A lot of women are buying simpler dresses these days, and glamming them up with accessories. I am particularly fond of the belt trend, as it is slimming on a sheath gown, and adds a vintage flair that is sophisticated and elegant. This intricately designed belt would be an amazing addition to any gown.

Beautiful! I love the way the black flower sets off the sparkling rhinestones. This belt is also a good way to add black to your ensemble without going with the whole hog black wedding gown. Available for $45 from Icing 101.
Photo Credit: Icing 101

Paris is the last of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, and quite often the most extreme and avant garde of the four.
The designers have kicked off their Spring & Summer 2010 collections with a bang – so let’s get to the good stuff already… bring on the accessories!
I must admit to not having a particular theme for this post – I’m simply sharing some of my favorite early picks from the runway.  So what’s making me drool right now?
I’ve been a fan of Issey Miyake for many years now – even though the fashion sometimes takes a turn into the …read more

Belts are more than just a way to keep your pants up!  They provide another accent to your outfit, shape your silhouette and can be a great way to make a statement.
There are a few simple guidelines to follow for fall and winter this year.  First of all, the wider the belt, the more restrained the color should be.  Wider belts are great for cinching in a outfit, or layering over a cardigan – but keep the colors muted.
If you want to add a pop of color to your outfit with a belt, go for a skinny belt.  Wearing multiple …read more

The IsABelt is a new product that promises to end low-rise jean slips, without the bulk of a belt.
It’s a clear, stretchy plastic material that goes on like a belt, but because it’s clear, it promises to be virtually invisible under your clothing.

The IsABelt is available in standard women’s sizes, juniors and plus sizes.  It also comes in clear, frosted and black – to blend it with almost any outfit.
image: IsABelt

I can’t help it – I love accessories with flowers on them.
Maybe it’s because they only grow for a few months of the year here, or maybe it’s just because they’re pretty…
Whatever it is, I can’t help but smile when I see cheerful accessories like this hand-woven floral belt:

It’s woven and embroidered using wool by Peruvian artisans (in a fair-trade co-op).   I think it would be the perfect accessory to your favorite pair of jeans and a nice, crisp white blouse.
image: Uncommon Goods

Some outfits start with shoes, some with dresses, but they all end up with belts. If they’re lucky outfits, then they’ll end up with this retro-futuristic piece of deliciousness by up-and-coming design guru Desira Pesta. I just bought myself one of these babies, and can’t wait to test it out.

Here it is shown juicing up a pretty conservative outfit, so can you imagine what it will do for tight black jeans and stiletto biker boots? I know, the thought is overwhelming. And all those plain jane dresses I’ve been hiding at the back of my closet for god knows how …read more

 Are you planning on being a girly pirate for Halloween?
Or do you just like sparky pink skulls?
In any case, this belt from Rimistyle is such a fun accessory – it’s pink! And sparkly!  And has a skull belt buckle!

image: Rimistyle

I love this chunky turquoise belt from Project Runway finalist, Joe Faris – presented at New York Fashion Week:
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Check out the amazing boots!
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Korto Momolu makes me think that fans should come back as hot fashion accessory…
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images: PicApp

In the meantime – I just have to brag about my talented mom, Noreen – who’s just published a new book!
The book’s topic?  Accessories!
Well, actually – it’s belts, and I’m trying to figure out if I can ask Santa Claus for one of the belts for Christmas

I think this silk obi belt from Smoking Lily is just too wonderful:

I think it would be a great way to add a little bit of feminine glamor to almost any outfit. How awesome would that look with a pair of dark-wash jeans, peep toes and a crisp, white blouse?
Also cool?
Smoking Lily creates everything in their own studio – so you’re supporting designers from North America!
image: Smoking Lily