Funk factor over 40 - accessories

[aarghhelp]

I have been reading this board with some interest and trying to re-vamp my wardrobe.

At the moment I am considering accessories.

Some one suggested on another thread that over 40 jackets and jewellery or necklaces were key to one's look.

I have been pregnant on and off for about 3 years now, have lost weight and appear to have stablised around size 16.

I haven't been wearing much jewellery - not bothered, too busy with little one etc.

I have a professional job, and have decided I want to avoid suits for everyday, but will wear smart separates in natural fabrics with a smart jacket. I want to look approachable rather than like a business woman.

When I was younger - 20s - I would wear stuff like Red or Dead shoes with my work clothes, to add a bit of quirkiness. I loved finding accessories that were a bit funky or punky.

It has occurred to me now that investing in some erm "statement" jewellery might be a way to help my look along.

What do people think of Boden's chunky pieces? When I first saw them, I wasn't too impressed, but I am thinking now that I can see how they might work. This for example.

Also, re colours, I don't normally buy clothes in orange, lime or yellow, as I think they don't suit me. However, I am wondering whether having those colours present in beads would pep up an outfit a bit.

Have looked in local Jaeger shop and on line, but I don't want to do the strands of pearls thing. Looked in Accessorise but it's a bit too flimsy and girly, I think.

Or would a cuff be a reasonable alternative to a necklace?

[SilentBob]

I don't like the necklace, sorry, but I do like statement pieces as a rule (Actually, I don't like Boden but if I admit to it openly I may fear for my MN life!)

I love wearing coloured shoes and have lots and lots. I also love statement jewellery but refuse to pay a lot for it, so haunt local supermarkets etc. for it- Asda is good I find- or Dorothy Perkins. Rings are my thing at the moment, but I do love cuffs too. And I don't think it matters how old we are, either- embrace the statement pieces and bugger anyone who isn't as stylish as us!

[deaddei]

I like the Boden necklaces, but think they're a bit pricy. I am in my (late ) 40s and like you was a bit "edgy" in my long ago youth. I think a bold necklace, earings or bracelet (not all 3 together) will look fab. I'm a size 14/16 and "big" jewellery suits us.
I agree that Monsoon is a bit girly- have you looked in Wallis or Phase 8? House of Fraser had some good chunky necklaces.

[aarghhelp]

I have seen stuff like those big circles of shell in supermarkets - I don't have an problem with buying stuff that is cheap! I would be impressed if Asda say ws doing stuff that would fit the bill!

[SilentBob]

My local store have just restocked this week and there are tonnes of lovely statement necklaces, bracelets etc. for a couple of quid! Tesco too. Three of my favourite rings came from Asda and Tesco in fact- 1 is a huge pink stone, 1 is plain "silver" and 1 a big purple and "gold" flower- none more than £3 each!

[deaddei]

Silentbob- I too am not a Boden girl...it just doesn't fit me! I do like some things, but I never wear dresses or skirts, and the trousers aren't long enough. I think some of the prints are grotesque, and Jonny's twee catalogue speak makes me squirm.
Glad there's someone else like me!
Superdrug has some fab big bracelets at the moment...
And ladies, where do you shop for the funk factor generally when you're over 40- or is that a whole new thread?

[aarghhelp]

It could be a new thread!

I suppose it depends on what you mean by funk, by many people's definition I'm sure I'm not very funky.

Stuff I have bought recently is very mainstream - by which I mean some separates from Boden, jacket from Hobbs, trousers from Jaeger. The funkiest thing is a beautiful T shirt - from TKMaxx - with trees in gold on it.

I do do the summer dress with leggings thing too. And I have an ancient denim biker style jacket from Gap that I would like to think funks up my look a bit.

I would like to grow into my look - and my changing shape after having a baby - by putting stuff together in a way that looks reasonably current with being daft, if you know what I mean.

[aarghhelp]

Oh and also, belts. I need to get new ones, but not sure which or what sort. Animal print? Metallic? Or have I spent too long looking at the Boden site?

[aarghhelp]

Hello again. Any thoughts on belts, anyone? (hopeful).

Am wondering where would be a good place to go for animal print...

[LaurieFairyCake]

have a look on www.reddirect.co.uk and www.piajewellery.co.uk for nice bigger pieces.

I am 37 and I wear a lot of jewellery.

[deaddei]

Laurie- you are very naughty- I have just had to order the pia catalogue after seeing your link! What fab bags...I too have had some lovely stuff from Reddirect.
I bought a Kipling bag today, which is just what I've been looking for- a lovely dark grey, which will be great for work (and play).

[echt]

Before anyone suggests it, may I say that scarves (indoor, floaty), as recommended for older ladies are shite, and ageing. If you don't believe me about this, just look at phots of ladies in feature articles, in their scarves, heads tilted winsomely, with their hands near their faces. Eeew.

I am an older lady and only wear a scarf if it's cold.

On the other hand, statement jewellery is fab.
I still get congratulated on ropes of cheap necklaces from Primark, here in Oz, where they know no better.
I'm still prim in other ways, though; I never wear a brooch AND a necklace for work, but will totter out like a bedizened old tart for more glamorous occasions.

[echt]

I mean "photos".

[aarghhelp]

I don't know about ageing, but floaty scarves don't work for me. They end up looking crumpled and getting in the way.

I have found some chunky jewellery that I like though, in Artigiano's half price sale. It is on a thick gold chain that looks as though it would be very difficult for DS to pull apart, which is another advantage. (The last time I wore a necklace, he tore it off my neck inadvertently).

I had a look in M and S and I have also seen some rather decent chunky pieces in there.