After driving a 2002 model Lexus sedan for over a decade, I finally got a“new-ish” car…a 2015 Nissan Murano. Compared to my old car, this one definitely came with all the bells and whistles! In fashion these extra features are referred to as enhancements and trim….my favorites are bows, pom-poms, and tassels. Any way you look at it, these trims and enhancements are the “bells and whistles” that make the outfit!
Bows can be found on everything from shoes to earrings. Kate Spade and Ted Baker design brands are both known for their signature bows. We are loving Kate Spade’s bow watch and think her navy and white striped bow clutch is ideal for print mixing. Ted Baker’s bow jelly sandals in pink and black will look adorable poolside, and his pastel cross-body bow bags are perfect for Sunday brunch.
Please know, we’ve got your back when it comes to ties and bows. For girls with long hair, a scarf tied ponytail is a fun summer 
accessory. One of my Pinterest board favorites is a light tan sweater with a row of three bows in the back. A white blouse with a scarf looped through holes in the back gives a classic look to a spring/summer top. See…we really do have your back!
My favorite bow embellished accessory is a cute pair of shoes. I’m loving a pair of black kitten heels with a tulle bow. Show me a pair of Jeffrey Campbell gingham slides with a bow, and I’ll show you the cutest pair of shoes…ever! A “bells & whistles” purchase I recently made is a pair of Zara plaid sling-backs with a bow on the heel….the perfect transition shoe from spring to summer!
When I think of the ultimate in “bells and whistles”….pom-poms come to mind. Are you planning to have fun in the sun this summer? Good for you! A wicker bag trimmed with colorful pom-poms has summer fun written all over it! And though these make adorable pool and beach bags, please do not put limitations on them. Think about taking your fun bag out to lunch, or to the farmer’s market, on a shopping spree, out to dinner, and the list goes on and on!
So what screams summer and shines happy? We think it’s a pair of white pom-pom crop pants, a striped yellow shirt tied at the waist, platform wedge sandals and a round wicker bag. One of my favorite bloggers gives her white summer dress a dose of “happy” with bright pink pom-pom earrings and a wicker bag embellished with a slew of colorful pom-poms. And want to know what screams happy to me? A pair of black pom-pom trimmed culottes paired with black espadrilles!
Yay….tassels are on-trend again this summer! We adore summer shoes enhanced with tassels and think a pair of blue espadrilles with tassels are great for any occasion. Anthropology never seems to miss a trendy beat….point proven with their red tassel/pom-pom sandals. If you need a dressy pair of heels, you can’t miss with all the choices from Shopbop. These lovelies can be dressed up or down…you get to decide!
Show me a dress or skirt enhanced with tassels, and I’ll show you a whole lot of sassy! We are loving a blue embroidered dress with tassels from Chic Wish…so cute and great prices! Classy in the City blogger shows us a bright blue dress with a red tassel hem…perfect for any summer soiree’.
Jewelry trimmed with tassels is on our most popular list! There are two pairs of tassel earrings on our Pinterest board that will enhance any outfit. For an elegant look, you can never go wrong with a black tassel earrings from Oscar De La Renta. The cute rainbow tassel earrings trimmed in black from Anthropology would be the perfect complement to a black and white summer outfit.
Hmmm….it looks like all the “bells and whistles” really do make the car….Oops, I mean the outfit!!!
Lastly, we cannot end this week’s post without mentioning how sad we are with the news of Kate Spade’s death. Almost every WWHW post credits something brilliant Kate created. Her inconic style has been so joyful in all that we wear and gifts we give. Kate’s inspiration added color and beauty to our world. We are deeply sorry she did not feel these gifts within herself. If you are hurting and feel there are no options, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 available 24 hours everyday. Your life does matter. Someone does care.
Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation. Contact Holley at [email protected]. Be sure to check out Holley’s updated Pinterest board here.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
Nicely done Holley!! Johnnie
Thank you Johnnie. Melissa always does a fabulous job with the layout and her tribute to Kate Spade was beautiful.