Hosiery is one of the often overlooked accessories that a woman frequently contends with, probably because it is so mandatory in so many situations. But just because you wear it all the time doesn't mean it has to be blah. So throw away at your old beige hose, it's time to get busy with fashion that is both functional (warm and fuzzy) and fashionable (smart and sassy.)

Missoni has a pair of ribbed camel's wool leggings that will positively knock your socks off (at least we hope so, because wearing socks with leggings is a BIG fashion faux pas.) The seams are woven and the leggings are the perfect accent to a shorter skirt, if you haven't been ready to give into cooler fall weather yet. They retail for $185. Missoni also has a great pair of crocheted tights that come in a black-and-white pattern and look excellent with a shiny pair of pumps. These retail for $400.

If you want something a bit more affordable and maybe a little wackier, the MyTights website offers various brands that come with animal prints, stripes, spots, rainbow colors, fishnets, in silk, sheer, shiny or sensational fabrics. Featured on the site are designers like Calvin Klein, Jonathon Aston, Trasparenze, Levee and Spanx.

If you're feeling old fashioned or, alternately, saucy, you may want to go for the stocking version of these spicy styles. Stockings are easier to remove and put on (no need for a garter in this day and age) and can prevent unflattering waist constriction, properly flatter your gams and- depending on the brand, give your derrière a boost.

Break a leg!

Rings, brooches, bracelets, scarves, belts, earrings, necklaces- none of them conjure up the idea of a tech-savvy nation. But now, electronics companies are getting an edge in the accessories market. Perhaps you've heard rumors of the phone that Giorgio Armani has teamed up with Samsung to design, but have you heard of the Samsung Serene- a small, slim mobile phone with a clock-like numerical pad, which, folded shut, looks like a sleek makeup compact. It doesn't meant the handset is easy to use, of course, but it sure looks nice, and companies are beginning to realize the need for aesthetic appeal in their electronics designs.

Another product with a foot in the fashion door is the wearable USB drive. These "jump drives" were labeled a must-have for college students almost as soon as they were invented, and the ease of storing information in a small package- easier to use and more durable than a disk, and compatible with several operating systems- was attractive. Now, designers are tweaking them to suit the personality of the wearer, with shining silver or sporty, colorful cases. Some are built to look like interlocking discs. The methods of carrying them around have gotten better for your fashion savvy, as well; some are wearable as wristbands, while others come in the form of a functioning and classy pen. And if you're tired of the ugly 'lanyard' style that used to come with portable USB cases, you can switch it out for a delicate silver string or a chunky chain- whatever best defines your personality.

Storing and transmitting information just got sexier.

According to news sources, a very very strange new fad is circling in some parts of the world: the dead mouse brooch. Ridiculous, you say? Not quite. At a New York Fashion Week party, Jason Preston, partner of Marc Jacobs, paraded around with a white mouse attached to his lapel via brooch. It is unknown yet whether or not the mouse was real- photographs show it looking like a cat toy- but Preston refused to remove it, saying it was a gift from his date, Courtney Love, and that she refused to let him take it off. Representatives from the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, were not amused by his antics and berated him for them.

This could be dismissed as an odd, one-time incident, liable to happen in those wacky, haute-couture parts of Manhattan. However: just the other day it was reported, much to the delight of the tabloids, that Pete Doherty, lead singer of the group Babyshambles, had sent his ex-lover, Kate Moss, a dead mouse as well- attached to a brooch. The response from Moss is unknown. Doherty, who is currently in rehab, felt it was an adequate expression of his emotions, since the dead mouse represented his life without Moss: fragile, dead and broken. He also added that Courtney Love gave him the idea.

Needless to say, it makes one wonder if this "trend" is going to be picked up around the world, with diamond-encrusted mouse shapes soon for sale at Tiffany's, but for now, suffice to say that maybe the accessories trade has stepped out a little too far.

Scarves are one of the best accessories around. They maintain hairdos, complement suit jackets, spice up mandatory white blouses, caress the neck and can be used, in a pinch, as a headband or hair ribbon. It's natural, however, to be a little afraid of them, because nowhere in fashion magazines has it been written how to properly tie or drape a scarf. Never fear! Your scarf-wearing guide is here.

With a square scarf: the first step is t fold the scarf in half, so that it forms a triangle. Then, take the scarf by the broad side and fold it toward the middle until the entire thing has created a two-inch band. Drape it around your neck, and tie a knot. Voila! If you wear it in front you can achieve a classic flattering look, and if you want something a little sportier, position it off to the side.

