Recently in Accessories Category

Q. I love the all the metallic out there - bags, shoes, belts, even clothes, and have bought a few pieces for Spring & Summer. How much metallic is too much? And what to wear when wearing a metallic accessory? For example if I wear bronze shoes, I would assume that a metallic handbag is too much. Likewise, if I’m carrying a beautiful bronze or silver tote, handbag or clutch, do I go with a neutral shoe?
- Bronzed in Boston

A. You really do love your metallic. The old rules of accessories used to be that one always matched their bag and shoe color, but that doesn’t necessarily apply today. I believe that as long as the bag and shoes are not bright shiny metallic you can get away with pairing a metallic shoe and bag. Err on the side of subtlety. I have no problem wearing strappy metallic sandals and carrying a metallic clutch for evening. Think of metallic as a new form of a classic piece in your wardrobe, but they have to be used conservatively like you would and animal print. More than one or two pieces at a time can be too much.

Q. What jewelry and accessories look best with white on white? I am going to a white on white party (which is a color I never wear) and need help with accessories and jewelry tips?
- Wear with White

A. While you’ll wear white on top and bottom, there’s no need to be a walking cotton ball. You can follow the invitation request, but still inject a bit of style by choosing accessories that have a pop of color. Choose a necklace, a cuff bracelet and sandals that effortlessly “work” with white and help you stand out just a bit from the wall-to-wall white at the party.

1. Wide hand-painted enamel zebra bangle, $68 at jcrew.com
2. Hand-painted enamel seahorse bangle, $78 at jcrew.com
3. Resin floral necklace, $59 at bananarepublic.com
4. Anchor pendant necklace, $32 at bananarepublic.com

5. BCBG Max Azria Ceren, $198 at piperlime.com
6. Rafe New York Wendy, $245 at piperlime.com
7. Nau‏ghty Monkey Sugar Pop, $64 at zappos.com
8. Delman Lane-Gpm, $249 (sale) at zappos.com

Q. I am getting married in India and will be wearing a saree, which looks like this photo. I am trying to decide what kind of jewelry would look best with this. I have an antique necklace from Temple jewelry, which looks somewhat like the one below. It is a duller shade of pink and not as bright as this one. I think it will contrast well with the sari but no one agrees with me. What do you think?
- Dull or Bright

A. You’re wearing a brilliant, bright saree, so why not have a big statement necklace? Just don’t match earrings to the necklace. Go with gold, green or blue and keep the look fairly bold. Here are some suggestions of beautiful pieces to wear on your big day.

1. Citrine Briolette Drop Necklace, $128.80 at blueluxe.com
2. Yazza’s Faux Turquoise Gold Necklace, $49 at emitations.com
3. Ayla’s 60 in. Brushed Gold Plated Dangle Disc Layered Necklace, $149 at emitations.com

4. Triple Strand Swarovski Austrian Crystal Necklace, $68 at blueluxe.com
5. Flower Chain Necklace, $105 at blueluxe.com
6. White Pearl Cluster Half Moon Hoop Necklace, $86.50 at blueluxe.com

Q. I need your professional expertise on my dress ensemble for a friend’s upcoming 40th B-day celebration. I have attached a photo hoping it gives you a good idea. What I need is advice on shoes and accessories. The dress is a cream and gray pattern and it falls like silk.
-Friend Function

A. Try a grey patent leather sandal or peep toe heel or neutral beige, and don’t get stuck on matching the hue exactly. The heels can be a little lighter or darker. I would go with a simple thin necklace that has a charm or pendant on the end as long as it lays within the “V” of the dress or choose a longer necklace that hangs about two to three inches longer than the “V.” Alternatively, choose earrings that have some colored beads like blue, violet or pink and then add an enamel bracelet in a color or pattern. There are great enamel pieces available at BananaRepublic.com and JCrew.com and I’m a big fan of the charm style necklaces on blueluxe.com.

1. Seychelles Big Bucks, $84 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Revengez, $83 at zappos.com
3. MAXSTUDIO ‘Ferris’ Sandal, $158.95 at nordstrom.com

4. kate spade ‘gwennie’ pump, $295 at nordstrom.com
5. Moda Spana Demi, $93 at zappos.com
6. rsvp Liz, $65 at zappos.com

1. Cabochon-wrapped enamel bangle, $68 at jcrew.com
2. 1” enamel bangle, $35 at jcrew.com
3. Two-strand turquoise drop necklace, $49 at bananarepublic.com

4. Purple Jade, Grey Onyx, and Smoky Quartz Color Block Floating Silk Necklace, $89 at blueluxe.com
5. Rutilated quartz briolette necklace, $45 at bananarepublic.com
6. Genuine rose quartz vine earring, $59 at bananarepublic.com

Q. I have recently discovered your website and I love it! As a stay-at-home mom of 3, it’s hard to stay connected to the world of fashion.  When dealing with kids, I find it much easier to use a purse with an extra long strap so I can wear it crossed over my torso.  This may not be the style right now but it makes my life easier when I don’t have a bag falling (or being pulled) off my shoulder.  The problem is that it is really hard to find a stylish purse that can work this way.  I never have time to change out my purse, so I need one that will work for day and evening.  I’m also on a pretty tight budget.  I would really appreciate any suggestions you have!
-Strap On

A. Usually all that we carry in our bags during the day isn’t needed for a night out. However, for your specific needs, I found shoulder bags with an additional strap to wear like a messenger bag by day so you can be hands free and still stylish enough to head out in the evening. You just may have to cut back on stuffing essentials for the kids in the bag as well.

1. Big Buddha Groupie Bag, $84 at ebags.com
2. Perlina Spare Change Round Shopper, $210 at ebags.com
3. Xhilaration® Large Tote Bag - Black Geo Flower, $8.99 at target.com

4. Xhilaration® Tote Bag - Gold Matte Circles, $9.99 at target.com
5. Eileen West Italian Garden Satchel, $268 at ebags.com