Reader D has a unique question: what to wear in the field?  More specifically, to visit a factory (and ride in her client’s plane!)

I am going on a site visit to a factory near Seattle.  The visit includes riding in a small plane and then visiting a large factory so I will need to be casual, wear flat comfortable shoes, yet still look professional.  Any advice?  Although I am a senior associate I will be the sole representative for my client and want to make sure I come off as professional as possible.

Congratulations on the opportunity — it sounds fun (riding in a private plane is on my Bucket List) and like a good career opportunity. As far as fashion goes, I think my answer depends on one question: can you wear denim around your client? If so, I think a pair of dark (preferably black) jeggings, tucked into flat boots, topped with a button-front and blazer, and accessorized with your normal work jewelry, would probably be my best guess for an outfit. (Update:  There’s a lot of disagreement with me in the comments, which is fine, but just to be clear: when I say “jeggings” — I mean skinny  jeans that have a bit of extra Spandex in them to make them more comfortable, but are still primarily denim.  E.g., these, these, or these. Not these.)  Here’s my thinking:

- Factory = boots. While ballet flats and other flat shoes have many things to recommend them, on the off (off) (off) chance something falls on your foot, you should be as protected as possible. Also, I think if there’s any uncertain footing that requires delicate stepping (e.g., over pipes), you’ll want to be in shoes that you know will not fall off. Oh, another reason: if it’s at all muddy or dusty on the runway (or in the factory), you’ll want the dust to stick to your boots rather than your pants.

- Factory and small plane = pants. See above re: delicate stepping.  I think it’s also possible in the factory you could be walking on grating, or on metal stairways, with people walking or working below, such that you wouldn’t want to wear a skirt.  I could also see there being some awkward stairways to get up to the plane (although it’s entirely possible I’ve just watched Arrested Development too much).

- Factory and small plane = tight-fighting, non-voluminous clothing. You wouldn’t want to get a flowing cardigan or skirt caught on a piece of machinery, or (ack) in some part of the propeller.

- Professional = blazer, dark pants. I would suggest that you carry over the jewelry you normally wear with suits to this more casual outfit — if it’s pearls and diamonds, do it; if it’s a statement necklace that you always wear, do it. Part of this is for a continuous look: the client has seen you wearing the jewelry before, and even though you’re in a different type of outfit now you’re still, at the core, the professional lawyer he knows. Another part of this is to help YOU feel confident and be in your zone for your most professional self. For me, for example, that means putting on my good watch whenever I have a business meeting, no matter what I’m wearing… even if I don’t wear the watch when I’m lazing around the house or hanging out with friends.

So all of these thoughts, above, send me to jeggings, flat boots (get ‘em shined before you go!), a nice top, a blazer, and your work jewelry. There are some non-denim leggings that have enough weight to the fabric that they can be worn as pants (despite the popular Buzzfeed “am I wearing pants” flowchart) — I got a nice ponte pair from Ann Taylor earlier this year. If you really would rather wear proper trousers, I might still advise wearing flat, knee-high boots beneath them — that way if conditions are really horrible you can tuck your pants into your boots.

A few other considerations: plane and runway = wind, so I might suggest pulling your hair back from the get-go. Keep in mind, though, that the factory may require you to wear a hardhat, hairnet, and/or goggles… so I wouldn’t do anything too fancy that will interfere with those requirements.  In other words: low “on purpose” ponytail, not a French twist.

Readers, have you had to visit factories (or, speak up ladies, how many of you have ridden in private planes)? What would you wear?

How do you know when to splurge on a piece of jewelry?  A big step in the right direction involves understanding the jewelry terminology (it’s also helpful if you suspect you’re allergic to some jewelry!) Today’s guest post explores just that.  Author “Kanye East” is an attorney at law, New York City ex-pat, sarcastic Corporette commenter, and amateur metalsmith. On the rare occasions she leaves the office, Ms. East slays dragons and makes jewelry with their treasures.  (Pictured:  Mallarino Alejandra 24-karat gold-vermeil cuff, available at Net-a-Porter for $1,600.)

I’ll be honest: the first time I saw the phrase “gold vermeil,” I thought something like Oooh, that sounds French. It must be fancy! And only $80? For a fancy gold necklace? Steal! I’d better buy two! My friends, I am ashamed. It turns out “vermeil” is fancy—a fancy way of saying “plated.”