If you have a solid scarf, accent the knot with a colorful pin or brooch. Don't tie it too tight- the point isn't to suffocate! You will also want to be careful removing the pin so that the scarf does not develop tears. If you wear scarves regularly it's recommended to launder them appropriately and frequently, as the oils from your neck can dirty them, and this can cause colors to fade.

Long scarves can be tied loosely in the middle and worn with a sweater, or pushed to the side with the ends fluttering free à la carefree ice skater. They also make stupendous belts and, when worn just under the bust, create a flattering effect on a larger waistline.

We get it, we get it; the "less is more" ideal has been pounded into our heads for the past few years, and women are reluctant to go out with a large handbag or more than one piece of jewelry on. Don't be! Fashion this fall is turning around and citing the vitality of accessories, especially carefully 'mismatched' sets of necklaces, bracelets and belts.

Matching necklaces, bracelets and rings aren't quite a thing of the past, but designers this year have had a lot of fun putting together sets that don't match perfectly but have undeniable beauty and style when lumped together. Silver bangles with turquoise rings, big chunky tiger's eye necklaces with itty-bitty gold bands, wooden bracelets with animal-print belts. Big jewelry is making a lovely comeback and thick bracelets and enormous disc earrings are must-haves for fall. And don't forget to grab some faux fur. Decidedly nicer to our fuzzy friends, this fabric is a vital part of this year's fashion frenzy.

What about color? Should it be muted, flat, autumn-esque? Not at all! So long as it's not garishly day-glo, designers recommend adding to your outfit with bold, beautiful color sets. Mulberry makes a beautiful bright purple patent leather bag for $895 and Inge Christopher has a stellar purple silk clutch for $108. Not feeling quite so royal? Hit the town shocking red glass bracelets or colorful candy-like rings and a swagger that will shock the heck out of fall. The temperature's dropping, but this year we're going to turn it back up with an accessories sensation that's sure to be felt 'round the globe.

"Bitten", Sarah Jessica Parker's new line of women's affordable clothing has had varied reviews. There is no denying it that the prices are quite attractive with clothes and accessories priced no higher than twenty bucks; but with Wal-Mart prices, you have to ask yourself if this line has Wal-Mart quality. Wal-Mart clothes are great when your in a fix, and don't plan on wearing the outfit more than twice; but should we expect more from "Bitten".

So far the consensus is that "Bitten" clothing is as cheaply made as its prices suggest. Fashion Blast, the online fashion review has nothing nice to say about "Bitten". After reviewing Parker's fashion show on Oprah, the review was in; Fashion Blast hates "Bitten". "It really is dull and unimaginative. The clothes that were modeled on Oprah had very few pops of color and looked cheap".

One blogger on Fashion Blast complained that after buying a "Bitten" button down shirt from Steve & Barry's she tried it on at home only to have all the buttons fall off. While the clothing line is a Wal-Mart special, "Bitten" accessories are cute, the purses, scarves and belts serve their purpose and seem somewhat better quality than the clothing line.

Accessories are made to be worn for a short time, so paying less makes sense; but clothes; you want them to last at least the season. Paying a little more for well made clothes is important; especially to your budget. Bottom line: Looking for accessories? "Bitten" is a reasonable choice. Clothes? Unless you don't mind your clothes falling apart the first time you wear them, try something slightly better quality than "Bitten".

According to Harper's Bazaar "the latest extras are all about luxe textures, bright colors, and practicality". Fall fashion has never looked so vibrant. While traditional fall colors are in; burnt orange, red, browns, yellows and black, they are bolder than last year’s trends. Belts are big... really big. Belts are covering the waistline, in some instances, covering all the way to below the bust. Thinner belts are being worn in layers over larger, solid color belts or worn with solid color dresses; making the belt the eye-catching piece of the ensemble.

Layers are big this season; such as scarves with charms layered over silk solid colored scarves. Even big bulkier scarves are in. Necklaces that are chunky with very noticeable charms are in as well; the bigger the better. The same goes for bracelets; large bracelets are in this fall. As for necklaces, you guessed it – large! Most necklaces have multiple pieces to the design. The more colorful and complex the design the better. The only thing that hasn't grown is this seasons purses. Hand bags and shoulder bags for fall are small, but vibrant; big enough for the night-on-the-town necessities.

For work or a night out, medium length neutral colored gloves are this fall’s must have accessory according to Bazaar. They go great with one piece dresses or semi-casual outfits.

When shopping for this seasons accessories think big and vibrant; with the exception of purses (in this case think small and vibrant). Layering accessories is the way to go this season; so stock up on lots of extras!

