image: Newscom

There are lots of interesting wide belts on the market these days, from fabric belts with a Japanese touch to tooled leather belts with some western flair.

If you’d like to try out a pierced leather belt like the first lady’s however, I’d recommend this lined leather belt by Scervino:

image: Yoox

The belt is actually laser-cut, for precise details.

Prefer a taste of the wild?

image: Neiman Marcus

This quilted belt by Oscar de la Renta features a bold gold-tone buckle and a funky combination of leopard-print and sleek black materials.

You’re on a tight budget?

image: Forever 21

This wide belt from Forever 21 features a pierced front and elastic back, with a big silver buckle – for style on a budget!

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Michelle Obama and Those Great Belts

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

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Flower and Feather Belt by Icing 101

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 downright weird – I still am a fan:

That handbag is shaped so cleverly, with each leather “fish scale” shaping the purse.

There’s nothing weird about John Galliano’s latest handbag offering for Dior:

Clean, elegant and oh-so-stylish – yum!  There is much to be said for handbags that can be carried for years, and this one certainly qualifies.

This fabric belt by Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes reminds me of a Japanese obi belt – I’d wear it!

I might not show that much skin under it though…

images: Zuma Press

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Yummy Accessories from Paris Fashion Week

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 skinny belts at a time is also trendy, but can be hard for most women to pull off.  Try wearing a skinny belt that wraps a couple of times around your waist instead.

Metallic chain belts can also be a fun way to add a bold accent to your look, but I’d personally recommend keeping them for dressier occasions.

Here are a few of my belt picks for Fall 2009:

image: Neiman Marcus

Black leather obi wrap belt from Salvatore Ferragamo.

image: Nordstrom

Purple and black leather skinny belt by Sergio Gavazzeni.

image: Yoox

Extra-long white leather belt by Aviu.

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Hot Belt Trends for Fall 2009

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

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Need a Belt, But Don’t Like the Look?

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

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Are You a “Flower Girl”?

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 long will definitely benefit from a little steampunking up. Available for $48 from Desira Pesta on Etsy.

Photo Credit: Desira Pesta

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Steampunk Bow Belt by Desira Pesta

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

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Arrrr me hearties….

Check out the amazing boots!

Korto Momolu makes me think that fans should come back as hot fashion accessory…

images: PicApp

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great accessories from Project Runway

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

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we’ll return to your normal schedule momentarily…