Commencement Couture

Congratulations! You made it! Graduation is a time of commencement and looking forward to your future. For such a big day, you want to make sure you will look amazing in all of those photos that are going to be taken. There are a few things to keep in mind on your special day!

If you are wearing white as your graduation dress, this gives you tons of opportunity to accessorize. Make a statement with a bold piece of jewelry or by wearing a bright pair of shoes! Try any of our pieces of Sweetie Pie or Sylvia Benson jewelry. A chunky necklace is the perfect pieces if you have a V'd or scooped neckline. If the necking is higher, opt for dangley earrings and a cocktail ring. Also good with a higher neckline is a longer necklace with a charm or design.

If you go with a busy printed dress, take it easy on the jewelry. Go with only one larger piece, if any. Stick to delicate and feminine pieces in order to avoid over powering the dress itself. The same goes for shoes. Basic is best when you have a lot going on within the dress itself. Choose one color out of the dress and stick with that solid color with shoes. A nude pump, wedge or sandal is a summer staple that will most likely work with any outfit!

Anna & Alice carries all of your favorite brands and many different style. From a white lace dress to a printed faux wrap Parker dress, we are your one stop graduation stop! Stock up on jewelry that is sure to make a statement! Happy graduation weekend! Celebrate, you deserve it!

Sparkle in Syliva Benson

Have the perfect outfit, but aren't sure of what jewelry to wear? Sylvia Benson's designs are sure to catch your eye! From bamboo bracelets to coral earrings, she carries an array of styles that exemplify creative art work. You will see many stylish girls wearing the basket-weave earrings around Raleigh. They are the ideal piece that can be dressed up or down and paired with almost any outfit. There is so much more to Sylvia Benson than that though! You can find eclectic pendents or bright necklaces.

You can make a great impression by wearing the right piece of jewelry. Regardless of the occasion, you can choose the right piece to make you stand out! I think of jewelry as the finish to an outfit. A rule of thumb is that a woman should wear the jewelry, it shouldn't wear her. Here are a few tips! Big and bold is fabulous, but it can be considered overboard at times. If you're going to wear large bangles or necklaces, don't wear delicate jewelry also. Try to stick to a solid color, simple clothes rather that frills or prints. Big, bold jewelry should be the focal point of your outfit. Mix metals, but not styles. It's okay to wear gold and silver jewelry together, but keep to the same style. Make sure to wear the right length. A necklace that falls just below the collarbone  goes better with a plunging neckline than a high one. A necklace that falls below the bust, goes with a high neckline. 

Our collection of Sylvia Benson jewelry has everything from brights to whites, gold, silver and everything in between. Whether you are looking for a classic gold hoop or a bright turquoise statement necklace, accessorizing is a must! 

Wow in One Shoulder

The one shoulder trend is one of the most popular this season and it looks like it's here to stay! This sophisticated and chic look is one that can take you easily from day to night. It can be a casual white one shoulder top with jeans or a ruffle one shoulder on a cocktail dress. This asymmetrical style is able to showcase the upper body while still creating the perfect backdrop for statement jewelry such as large earrings. The one shoulder is flattering on almost all body types because you still have the ability to play around with color, weight, and embellishments. Obviously, the more that goes on the sleeve, the dressier it becomes.

If you are larger in the middle, stick with the one shoulder top. You can choose something that is flowly through the middle and go with a stand out color! If you aren't comfortable with your arms, go with the flutter sleeve. It will help avoid any unwanted attention to that area. If you want to draw attention upward, go with ruffles or a busy sleeve. A one shoulder is known to highlight areas such as your collarbone, neck, shoulders and face. The one shoulder dress has become popular cocktail attire as well! A one shoulder LBD is always a great addition to your closet!

We are loving all of the styles we have rolling in at Anna & Alice! Feel flirty in our one shoulder kimono or stay polished in our Jay Godfrey magenta one shoulder! Stay one shoulder wonderful!

The Seasonal Scarf

Gone are the days of wrapping up in an over-sized cozy scarf. Say hello to the spring/summer scarf! As we transition into the warmer spring weather, it is the perfect time to break out a lightweight scarf for chilly mornings and sunny afternoons! We are carrying scarves in every color! Some with fringe, a little sparkle, or wild prints! This adornment can add some "umph" to any outfit!

The warmer the weather, go with a lighter fabric. Linen is always a good and cool choice. Pick a solid color to represent your favorite team! If you're looking for a way to dress up a white shirt or tank, go bold with stand out prints and fringe. The ombre scarf is becoming more and more popular and are available in many different colors. Dress things up by adding a touch of metallic. When wearing a scarf, don't over-do the look by adding large earrings. Stick with a bright stud or simple hoops.

Tying a scarf is an art in itself! There is the infinity style, where you drape the scarf around your neck and bring the ends back up and tuck them in to create the look of one connected piece of fabric. Place the scarf on your neck with the ends on your back and bring them back around and let them hang. You can always simply knot the scarf in the front or drape it on your shoulders without doing anything to it for a more relaxed look.  Stop in the store to try on your best scarf look!