Beauty & Style Channel releases a new “Hot Finds” list every month and September’s list had some amazing new trends and truly hot finds. Everything from the best concealers to Bindy Irwin’s new fashion line for the kiddies.

September was named “Mineral Makeup Month” by Pretty by Nature, and this is a definite must have makeup item for every woman. Mineral makeup has quickly become the new choice of Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and even Sara Jessica Parker. Women every where are singing the praises of this light weight, full coverage make up that conceals acne, rosacea, skin discoloration and even small scars. La Bella Donna is one of the top manufacturers of mineral makeup.

Ankle boots are featured as the must have foot accessory for this fall. You can go high end with Christian Louboutin, slightly less, but just as trendy with the “Cooper” from Max Studio or even go economical with the “Lasso” from Liz Claiborne. Anyway you slice it, ankle boots are on your shopping list.

Style It Less has Manolo Blahnik sandals on their minds and so do we. Maybe sandal weather is over, but you can never go wrong with a strappy pair of Manolo Blahniks. In all actuality the reason Style It Less is even considering sandals for a September “Hot Finds” list is because Manolo Blahnik created a special sandal for Neiman Marcus’s 100th Anniversary and this sandal can only be found there and with a price tag of $1050, they’ll remain on my luxury wish list.

You can find the entire list of “September Hot Finds” at http://www.styletots.com/september-hot-finds-beauty-style-channel, along with an archive of previous month’s “Hot Finds”.

Labels: beauty and style, luxury fashion, Manolo Blahnik, sandals, shoes

The Holidays are fast approaching and while many will be pulling their Santa Sweaters and green & plaid pants out of moth balls, you may want to consider a different approach. These tips will keep you looking and feeling your best this season.

By keeping a few dressy pieces in your closet, you are sure to have the beginnings of a perfect outfit, even with last minute invitations. You can re-wear the same pieces and change the look completely with different accessories, but you already knew that.

Make sure that you don’t over do the glitz, yes it’s the Holidays, but you are not a Christmas tree. Incorporate a small embellished item to your outfit, like a handbag and make sure that any accessory you use on or near a body part is an area you want to call attention to.

This tip can not be over looked. During the Holiday season, the air is dry and you’ll be wearing heavier makeup to all these events. Make sure to cleanse your face with high quality cleanser and use EXTRA moisturizer, so face will be as glam as the rest of you.

Keep your figure flattering clothes fitting through the entire season by remembering to snack on healthy foods before going to any event where there’s bound to be an abundance of sugary goodness (and that would be every event over the Holidays).

The final and undoubtedly the most important tip for this Holiday season is, remember to take time for you. We can all get caught up in the hustle and bustle, merriment and cheer, then wind up exhausted. Treat yourself to a candle lit bubble bath, or a massage at the local spa.

Enjoy the Holiday’s, Tis the Season to be the Best You.

Labels: fashion trends, holiday fashions

While the hottest fashion trends are being seen in miles of grey, black and brown fabrics, they are not boring in the least because of the many textures that designers are creating with. The texture of the fabric is what enhances the otherwise bland color choices, textures like velvet, suede, tweed and jacquards, not to mention the return of patent leather for our handbags, belts and even jackets. But, where has the color gone? There seems to be an unwritten rule that we should stay within these color schemes, well I’m here to dare you to mix it up with splashes of color.

Why not try something bold with those black and white birds eye pant, let’s say a red or muted gold. Maybe you are little more daring and want to add an eye catching scarf to that brown and grey glen plaid, find one in a vibrant blue and you’re catching on.

Color is cropping up everywhere this season; mod-ish dresses, sweaters and accessories can be found sporting bright blocks of color. One must have item to spice up your fall wardrobe is a knit dress with a mini silhouette in bright graphic details, try wearing it over tights and boots or stack-heeled pumps.

Color is not a fashion faux pas, as long as you don’t over do it, color is back and not for the faint of heart.

Labels: colors, fashion trends

Us girls are always looking for the hottest trends in fashion, we strive to look our best, or at least better than our friends, but what about our men? Are they still wearing their baggy jeans from High School? Do they have every band ever made for the “Swatch Watch”? Are they just out of the fashion loop in general? We know you love him, but...

Let’s start with the basics, since men usually only shop twice a year, this is the time to stock up on the hottest Fashions for him. Two popular styles of shirt this fall are actually traditional “standards”. A cotton button up shirt in denim is completely versatile and can be paired with a jacket and slacks, or even with pocketed khakis. The absolute must have shirt for men this fall is the rustic, structured knit pull over with varying Troyer collars.

