MATCHING JEWELRY FOR A GOLD SATIN DRESS
Question

I am wearing a satin, gold evening gown, and would like to know what jewelry (accessories) that match.

Thanks, Alicia
Edcouch, TX

Answer

Hi Alicia!

Sparkling crystals, rhinestones and cubic zirconia's set in a silver setting is the ultimate way to go if your looking for radiance. View the image below! Numbers 1,2,3 and 4 are what we picked out at the best choices for this look.

Grey (gray) and black rhinestones will offer a better contrast and is a bit more daring but still will look great with gold satin. We suggest this look for younger gals. View numbers 7 and 8.

#7 Black Grey Chandelier Necklace- Port01213

#8 Grey and Black Crystal Tennis Bracelet- Port02109

Gold fashion jewelry may be an overkill if your wearing too many pieces (e.g. earrings, necklaces and bracelets combined). If you prefer gold, we suggest sporting a just one killer gold cocktail ring or with stacked gold bangles and bracelets. Another option as seen on Jessica Alba are dazzling burninshed gold earrings. View number 4,5 and 6 in the image below. 

#4 Dappled CZ Rings in White or Gold- Port00537
#5 Creme and Gold Hinged Enamel Bangle- Port00843
#6 Lucid Topaz or Clear Dangle Earrings- Port00963 (Seen in Glamour Mag!)

MATCHING JEWELRY FOR A BLACK LACE DRESS
Question

Hi Portia:  I am wearing a sleeveless, black lace dress which has a white fabric showing through the lace. The dress is Suzie Chin for Maggie design bought at Nordstroms.  It has an empire style waist and the material is stretchy.  It has  deep V in front and back.  I don't know what accessories to wear. I have black paten leather with an open toe.  Can I wear a different color.  Also what type of jewelry should I look for.  Thank you.

Toni,
Paoli, PA

Answer

Hi Toni!

You should definitely look at this dress as a blank canvas because you can certainly add any color to it. If you're wearing this dress for a daytime affair, locate jewelry that's light in color. We love chunky accessories but with lace, opt for something light in style as well. If this dress is for an evening affair certainly go for a strong pop in color. Fuchsia, purple or red would really stand out nicely. You mentioned that you have a pair of black patent open-toes to go with this dress. We suggest finding a clutch to match your jewelry but, you really don't have to match your jewelry with anything else. Below are some suggestions and the links to these suggestions are below!

Here are some links for the jewelry:
Fuchsia and Purple Cubed Ring
Fuchsia and Purple Cubed Dangle Earrings
Burnished Love Knot Pearl Drop Earrings
Fiery Gem Cocktail Ring

Black Bow Handle Clutch
Red Crystal Bow Stud Earrings
Lavender Caged Dangle Earrings
Lilac Chiffon & Swarovski Crystal Necklace

Locate all Portia Jewelry by Color!

Hope this has helped! <3 Isabel

STRENGTH OF CHAIN STYLES

Question

Which is stronger a rope chain or concave curb chain?

Tommy,
Orange, TX

Answer

Hi Tommy,

Both chains are strong depending on the width of the chain. The wider these chains are the stronger. BUT...if we had to pick one of these chains, we would have to go with a rope chain. The links of a rope chain are tighter than the curb which makes it less susceptible to opening if it were to get snagged on fabric, per say. Hope this has helped!

MATCHING ACCESSORIES FOR A GREY SEQUIN DRESS

Question

I am wearing this dress (Below) to a wedding in Atlanta in May, but I have no clue what shoes to wear. (The sash seems to be more gray in person). Thanks.

Amanda,
New Orleans, LA

Answer

Hi Amanda,
Even though this dress has tons of stunning sequins you can still treat it as a neutral, since all the sequins and the sash blend together in shades of grey. Adding some color for contrast wouldn't be a bad idea. Sure you can go with a black or grey shoe or sandal in satin or sequins/stones but to give this dress a real eye-catching look use a shoe you wouldn't normally think goes with this dress. I'd suggest leather, in a rich camel brown or burgundy. (Check out style #1 and #2 below!)
 
