Layering necklaces to achieve an extra chunky and playful effect has been in style forever. Coco Chanel sported this look in the 40’s and 50’s while Madonna reinvented the vibe in the early 80’s. It was hip back then and it’s just as hip now if you like the look.

I prefer layered necklaces that make one statement like the examples you see in the pictures above. These are actually all-in-one styles with multiple stands that give the effect of several layers. But there is unifying integrity to the look, which offers a cleaner and more streamlined effect.

The appearance of the layered necklaces below are a little different because it’s as if you’re actually wearing three separate pieces. I don’t fancy this as much but horses for courses, both looks can be worn in a stylish way.

You don’t need to purchase a readymade layered necklace to achieve the aesthetic. It can be created by combining standalone pieces that you already own. I can’t think of any hard and fast rules as to which styles of necklaces work best together. You can mix various metals, stones, shapes, styles and lengths. It’s a question of experimenting and making sure the piece is a flattering combination with your neckline and works well with the rest of your ensemble.

It is past midnight Pacific Standard Time and that means the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially underway. For those of us in the United States, this is the sale event of the season. And I’ve found the merchandise particularly good this year, so be sure to check it out.

It’s fun and necessary to keep our fashion and style feet moving each season. Kendall Farr puts it well in her new book, “Style Evolution”:

The remixing of silhouettes, retooling of proportions, experimentation with new fabric technology and treatments, new combinations of color, print and texture allow new currents to break through fashion’s surface. This is, of course, why “new” is so much fun – and who wants to stop having fun with clothes at any age?”.

So true. I thoroughly enjoy trying and retrying new trends, remixing existing wardrobe pieces and pushing my fashion envelope. I’d be really bored with my outfits if I didn’t. In some instances the look isn’t completely new, but more of an evolved and often improved version of a look that I’ve sported before. Either way, my style feels refreshed when I dress a little differently each season.

This is how I recharged my look for Spring and Summer 2009:

• Strappy sandals: This sounds absurd because strappy sandals are a common Summer wardrobe staple. But for years I haven’t been able to find a pair of sandals that go the distance AND look fabulous. I found three pairs this year and I adore wearing them with skinnies, leggings and dresses.
• Frocks, frocks and more frocks: Our atypically beautiful Seattle weather has made me more dress focused than ever. I’m particularly into the unstructured sack dress, layering it over leggings and under cascading cardigans or a denim jacket.
• Stirrup leggings and zipper leggings: Controversial, but stirrup and zipper leggings were my hands down favourite looks this season. I feel that I can take on the world in those outfits. I’ve hardly worn my blue jeans and clamdiggers because I’m frock and leggings crazy (but my white bottoms are still in full seasonal swing).
• Silk safari jacket: This earthy style in a muted green is a stretch for my style, but I like the change as long as I can wear it with pearls.
• Neutral shoes: I’ve hardly worn bright shoes this season after being all over the look for years. My red and yellow heels have come out to play a few times, but that’s it.
• Wristlets and day clutches: These were new styles for me to sport during the day and they’ve become my go-to bag this year.
• Micro cross-body bag: After years of suffering from aching neck and shoulders as a result of wearing large cross body bags, the small cross body bag is a pain-free revelation.
• Bracelet: I found one that I loved and it’s been fun opting for a chunky bracelet instead of a necklace.
• Gold hardware: Never thought it would happen, but I’ve started to incorporate the tiniest bit of gold hardware into my clothing and accessory assortment. This is a biggie.
• Raiding Hubby’s wardrobe: After successfully incorporating Greg’s T-shirt and webbing belt into recent outfits, I’m excited to scratch around more on his side of the closet to see what else will work.
• Wayfarers: I am not in the habit of wearing sunglasses, but I’m trying.

Over to you. How did you refresh and evolve your look this season? Are you liking the changes that you made?

For me, “jellies” are another late 80’s and early 90’s fashion flashback. But jellies back then didn’t look nearly as pretty or refined as they do now. They were either styled like a juvenile, strappy gladiator sandal (awful), or a ballet flat with many spaced-out interwoven straps so that your foot peeked through. Equally awful and dreadfully uncomfortable.

The jelly shoes below are examples of what footwear designers are doing with the same synthetic rubber material today. There is a far more sophisticated attention to styling. It’s definitely an aesthetic improvement, but I’m on the fence. I don’t loathe it, but I don’t love it either.

Comfort challenges aside, would you wear jellies? Are they a stylish option, or just plain nasty. Perhaps they would make the perfect hot weather, torrential rainy day shoe. Hmmm. Help me out with your thoughts.