Ever been stunned into staring at someone's jewelry?  

Not even sure who it is, we see a necklace enter the room.  Guests are straining to get a better look,  trying not to be rudely obvious.  

"Who is that person attached to the honker of a necklace," they question.

Unfortunately, that seems to be happening a lot lately.  Designers have gone a little crazy trying to create the coolest statement jewelry pieces in town and we women are buying them!  And to add fuel to the fire, some store catalog and fashion magazine stylists think if one gigantic necklace is good, then layering two or three together is better!  Why?  Because "statement jewelry" is all the rage, right?  Well, yes, big chunky jewelry is certainly a successful trend, there's no denying that fact.  However, there are such things as good taste and moderation when it comes to jewelry; maybe not on the runways of Paris and Milan, but certainly in real life as seen on the sidewalks of New York, Chicago and even here in La Grange!  

So, how much is too much?

Coco Chanel said, "Fashion is architecture."  It took me a long time to appreciate that quote, but now I understand what she meant.  In my work as a wardrobe consultant and stylist, I have seen a multitude of clients for whom jewelry is important and very personal.  Tastes and preferences are all over the map.  The one thing that has become perfectly clear, however, is the fact that they rarely take into account the proportion [of their jewelry pieces] as it relates to their bodies!  

Case in point: my client, let's call her Kate, bought a new dress for a wedding and she wanted a  special necklace to wear with it.  Now, please keep in mind that Kate is very petite in stature and the big chunky necklaces of the moment could be overwhelming on her frame.  In addition, she is rather well endowed, which also makes a big difference in the look and length of her jewelry!  Kate told me she just loved the bold and beautiful "statement" necklaces she saw in the magazines and wanted to buy one along the same lines.  

I was dubious at best.  But, as it turned out, she found a beautiful, unique necklace right here in La Grange at a lovely little boutique on La Grange Road called Veni Vidi Val.  It was the perfect length resting just below the collar bone and forming a V-shape at the neckline—very flattering for someone who is well endowed!  

But, here's the best thing!  The stones were indeed big and chunky, but they were clear lucite stones and thus they were subtle, and not at all overwhelming on her petite frame.  It worked!  With her silver grey dress, the overall  look was cool and very chic.  Kate became an ethereal ice queen in that ensemble.  The architecture was perfect.

Here's the lesson in that little story . . .  Smaller jewelry pieces for a smaller, shorter frame; bigger, more prominent pieces for a larger, taller frame.  But always in moderation.  Always.  We do not want our jewelry entering the room before we do!