Jewelry is my weakness. For lawyers, jewelry is the one part of a professional wardrobe that’s allowed to be expressive or artistic. (My fellow liberal arts undergrads who reluctantly went to law school for the promise of health insurance and a steady paycheck will understand how important this can be to one’s psyche.) Jewelry can elevate an otherwise ordinary outfit to a commanding ensemble. And my own field research confirms that if you wear the same black dress to a law firm job two days in a row but swap one eye-catching statement necklace for another, nobody will notice the fact that you wore the same clothes two days in a row.

With that said, the amount I have overpaid for poor-quality pieces over the years is staggering. To avoid my mistakes, please follow my Rule Number One: know what you’re buying. You don’t have to get your gemologist’s certification and I’m not talking engagement-ring-caliber research, but here are some basics.

Fine jewelry incorporates precious metals (gold, platinum), precious and semi-precious gemstones, and genuine pearls (not glass or crystal pearls, or “shell pearls,” which are actually beads made from mother of pearl or shell, but more about that another time.) Expect to pay more for the design and the materials, especially because the price of gold has been at all-time highs lately.

Fashion jewelry is made mostly with base metals, usually brass, copper, or nickel (a common allergen). Sometimes the base metal is covered with a layer of precious metal—this is where you really need to know what you’re buying. Plating involves a very small amount of precious metal; it’s easy to scrape or rub off, and if you wear a plated piece every day, it’s going to tarnish quickly. Don’t ever pay high prices for plated metals, and avoid them if you have metal sensitivities.

Gold vermeil is simply gold plating over sterling silver. Better than plated gold over base metal, but it’s still going to tarnish.

Filled gold or gold overlay sounds like plating but it’s far superior and worth paying more for. It has a higher gold content, is stronger, and resists tarnish much better than plating. For the price, it’s a great alternative to solid gold for everyday wear.

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% base metal. Sometimes you’ll see “925” stamped on silver jewelry: this is usually a jeweler’s certification that the piece is made with sterling silver. If you’re sensitive to metals, you should probably avoid sterling silver, but know that it’s the 7.5% base metal you’re probably reacting to, not the silver. On that note, those with metal sensitivities should also avoid white gold, which is typically alloyed with small amounts of nickel, manganese or palladium.

Argentium® Silver is gaining popularity among jewelry makers; it contains more germanium than traditional alloys, is highly tarnish-resistant, and requires almost no polishing.

Fine silver is pure silver with no base metal, but due to its softness, you don’t often see fine silver jewelry.

Now get out there and stimulate the economy!

(L-2)

Interested in writing something similar for Corporette? Check out our guest posting guidelines.

Since she’s started at a more casual office, Reader L wonders how she should transition her wardrobe of blazers and pencil skirts to an office filled with jeans and sneakers.

I’m 24 and recently left a paralegal job at a small litigation firm for a research and editing job at a large publishing company. The new job is great and a much better fit for me but I’m still struggling with the transition to the more casual attire I’m seeing in my young, tech-centered office. I see jeans and gross sneakers every day of the week, which clashes with my wardrobe of pencil skirts and blazers. Even when I try to tone it down, the basics in my closet just aren’t in the same spectrum. I’ve tried to pay attention to what the seniormost woman in my office wears, but there are a LOT of pay grades between a manager and someone in my entry-level position.

I really want to stand out, make an impression and start advancing. At the same time, I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard or oblivious to office culture. My question is: is it more important to dress in a way that feels professional and appropriate (and, to be selfish, much more comfortable for me) or to mimic the people around me? If it’s the latter, any tips on looking sharp and competent when dressed down?

Great, great question, because it can be really tricky to transition your wardrobe. Here are some of my tips, but readers, I hope you’ll weigh in!  (Pictured: New Office-2, originally uploaded to Flickr by akeg.)

First: I think it’s important to be comfortable. If you’re a blazer-and-pencil skirts kind of girl, don’t feel like you have to wear “gross sneakers” just to fit in. That said, your instinct to watch the most senior women in your office is spot on — whose job do you want to have in 2 years? in 5 years? One of the most important things to pay attention to is what those role models/mentors are saying (or trying to say) with their clothes. Is it that they’re detail-oriented? Creative? Different jobs require different qualities, and the people who succeed in publishing may be different than the people who succeed in a law firm.  If your wardrobe is classic, buttoned-up conservative, I think the only risk you should be aware of is that, depending on your personality, you may come across as someone who is mousy and lacks personality — or you may come across as someone who is bossy or rigid.  Make sure that your clothing projects the qualities that are recognized for success in this field.

