Mitch and I bought a house this summer, and I guess you could say the move in process didn’t go like we expected. 

Between the hot water heater tripping out, the A/C malfunctioning in our bedroom (in the thick of a Texas summer, mind you), and a trash panda making itself at home in our attic, we didn’t sleep in our house right away.

My in-law’s graciously let us stay with them until the hot water heater was replaced (hello, warm showers and dishwasher that actually sanitizes dusty dishes!). It was so kind of them. And it also meant I had to pack a quick bag—and quick. I’d already hauled all my clothes to our house.

I hurriedly threw jeans and tops into a bag to get me through a couple days, but there was one category I didn’t include in this outfit-planning sprint: accessories. 

Not to be dramatic, but as I went through my week wearing the basic pieces I had pulled together, I realized very quickly that I don’t think I could live without accessories. 

I learned that while having great staple pieces is important, it’s truly the accessories that make getting dressed a creative, joyful practice. The shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, and scarves set each look apart and transform one dress into four different looks. They make everyday life fun and any outfit pop. 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an accessories girl (see photo below a la my A Rose and Her Clothes days). Similarly to my love for writing, it was never a question or decision. It just was. 

Something about adding a colorful scarf or the perfect pair of sunglasses to an outfit sparks a deep joy in my spirit. A bracelet stack, pair of bouncy earrings, or unexpected purse—more, please! Even at 13 I questioned Coco Chanel’s philosophy of taking at least one thing off before walking out the door. Audacious, right?!

There’s not much more left to say other than… I simply love accessories. They’re the lifeblood of my passion for fashion. And other than styling what I’ve already got, there’s nothing more I love than building a wishlist. Which is what I’ve dropped below for you (and for me). 🙂

What are your favorite accessories? What are the pieces you find yourself reaching for every day? Drop a comment and keep the conversation going! xo

Rainbow bead necklace / Go Sports hat / Gold earrings / Monogram necklace / Tortoise sunglasses / Silk scarves / Neutral bangles / Cowhide belt

13-year-old AR sure loved her accessories… the heart wants what the heart wants, as they say! Part of me can’t believe I’m sharing this with you… but the other part is like, I couldn’t not share this fashion-loving part of my youth with you, ha!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

P.S. Check out Making My Leather Jacket Casual Again, A Love Letter to Jackets, and What’s In My Makeup Bag Right Now