Recently in Accessories Category

Q. I recently purchased a Navy Satin Pinstripe dress by Betsy Johnson for a formal evening wedding this July 2007 in downtown New York (which I hope is OK to begin with!) However, I want to add a little spice to the dress and not just buy a black/navy satin shoe since the dress itself is different as far as style. Any advice on how to spice things up a bit!

- Frazzled and Dazzled

A. Metallic or color is the best way to add sass to a navy dress. Here are several options for your feet and to carry.

opt for silver or white accessories, left to right: Franchi Handbags Pagoda Leather Clutch, $158.95 at zappos.com; Whiting & Davis Handbags Shirred Mesh Long Clutch, $183.95 at zappos.com; Nina ‘Oriana’ Sandal, $68.95 at nordstrom.com; Stuart Weitzman Hotdish, $285 at zappos.com

or add red, black and gold, left to right: Maxstudio ‘Savannah’ Sandal, $128.95 at nordstrom.com; Charles David Carouse, $170 at zappos.com; Hand-painted laurel garland ring, $45 at jcrew.com; Jalda Patent Bean Clutch, $265 at saks.com

Q. I love going to clubs and parties because I enjoy dancing. I carry the bare minimum (leave the cell phone in the car) because I like to club uncluttered so that I can dance up a storm. However, I do want to take my car keys, cash and credit card and not all my outfits have pockets. Strap purses often slide off my shoulder when the dancing gets fun and up tempo. Are there any small purses that can be attached to a belt or dangle safely from my wrist? Please suggest some hands free purse styles.
-Dancing Queen

A. It’s definitely a girl dilemma and annoyance to want to dance freely, but have to handle a small bag. It’s bad enough we have to deal with crowds and sweaty guys sidling up to us, and have to worry about losing our bags if left in a pile.  You need a tiny bag that you can hang on your wrist or attach elsewhere, but still look stylish. I’ve found a few items that will help you hit the dance floor without a worry.

left to right: Julie K Lula Bag, $165 at couturecandy.com; Moe Bags Tiffany in Pale Gold Rouged Silk, $187 at couturecandy.com; Marc Jacobs Quilted Wristlet, $350 at bloomingdales.com; Madie Deluxe Ring Wristlet, $28 at madiedeluxe.com; Coach Hamptons Pebbled Swingpack, $138 at macys.com; Avery Griffin Croc Belt Bag, $187 at ravinstyle.com; Michael Kors Pouch Belt, $85 at nordstrom.com; Cloe’s Clutch in Black, $23 at frostedbrownie.com

Q. I am attending a black tie wedding (4 pm, followed by evening reception) in London, England, in May.  I  bought a navy chiffon cocktail-length dress, but I am told that my head has to be covered for the ceremony.  I know that women wear hats to English weddings, but I thought that was for daytime ceremonies. What should I do with black tie?
- Indiana to London

A. OOOH, have some fun with wearing a hat and enjoy a proper English wedding. I adore the idea and you can have fun with the extra accessories. Channel your inner Diana, Fergie and Queen and set your sights on something that adds a bit of sophisticated prim to your look.  And be sure to stash a thin comb and a travel hairspray for hair touch ups once you’ve removed your chapeau for the reception.

left to right: Helen Kaminski Kaylee Hat, $85 at neimanmarcus.com (TIP: Try tying a navy satin ribbon around the hat to dress it up a bit); Nordstrom Ribbon Trim Straw Hat, $58 at nordstrom.com; Louise Green Lace Hat, $225 at neimanmarcus.com

Q. I’m so sick of carrying two bags to work.  Usually, it’s my purse and another tote bag for mail, magazines, lunch or whatever.  And when I bring my laptop into work, that’s three bags total!  It’s just too much! Every bag I find big enough seems too athletic or “LL Bean” looking which is just not my style.  Any ideas on one classy, stylish bag I can use for work? 
-Need to Subtract 

A.  You need the perfect carryall for just about everything.  We call that the BIG bag.  You should stick to one large bag that holds the items that were originally in your purse, plus the mags, mail and lunch. Then for the few times you carry your laptop, get yourself a stylish laptop bag or padded sleeve.

When filling your new BIG bag, be aware that we women tend to fill all that extra space with everything we own, making the bag too cumbersome and heavy to carry comfortably. Pare down to just the basics you need for every day. You don’t need to carry all your cosmetics, just powder, lip color, gloss and hand cream.  Keep any other additions or nonessential items in your desk drawer, even if it means buying duplicates to keep at home and at work.

I’ve chosen a few bags that I believe will help you carry your daily needs:

left to right: Hype Handbags Cheyenne Satchel, $173 at zappos.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs King Pin Forbidden Shopper, $388 at eluxury.com; Michael Kors ‘Yacht Club Large’ Shopper, $348 at nordstrom.com; L.A.M.B. Devon Tote, $650 at  eluxury.com;  Michael Kors Big Valley North/South, $368 at nordstrom.com; Cole Haan Paige Collection Large Convertible Tote, $425 at colehaan.com

Laptop sleeves and cases, keep your choice simple and sleek:

left to right: Talene Reilly Reese Laptop Tote, $230 (sale) at lunaboston;  Case Closed Bob w/Fashion Girl Lining, $50 (sale) at ebags.com; Kara B Laptop Bags The Euro Briefcase, $86.95 at zappos.com; Timbuk2 Quilted Laptop Sleeve-Large, $35.95 at zappos.com; Mango Tango Faux Croc Laptop Bag, $49.99 (sale) at ebags.com; Acme Made Designer Slim, $149.99 at acmemade.com

Q. Would you pair a black shirtdress with a navy blue leather belt, or are the colors too closely matched? Should I opt for a more contrasting color?
-Waisted

A. I love the idea of a contrasting color like red, burgundy, olive green or even white when the weather turns warm. Here are a few options that would look great with a black dress:


left to right: Cynthia Rowley Leather Obi Belt, $78 at nordstrom.com;  Two Tone Obi Belt, $78 at ardenb.com;  Patent Leather High Waist Belt, $68 at ardenb.com; Leatherock Wide Patent Leather Belt, $68 at nordstrom.com