I'm not a morning person. Anyone who knows me, knows this. I'm cranky, snippy, groggy and capable of clearing the house of husband and dogs so that I can be by my grouchy self. It takes more than coffee and Katie & Matt's permanently plastered smiles on the TV to get me to my happy place.

So what does the trick? Back in my teenybopper years, all I had to do was slide open my closet doors to see my clothes: neon camp shirts, intensely white Keds and intensely tight Jordache jeans. I couldn't wait to get dressed in the morning. Today, I still have a closet full of clothes, but whether it's stress (yes), laziness (definitely) or some spoiled thinking (yup), I just don't get as excited about my wardrobe. The only time I get excited about a piece of clothing anymore is if I spent some bucks on it (enter guilt). Not good.

But I have found a new reason to get up in the morning. A few years ago, I started building a different kind of wardrobe, a jewelry wardrobe, filled with the key pieces that every woman should have, just like that little black dress and the friendly pair of blue jeans. Hair dried and make-up on, I open my jewelry's closet (a red Qing Dynasty leather wedding box) to see what my mood will be today...and then I get dressed!

The good news, ladies, is that I am officially supporting your need to have a second wardrobe. Jewelry is just as crucial as clothing when you're creating a coordinated, put-together look, so it's important to have some pieces that will work for business, casual and dressy occasions.
In case you're not convinced, here's a gratuitous endorsement: jewelry can be passed down through generations, finding a happy home in a lineage of jewelry boxes. These basic bones pieces become heirlooms, and as such, you should remember quality as you build your wardrobe. At the same time, build a wardrobe that reflects your personality. Classic & fun.

Here is a list of must-haves for your jewelry wardrobe:
• Everyday Watch: Choose a classic round or square face with a metal or leather band. Since you'll be wearing it most of the time, find one that's comfortable and well-made. Leather bands have about an 18-month wrist life.

• Pendant Necklace: The traditional length is 16"–18". The pendant is the fun part: what you dangle around your neck, what your fingers play with several times a day, should be something meaningful to you.

• Diamond Studs: Say no more…except this: simple glittering rocks go with everything: jeans and white t-shirt, business suit, glamorous red dress.

• Hoop Earrings: Although trends dictate their size, hoops are always in fashion. Since you'll wear them often, find a pair that's not too heavy or uncomfortable.

• Ring Band: This can be your wedding band and/or some other type of ring. The simplicity of a band allows you to wear it with everything. Bands suffer a lot of wear, so find a textured metal band that will hide scratches, or accept the beauty that comes with a well-worn (and well-loved) ring.

• Simple Bracelet: A cuff or a set of bangles, sterling or gold, the choice is yours!

• Pearls: The most common length is 18" but a pearl strand is a very personal accessory, so choose a style that fits you. Multi-strand, graduated sizes and different shapes offer many choices. The size and shape of the pearls will dictate the price.

• And my favorite…A Conversation Piece: Something a little different and out there. Something that nobody else could possibly have. Something that cheers you up on a bad day and carries fun memories and outlandish stories with it.

A jeweler who can fill your wardrobe is just a click away! Start building your jewelry wardrobe today!