Accessories that count in La Jolla

The greatest advice my fashion-savvy mother ever gave me in regards to style was to make your accessories count. Accessories should be the ingredients around which to base your outfit. If you are going to splurge, do it on a great handbag, a killer pair of shoes, or a statement necklace.

When I ran into Jordan Carey in La Jolla last week, I noticed she had that idea down to an art form. The 24-year-old paired less-expensive items with a Badgley Mischka quilted, taupe purse featuring a delicate, gold chain strap (retails for around $300), a vintage, statement, gold ring (her favorite wardrobe item that was gifted to her by her style-conscious grandmother) and a pair of red-rimmed Versace sunglasses (retails for $210).

"My style changes too much for me to spend a ton on clothes. I spend more on accessories," she told me. Carey's go-to shopping spot is Nordstrom.

Carey also wore a pair of Enzo Angiolini black, buckle-accented boots (they are exclusive to Nordstrom and retail for $158.95). Her simple black dress and tights were also purchased at Nordstrom. Her vivid red jacket is from the Gap.

The fashion trend Carey would like to see die is military-print clothing. I'm with her on that one.