Do you think outside the box? Have you ever been shopping for an item but didn’t think that item was for you?  Why not try it on and see how it looks?  Many times I think something is not “me” but when I see it on me- I might change my mind.  How about encouraging your jewelry party guests to try something on they normally would not pick up? I have seen many times at parties that people are shy about touching and feeling the jewelry. Once it is in their hands and they actually try it on they become attachedto the piece plus their friends are there to encourage them as to how great it looks.

You know what you like but do you always know what you need? How many times have you gone to a store and thought about how much you liked something but was not really sure if it went with anything you already own? Most of us want to purchase accessories that will compliment items that they already own in their closet. Why not make a list of your 10 favorite items and see what you think would be a great addition to these items. This way you have a specific idea of what you are looking for and are not just impulse shopping. Why not encourage your guest at your Sydney Andrews jewelry parties to come with a list of their top 10 items so that they know what they need to fill in with in their wardrobe? How many times has a guest waivered on an item to go home and check her closet. Be proactive and offer a small reward to those that bring their lists.

I love this tip because it’s so true- Choose one and only one body part and show it off. Looking sexy involves knowing what to bare- and what to keep underwraps. I hear this being quoted all the time on “The Fashion Police” (yes, I admit, my guilty pleasure!)One focal point is all you need to succeed. When you have too many accessories or exposed body parts you loose the focus. Some women love to show off their neck/cleavage while others like to expose their backs or midriffs. Take advantage of this and accent it with an accessory. I love it when the stars have a simple draping neckline and add a beautiful statement piece of jewelry to go along with it. No, we can’t all borrow from Cartier but think about how you can integrate this into your wardrobe.

By Jill Pfefer

Have you ever thought of thinking outside the box? Why not use your rings as a hair accessory? Since all of the Sydney Andrews rings are elastic and flexible- they make great ponytail holders too! I put a very thin hair tie underneath and only grabbed a small amount of hair. I then placed the ring ontop to cover the hair tie. I think they look pretty cool- what do you think?

I fell in love with this wrap. I liked the design and I especially like the colors in it. All my neutral colors wrapped into one accessory. My mind was swimming as to how many ways I could wear it and how many things I could wear it with. Of course, the jewelry is first to my mind for me. How many times in the past have I bought my outfits to go with the collection.

Here are some examples of outfits and accessories I thought would look good with just this one wrap and with Trixie! Here I have a chocolate brown long sleeve t-shirt, the Oh Bee-Have necklace and the wrap is tied like a scarf. The browns and the golds are picked up in the wrap and both accessories make the outfit look complete. This would look great with jeans and a pair of brown boots!

This is a black long t-shirt with the Stirred Not Shaken necklace and the scarf with the tie in the front. This looks great with a jacket or just plain as is. Again this is a great casual look and will keep you warm.

I have seen a ton of sleeveless tops for this Fall season. I loved the neckline and texture on this top. It is a little fancier and looks great with the It’s Just Black and White Necklace. I like the necklace with this top because it is not exactly the same colors but it all gets tied in with the colors in the wrap. Tie it around the waist to accentuate the waistline and show off your neckline.

This is my favorite look for the wrap. Drape it around your shoulders and it has a long flowing effect. I love the way it looks with the French Silk necklace- same colors but different shapes makes them compliment each other.

What are some of the ways you have taken one accessory and used it in your wardrobe multiple times?

I fell in love with this  new store called Hot Mama-their website is www.shopmama.com. It’s a great small chain of stores geared towards helping women accessorize and feel good about themselves.  I love the assistance they give and helpful ideas to arranging outfits.  I like that they had me try on things that I never thought would look good on me- nice try with the skinny jeans but at least I tried. I really thought that this way of approaching customers with an educational angle was the way to go.  I did not feel like I was forced to buy something, I felt like they were taking the time to explain what looked good on me and how I could use these changeable pieces to enhance my wardrobe.

I think this is a great example of how you can apply education to your home party business. At your next party bring a few t-shirts, sweaters and jackets and show how one necklace can be worn in different fashions. Sydney Andrews has many pieces that are colorful and can look completely different with many outfits.  Demonstrate this with your creativity some people can’t see outside the box unless you show them.

How about on your next party invitation- invite your guests to bring one outfit that they struggle to accessorize. See what people come up with and challenge yourself and your guests to come up with creative ideas with your collection of jewelry. I think people value your opinion and if you offer something beyond the product they will recognize the value.

I would love to see and hear your ideas about how you educate your customers.

by Jill Pfefer

We all know that it is easier to maintain a current customer than to go out and find new ones. Here’s a great tip for thanking your customers and gently reminding them about you and your business.

One week after your party send a card to each guest who did not book a party that night. Send a simple postcard that says…

Dear_______,
Thank you so much for attending _________’s party. I enjoyed meeting you and appreciate your business. If you would like to have a party or a virtual party, you can earn free merchandise. Also, feel free to contact me if you would like to place another order.
Thanks again,
_________
phone #
P.S. ________ earned $_______ in free merchandise and you can too!

I am sure this is information that you already shared at your show but it never hurts to reiterate the generous opportunity your guests can take advantage of.

Have you tried something like this before? If so, please share your success!

When choosing a perfect necklace to finish off your outfit you should consider your neckline.  Here are a few examples of how you can accessorize and compliment your look. I used our manequin Trixie to demonstrate a few pieces.

This choker necklace mimics the roundness of the blouse.  The reds and oranges are accents colors that repeat in the blouse.  Although it is not an exact match the two pieces are similar in feel and compliment each other.

O.K.I admit it, I bought this dress specifically because I knew I had the perfect necklace for it!  The neckline is a V neck which looks great with a dramatic centerpiece such as the French Silk necklace. Both of these pieces have color and texture and work well together.

This necklace Knotty can be worn with many different necklines. I like it with this layered look.  A simple top underneath a vest or a jacket and the long necklace brings you eyes down to a lower focal point. It give you the long and lean look. This necklace would also look great with a cami, a button down blouse or even over a turtleneck.

I’d love to hear your suggestions on how you wear your favorite necklaces with certain necklines.

By Jill Pfefer

I have been asked many times about my thoughts on “Matchy-Matchy.” Matchy- Matchy means wearing the same coordinates together such as the same necklace, bracelet, earrings and/or ring together. Well, I guess I would have to say it depends on your customer.

Yes to “Matchy-Matchy” if your customer

- is very tailored and all pieces of clothing are very similar

- does not mix and match gold and silver

- dresses conservatively

No to “Matchy Matchy” if your customer

- Dresses contemporary

- is confident in making a statement

- likes to think “outside the box”

- daring to be bold and individualistic

Personally, I tend to not be “matchy matchy” I feel more confident when I can accent my style with different trends and looks. I like to make my own fashion statement. I coordinate my pieces of clothing and jewelry but not do not necessarily wear all the same pieces at once. Have fun and put together different textures, metals and colors. Experiment and feel good with how you present yourself. What trends are you comfortable with?