There are a few ways you can take a more buttoned-up wardrobe to a more casual, creative look… some suggestions:

• Get a great pair of jeans.  Look for a dark blue wash with very little distressing, and see how you feel about incorporating the jeans into your more conservative wardrobe.  Try wearing them with a structured, fitted blazer, or with a button-front blouse.  (Trouser jeans may be the perfect place for you to start, or even regular trousers that are made from a denim material.)
• Look at the “weekend wear” for the shops you already frequent.  If you’re a fan of, say, Ann Taylor, Talbots, and J.Crew, they have lots of pieces that are more relaxed.  While they might not be appropriate for a conservative office, the more relaxed looks from these stores might offer great “bridge” pieces between your old wardrobe and your new one.  If you were really a devotee of a particular store, see if they can connect you with a personal shopper to help integrate your old pieces and your new ones.
• Have fun with your accessories.  Whereas conservative offices generally encourage small, tasteful jewelry (in the best metals, featuring real gemstones), your new office may give you more leeway.  If you’re in a creative office, an easy place to start looking for “creative” necklaces is museum stores — I’ve bought a number of pieces from MomaStore.org over the years, and the quality has always been pretty good for the price.  Once you have a better idea what you like, Etsy stores and local boutiques can be a great way to get interesting jewelry that expresses who you are.
• Similarly, reassess your shoes.  I think a pencil skirt and a pair of classic pumps will always be in style, no matter where you go, but a more casual office may permit you to wear different colors and patterns than you would have worn to a law firm, and you may even find that funkier brands appeal to you (I’m thinking of things like Miz Mooz or Tsubo here, but there are so many!).
• Consider wearing the basics in your wardrobe in new, more relaxed ways.  For example, a button-front shirt may look great worn open and untucked with a camisole beneath it — or you may find that a blazer that has a fun lining looks chic with the sleeves rolled up.  More casual pieces that languished in your closet until a casual Friday — such as a flyaway cardigan — may be just the thing to pair with a structured piece like a sheath dress.

Whenever anyone goes through a style reassessment — which everyone should do from time to time! — I think it’s great to find someone in the public eye, who has your body shape, and whose style you admire.  What pieces work for her?  (If it’s an actress it can be particularly fun to watch her personal style versus her character’s styles, and see how her clothes differ from role to role — but also how they stay the same.)  Keep track of which outfits you really adore, and use those for inspiration.  As I mentioned above, a personal shopper is another way to go, and most department stores offer a shopper’s services free of charge.  (Just make sure you have a good idea of what you already want so you don’t end up purchasing a lot of things that aren’t really part of your new style.)

Readers, what are your tips for transitioning a conservative work wardrobe to a more casual one?

Reader A thinks her look is too “tomboy” for the office…

I am writing to you in hopes for some advice on how to change from a “tom boy look” to a mid-level executive in a financial institution.

I know that your blog is mostly geared toward New York lawyers, but while I am neither of those (Dallas, Tx – Financial Analyst), I am confident that you can help. A little bit of background…I grew up in a very small town climbing trees and playing with boys. In college, my dress attire was jeans and over-sized T-shirts. It wasn’t until my senior year that I started wearing T-shirts that fit.

Making the transition from college life to financial institution was a little easy back home, (South Texas/Rio Grande Valley), but now that I reside in Dallas, I feel that my current wardrobe isn’t cutting it. My current attire is grey slacks and a button down or simple one-tone blouse. While I mentioned my basic attire, please note that I own about 2 pairs of slacks/dress pants (black and grey) and 2 button downs (purple and maroon).

I have a pair of black shoes and I wear those with black dress socks.

I have never been a “girly-girl” (not that I am opposed to it), but I have always lacked the ability to match colors and styles without looking hideous.

This is a great question, A.  What you’re wearing doesn’t sound so bad to me (albeit a bit boring, but there’s nothing unprofessional about that), but the vibe I’m getting from your email is that you don’t feel elegant, feminine, or sophisticated.  I think it’s important to distinguish unprofessional attire from attire that isn’t elegant/feminine/sophisticated — there have been a lot of very, very successful women who wore nothing but boxy suits, had masculine haircuts, and wore clunky heels (or flats).  In fact, to a lot of older people (both men and women) that is the best way to convey that you’re serious about your job.  (I was just reading a comment on an older post about whether long hair is appropriate — the reader noted that when she ran for office, no one took her seriously until she cut her mid-back-length hair into a Hilary Clinton cut.)  (Pictured: Tomboy Shorts, originally uploaded to Flickr by FredoAlvarez.)

