ACCESSORIES

The wide belts, shown in richly hued bold colors meshed with metallic, popped against the ladylike print dresses and prim straw hats that comprised the vast majority of this season’s showcase, and were layered on essentially every outfit that sashayed down the runway. Originally designed to keep a kimono in place, the obi sash looks just as refreshing over a crisp white blouse as it does paired with a wispy silk tunic. 

Surprisingly, and perhaps disappointingly, the belt did not make its way to Jacobs’ less costly Marc by Marc Jacobs line, which showed slightly traditional grommeted styles on several looks.  Have no fear, discount divas:  even though the gamut of Marc Jacobs’ accessories run into the hundreds of dollars range, the look is hot, thereby guaranteeing replicas available at places like H&M and Target. 

Three cheers to you, Marc Jacobs, for showing us that reigning in our waistlines – figuratively and literally – can be fabulous (and an especially wonderful reprieve after months of shapeless babydoll styles that cause even the most slender of ladies to look like a pregnant woman on a Haagen-Dazs binge).

-Karyn Polewaczyk

[Telegraph] So it looks like cages aren’t for birds anymore, or bad people either! They can be for your feet! Bondage is in this season, and there is no better place to showcase a trend then with fancy footwear 😉 [Telegraph]

While a decent winter coat can set you back a bit, a decent winter coat that keeps you looking as good as it does warm can set you back two months’ rent; conscious acquisition of applicable cold weather accessories for New York’s tundra-like winters, therefore, is key.  So, ladies, leave your Uggs at home:  there’s a new way to warm up your winter wardrobe without breaking fashion rules – or the bank. 

Ear muffs, a clever cross between hat and headband, are pulling themselves out of nostalgia and pushing into present day, reviving even the most drab of slush-abused parkas.  Pair them with last fall’s pashmina scarf and camel military jacket for an urban twist, or with a classic peacoat and woolen mittens for a look reminiscent of yesteryear.  Keeping toasty while avoiding ubiquitous hat hair with change to spare for a peppermint mocha latte:  what more could a fashionista ask for?

Ironically enough, Ugg does make an ear muff (and a cute one at that):

As does Pucci – though still leaning towards splurge, even at half off:

And J. Crew, for East Coast prepsters and those who just want to look boarding school cool:

Now, if only an accessory existed that turned blah winter skin to a sunny glow, served little pink drinks with umbrellas and gave me unlimited access to the Spring 2009 collections… a girl can dream, can’t she?

-Karyn Polewaczyk

While Barbie Dolls and play kitchens don’t rank particularly high on my list of needs these days, there’s nothing like writing to Santa (even if he tends to take the shape of an abused American Express card) to bring back the warmth of childhood holidays.  After all, what are visions of sugar plum fairies for while a gal keeps her manicured fingers crossed beneath the mistletoe? 

Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Canvas Speedy bag $750

Despite the inevitable knockoff that exists somewhere on Canal Street, the LV Speedy is a classic bag that, much like its name implies, carries well with you wherever you go.  What can one place in a spacious 14″ by 9″ bag, you ask?  First class tickets to Fiji, a liter of Evian, and a prenuptial agreement for husband #1. 

Jacob & Company rose gold 5-Time Zone watch $10,000

Typically adorned by members of the hip hop community, the 5-Time Zone Watch doesn’t mess around, and neither do its 5 carats of diamonds that encrust the bezel.  Pair this timepiece with jeans and a casual white oxford while zipping downtown for a latte or with your warmest fur on the way to the Grammys.  (Music mogul boyfriend optional.)

David Yurman Pave Quarterfoil ring $5,900 

Because what’s two more carats (on your right hand, of course) as you wave goodbye to 2008 and kiss 2009 on both cheeks?

Santa, however, had other things in mind, placing me on the naughty list with a stern reminder that while a bit of bling can be wonderful, a thoughtful bargain is worth more than an exorbitant price tag.  I may not have Louis to accompany me to a New Year’s Eve party, but a circle of close friends and a toast to rationality suits me just fine.

-Karyn Polewaczyk