Finding stylish accessories are great and easy gifts that update outfits instantly without breaking the bank. A favorite outfit becomes hotter with a pop of color from a handbag, or a wild animal print from a scarf or a little bit of bling.
This year’s colors include red, plum, gray and even leopard prints. Popular accessories for 2009 are intricately designed scarves, studded belts, gemstone jewelry, gold chain link and gemstone necklaces, colorful watches and stylish clutches and satchels. Before you hit the stores for yourself or for a friend or relative, take a look at some suggestions to fit many budgets.
Wrapping Up
Scarves are not just for warmth but for instant style. One Colorado-based company, Sevya, supports Indian artisan communities by selling handcrafted and fair trade items such as handwoven silk and wool scarves. Among its styles are the silk deep turquoise Ruffle, the pink and mauve Ramba and the vibrant red Cascade ($39 to $49; available at Dean’s in Naperville; The Thoughtful World Shop in Frankfort; Fire & Ice in Glenview and other boutiques)
For something luxuriously warm, try a cashmere wrap in versatile neutral shades that can go with any outfit or coat. Banana Republic offers one in cocoon, a cream color, or oatmeal heather ($98; available at Banana Republic or www.BananaRepublic.com)
On the wild side, Echo roars with its cheetah print silk scarf and leopard print ruana wrap which reverses to brown ($38 and $58; both available at major department stores). The company adds a ruffle to its long pleated muffler in colors of lilac, black and white. ($42; available at major department stores)
In the Bag
Popular handbag styles include slouchy hobos, faux crocodile, snake skin and ostrich bags and streamlined gem encrusted clutches.
Ruffles aren’t just for potato chips as this design appears on purses such as Jessica Simpson’s Runway satchel which comes in snake skin synthetic leather in colors of violet, black, and brown, iron and a python snake skin print ($88; available at major department stores). Brighton, a company known for its silver heart charm dangling from every handbag, has a large trapezoid shaped Rowena pewter-colored satchel. This custom embossed bag with metal accents boasts open, zippered and outer side pockets. ($360; available at Brighton locations including The Clothes Gallery in Crystal Lake; Annie’s Ltd. in Oak Lawn; Lu Lu’s on Benton in Woodstock and other clothing boutiques)
Old Navy offers the fashionable girl on the go a faux leather slouchy hobo with braided shoulder strap and antiqued metal hardware. It is available in mole, a deep brown; chinchilla, an off-white; and black jack, a shiny black. ($24.50; available at Old Navy stores or www.oldnavy.com)
Gem encrusted clutches add sparkle during a special evening. Sears shows its elegant side with its Metaphor stone closure ruched clutch in colors of black, gray and champ. Oversized stones give this satin handbag, complete with a mini mirror, a vintage lux look. ($35; available at Sears or www.sears.com)
Big time
Fashion and time blend easily with watches. Skagen Denmark, a company known for clean, elegant steel mesh band watches, introduces a new rippled mesh watch. These watches have Japanese movement and a vertical brushed chrome dial. They come in a round-shaped model with date window or a rectangle-shaped model with Swarovski crystal indicators. ($100 for the round-shaped watch in stainless steel; $115 for the round-shaped watch in ion plated gold; and $105 for the rectangle-shaped watch; available at most department stores)
Speaking of metallics, rose gold shines through on Michael Kors mid-sized chronograph watch. It contains three sub dials, date window, and hour, minute and second hands. ($250; available at most department stores and Neapolitan in Winnetka)
Fashion forward shades also pop in Anne Klein’s crystal accented mock croc band watch. The watches come in brown, pink, blue, marigold, black and white and in either gold or silver tone metal. ($65; available at most department stores)
Cinching it Up
Studs and grommets give belts a tough yet fashionable edge. Brass studs, overlapping sides and a large circular hammered buckle decorate Guess’ Moroccan black leather belt. ($38; at Guess stores www.guess.com and major department stores). Another option is Fossil’s skinny grommet C buckle which comes in berry and black. ($32; available at Fossil or www.fossil.com and major department stores)
Ralph Lauren, an established name in classic, luxury American fashion, offers many belt styles and prices. His wide faux croc-embossed Italian leather belt, in black or chocolate, adds a subtle yet exotic touch to an ensemble ($74; available at Ralph Lauren in Northbrook and major department stores). Unusual belts are also on the most wanted list. For something more adventurous, try Lauren’s Blue Label tri-strap leather bit Italian leather belt. It is accented with equestrian hardware inspired by a decorative bit used on bridles for show horses. ($695 to $795; available at Ralph Lauren Store in Northbrook and major department stores)