Jeans remain a mainstay of every man’s wardrobe, although the trend is leaning towards a comfortably straight silhouette, and of course, the darker the better. Khaki slacks are also in the top trends for men this fall, keeping with a classier look for the holidays, and we are still seeing those “5 pocket” pants that have been popular in years past. We must stress, baggy is out, sleek silhouettes are in for both men and women.

By adding one new “shoe” style to your man’s wardrobe this year, you will have complimented any style he chooses as most suitable for him. The hot new shoe style for men, is not even a “shoe”, it’s a boot. Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss and other hot designers have brought men’s dress boots to the runway and now they are the latest must have for your man’s wardrobe. These boots are perfectly paired with any style.

Finally, the latest accessory trend for him is, and always has been an elegant watch. For the “Swatch watch” lover, Reliance has a trendy 5-in-1 rubber strap. The 5 piece set is crafted with a stainless steel case and durable mineral crystal protects the boldly colored dials. It also sports Roman Numerals at 4:00 and 8:00, with Arabic numerals at all other hours. Another hot watch right now is Renato Men’s Jackal stainless steel watch. This piece is chunky but not gaudy and comes in your choice of blue, salmon or hunter green dials. It also follows the latest trend, using Arabic numerals at the 8:00 and 12:00 positions.

Are you with him? Yes, yes I am.

Labels: male fashion, updating fashion

We’ve all heard “less is more” and the current fashion trends are re-proving this saying true. Bling is out and class is in. For any of you that have come to loathe the urban look, now is your chance to be on the cutting edge of the latest fall accessory trend and turn your wardrobe into a class act.

We’ll start with every woman’s most important accessory, your hair. This season we’re seeing an increase in smooth, sleek hairstyles that create a polished, yet natural looking appearance. Keeping with this trend we move onto makeup, keeping “less is more” in mind, use natural earth tones and keep it to a minimum. Accent your eyes with a taupe eyeliner and sandy colored shadow, highlight your cheek bones, only slightly with a bronzer and use the lightest of brown color lip glosses to finish the look.

Next we move on to apparel accessories. This season we are seeing a lot of greys, from the icy grey whites, to steely blue and even the deepest charcoal as the monochromatic color schemes of top designers. In keeping with this color scheme you can add sheer grey tights, lacey or ribbed, thicker tights as you layer for fall. Adding leather or gauntlet elbow length gloves are a great way to add sophistication while closing the gap left by a 3 quarter sleeve. And finally, if you simply feel naked without the “bling”, you can add bracelets, cuffs and/or rings that are metallic silver toned and trimmed to complete your look.

Less is more and this fall, we’re sure to see less while wearing more.

Labels: bracelets, fall fashion, fashion trends

Rings are rich in history and symbolism. The ring’s perfect circle has been associated with harmony, immortality, and the heavens. People wore rings to protect themselves from evil, to show their social status, and to simply beautify their hands.

Engagement and wedding bands are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, otherwise known as the ring finger. This practice began because it was once thought that the vein in this finger flowed directly to the heart.

The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on this finger became so ingrained in our culture that many people still consider it taboo for a woman to wear a ring on this finger if she isn’t engaged or married. Some single women wear rings on this finger to discourage unwanted attention. Others wear rings on this finger because they want to, and that’s that.

But wearing a ring on this finger can have other meanings, too. This finger is sometimes associated with creativity and affection.

None of the other fingers have been left out: They carry their own meanings. Wearing a ring on your thumb is supposedly a sign of willfulness, independence, and strength. A ring worn on the index finger can symbolize authority and assertiveness. The middle finger is associated with ego and identity. The little finger is the relationship finger, and a ring worn on this one can hint at insecurity.

At least that’s how the theories go, and they make for great conversational anecdotes. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide which fingers you want to adorn with your favorite rings.

Labels: fingers, rings, traditions

High heels are feminine, fashionable, and sexy. They give the wearer a little extra height, they make the legs appear longer and more shapely, and they can enhance a woman's posture.

Although high heels belong solidly in the realm of women's wear, they didn't start out that way. High heels weren't even invented for aesthetic reasons. Originally they had a very practical purpose for horse riders: A bit of heel prevented the feet from slipping forward in the stirrups. This is why riding boots and cowboy boots look the way they do.

It was in France that the high heel shoe became fashionable. Men and women alike wore high heels. Over the years the heels became so tall and thin that the shoes were utterly impractical for riding. High heels became synonymous with wealth and nobility. After the French Revolution in the 1700s, high heels fell out of favor because of their link to the aristocracy.

