A great piece of jewelry can put a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and pump up your outfit a notch or two. So when I heard about a project about beloved jewelry pieces by Invaluable, an online auction marketplace with a huge selection of jewelry,  I knew I wanted to share the necklace that gives me the ultimate confidence boost anytime I put it on.

This incredible piece is made of painted wood and metal and was given to me by my mother on my 18th birthday. She had picked it up more than a decade earlier at a craft fair from a vendor selling handmade jewelry from Ghana. Since it is a statement piece, it is often commented on and I love being able to share what I know about its origins. With vintage or unusual jewelry, just knowing that the piece has its own history (even if you don't know the specifics) can make it feel that much more interesting. Plus, idle speculation about a piece's past or the creator's inspiration can make for fantastic cocktail party conversation!

Why is this piece such a confidence booster for me? First of all, in order for the necklace to lie flat, I have to stand up straight, keep my shoulders back, and generally exercise impeccable posture. That adjustment immediately gives me a stronger presence. Second, this is not a piece that blends into the background. It is unapologetically bold and the materials evoke a sense of strength. Lastly, it inspires me to put extra effort into my outfit so that it is being shown off against an appropriate canvas which means that my general look is also elevated. 

When a piece of jewelry looks good and makes you feel great, then you know that you have a piece that deserves a special spot in your jewelry box! What's the story behind your favorite piece of jewelry? Share in the comments!

It's the time of year where the sun is shining and lots of people are packing their suitcases for a spring break getaway. I am going to be in Los Angeles next weekend where the temperatures are going to be in the 80s and 90s! Here in Chicago I am still wearing boots and scarves, but I will be stepping off the plane into 95 degees and sunshine. That is going to be quite a shock!

Luckily, I have been thinking about my vacation wardrobe since Warby Parker reached out to tell me about their newly launched Daydream Collection of sunglasses. No suitcase headed towards warm weather is complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses, so I have paired up a few of my warm weather vacation outfits with my favorite sunglasses from Warby Parker's new collection.

A solid jewelry collection can improve any wardrobe, however, it is not always easy to know what pieces to invest in. There are the classics, like a pearl earring and necklace set, which cost a pretty penny and that you might not get a lot of use out of and then there are the trendier pieces which rarely stand up to the test of time. The must-haves for your jewelry collection will depend a lot on your personal style. Since I don't wear much jewelry on a daily basis, I tend to choose pieces that will work with specific outfits. If jewelry is your go-to accessory, then you will have to take a broader look at your closet so that you can make smart choices. Sometimes you may buy a piece of jewelry on a whim that ends up becoming a staple that you can't imagine living without.

The most important thing is to choose pieces that you like. If you don't like something, whether it is a particular metal or style, there is no reason to add it to your collection, even if everyone tells you that it is something you should have. I have a strong preference towards silver, so the bar is set much higher for gold pieces and I rarely buy them.

Make sure that you have pieces for a variety of dress codes. I prefer simple styles with a pop of sparkle for semi-formal occasions and brighter colors for casual wear. When I first started my jewelry collection, I only had pieces for dressy events because those were the outfits that most needed to be accessorized. I wore several weird outfits consisting of basic t-shirts and glitzy jewelry before I decided I needed to pick up fun costume pieces that could be easily worn during the day.

Set a budget and stick to it. There are great options at every price point so don't be discouraged if you have to expand your search beyond your favorite stores. Although I can find great deals on clothes at Ann Taylor and Banana Republic, their jewelry generally feels overpriced for the quality. For inexpensive pieces, I like Charming Charlie (though you have to sift through a lot of not-so-great pieces to find the gems) and for something a little bit nicer, try your local boutique for a unique option. 

The current season requires us to be bundled up in warm coats and cozy accessories, but until we get another polar vortex or a foot of snow on the ground, your winter attire can, and should, still look stylish. These three items will improve your look without sacrificing warmth or comfort:

Lately women in Chicago have been very interested in my sandals. They have spoken to me on the train, stopped me on the street, and chatted with me in the elevator. And everyone asks the same things. Here's a pretty standard conversation:

When people ask me about my sandals, I wish I had ten minutes to tell them everything I love about them. Instead I just say that I love them in a very enthusiastic voice. But here's the reality: most summer sandals just aren't that comfortable and until you've tried a comfortable pair, it is hard to really understand the difference that it can make. I bought my first pair of Birkenstocks because the cheap flip flops I had been wearing made my knees and feet hurt. It takes a couple weeks to break in a pair of Birks, but the payoff is more than worth it. I feel like my sandals are made for my feet. 

Birkenstock doesn't really change anything drastically from season to season so once you figure out your size, then you can order them online. (I usually get mine from Zappos or RueLaLa.) There are a ton of color options so you can always find something that will appeal to you, they last more than one season (just remember to get the cork sealant to protect them from the rain), and you can walk in them for days! Honestly, the only downside is that you get weird tan lines on your feet. 

Still not convinced? Check out Birkenstock on Pinterest and see all the user-submitted photos of people loving their Birks!