Desi Diva

By Sasha Tong

Total Access(ory)Report

From head to toe, this season's fashions are elegant and easy to wear!

It’s never been a better time to be a woman! Fall’s impressive crops of accessories are the most wearable, fashion forward and über elegant we’ve seen in years. From ostrich clutches to opera length gloves to the bootie, we’ve truly become women of unparalleled style and substance in the accessories department.

What’s more, we’ve got the clothes to match! Every color of the rainbow is in: rich oversaturated hues and dusty shades of your favorite pastel—and to add a twist, grey is one the season’s most popular colors. Grey—the new black—is gorgeous in coats, dresses and fur. And it puts a much-needed modern spin on chiffon party frocks, sequin-embellished separates and evening wear.

Here’s a look at the stunning new direction of accessories, complete with outfit ideas for every budget that will have you humming, “I feel pretty...” every morning!

Bags
The “it” bags this season are going to be the big metallic embossed “Limelight clutch” from Louis Vuitton, the threaded “Ramona” and “Riki” grommet bags from Jimmy Choo and the cool structured totes from Vera Pelle, which run from a traditional tote shape to an almost Asian-inspired envelope. If you’re on a budget, there are lots of great shops coming out with quality styles in similar silhouettes. Meanwhile, a new hit material in handbags is ostrich. Its smooth leather punctuated with little nubs is perfect for adding just a touch of texture. For the budget or ethically minded, faux ostrich looks considerably better than comparative imitation leathers, so try out an inexpensive piece from a mall shop and still keep up with the trend.

How to Wear It
Your bag this season can be the focal point of an outfit or a very simple and understated accessory. Keep your style fresh by switching among fall’s hottest bags or stick with one that rocks every outfit.

Shoes
Daring yet whimsical is the new everyday staple. Forget those same ‘ole black pumps and opt for something with feathers, an ombre (graduated color) patent leather or a Mary Jane bootie. Once the exclusive domain of the Olsen twins, the bootie has proven its staying power and refined its shape to make it much more wearable than before.

How to Wear It
The bootie is a great way to showcase long legs: short skirts, wool tights and a cropped swing coat is an ideal, complete look. Embellished shoes with feathers, rhinestones or tassels can dress up a simple outfit and make it fun. Pair with anything from pantsuits to party dresses or jeans.

Gloves
Not just for Carrie Bradshaw, we swear. The glove has found its revival in rich shades and elongated lengths: You’ll see lots of elbow length and even opera length (past the elbow) gloves around town this winter. But that doesn’t mean the end of the short, wrist-grazing glove. Ralph Lauren showed practically his whole spring ’08 collection with this style in different shades, proving it can be a wardrobe workhorse. Quilted, patent leather and exotic skins add just a touch of attitude to our new favorite arm candy.

How to Wear It
Elbow and opera length gloves look best with the new short sleeve or ¾ sleeve coats. For a coatless look, pair it with a cap sleeve sweater dress like the affordable ones on Victoria’s Secret's website. For formal wear, short or long both work. When shopping, have the salesperson show you a variety of glove styles and colors to try on—you might be surprised how much you like the new look!

Belts
Anything goes! Wide, skinny, exotic skins, patent leather and even corset styles are super wearable. The best news is that every style is available in all price ranges. Try to buy your belts and the outfit you plan to wear it with at the same time to make your life easier. Go for neutral shades in feminine cuts if you work in a conservative office, though purples and olives can be welcome in the most buttoned-up offices if not too loud. Brights are best for weekends and after work, unless you work in a creative field. Remember to work with your shape and experiment in front of the mirror with a wide variety of outfits. Some of your best fashion staples can come from a “just for fun” try on discovery!

How to Wear It
Any way that works, and in any color you love!

Sasha Tong is a New York and Hawaii-based image consultant and freelance writer. She specializes in fashion, wine connoisseurship and modern etiquette.

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