High heels have also been embroiled in controversy. Feminists decried them as degrading and crippling to women. Moreover, they argued, excessively high heels hamper a woman if she tries to flee from a violent attack. And then there is the medical side of things: Podiatrists don't much like high heels because they can cause foot problems if worn excessively.

Although the high heeled shoe's popularity has fluctuated over the years, it is a classic that has never completely gone away. Strong-minded, career-oriented women still wear them without feeling as though they are betraying their sex. In fact, it could be argued that high heels are a symbol of feminine power and dominance: It is not an easy thing to cower and slouch in a pair of high heels.

Labels: feminists, high heels, shoes, women

Maybe you’re getting ready for work, or you’re going out for a night on the town. You have the outfit picked out, you hurry to get dressed… only to discover that the pantyhose you were going to wear has a big ugly run in it, right where everyone can see it!

Hose is a necessary garment for many occasions. They help define or slim down the profile, hide blemishes and stubble, and keep the legs extra warm during the winter. Unfortunately, pantyhose is prone to getting nasty snags and runs. How do you prevent this?

Hosiery commonly meets its doom while it’s being pulled on, when the nylon can snag on a toenail or a bit of dry skin. Try to buy the kind of hose that has a reinforced toe. You might also want to trim and file down any nails and toenails that might catch on the hose. Apply plenty of lotion to make your feet and hands smooth.

You can also try buying heavier hose or tights, since they are more durable and tend to last longer. However, they may only be practical to wear during the winter. If you live in a warm climate or you are sensitive to heat, the thicker hose might be unbearable in summer.

If you do discover a small run in your hose, you can do something about it before it gets worse. Apply a little dab of clear nail polish to keep it in check.

And for those emergency situations when your last pair of hose has an unsightly run in it? Have a backup plan: A tall pair of boots and an extra long skirt isn’t a bad combination.

Labels: clear nail polish, pantyhose runs

Dichroic glass is something people quickly learn to recognize on sight, even if they don’t always know what it’s called. There is simply nothing like it. Dichroic pendants are unforgettable, like fire opals and peacock feathers on steroids: They flash and dazzle with layers of iridescent colors. No picture can fully capture the depth and beauty of Dichroic glass.

But how is this ethereal effect achieved? Dichroic glass is created through a process that occurs in a vacuum, when oxidized metals or quartz crystals are heated and applied to a layer of glass. Multiple layers create the beautiful glass that resembles a space-age gemstone. Actually, “space-age” isn’t far off the mark at all. The technology used to create this beautiful glass came from the space industry.

The word Dichroic comes from two Greek words, “di” (two) and “chroma” (color). So literally, Dichroic means “two colors”—and you can definitely see the effect when you turn the glass in different lights. The light that passes through glass reveals one color, while the light that reflects back is a different color.

Dichroic jewelry isn’t always easy to find. Your best bet is to either look online at places such as Etsy or eBay, where glass artists often sell their Dichroic products. You can also find Dichroic pendants in many bead stores or arts & crafts shows.

Each Dichroic bead and pendant is a work of art, truly unique and never exactly duplicated. If you want to wear something color and flashy that will turn heads, Dichroic jewelry is it.

Labels: beads, Dichroic Glass, jewelry, pendants

Charm bracelets are very feminine, whimsical, and personal. They jingle and jangle, they draw attention, and they tell a story.

Originally, charms were worn for very different reasons than they are today. People wore them to honor their gods or else protect themselves from harm. Sometimes charms were more or less passports to the afterlife.

It was Queen Victoria who started wearing charms for the pleasure of it, and everyone began following suit. Men who came back from World War II often brought back little charms for their wives or sweethearts. The popularity of charm bracelets has fluctuated since then, but in the last decade or so they have made a resurgence.

What makes charm bracelets special is how personal they are. You can add charms to your bracelet that have great meaning to you. A charm can represent your favorite object, pastime, or pet. It can symbolize a special event in your life, such as a graduation, a wedding, or the birth of your child. Charm bracelets can be completely dedicated to your travels, with charms representing each place you visited. Charms can also recall the special people in your life.

Charm bracelets spark curiosity and get people talking. They attract attention, and people naturally start asking questions or try to get a closer look at your wrist. It's a great way to break the ice and get conversations started. These bracelets can also become treasured heirlooms passed on from mother to daughter.

For a truly unique piece of jewelry that grows with you and tells the story of your life, a charm bracelet is the perfect choice.

Labels: charm bracelets, jewelry