style and living	« fashion
Added: December 6, 2006, 10:33 am	Share    Print    Email

Deep Toned Beauty - Perfume River silk shawl ($390), Nancy Gonzalez python multicolor belt ($495), Carlos Falchi gold python clutch ($350), Banana Republic Romulus sandal ($138), Erickson Beamon for Tory Burch belt ($803), Elisa Atheniense clutch ($645)

November signals so many things. Leaves turn to brilliant colors, turning a simple trip down the lane into a gallery-like experience. As it gets colder, sweaters are piled on and fires are lit. Thanksgiving shows up, the turkey gets gobbled and then, and then, and then...the parties start! The biggest problem isn't that Aunt Millie won't toss something at Uncle Eustace at a family do, the biggest problem is always what to wear! Yes, you might have your outfit, but you need accessories. Accessories are like candles on a cake, they'll make you glow just that tiny bit more.

Many of us reach for the classic (and sometimes boring) little black or red dress, throw on some pearls and head out the door. There are some of us who can't resist anything sparkly, it must have to do with the longer nights, and we end up looking like Liberace on speed. How do you not fall into either trap? Study some one whose fashion sense you admire.

Symphony in Blue - Jason Wu fox shrug (approximately $2950), Yoana Barashi Gatsby silk and lace camisole ($240), Andrew Crawford Hamilton Bluebird necklace ($148), Tracy Reese Sparkly Schmid shoe ($355) and Avon Midnight blue necklace ($14.99)

You'll notice three very basic rules for after five style. First, a solid color outfit is a wonderful background for brilliant accessories. Pair a solid color with animal print heels and bag, small earrings and a big necklace (or vice versa) and you're done. Second, big print anything can be paired with one huge accessory - big sparkly necklace or big sparkly ring or...well, you get the picture, then add a huge smile and you're done. Lastly, don't get matchy-matchy with jewels, clothes or accessories. Go tone-one-tone or complementary colors for a more fluid look.

Use a vintage, antique, or vintage styled accessories to spice up any outfit. Many companies create items that have that heirloom look. The most important accessory is confidence. As Diane Vreeland once said, "The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really comes from it." Unfortunately you still need shoes, and a bag, and a belt, so we girded our loins, took on the mission, and went headlong into the shops with you in mind. Poor us! Here's what we found.

Talk about admiring someone's style, whether Beyonce's singing, walking down the red carpet at an event, or even being snapped at an airport, she always looks glittericious. Beyonce and her mother have teamed up and created fashion and accessory line, The House of Dereon. Just look at her leopard print shoes, aptly named Farah ($139). You could dance the night away in these babies.

So Pretty - Yoana Barashi Pompadour silk and lace top ($265), Banana Republic beaded date bag ($78), Beverly Feldman Hyped Up sandal ($240), Tous Scribble bracelet ($767) and Bracher Emden romilly beaded bag ($388)

Nancy Gonzalez is a Columbian based accessory designer who utilizes exotic materials like lizard, crocodile, alligator and python. She'll take crocodile and make a basket weave style purse with it or take a simple shape like a rectangle, cover it with silver lizard and it's an evening clutch ($810). Eva Longoria used this bag at an awards show recently. Or spice up any outfit with her metallic crocodile and python multicolor belt ($495).

New York based designer Yoana Baraschi makes sweetly feminine, sophisticated clothing with vintage appeal. Her pieces have a timeless appeal to them. You can wear them season after season and always look chic. Pair either her frilly black be-ribboned Pompadour silk and lace top ($265) or her silk and ivory lace Gatsby Camisole ($240) with a dinner suit, sleek pants or a flowy skirt.

Andrew Hamilton Crawford is a jewelry line created by Chad Crawford, Andrew Tessier, and Helen Hamilton. They take their inspiration from everyday objects, "and things that we like and create a clean edge so it can be worn as jewelry." For example, the bluebird necklace's ($148) inspiration was a tattoo. They refined the image for jewelry and with this piece and all of their pieces, there's detail work on either side. Their Spectacular earrings ($165) are 18 k yellow gold vermeil with rhinestones on the center stem. They swing from a pivot point on the post. The gold Sunburst earrings ($155) are too pretty to just be seen at night.

