FAB AVE.

"Make a Statement"

By Jonaye' Taylor

Making a bold fashion statement comes easier to some than others. As humans, we have to stop taking ourselves so serious when it comes to dealing with fashion, and try to step outside of the box and be daring for once! As we transition ourselves into summer, what is the fashion must-have that we all cannot live without? Accessories and lots of them of course! Why should you accessorize? It is kind of like asking why the sky is blue. Accessorizing is necessary because it can make or break an outfit within an instant. I love accessories because you can play with them, and the good thing is you can never really go wrong with whatever you choose.

Personally, I am a fan of gaudy jewelry and yes, I do mean reminiscent of Jerseylicious gaudy (said in my New Jersey accent voice). Taking big chunky pieces of necklaces and pairing it with a simple tank top and a pair of acid wash skinny jeans (available at Honeycomb Hide-Out) is an immediate way to becoming a fashion success. The two celebrities best known for achieving this look successfully would have to be Keeping Up with the Kardashian's Kim Kardashian, whom normally goes for more of a sexy casual look and The City's villain Olivia Palermo, she is a stickler for menswear, but she is definitely the queen of statement necklaces! So if you need any references to her look just simply tune into that show on MTV or of course Google her! Luckily, you can find statement necklaces just about anywhere like Icing, Forever 21 (and For Love 21), Wet Seal, Ashley Stewart, H&M, New York & Company, Cache, Bebe, Guess (more reasonable stores) and a multitude of other places have them available. Make sure you take a good look at the detail because that is what makes it an extravagant piece.

Do not be afraid to delve into gorgeous necklaces with pearls and crystal mixtures for a classic look, or if you aspire for more of an edgy look simply look for pieces with those two elements along with velour and crucifixes. In addition, try your hand at necklaces with multiple layers that have more of a tiered look. For the more glamorous divas, I recommend you try out colored crystals like beautiful jewel tones colors like Emerald and Ruby, or sultry colors like brown-sugah or vanilla, which is fabulous on warmer skin tones!

Over the top jewelry like chandelier earrings (so heavy that your earlobes starts to split, and to fix that problem simply use Lobe Wonder available and Claire's and Icing stores) and bodacious bangles are undeniably favorites for celebrities like Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce, Eve, Trina and Jessica Simpson. These ladies have no problems with splurging and treating themselves to the finest diamonds known to mankind, unfortunately, us everyday college students may not be able to afford such luxuries but that doesn't mean who can't dream and style try to rock these look as well. So I advise you to hit up all of your local consignment and vintage shops to find unique, one of a kind pieces at an affordable price, furthermore I love these shops because you can negotiate on the prices!

Next, why not try to collect all of the hottest handbags out! Brands like Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, Coach, Jessica Simpson (brand), and others will sure have you looking stylish at an affordable rate as well. The great thing about bags is that they come in all shapes (round, rectangular, oval, etc), sizes (like big for the oversized lover and small for the clutch wearing diva going out for a night on the town) and materials (like straw, leather, faux leather, patent leather, mesh, snakeskin, faux snakeskin, beaded, crochet, denim and more). Handbags also vary in prints like wildlife prints, tribal prints, nautical stripes, plaid and more. However, there is a myth stating that your shoes and handbag must match at all times but I would like to differ and deem that to be untrue, you can wear whatever you want however you want as long as it doesn't look crazy, unless of course you were going for that "crazy" look. Your handbag too can incorporate chains and lace just as your jewelry!

Lastly, why not have a chain belt incorporated into your outfit somewhere? Whether if it's hanging on a pair of your jeans or looking sassy and chic on your hips partnered with a jumpsuit, rock this trend with style as well. For some reason people tend to over look chain belts, but I think they are fabulous and just as waist belts they too can accentuate a women's mid-section!

Therefore, now that you know how to make a statement, make sure you go out and execute it fully! Ladies, please to not plead the fifth with your fashion, speak up and out so that you can non-verbally express yourself through style!