It's in the details

My friend Heather is an accessory junkie. She has a habit of wearing basic maxi dresses with gorgeous jewelry. She always looks polished.

Meanwhile, whenever I wear accessories I feel like I am wearing a costume. Jewelry just isn’t my thing. With the exception of my engagement ring and a few bracelets, I steer clear of adornments.

Recently I ran into two ladies with very different styles that used accessories to complete their outfits.

24-year-old Vanessa Farias paired a pair of basic black Zara leggings and a billowy Free People blouse with upscale accessories. She wore a signature Gucci bag ($995), oversized Prada sunglasses, and Henri Bendel jewelry.

Farias's Bow necklaces range in price from $58-$78. Her leather wrap bracelet retails for $88 and her chain link bracelet is $68.

Farias's ankle boots are from Zara. Vanessa’s favorite accessories are purses. While I was taking her photo a Gucci employee approached her to clue her into the fact that Gucci was having a summer sale, “I’ll have to call my mom and let her know. She loves Gucci,” Farias told him.

Madewell Employee, Melissa Balban's fashion choices were a tad less pricey. Balban wore pants, a denim jacket, and jewelry, all from Madewell paired with Warby Parker glasses and an Urban Outfitters tee.

Balban's pink and black bracelets retail for $12 at Madewell. Her nesting rings are $28.00.

Balban's favorite wardrobe item are a pair of classic Levi's cut-offs. Her fashion pet peeve is ironic t-shirts.