Eyewear & Jewelry - That combo is a battle for me everyday.

Before I elaborate, I need you to hold on tight to your two pennies. You know the two cents most people try to give away when being all judgmental. Yeah those! Please keep them in your pocket until the end of this issue - Thanks! LOL

As an eyewear enthusiast, I own several pairs of glasses. (Hold your pennies - keep reading!) It is a real conundrum choosing the right eyewear and the right jewelry for the outfit of the day. Yes, this is a thing!

I posed a question over the past few days to a few followers When wearing glasses, do you choose your necessory or your accessory first? The average answer was since most people only have to choose the accessory because he/she only own one pair of glasses, the accessory is the only thing chosen. Noted. Being a lover of accessories, can you now see my dilemma.

It is so easy for someone to over-do-it with accessories. Trust me, I’ve been guilty of over-accessorizing many days, for example, my ongoing fascination with Alex & Ani (still not time for those pennies yet). In this issue, we’ll talk tips on how to not over-coordinate your necessory and your accessories!

Keep it simple with statement eyewear!

It can stand alone and should be paired with minimal accessories. When wearing solid-colored frames, try to add some glam with bold earrings or crown yourself with a head wrap. Statement necklaces are always perfect with solid frames. Consider the activities, your energy and your comfort when pairing your necessory with accessories. Ask yourself these two important questions:

• Where am I going? Focus on the balance. Will the necessory and accessory be a distraction or attraction during the event or day out? Meetings in the office - keep it to a minimum. You don’t need to create any distractions while you're leveling up. Guest at a bridal shower or wedding - keep it to a minimum because this is not your moment boo (I put my pennies back in my pocket on that one). First date or girl’s night out - jazz it up. Show them who you are!

• What’s your energy level? Rocking your outfit, necessory included, must exude confidence and comfort, right? If the confidence and comfort isn’t there, find the accessory that will level you up. Remember, your energy arrives before you do!

Still not sure, try this: get completely dressed like you’re about to walk out of the door. Stand with your back turned to a mirror & turn around quickly - give yourself a look over. If you turn your head to the side, take an accessory off because you’re doing the most. Remember, your necessory is required. When in doubt, let the eyewear be your accessory for the day.

THIS WEEK’S EYEWEAR:

“Anika”: I purchased these frames simply because of the shape and color. I wanted a basic, purple frame. Nothing over-sized or dramatic, but it still had to be in the cat-eye family. I wanted a subtle frame that would pair perfectly with my headwraps. I hit the jackpot with this one from www.wherelight.com (currently sold out - my bad y’all - but check “Whale” on www.vlook.com).

These earrings tho: “Suga” courtesy of HOA Accessory Bar. When I spotted these beauties in The Village Retail in Ponce City Market, I knew the exact frame that would be a perfect pairing - “Anika”. Not only are the colors almost exact, but the pairing is also just right. The shape of the frame gives a little pizazz, but still subtly says “but peep these earrings tho”.

I wore this combo with a classic button-down denim shirt from J.Crew, denim jeans, and walnut-colored heels to tie in the earrings’ color scheme. Justine is here with this 2nd day hair!

All About Anika:

That 9-5: Absolutely!

Girl’s Day Out: Man, what?! Let me throw Justine under this wrap and put these glasses on!

BAE Night: Frequently worn!

Loungin’: Yes!

Overall, I give these glasses 5 out of 5. The frame serves the exact purpose of the purchase - being Cat Eye and subtle. The frame has a great comfortable fit.

If you don’t get anything from this blog, remember this, you make the necessory, the outfit, and the accessory. It doesn’t make you. It is always best to be the attraction and not the distraction. Whether you’re wearing blue light frames, sunglasses, fashion frames, or the “I can’t see NOTHING without my glasses” glasses, you are an amazing showstopper! Literally! Your eyewear doesn’t define you - your eyewear is a character feature. Rock that and never let anyone tell you any different!

Now, if you still want to give me those two pennies, I’ll gladly take them now. I’m sure they’ve been burning up your pockets anyway. LOL. Let me know what you think about this topic. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

HOA Accessory Bar has some very dope and amazing handcrafted pieces. Try them for yourself by visiting www.hallsofart.com and on Instagram @hoa_accessorybar. In the Atlanta area, they are also featured at The Village Market in Ponce City Market. Tell them necessory sent you!

Until next week and daily on Instagram @_necessory_

Stay safe & wear your mask!

-Keirston