Okay, so we'll admit that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is beautiful no matter what jewelry she wears – in fact she could probably hang a pair of old sneakers around her neck and still look great – but we believe that's because she knows how to make those tennis treads look their best, and not the other way around. The following four tips will help you make the most of your jewelry too.
1. One Hairstyle Per Night
Have you ever seen Eva unclip a gorgeous updo mid-red carpet? Or sweep her locks into a ponytail halfway through a Spurs game? Neither have we. Nor do we expect to anytime soon, due to a fact that the rest of us fidgety, hairband-toting ladies seem to have forgotten: If you choose a hairstyle before you leave the house, not only will your hair-free hands display confidence and allow you to hold your cocktail (and his), you will have had the advantage of choosing jewelry for that hairstyle in front of a mirror. While we're at it, we're going to suggest that when your hair is down, feel free to wear something a bit shinier and showier, so that it is not lost underneath the tresses. On the other hand, err on the subtler side when your ears and neckline are exposed. Too much bling will take away from the real gem (you).
2. Big Should Be Beautiful
Eva's defined cheekbones and oval face combine to create negative space along her chinbone where big hoops and long dangles hang. In this case, bigger earrings give length to her face (where smaller ones have the opposite effect), but there is a risk in that any bigger piece of jewelry draws a lot of attention. So we suggest that, much like our favorite actress, you don't just throw any old pair of earrings in before you leave the house. The earrings Eva chooses are always confident, graceful and of earthy stones like chalcedony and citrine…qualities that many would also attribute to Eva herself. This combination of accessories complements, not overwhelms, the face it hangs from.
3. Simple Should Be Striking
Recently, Eva was photographed with a large Green Quartz and layered gold pendant necklace. Pendant necklaces offer an opportunity for personalization that other designs don't because gemstones come in all sizes, shapes and colors. So if green makes your skin look wan, choose amethyst or topaz instead. If you prefer a stand alone gold chain, go for it. The point is not to copy Eva exactly, but to embrace the elements that make her jewelry work – the beauty of a single, visible stone, enhanced but not outdone by a delicate chain, will only be upstaged by your own radiant face.
4. Personalize the Engagement Ring
Honestly, we doubt that many of our readers are about to receive a ring made of 148 diamonds, or for that matter, marry an NBA star. But we do think you should feel like a celebrity during your engagement, and Eva has shown us that the trick is to make the ring as personal as Tony did. Eva's darker skin tone cries out for diamonds, so it makes sense that her ring would carry so many. Another option is to select a whiter metal, like sterling silver or platinum, for a band that will stand out on her finger. If your skin is already pale enough, flank the diamond with a couple of small, colorful gemstones and a gold band. This will make the diamond pop, no matter its size.
In true Hollywood style, Tony went overboard by engraving a message (in his own handwriting!) inside the shank of the ring. We like a comparable, but less pricey italicized inscription on the inside of the band. Think of it as a private message that your finger can read day after day.
Sarah Stevens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique, featuring customizable jewelry handmade by San Francisco Bay Area artisans. Dasha Boutique designs are seen regularly in fashion media including Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide, Brides, Glamour and Bazaar. Visit www.DashaBoutique.com today to shop handmade designs that can be customized to specific stone, metal and size preferences. Orders ship in 2-3 business days.