That said — my own attitude (and the ethos behind this blog) has been that today it is possible to walk the line between something feminine and fun, but still be professional.  Sometimes we have debates on what’s appropriate for the office (see today’s TPS); sometimes it really just depends on what’s right for your office.  There are some easy ways to add feminine flair to your outfits, though, that should be pretty safe advice no matter what your office.

1) Add heels. They don’t have to be high; in fact I would recommend starting with what you can walk in.  (You may want to check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels, and the comments there!)  Keep in mind that as you get better in walking in heels, a slightly pointy toe and a skinny heel will be the best way to elongate your legs and make your look more feminine.  How pointy a toe is appropriate is something that changes with fashion — long pointy toes were popular a few years ago (looking back, some almost looked like elf/witch shoes!); nowadays a very slight point is popular.  I would suggest looking online at some of the high-end brands, such as Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, and Ferragamo, to get an idea of what your ideal shoe right now would be, and then looking in whatever range your budget/walking ability allows.

2) Add jewelry. I’m a big believer in jewelry adding a lot of personality to your outfit.  To start small, you may want to get a good set of fake pearls to try out how those feel with your button-downs and t-shirts.  (You can always invest in a better set from Mikimoto or even your local jewelry store later on.)  Similarly: what watch are you wearing?  If you’re wearing a sporty watch, this might be a good time to investigate how a more feminine watch might feel, either with a leather strap or a metal strap.  Earrings are the third “start small” piece that  I’d recommend.  Personally, I hate posts, but I feel like dangly earrings are inappropriate for many offices (and distracting if you move your head a lot) so to me the perfect office earring is the “huggie,” so named because they’re hoops so small that they hug your ears.

3) If you’re not already wearing makeup, add some. It doesn’t have to be a lot — sometimes just a lipgloss with a slight tint is enough for women.  (It’s a bit too light for me, but a number of friends love Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Treatment SPF 15, or I’ve written before of my love for CoverGirl Lipslicks. Clinique Almost Lipstick is another classic.)  Have a good friend help you with this if you’re really clueless — how does your face look right now?  For me, I know I look a lot prettier when I add concealer under my eyes, curl my eyelashes, and add a bit of blush and a bit of color to my lips — I generally don’t leave the house without those. For work I also wear mascara, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, lip liner, and lipstick; for nights out I’ll wear 3-5 different shades of eye shadow as well as a few more coats of mascara; I’ll also use a highlighter like Touche Eclat or wear a sparklier blush, like NARS The Multiple Orgasm.  My point here is that makeup is not an all or nothing proposition — it’s a continuum, and even just wearing a little bit can help you look and feel more feminine.

4) Find inspiration in a celebrity or public figure (anyone who’s photographed often), or even a character on television.  I would recommend looking for someone with your body type to get the most out of this exercise.  Take note of what she wears — how does the fit of her clothes differ from yours?  Is there a color combo that she wears that you could try?  How about her jewelry and shoes — can you add more personality to your outfit that way?  Another option here would be to find a few static photos of this celebrity/character that you really love — I would say 6-10 photos — and visit a personal shopper (such as one at your local department store), or even a personal stylist.  For my $.02, I think it’s important that you go in with an idea of what you want to achieve before you meet with them, but maybe that’s just me.

Readers, what are your best tips to add femininity to the professional wardrobe?  What do you think about Reader A’s question?

This should be a fun conversation. Reader S wonders what size diamond ring is appropriate for a professional woman…

What size wedding ring/engagement ring is appropriate for a professional office? Personally, I think giant rings are gaudy and tacky. But I overheard a couple of attorneys saying the other day “”Do you ever see a friend posting pictures on facebook about her recent engagement and when you see her ring, you think to yourself ‘oh, honey, I’m so sorry!’”" so I guess rings can be too small as well. What size will keep you safe from the gossip?

