ll see me repeat this neutral outfit group throughout the newsletter. I wanted to show how styling some of the personality pieces with these looks can create visual impact with even the most “basic clothes”.

I always use food analogies for our wardrobes so today we’re making a pizza:

• The basics like your favorite tees and jeans are your base (the dough) - they will be your reliable go-to’s that hold everything together.

• The foundational staples like a favorite blazer, a neutral cardigan, or a timeless sandal are the “sauce” — it’s not a pizza until you add the sauce to the dough, just like your outfit isn’t complete without some much needed staples.

• The “toppings” are your personality pieces — you can choose your adventure and switch out the toppings each season. Even if you and your friends use the same topping, the end result based on how you mix-n-match ingredients and layout the toppings is unique to you. You don’t absolutely need them but with them, your pizza looks and tastes more vibrant, nourishing, colorful, and varied!

I don’t think you need a personality piece in every category I’m highlighting today and there’s such a range of POVs on what makes a personality piece so here are some tips to think about:

• Think about your preferences and lifestyle — I usually advise to clients to choose pieces based on where it will make the most impact. You probably don’t need a fun large work tote for the Summer if you commute most days of the week and prefer to actually wear a backpack…but maybe a fun pair of comfortable flats will help bring some new life into your work outfits. Or, if you don’t really like wearing earrings, don’t feel the need to buy one just because everyone says you need them!

  • Caveat: I think resonance over practicality always wins here. Why? When you really resonate with something, you’ll love wearing it even if you don’t get to wear it as often as you’d like. And that can help fill the gap in that particular area of your style/wardrobe as you have something you absolutely love vs something you just like but thought you needed because it was cheap, recommended by someone etc.

• Budget: Some may choose to invest in their personality pieces, others may like to buy what I call the “cheap and cheerful” fun pieces to have more variety. To each their own!

• I don’t necessarily think personality pieces need to be in a loud color or print but typically I find that there should be a point of distinction by way of color, texture or shape. If you rely heavily on neutral outfits, even adding a hint of color can bring some much needed freshness! I think shades of red, greens, blues, and metallics can be quite versatile and easy to incorporate.

• If you prefer neutral accessories, try to introduce personality through texture, shape, or movement so your outfits don’t fall flat. Even if you wear all black, having these elements will create a more diverse, unique, and interesting look.

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Moving on to the edit!

• BELTS

• BAGS (statement, clutches, work-friendly bags)

• JEWELRY (earrings, necklaces, bracelets)

• SHOES (summer sandals, going-out options, work-friendly, and sneakers)

• ADDITIONAL IDEAS (scarves, hats etc!)

BELTS

If there’s one thing that I find missing in most of my clients wardrobes, it’s a great belt.

I rely heavily on belts to finish my outfit. Most days, I’m in a tee and jeans so the belt is the outfit maker. It helps with proportions. It adds texture, hardware, and definition to a look. There will always be a place for classic, timeless belts but for the warmer months, how about a bit of a statement?

1// Attersee Tassel Belt 2// Toteme Eyelet Belt 3// Dehanche Corset Belt 4// Dehanche Revenge Belt 5// Etsy Vintage Belt 6// The Row Raffia Belt (similar here, here, and here) 7// J. Crew Mesh Chain Belt 8// La Double J Embroidered Belt 9// Zara Leather Rope Belt

I love metallics against neutral bases as it adds just the right amount of interest. Also, the J. Crew belt looks so good if you want a statement that’s a bit more subtle.

Belts..aka zero-effort outfit makers

HOW I STYLE BELTS: 1// My Jujuvera pendant necklace working double time as a statement belt 2// vintage belts stacked together 3// a non-neutral toffee leather that creates a statement in my everyday outfits vs a typical black or tan option 4// I got so much use out of my leather rope belts last year and have already worn again so much this season (mine is old Zara but very similar to the one linked above)

MINI STATEMENT BAGS

My personal favorite personality piece is the statement bag. I probably own more than is necessary (do as I say, not as I do!). I just love the ease and never-too-serious vibe of it all.

They can also be a great styling tool. When wearing an oversized fit, balancing with a small structured bag can provide sharpness and structure. The rounded pouch shapes can offer a bit of femininity and ease to more serious looks. Or if you are wearing a very casual look, you can quickly go from day-to-night by adding one of these bags.

