What she's wearing: bold jewelry

Now that we are finally seeing the sun on a regular basis in Seattle, I try to find fun outfits to stay cool. I do default to tank top and shorts on occasion, but I get bored with that quickly, so I tend to add hats and accessories.

I had been looking for years for the "perfect" turquoise necklace. I wanted something big, but not overwhelming. I have always been drawn to the multiple strands of big turquoise beads, but when I tried them on, it felt like I would have to build an outfit around that bold of a statement. On a recent visit to Phoenix, I happened upon this necklace-and-earrings set at a swap meet. These are variegated turquoise beads, so there is a little brown and green color as well. The earrings work for me, because they don't have a lot of silver on them. I had trouble finding earrings that weren't "too Southwestern." I like the Southwestern vibe, but more than a hint at a time feels effected to me (yes, this from the gal wearing a cowboy hat and turquoise).

• Howdy! Don't look at my hair, Stetson straw cowboy hat (less than a year old, Grand Canyon gift shop, $35)
• "I'm a little bit country" turquoise earrings (less than a year old, swap meet in Phoenix, $45)
• Variegated turquoise necklace (less than a year old, swap meet in Phoenix, $75)
• Cool, basic brown tank top (less than a year old, Alhambra Outlet, $18)
• Easy, breezy Karen Kane crinkle skirt (less than a year old, Nordstrom Rack, $15)
• Comfy and supportive Born thong sandals (less than a year old, Nordstrom Rack, $17)

• Meredeth McMahon is a Seattle-based personal-image consultant who writes a regular blog about health, fashion, and attitude. She can be reached at nouveauimage@comcast.net.