I’m glad she asked this question, because I remember some of the comments turned to engagement rings in our conversation on the intern with the Hermes handbag, and there were some fascinating differences of opinion in there. For my $.02, I think that any size ring is appropriate for a professional office, provided that the ring is actually an engagement ring, and not a cocktail ring worn as an engagement ring. (Engagement rings are fairly simple, in part because they’re intended to be worn on a daily basis. Diamond cocktail rings (full disclosure: I own one, love it, and wear it a ton) can be gorgeous, but they’re often bigger (either in length, width, or height), sparklier, and to a certain extent, gaudier, than what an engagement ring is; they should be worn only when the occasion calls for it. I’m right handed, so I like to wear mine on the middle finger of my right hand, particularly if I’m attending a cocktail event where I’ll be holding a glass with my right hand.)  I will say, though, to those of you looking to get engaged, pass this tip on to your soon-to-be fiance: don’t go into debt to buy an engagement ring.  You can always add to the ring later, either by adding diamonds to it as baguettes, by “upgrading” your diamonds (from a less-clear one to a clearer one), or so forth.  (Pictured above:  Acadia Ring Emerald-Cut Diamond Platinum Ring , available at Gemvara for $61,297, also available in combinations of white gold, yellow gold, and almost any other gemstone (for a huge range of prices) — just click “customize”.)

Now: will people make judgments about you and your life based on what your ring looks like? Absolutely. Small ring? She must have married for love. Ginormous ring, particularly on the hand of a coworker who doesn’t seem that invested in the job? Future soccer mom. Women who wear plain bands have a certain cache about them also — I always think that they send a vibe of competence, of “I can’t be bothered to wear a diamond ring on a daily basis because I’m too busy Doing Important Work and Not Thinking About Sparky Things,” but honestly I love my emerald-cut engagement ring too much to not wear it on a regular basis.  Sometimes a ring can overshoot the mark, too — if your ring is absolutely huge and that doesn’t quite jive with what people know about your lifestyle, they’ll just assume it’s fake.

The really interesting question comes when you think about diamond rings and interviews. If you have an absolutely huge diamond ring on your hand, should you take it off for interviews?  The obvious worry is that employers will take one look at the prospective employee and think, “She’s just biding her time until she gets pregnant or until she or her husband inherit the rest of the money.”  So I think it depends, a bit, both on where you’re interviewing (if it’s a government or nonprofit gig, you may want to take it off), where you are in your life (if you already have kids or are past your childbearing years, it becomes less of a concern), and who you are:  if you’re the slightest bit flighty, the ring is going to work against you.  For a lot of very young women just starting their careers, I probably would advise them to take a huge engagement ring off for an interview.

Readers, what do you think about ring size and the office — have you seen engagement rings that are just ridiculously huge for the office?  If you had a huge rock on your finger, would you remove it before you went in for interviews?  What factors play into the decision?

Reader S has a question about which wardrobe items become surprise basics for the working woman…

Would love to hear you and readers share which pieces have unexpectedly come into your regular wardrobe rotation. For example, I know that you’ve found purple pumps to be quite versatile. Now that many of us have found the classic basics, what are some pieces that you have found to be surprise basics?

Great question! Personally, I find that there is little way to predict what will be a favorite — it depends on how an item wears, what surprises it holds (how low does that neckline go if you lean forward?), and how it fits after you’ve laundered it at least once.  Still — there have been a few unexpected basics in my working wardrobe, including purple pumps, as reader S correctly points out.  (Pictured: Surprise, South Lambeth, SW8, originally uploaded to Flickr by Ewan-M.) Other things that might not be on every woman’s must-have list of items, but are items I’ve never regretted purchasing:

