Recently in Accessories Category

Q. I recently bought a pair of really cute yellow flats on a whim, but now they’re collecting dust inside my closet because I can’t find anything to wear with them. Could you recommend something?

Q. I am looking for a stylish, sturdy bag to carry my laptop and paperwork as I trek from one meeting to another. I want something that’s not your basic black briefcase, but that is large and sturdy enough for everyday use for a long time.

-Bag Lady

A. Laptop bags aren’t necessarily the most stylish bags to carry everyday, but I did find big enough handbags that would carry and still protect your laptop plus specific bags built to carry your computer. Plus, these bags will carry all of your other essentials as well. I’ve categorized big bag and laptop bag, now you choose.

Big enough to carry your laptop and daily essentials:

1. Foley + Corinna Glazed Jet Setter Jr Tote, $528 at shopbop.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff Market Tote with Scarf, $675 at shopbop.com
3. Jill Stuart Handbags Noho Victoria Tote, $402 at shopbop.com
4. Tory Burch Embossed Lux T Jordana Tote, $495 at shopbop.com

Bags with specific interior pocket to hold your computer:

1. Knomo Josselin, $299 at zappos.com
2. Knomo Toyah, $254 at zappos.com
3. Nine West Laptop Tote, $99 at ninewest.com
4. Francesco Biasia ‘Nika’ Laptop Satchel, $538 at nordstrom.com
5. cinda b Takin’ Care of Business, $96 at ebags.com

Target also has a nice selection of laptop bags at affordable prices:

1. Mango Tango Quilted Faux Suede Laptop Bag, $44.99
2. Mango Tango Canvas Stripe Laptop Bag, $39.99
3. Mango Tango Faux Croc Laptop Bag, $47.99
4. Mango Tango Faux Leather Quilt-Lined Laptop Carrying Case, $59.99
5. Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Notebook Computer Tote, $39.99

Q. Wedding season is in full swing and I’m relying on this dress to carry me through several nuptials. I’m starting to have second thoughts on its overall cuteness and need help accessorizing to make it really pop with something like pink peep-toes or a yellow Pashmina. Also, can this dress translate from day to evening?
-Color Wanted

A. Don’t rethink the simple sophistication of this dress, it will work for those special occasions this summer and a lovely way to make it pop is with a shot of color. We editors at StyleBakery adore our Love Quotes linen blend scarves, they work as a wrap with just about every summery dress I own and I can’t do without them on my plane trips. They come in multiple colors, so choose a color and then add your heels as the potent pop to give flair to your look. I found several statement making pink strappy heels that would work with your patterned dress. As for a translation to daytime wear, tone down the look and keep it classic. Wear neutral heels or flat sandals and add a little cardigan or cropped fitted jacket and wear a thin patent leather belt around your waist over the cardigan or jacket. For sass, choose a belt in a color if the jacket or cardigan is simple.1. Nine West Solelyn, $83 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
3. Charles by Charles David ‘Soiree’ Sandal, $114 at nordstrom.com
4.Martinez Valero ‘Camila’ Sandal, $126 at nordstrom.com 6. Love Quotes Scarves, $85 at pinkmascara.com

For daytime:
7. Leatherock Skinny Double Wrap Belt, $60 at nordstrom.com
8. Cashmere V-neck cardigan, $158 at jcrew.com
9. Summerweight cashmere short-sleeve cardigan, $168 at jcrew.com

Q. I just bought a shift dress from Target in a gorgeous jeweled plum color. How do I accessorize it? It came with a waist tie, but I want to dress it up as much as possible with a belt. I was thinking metallic or perhaps turquoise? And the high neckline leaves me wondering how (or if) to wear a necklace.
-Accessorize Me

A. I always suggest that women skip the belt that comes with a dress and choose a new one to distinguish it from the rest. Choosing a color or a metallic belt is a great option to mix it up and create a look for day and night simply by changing the belt and shoes. As for jewelry, you can certainly wear a necklace, just be sure it hangs longer than 18” so it doesn’t fall inside the dress. A multi strand chain link style or a larger “bauble” or beaded style necklace would be perfect. However, if you go with a bold belt, then try bigger earrings and a cuff bracelet instead of a necklace.

Q. I have my 10-year reunion coming up and purchased a fabulous Milly zebra printed dress (I have attached a picture). I am only 5’3” so the dress isn’t quite so short on me, but with the sleeveless shape, I am concerned about shoes. I do not want to look too tart-y!
- Reunion Blues

A. We all obsess over making a grand impression at our reunions. We want to look cool and hip, young and stylish. We want to make ex-boyfriends think of us fondly and the snotty girls jealous, and mostly catch up with the old crowd we haven’t seen in years while still looking good. I found several options that range from very hip to straight forward classy.

Dress: Zebra-Print Shift Dress, $126 (sale) at neimanmarcus.com

1. Very Hip: Vince Camuto Alfie, $132 at piperlime.com
2. Still Hip: Lauren Ralph Lauren Women’s Aaralyn, $100 at shoes.com
3. L’Autre Chose Shoes Open Toe T Strap Pump, $310 at shopbop.com

Dressy:
4. GUESS by Marciano “Hutton” Strappy Sandal, $95 at bloomingdales.com
5. Chinese Laundry Women’s Colette, $69.99 at shoes.com
6. Franco Sarto Women’s Utopia, $74.99 at shoes.com