The Must-Have Accessories for Fall

The wonderful season of Fall officially starts on September 9th, 2009! Are you excited? I know I am! You have my permission to start putting away those straw hats, canvas beach bags, flip flops and tank tops because now is the time to check out all the Fall 2009 must-have accessories and decide which one indulge in.

An Embellished, Standout Handbag

I’m sure you’ve already seen this must-have trend everywhere! If you want to incorporate a new bag into your collection, this is the time to get a fun bag.  Look for bags with lots of hardware from studs to zippers. If that’s not your thing, check out bags with girly trimmings like ruffles, fringe and tassels.  Maybe you’d rather get a little wild? Look for bags with animal prints or skins. Or you can really draw all eyes on you when you pick up a bag in a hot shade like red or shiny metallic. From budget to high-end, designers are churning out bags that will stand out from the rest.  Here are some prime examples from Shopflick.

Cleobella Alive Grey Fringe Bag ($528)  – This is fringe on a whole new level! This show-stopping, hand-made tote is made from layered pebbled leather. It features braided straps, tasseled ends and comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Use it for travel or for everyday.

Hide Bags Silver Bobby Tote ($380)  -  Metallics will be all the rage again, this super cute silver tote is the perfect way to get in on the trend. Its made out of distressed metallic lambskin and it’s quite scrumptious!

Massimiliano Musini Crocodile Wrap Clutch ($1595)  – This is the clutch to have for the ultimate fashionista. It’s a hand-painted and sewn by hand, thus making it complete work of art. As a bonus, your name will be inscribed in gold leaf and the clutch will be hand-signed by the designer himself. Hello, this is totally worth the splurge!

Isabella Zocchi Eva Stingray Black Pochette ($748; regular $1045)  –   An elegant clutch doesn’t have to be boring! This lovely black and white stingray pattern clutch will look amazing with a little black dress for evenings and will look equally chic with jeans and a flirty top. It’s made of leather, fabric and decorated with dark iron hardware and brooches.

David Alexander Armor Handbag ($300)  -  Quilting, a gorgeous red shade and it’s decorated with studs?! It also  incorporates most of the trends I mentioned without going overboard. Love it! It also comes in black, purple (another fab shade!) and white.

The key to carrying these “Hey, look at me!” bags is to keep the rest of your outfit streamlined. Let your bag do all the work and let it be the one to give off all the attitude.

Bold and Eye Catching Jewelry

The trend of high-impact and statement jewelry is back but this time there’s even more drama!  Look for pieces that reflect the top trends. Whether it be lots of hardware or chains, big gems or accessories that incorporate the top fall colours of grey, red and purple. Take a gander at the following pieces I found at ShopFlick and Neiman Marcus.

Kenneth Jay Lane Enamel Flower Ring ($90) -  This popular cocktail ring is back, this time in a stunning shade of deep, dark purple and accented with 22k yellow gold.

Josie and Maria Barrera Multi-Strand Necklace ($775) – A fantastic statement necklace in Fall’s must-have shade, grey and gunmetal hardware. Gorgeous!

Lee Angel Pink Berry Earrings ($220) – Swinging chandelier earrings in a cool dark berry shade, perfect for day or night!

ABS by Allen B Schwartz Three Row Bracelet ($125) – A dramatic triple strand bracelet with black glass stone insets and brass plated rhodium. Quite pretty, this is a great piece to wear if you want to dress up your casual outfits.

Juicy Couture Dazed and Couture Drama Cuff ($178)  – Big, multi-coloured rhinestones and cabochons will add drama to your look.

Aakinal Madonna Necklace ($230) – A clever mix of faux leather, multiple strands of silver chains and hot pink beads. This is the necklace you wear with a sleek strapless little black dress.

After looking at all these fabulous handbags and accessories, I’m even more excited for Fall! Just remember, wear one trend at a time. The key is to not pile it on but to find a way to introduce some of the trends into your existing wardrobe or outfits.  If you’re going to get a trendy item, make sure it’s something that has classic features and simple lines that can transition into other seasons and will have longevity in your everyday style.

Good luck and happy shopping!