• Colored purses. I find that really any color of purse works perfectly with my style — I have white, black, yellow, blue, green, red, purple — even multi-colored bags.  I have found that I don’t carry brown bags as often, but that’s me.  Personally, I find colored purses to be more versatile than colored shoes — I’ve had some bad experiences with teal-colored shoes (my pale legs looked positively sick) and other lighter-colored shoes (hello, smudges and scrapes).  I wear my kelly green purse a surprising amount — it’s a fun, happy color that doesn’t make it into much else in my wardrobe.
• Olive-colored pants. I’ve always found this particular color of pants to be surprisingly versatile.  I wear them with black tops, gray tops, even purple tops.  A few years ago I even had a pair of olive green pants and an olive cardigan that matched almost perfectly, so I wore them together (with, I think, a purple tank beneath) — it’s more fun than wearing all-black, but not quite as matchy-matchy as wearing, say, all red or all gray.
• A good watch. Hey, no one wears watches anymore, right?  We have our cell-phones and our computers and Outlook alarms to tell us what to do, when.  Still:  next time you’re at a big networking lunch, take a look around — and you’ll be surprised by how many high-quality watches surround you on other wrists, of both men and women.  It makes a statement about personality (are you a Cartier or Rolex person?), and it also has a subconscious trigger that shows reliability and attention to detail.  It also has a slight “I’m a member of the club” effect, which can be useful when networking.  This shouldn’t be a splurge but, rather, a planned purchase.  (I “bought” my watch for my 30th birthday — but it took me a year and a half of researching and deciding before I actually plunked down my credit card.)
• A good set of pearls. Or even a good set of fake pearls.  But talk about surprisingly versatile — I wear mine to almost every big networking event like a conference, as well as to interviews.  Pearls are also great for “stodging” up a hip look — after all, they are white and basic and go with everything.  I’ve also used mine to “raise the neckline” of sometimes questionable tops — the bright white of pearls tends to bring the focus up to your face.  Mine are around 7.5MM or so, I think, and I prefer the slightly longer 18″ length (but 16″ is also classic).  Look for pearls that are as close to round and symmetrical as possible.

I think that’s about everything that might be a “surprise” basic for me — but I’ll keep thinking.  Meanwhile, things that have been disappointments include:

• some bags that I bought because I really, really wanted to own something from that designer — and not so much because I liked the bag itself.  I have a brown Bulga and a red Kate Spade that I never wear, and they make me sad.
• some “must-have” basics — the white blouse, for example.  I’m just not a person who wears white that often, plus I hate ironing.  Similarly, you have to know your own body — a boxy Chanel-type jacket is probably never going to look right on my hourglassy figure, and any pant with a tapered ankle just looks out of balance with my hips.

Readers, what are your surprise workwear basics? Which items surprised you by NOT being worn as much as you’d have thought?

This post is sponsored by Thomas Laine, but written by your usual friendly blogger, Kat Griffin.

I met the entrepreneur behind Thomas Laine — a woman named Eimear Thomas — a few months ago at a networking event, shortly before the jewelry site launched. I was interested, but it wasn’t until I attended a December trunk show that my interest really piqued. Looking through Eimear’s well-curated jewelry, I was struck by how interesting the pieces were, and how each one made a bit of a different statement. I’m excited to work with her on this post! (Oh, and do note that they offer free shipping (in really lux packaging) for the moment if you sign up for the newsletter.)

The first thing about the Thomas Laine collection that stood out were the bold, fun pieces, to be honest. Particularly for working women, where you may have about 5 minutes to “change” as you run from desk to dinner, jewelry can be a lifesaver.

A simple black sheath dress can go from ho-hum to za-zing when you have a bold necklace to change into for the evening. The multiple metals in this necklace (black, gunmetal, gold) make it a versatile piece, but the sparkly crystals add a lot to even the most simple of outfits.  It’s $855 at Thomas Laine. Erickson Beamon – Chain Gang Necklace

I’m generally against dangly earrings for the office, but after work — these are fabulous.  I love the art deco look to these (and the flattering coral color).  I’d “refresh” an office outfit of a black sweater, trousers, and simple earrings by switching into jeans and heels (and, fine, perhaps by removing a camisole or adding a push-up bra) and then pulling up my hair to make these earrings pop.  Perfect for a night out on the town.  These earrings are $119 at Thomas Laine. Kenneth Jay Lane – Silver and Black Coral Crystal Deco Earring

I attended a conference for fashion bloggers yesterday, and one of the things I noticed was that the “arm full of bracelets” trend is alive and well.  (Joan Rivers spoke around lunchtime, and, after being asked by an audience member how many bangles she had on, claimed “I just put on all of the ones that I could find this morning.”)  The look is fashionable and fun, particularly for after-work hours — I like the look of these 5 gemstone bangles from Kara by Kara Ross.  I particularly like that the gemstones are all different.  Was $295, now $206.50 at Thomas Laine. Kara by Kara Ross – Wave Gemstone Bangle

The other thing that struck me about the Thomas Laine collection was how many pieces were great for adding a bit of personality to your regular office wardrobe.  We all own the basic pieces — the blouses, the blazers, the sheath dresses — but jewelry is one of the primary ways to personalize your look.