1// Lizzie Fortunato Gala Bag 2// Chan Luu Mesh Sequin Tote 3// Liffner Satin Pillow Pouch 4// Rachel Comey Electric Bag 5// Zara Fringe Bag 6// J. Crew Woven Metallic Tote 7// Dries Van Noten Embellished Bag 8// Mango Beaded Handbag 9// Zara Sequin Bucket Bag 10// Zara Shell Fringe Pouch

LOW-EFFORT, HIGH-IMPACT BAGS! (Also, I can’t stop drooling over the Dries bag…it’s such a statement piece so I’d style in a chill way as shown but imagine it with a casual olive pant and grey sweater, or with a black turtleneck and black jeans for a night out…if you get this, DM me, I have so many ideas!!)

HOW I STYLE STATEMENT BAGS: 1// An embellished Dries clutch (similar here) - it’s a bit over the top so I style with very chilled-out simple outfits 2// an old Lele Sadoughi purple beaded bag…I like contrasting the femininity with a relaxed army green pant 3// my cheap and cheerful bag for Spring..I love the rich shade of red and the movement of the beading (sold out but Black still available)

THE ALL-PURPOSE CLUTCH

I find that clutches can go a long way in one’s wardrobe - wear them casually with a tee and jeans for a lived-in but ever-so-chic look, polished enough for work events, and a trusty travel companion for years to come. Nothing more chic than a woman with an on-the-go, no frills clutch!

1// Porto Pouch (I’ve featured this pouch before but love the yellow for Summer) 2// The Row Bracelet Clutch (love the 2-for-1 with the statement cuff detail) 3// Metier Ease 20 Envelope Clutch (a brand for those who like nice things but prefer to fly under the radar..in the most chic shade of red IMO) 4// Ulla Johnson Adria Wave Pochette (also with the bracelet cuff detail…for my Chloè girls who like the look at a more affordable price point)

WORK-FRIENDLY BAGS

Let’s say goodbye to boring, techy work bags. There are so many fun ways to inject a bit of personality. I’m loving happy pops of color, woven textures, and rich shades of leather. All bag options will fit a laptop, notebook, water bottle, and more!

1// Minor History NYC Times bag (I have this bag which was gifted and chose it because it reminds me of an old Cèline tote. Simple, versatile, at a great price point. CODE: ANGIE20) 2// Liffner Basket Tote 3// Madewell Handwoven Tote (a great non-neutral interesting versatile color) 4// Proenza Schouler Ruched Tote (I own an older color of this style…fits a lot and easy to carry) 5// Parker Thatch Jack Tote (in the most beautiful broken-in leather)

A great bag should work across your lifestyle with total ease

A PSA FOR OLD CELINE

If you have subscribed to this newsletter or followed me on IG long enough, you’ll know my deep love for old Cèline. Phoebe Philo is my ultimate designer because she designs for the busy, multi-faceted, modern woman who is discerning and doesn’t pay attention to the trends. Her bags have that timeless quality in that they continue to remain relevant even after all these years…well designed, high quality that creates beautiful patina, interesting sans logos.

There are so many secondhand options out there but I wanted to share a few of my favorite designs…I’m clearly into reds and soft blues this season!

1// Twisted Cabas Colorblock Tote (I love this color for Summer but there are so many options linked) 2// Cabas Phantom Tote (I own a larger version of this in Black and it’s my most used bag…a Mary Poppins bag that I always get asked about) 3// Mini Clasp Bag (this might be the most underrated bag…I like it because not a lot of people have it..I’ve never seen anyone else in my world carrying it) 4// Box Bag (the one style I’ve loved for years but personally have never owned…this color is so chic…I’d pair with light wash denim, navys, greys, army green)

HOW I STYLE MY OLD CELINE: My mini clasp bag is just in Black but I find the shape holds its own whenever I wear it. It’s just such a beautiful design. What I love about the twisted cabas bags are that one side is usually in a neutral and the other is a color pop so it’s always a really versatile, interesting option to wear

JEWELRY

This is a category that is highly personal. I’ll share some of my favorite options that are out there right now but I think it’s all about enjoying the art of discovery and the thrill of the hunt. One of my traditions is finding no-name or local jewelry that I pick up whenever I travel as souvenirs…it adds to your personal style story and holds special memories!