Accessories: May 2008 Archives

Q. Our good friends are getting married in Malibu in a beachside ceremony with an indoor reception, late afternoon to early evening. I just bought a sweet cotton Antonio Melani dress that's A-line and pale yellow, which I love, but I'm not sure where to go from here! I would love to incorporate another color (maybe turquoise?) or a print in the accessories. Help!
- Beach Bound

A. Yeah! A girl who wants to add more color and not just match it head to toe. I found several items from accessories to sandals that should add some sass and sophistication.

1. Tasha Butterfly Bangle, $48 at nordstrom.com
2. Juicy Couture 'Garden Party' Bracelet, $98 at nordstrom.com
3. Seychelles necklace, $150 at jcrew.com
4. double-strand jeweled-flower pearl necklace, $250 at jcrew.com

5. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
6. Betsey Johnson 'Fanny' Sandal, $165 at nordstrom.com
7. Linea Paolo 'Adella' Sandal, $99.95 at nordstrom.com
8. BCBGirls 'Saraff' Slingback Sandal, $109.95 at nordstrom.com

Q. I just bought a new button down white short sleeve shirt and I love the look of wearing a black belt with shirts although I've never tried it. I'm always at a loss with what type of belt to wear with shirts. Could you help me to find the perfect belt to go with my white button down shirt?
- Belted

A. This answer could not have been simpler. Anything goes with a classic white button down. A black belt is a safe bet, but don't stop there. Choose stripes, patents, bright colors or a neutral woven band to give your white shirt - and whatever you pair it with - distinction.

1. Women's Basic Leather Belts, $16.50 at oldnavy.com
2. Lacoste 201000, $64 at zappos.com
3. Silk resin-buckle belt, $34 at jcrew.com

4. Cynthia Rowley Patent Leather Belt, $42 at nordstrom.com
5. Lucky Brand Leather Embroidered, Perforated And Studded Belt, $2 at zappos.com
6. Splurge: Gucci Bamboo D-Ring Buckle Belt, $315 at saks.com

Q. I love the all the metallic out there - bags, shoes, belts, even clothes, and have bought a few pieces for Spring & Summer. How much metallic is too much? And what to wear when wearing a metallic accessory? For example if I wear bronze shoes, I would assume that a metallic handbag is too much. Likewise, if I'm carrying a beautiful bronze or silver tote, handbag or clutch, do I go with a neutral shoe?
- Bronzed in Boston

A. You really do love your metallic. The old rules of accessories used to be that one always matched their bag and shoe color, but that doesn't necessarily apply today. I believe that as long as the bag and shoes are not bright shiny metallic you can get away with pairing a metallic shoe and bag. Err on the side of subtlety. I have no problem wearing strappy metallic sandals and carrying a metallic clutch for evening. Think of metallic as a new form of a classic piece in your wardrobe, but they have to be used conservatively like you would and animal print. More than one or two pieces at a time can be too much.

Q. What jewelry and accessories look best with white on white? I am going to a white on white party (which is a color I never wear) and need help with accessories and jewelry tips?
- Wear with White

A. While you'll wear white on top and bottom, there's no need to be a walking cotton ball. You can follow the invitation request, but still inject a bit of style by choosing accessories that have a pop of color. Choose a necklace, a cuff bracelet and sandals that effortlessly "work" with white and help you stand out just a bit from the wall-to-wall white at the party.

1. Wide hand-painted enamel zebra bangle, $68 at jcrew.com
2. Hand-painted enamel seahorse bangle, $78 at jcrew.com
3. Resin floral necklace, $59 at bananarepublic.com
4. Anchor pendant necklace, $32 at bananarepublic.com

5. BCBG Max Azria Ceren, $198 at piperlime.com
6. Rafe New York Wendy, $245 at piperlime.com
7. Nau‏ghty Monkey Sugar Pop, $64 at zappos.com
8. Delman Lane-Gpm, $249 (sale) at zappos.com