The
whole universe operates on a system which is in balance or else chaos ensues.
The human body follows that same rule, oxygen which is vital for life when in excess in the body is fatal;
similarly water taken in excess overworks the liver to such levels that it may
fail. This rule of balance should also be applied when accessorizing. One of my
biggest pet peeves is over-accessorizing. Nairobi women are very notorious in
wearing all the accessories they own.
Accessories, like spices and herbs in food, should enhance your look and
not be the main element.
Women
often overlook other aspect of their whole look when accessorizing. Your hair
when done in an intricate manner does form part of your accessory, your nails
when done in colorful or neon colors , your watch, your bag and shoes. All those
have to be taken into consideration. Makeup is also not to be forgotten. When
we talk of accessories most people jump to earrings and neck pieces yet as
in all else you have to look at the overall picture to get a clear view of what
you’re working with. Another issue to be considered is the article of clothing
you are wearing. Does it have bold prints and patterns? For halter-neck dresses and tops, you have
to be careful as regards the type of accessories you will be wearing, same as one
shoulder pieces, its not one size fits all, ladies. Be shrewd and again the
mirror is your friend but only if you've disciplined yourself to edit your
looks in a way that flatters you.
At an award ceremony last year, I was
responsible for the numerous wardrobe changes the two hosts had to make during
the show. At one point the lady insisted that she had to wear both her chunky
neck piece and her chandelier earrings; something I was very opposed to as her
outfit was already very detailed. I tried to compromise with her requesting her
to choose one accessory of the two but
she wouldn't listen saying she was from a particular community who were known
for 'over the top' dressing and accessorizing. While I have heard of this claim,
it is no excuse for you as an individual to spoil your whole look in the name
of its part of your community, the only exception being you’re wearing a costume
or participating in a traditional event. What is your brand and when people
encounter you, what message do you want them to take home and share with others
as regards who you are. The answers to those questions should be a guide to
your personal style.
Another
Faux pax most Kenyan ladies are fond of is the idea of wearing all your
accessories in one colour. It astonishes me that in this day and age where all
forms of colour blocking has been showcased; some would choose to do such an
outdated trend! What these ladies don’t
know is that it makes you look dated and really part of some table decor. While
following trends is not advisable but neither is sticking to some which have left
with the century. If you hate trends then stick to timeless classic pieces. My
rule of thumb is that the maximum number of accessories that should match in
colour is two!
Most
women have one form of accessory that is their favourite be it earrings, neck pieces,
rings, bangles, shoes, belts as some of the few. A few others will like two
forms but in all those, you will find one form as their favourite and their
go-to pieces. Mine are earrings. I have a section of my walls dedicated to
earrings. Wherever I travel, I look for unique earrings and I love unique
handmade pieces. As such all other accessories are secondary to those earrings
in my dressing with a few exceptions when an outfit I’m wearing calls for an
elaborate hairdo or needs a neck piece. So do accessorize but in a balanced
flattering manner.
