Building a Wardrobe: Spring and Summer Shoes and Accessories

Today I'll be continuing my series on Building a Wardrobe: Spring Summer edition. On the first day I discussed layering essentials, next I discussed pants and shorts, then dresses, shirts and today I'll share shoes and accessories.

One of my favorite thing about Spring and Summer is getting to go put away my boots and pull out my sandals.  Although most of you heels can still be worn for work this Spring and Summer, wedges and sandals are great to have too.  Here are the ones I suggest:

• I think a great brown or cognac leather wedge sandal is worth the money.  Because it's a wedge you can really dress it up or down, therefore getting a lot of use out of them.
• I also love a good nude peep toe.  These can be a great go-to for work, but also great with ankle pants too.
• Next, I recommend a black wedge for the same reason I recommended the brown wedge above.  You'll wear them like crazy!
• Forth, I recommend a metallic flip flop.  I love flip flops and the metallic can easily be dressed up or down. I wear mine with my maxi, ankle pants, and shorts.
• Fifth, I recommend a pair of boat shoes like the Sperry's below.  These are perfect with your shorts and ankle pants and perfect for wanting a real shoe but wanting something that works for Summer.
• Lastly, I recommend a basic go-to flip flop.  I like these cream ones because they'll go with most casual outfits, but J.Crew's flips flops are really comfortable and well made.

brown wedge shoes / black sandals / nude wedge / boat shoes / sandals / Flip flop shoes

I decided to show you the essential jewelry I recommended last Fall again today in case you missed it the first time.  I don't really have any new recommendations for essentials, as I think silver, gold, and mixed metals are the best place to start. However, I have added a few bold necklaces from Edith Marie this Spring and love them all.  Once you have a few basics then I recommend adding bolder statement necklaces. Here are details on my thoughts on essentials:

• Statement necklaces and bracelets are a huge trend right now.  It's important to decide what will fit your wardrobe best.  I like to have a mix of both gold and silver and mixed metals are huge this year, making that option the best of both worlds.  
• Spending more that $20 on a piece of jewelry might not be an option for you.  Luckily Target has tons of great affordable options.  All the affordable options below are from Target.
• Spending more on jewelry can pay off in the long run.  All the investment pieces are from Stella and Dot, and yes, they are more expensive.  However, they are all 12k gold and sterling silver, meaning they won't discolor your skin or wear out after a season.
• Bright bold statement necklaces are also great options, but when beginning to buy jewelry stick to more basic like the neutral options below, as they'll be more versatile and more easily worn and utilized.
• Jewelry can easily be the the "show stopper" of any look, so take some time to find a few pieces you love to make every outfit stand out.

Affordable Jewelry
 gold pave necklace /gold earrings /silver earrings / silver pave necklace /  gold jeweled bracelet / gold pave bracelet /  gold crystal necklace /silver jeweled bangle / silver cuff /  silver jeweled necklace 

Investment Jewelry
sutton, mixed metal necklace / silver necklace /  renegade bracelet in gold and silver /  urbane silver bracelet / moxie mixed metal bracelet / kahlo mixed metal bracelet /   phoenix mixed metal necklace / eden bangle in gold /    rebel pendant gold necklace   

Lastly, today I thought I'd share some essential belts.  These haven't changed since I did the series in the Fall, but I thought I'd show a refresher today. 

• I think skinny belts are most popular right now, but I recommend have a wider black and brown one, as these still look great when you want to belt a dress
• I also recommend having a metallic one, I have a brown metallic and I wear it all the time!
• Look at the bright colors you wear most, consider buying a bright belt in that color or in a complementary color.
• I also recommend getting a leopard belt, well, because it's leopard : )
• Lastly, I recommend having a skinny black and brown belt, these are the ones you'll probably wear most often.
• Shop the clearance racks, especially at Kohl's.  I've gotten most of my belts there for between $1-$2 bucks.  
• Belts can be key to defining a waist and I highly recommend wearing them with most outfits, you'd be surprised how much they can add to your final look!

wide black / wide brown / leopard / fun color / skinny black / skinny brown / metallic