For example, this necklace isn’t quite as blingy as the Erickson Beamon necklace above — but it leaves a fashionable impression.  Worn with a simple crewneck sweater or even a white button-down, it’s a rich look that translates well to the office.  This necklace is $588 at Thomas Laine. Janis Savitt – Rose Triple Strand Knot Necklace

I have one friend who always wears pearl button earrings (no matter what!) and I like the slightly different take that Gerald Yosca takes on them here.  They’re still ladylike and delicate, but the oxidized brass gives them a vintage look, while the crystal gives them just a hint of bling.  They’re $73.50 (were $105) at Thomas Laine.  Gerard Yosca – Pearl and Crystal Button earring

Like I said, I’m not a big fan of dangle earrings for the office — but hoops are the only possible exception to that because they’re fairly static, so they don’t distract when they move.  These gunmetal and crystal earrings strike me as a great way to add a bit of “edge” to your office look — I particularly love the way the crystals point in different directions, as well as the vintage look to them.  They’re $119 at Thomas Laine. Kenneth Jay Lane – Medium Gunmetal and Crystal Earring

Readers, what kind of statement pieces do you like to wear to the office? How do you determine whether a statement piece is “acceptable for the office” or “only for evenings”?

(L-13)

This post is sponsored by Gemvara, but written by Kat Griffin.

Jewelry plays a huge part in most women’s working wardrobes — pieces can add color, personality, and sometimes even a dose of class. I tend to believe that jewelry should come in two varieties for the office — a) the best gemstones and the best metals that you can afford, or b) statement jewelry that may be real/fake/even plastic. I was blown away by the huge selection that Gemvara has — for example, my birthday gemstone (garnet) is next to impossible to find anything but the most basic pieces in — yet Gemvara had over 17,000 garnet earrings, rings, and necklaces, and each piece is customizable in terms of gemstone, metal, and even earring backing — it’s very cool.

N.B.: Yes, Valentine’s day is around the corner, but do note:  Significant others are not necessary for nice jewelry!  In fact, one of my favorite pieces (a right-hand diamond ring) I bought myself — and I think it was on sale because it was Valentine’s Day! I was with my mother when I bought it and we kind of laughed and said, well, it’s a testament to being a strong, single woman.  The diamond ring above is not my ring, but it is gorgeous — decorative and interesting and absolutely not an engagement ring, which is just what you want in a right-hand diamond ring.  It was $2510, now $1490 at Gemvara:  Autumn Palace Ring. They also have a ton of sapphire rings and emerald rings — I’m dying over this “vine cluster” emerald ring at right (was $2206, now $1421).  Vine Cluster Ring

Stackable rings are another favorite.  First, a slender band is great for days I’m wearing a second larger piece (a necklace, a brooch) but still want to add some bling to my hand — second, they’re a lovely way to build your collection, because you can wear them by themselves or with other stackable rings.  If you definitely like the look of a thin, single band, you may even want to consider buying one that fits your pinky ring — if that’s the only ring you’re wearing on that hand it can be a delicate and fashionable statement. This garnet ring by Danielle Mershorer is lovely – I love the leaf motif.  Was $461, now $265 at Gemvara.  Stackable Leaf Ring

Gemvara has a wide variety of initial necklaces — and I’m loving these lowercase, gothic initial necklaces designed by Nick Blum, as well as the fact that you can customize which gemstone appears with them.  It’s a great idea for a newlywed who took her husband’s name (with a stone in the wedding colors), or a new mom (with her baby’s birthday gemstone).  This one was $482, but is now $264 at Gemvara.  Gothic “G” Initial Pendant With Gem

Simple earrings are a must for the office — you should never have huge earrings that distract from what you’re saying.  I like these teeny white gold hoop earrings — and I love that you can choose between four different kinds of backing.  They were $925, now $492 at Gemvara. 14K White Gold Earrings

Readers, what are some of your favorite gems? What are your favorite gemstone pieces?

As with my round-up of my favorite items from our TPS reports, I thought I’d round up my favorite accessory recommendations from 2010.  Readers, which are your favorites?  Any from the commenting threads?

(Each picture is from one month, and links back to the original post.)

The Saks sale is now up to 40% off, with new items added — and I’m liking this simple black necklace. I think it would be a great addition to a really colorful top — even a print — and think that it’s large and distinctive enough to make it a statement necklace. Lovely. Was $275, now $192 at Saks.com. Enamel Oval Necklace