Rare Gems - Banana Republic simulated pearl deco links necklace ($58), Banana Republic's instant classic orange starburst ring ($38), Diamond In The Rough ear studs and stackable rings (price upon request)

Jason Wu's designs bring to mind Grace Kelly; it's that effortless elegance, the gorgeous bone structure, the color, the lines that make you sigh when you see them waltz on the runway. His clothes have been worn by Kelly Clarkson, Sandra Bullock, Jamie Lyn Sigler, and Amber Valleta. His fur shrugs made from fox (approximately $2950) are super soft, super elegant and make you feel like Grace herself. Too bad you can't wear them everyday.

Beverly Feldman has always been known for festive, sparkly shoes and this season her holiday wear doesn't disappoint. You have to love her motto "too much is not enough." Her "Diamond Beach" bag ($245) whose front is covered entirely with sparkly stones is one bag you won't forget where you put it, but why would you leave it alone? And can't you just imagine dancing away in her Hyped Up ($240) evening sandals? And if you need a really good laugh, check out her blog http://beverlyfeldman.blogspot.com/. You'll love her post, "Every Girl Needs an Italian Boyfriend."

When you think of Tracy Reese, you think of her highly crafted, fun and sexy clothing. This fall, Ms. Reese has created a line of accessories - bags, shoes and belts with her signature sense of style. This sparkly leather kitten heeled shoe, called "Schmid Sparkle" ($355) with its black velvet bow and matching heel, is destined to be a holiday favorite.
Tous (pronounced "toos") is an 86 year old jewelry line from Spain. Perhaps you've seen the adorable teddy necklace, they're famous for their light looking and whimsical jewelry. Some fans have called Tous, "the Tiffany of Spain." Their pale pink amethyst square cut ring, called from the "Dune" collection ($1327) is simple, elegant, and envy worthy. Sigh. Their earrings from the "Dreams" collection ($1080) have an elegant gold filigree design set in a circular shape. Semi-precious stones are caught in a gold wire bracelet ($767).

Retro Glam - Avon's charming wine color necklace and earring gift set ($14.99), vintage bag and fur - from the author's collection

Erickson Beamon is really Vicki Beamon and Karen Erickson. They've been working together on their jewelry and accessory line since the early 80's. Their Muse ($480) necklace, a goldtone chain with jeweled paisley drop with a huge topaz crystal dangling in the center, is retro cool. Baroque looks were all over the runway this fall. Erickson Beamon for Tory Burch captures that period with this 24k overlaid golden link belt with an amethyst and green jeweled pendant ($803)Over a the classic little black dress?

Amis Garrigue the designer behind the line Garriguejarossay not creates luxury day bags - her red satin quilted clutch with appliquéd flower ($620) can add impact to any affair.

Diamond in the Rough was founded by Daniel Eskapa in 2003. He long felt that natural diamonds "embody the love, power, spirit that diamonds had come to represent." His pendants have been worn by Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff and other celebs and socialites. His stacked ring is actually three separate rings worn together. Each rough diamond is criss-crossed with pave cut diamonds (prices start at $5,000). Let the diamonds whisper in your ear by wearing these studs. The total carat weight is 8.36 carats with micro pave diamonds totaling 0.31 carats, all set in 18 karat white gold (price available upon request) Is this what Marilyn meant when she said, "diamonds are a girl's best friend"?

Old Hollywood Glamour - Nancy Gonzalez Silver Ring Lizard Box Clutch ($810), Jason Wu blonde Fox shrug (approximately $2950), House of Dereon Farah Shoe ($139), Tous pink amethyst ring ($1327), and Avon bangle watch ($24.99)

Brazilian Elisa Atheniense and London design duo Bracher Emden both create sexy bags with intricate details and luxurious leathers, skins and fabrics. Atheniense's deep burgundy python clutch with two rows of stone trim ($645) is an elegant, sleek and modern. Bracher Edmond's beaded and appliquéd romilly butterfly wristlet ($388) in lavender and gold is a touch of whimsy that many evenings need. Speaking of whimsy, when has Carlos Falchi let you down? For night, he goes classic with a gold python clutch ($350) and his silver metallic leather bag ($290) with gold chain. Getting bored? You could play with the tassels on it.

