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Assign your accessories double duty this spring. Choose the newest styles to
rejuvenate your wardrobe and make them work for you by selecting the types of
accessories that focus attention where you want it.
“Accessories are the essential details in creating personal style,” says Ross
style and image consultant Diane Parente.
Here are some attention getters at the top of her list:

Baubles and bangles

This season’s big, bold jewelry is certain to turn heads with its quarter sized semi
precious stones, including coral, turquoise, and greenish yellow citrine. Although,
silver is still “king,” says Parente, in both bold and delicate jewelry designs. Select
a necklace that enhances your facial features: a pendant for a round face, to thin
and elongate, a choker for a thin face, to frame and add fullness.

Tie one on

A scarf brings attention to the upper torso, and it’s one of the simplest ways to add
a spot of color. Tie together and punch up classic black slacks and a white blouse
with a scarf that’s black and white and has a hot shot of color. The season’s favorites
are juicy citrus shades: tangerine and neon lemon or lime.

It’s a cinch

Belts are big this season, cinched tight. Widths are narrow to wide and colors
scream for attention: hot pink, marigold yellow, and fire engine red. Even black is
embellished with hot colored buckles, and there’s lots of patented leather for
added gloss.
Show off a small waist with a wide belt in a contrasting color. Minimize a large
waist with a narrow belt in the same color as slacks or skirt.

Forget the old rule

Your handbag does not need to match your shoes. Play with the season’s hot
colors and pair a bright bag with black shoes. Purse designs are as playful as the
season’s clothing patterns and colors, so choose one or the other as an
attention grabber.

The bottom line

Make the season’s artful and hot colored shoe styles work for you. Multi-colored
styles make the foot look smaller; solid colors make the foot look larger.
For a shoe style that matches everything, opt for one of spring’s metallic shades,
specifically one that complements your hair color: bronze for brunettes; brushed
gold for blondes; silver for silvery locks; and pewter for black or gray tresses.

Made in the shade

Add some personality and attitude to your ensemble tout de suite with a well chosen
pair of sunglasses. Oversized is still popular, and this season, also look for frames
decorated with dots and other geometric patterns.

Diane Parente and Bianca Stark Falcone are wardrobe consultants showing clients
how to dress with style and panache. To receive complimentary style tips and a $25 gift
certificate to Mirage Jewelry at Town Center send your email address to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it