Some more colors I can see looking really pretty with this dress are rich peach and lavender (Check out style #3 and #4)

And if color isn't your thing, the safest suggestion I can make is a dark matte silver/rich grey leather. I would avoid satin or stones for this dress.

BUT WAIT! You still need to tie in the look, especially if you're adding color. We hate matching shoes with clutches, it's old and boring! We love matching shoes with accessories! Finding that perfect accessory whether it be necklaces, earrings, bracelets or rings, that have a hint of that pop of color ties a look together effortlessly. The neckline is stunning and I wouldn't take away from that with a necklace. Earrings, a bracelet or a standout cocktail ring would complete the look by matching them to your shoes. Keep the clutch neutral to blend in with the dress. Please view the looks below!


Photos courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Here are some links for the jewelry:
Burgundy Cabochon Cocktail Ring
Brown or Manderin Crystal Enamel Bangles
Citrine and Clear Teardrop CZ Earrings in Silver
Cabochon Ruby in White Cocktail Ring

Hope this has helped! - Isabel

VINTAGE WATCH HALLMARKS

Question

I have a vintage watch about year 1930 with the letters PL at the bottom, What does that stand for?

Leslie,

St Louis, MO

Response

Hi Leslie,

Since we aren't antique experts we did some research and found a few possibilities for you! There was a silversmith from Canada around 1819-1882 by the name of Pierre Lesperance who used the hallmark PL along with a symbol of an English pseudo- duty mark (the side profile of an English looking man with white hair). Two other silversmiths used the PL stamp and their names are Peter Lambert and Patrick Leonard. Did they make watches? We aren't certain of this. The PL may also stand for platinum, although the marks normally are shown with the percentage used with alloy. So, if it were platinum it would read pt1000 or 1000pt, pt950 or 950pt etc. The use of platinum for non-military goods was banned during World War II. I wish we had more of a definitive answer for you! I'd say the best thing to do is find an antique watch dealer. Thanks for writing to us! I believe we learned a few new things researching this for you! =) - Isabel

ACCESSORIES FOR A CORAL COLORED GOWN

Question

Hi Portia Jewelry,

I'm wearing a beautiful long satin dress in a really nice coral color. It's a light coral, though almost like salmon. It's in need of jewelry though because it is a bit pale. What would you suggest for accessories?

Thanks,

Karen,

Welch, OK

Response

Isabel- Hi Karen! I would love to know what type of event it is that you're attending. Since you say long and satin, I'll assume this dress is for an evening affair (wedding maybe?) If it is for a formal event, I would suggest leaving the look pale. Wear clear and sparkling jewelry set in either silver or gold. A light gold metallic or light silver metallic heeled sandal and a shiny camel or burgundy tone clutch evening bag to finish the look.

If you need to "dress-down" the dress, try an amethyst pendant in a pewter or burnished gold finish or a purple beaded necklace with neutral accessories (camel, brown). Hope this was helpful.send us a photo when your all dressed up! Would love to see what you chose. (Make sure to click on the links to get a better idea of what I'm describing)   

SHOPPING AT JURY DUTY

Question

Hey Portia!

I just found your website from Glamours website. I don't have a question. I'm just bored out of my mind because I'm serving jury duty or actually waiting to be called for the last 5 hours! (I'm on my laptop) I love your stuff! So much fun!

Losing my Mind,

New York, NY

Response 

Hey "Losing my Mind"! Normally we wouldn't post this (no real question- no real comment), but I do feel your pain! I was called for jury duty last month. I remember sitting there thinking "someone has messed up and now we're sitting here and dealing with it" =/. Well, I served in New York as well, and was grateful to hear that I wouldn't be called for 8 years!!!

THE LATEST FASHION IN ANY TOWN

Question

Hey Guys!

I just wanted to say that it's really great to be able to access all this cool stuff at these great prices. I know I'm supposed to send questions but I think you should like these kinds of messages as well! I live in a real "country town" in N.D. So it's not easy finding the latest fashion around this part of town. Just sending my appreciation!

Melissa,

Farmieeee, North Dakota

Response

Hey Melissa! This message is awesome! Thank you for taking the time to write us! It is definitely appreciated! - Michael