When you think of AVON, you probably think of fragrance of skin care. Think again, Avon's line of accessories is very fashion forward and affordable. This holiday season, their jewelry line combined the elegance of Art Nouveau with the sleek lines of Art Deco. The red bangle watch with rhinestone accents ($24.99) only looks like it might break the bank. The midnight blue necklace ($14.99), and charming wine color necklace and earring gift set ($14.99) just look like you "accidentally" borrowed grandmere's jewels.

Speaking of grandmere's jewels, Banana Republic's holiday jewelry collection is as deco as the Chrysler building. Their orange starburst ring ($38) and the simulated pearl deco links necklace ($58) just look like they slipped out of a safety deposit box. Their velvet platform sandals, Romulus ($138) with ribbon tie, and their bead encrusted date bag ($78) are instant classics.

It's The Little Things - Beverly Feldman Diamond Beach Bag ($245), Andrew Hamilton Crawford Spectacular earrings ($165) and Sunburst earrings ($155), Tous Dream earrings ($1050), Carlos Falchi silver metallic bag ($290)

Perfume River's designer Huong Nyguyen combines classic design elements from Viet Nam and the west to create modern classics. Her two layer silk embroidered evening shawl ($390) is a lovely companion to a strapless creation.

Shopping information:
 • House of Dereon - Farah Shoe (866) MY SHOES or www.houseofdereon.com
 • Nancy Gonzalez - Silver Ring Lizard Box Clutch, to order at Bergdorf Goodman, (212) 753-7300, Crocodile and Python Multicolor Belt, by Special Order Only, 212-744-2855
 • Yoana Baraschi - Pompadour Silk and Lace Top, Joe Brand, Mall Del Norte, Laredo, TX, (956)722-0771, www.joebrand.com, Gatsby Camisole, Elahn Fashions, 12192 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA, 818-763-1921
 • Andrew Hamilton Crawford - Bluebird necklace, Spectacular earrings, and Sunburst earrings, Monarch, 326 West 47th Street 10036, 212-541-4112
 • Jason Wu - fox fur pieces are special order only, Saks Fifth Avenue New York City- and selected Saks stores.
 • Garrigue & Jarossay clutch ($620) by special order at www.garriguejarossay.com
 • Beverly Feldman - Hyped Up sandal, Diamond Beach bag , both available at Beverly Feldman, 7 West 56th Street, NY, NY (212) 484-0000, at www.beverlyfeldmanshoes.com
 • Tracy Reese - Schmid Sparkle, Tracy Reese Flagship Store, 641 Hudson Street, (212) 807-0505
 • Tous - Dune ring, Dreams earrings, Scribble bracelet, Tous, 109 Greene Street, New York, NY, (212) 219-1444, online store locator - www.tous.com
 • Carlos Falchi - gold python clutch and silver metallic bag, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's - nationwide
 • Diamond in the Rough - stackable rings, ear studs- Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman - nationwide
 • Erickson Beamon - Muse necklace, Erickson Beamon for Tory Burch belt, call (212) 643-4810 for availability
 • Elisa Atheniense - python clutch, Carleen Ligozio, 29 Main Street, Southampton, NY (631) 204-0104
 • Bracher Emden - Romilly beaded bag, Henri Bendel, New York City, (212) 884-3000
 • Avon - all jewelry can be found at www.avon.com
 • Banana Republic - Banana Republic stores nationwide and at www.bananarepublic.com
 • Perfume River - Shawl, www.perfumeriver.com

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PJ Gach is a Contributing Writer for the Style & Entertainment Section of the EDGE group of publications. She’s a Manhattanite, a proud dog owner, gal about town, and freelance writer. Some of the publications her pieces have appeared in are The New York Post, Rolling Stone (web & mag), Ingenue Magazine, and Drill Magazine. In her spare time, she rescues orphaned shoes. You can reach her at pjreporter@yahoo.com. All photos by PJ Gach.