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5 hot holiday accessories
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From belts and purses to shoes and jewelry, the right accessories can make your outfit outstanding. Find expert advice on how to wear an accessory well, plus five fashionable finds to add just the right touch to your holiday clothing choices.
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By Natalie Bahadur
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No matter what your style, accessories are the perfect way to add a dash of drama to an outfit without going over the top. Well-chosen accessories will help you to stay on trend, without feeling like you're wearing something your 15-year-old niece might wear.
So how do you find those perfect accessories that'll take your holiday outfit from drab to fab? Robin Keeler, fashion director at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre shares some important principles for accessorizing with ease. Before you start shopping, keep these simple pointers in mind.
1. Mood
"Keep your accessories in the same mood as your outfit, so that nothing looks awkward, incongruent or out of place," she advises. "Generally, the simpler the clothes, the more dramatic the accessories can be."
2. Balance
"Uneven numbers tend to be more pleasing to the eye than even," says Keeler. "With the exception of shoes and earrings, accessories tend to look better as one spectacular item or in a group of three."
3. Proportion
"This is simple but very important. Your size should determine the size of your accessories. Large pieces will make what is around them look smaller. The bigger you are, the larger your accessories should be. Small pieces will make what's around them look bigger."
4. Colour
Colours are exciting this year: jewel tones, red, gold, bronze, silver and pewter. Black, of course, is everywhere.
Shopping guide
Now that you've got the basics downs, still not sure what to buy to add some sparkle to your holiday wardrobe? Below, Keeler breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps. Ready, set, shop!
Handbags
"For a polished look, try a structured handbag with clean lines. If you are wearing all black have some fun by adding a colourful or embellished bag. The must-have bag for the holiday season is the clutch."
Try this:
 | 1. Jessica beaded details evening bag
Price: $34.99
Available at: www.sears.ca |
Shoes
"Shoes give an outfit attitude. They affect overall proportion by lengthening the leg. The flashier or more colourful the shoe, the more the eye is drawn to it. New this season: the patent bootie or pump, the strappy or peep-toe high-heel shoe in a dramatic colour and embellished ballet flats."
Try this:
Elegant wrap
"A classic accessory, an elegant wrap in fabrics such as silk, satin, velvet, brocade or faux fur, can be worn either casually by day or dramatically by night. Think in terms of a neutral shade that will compliment things already in your wardrobe or a jolt of colour for drama. For eveningwear, the finer the fabric the dressier it is."
Try this:
 | 3. Velvet square-print scarf
Price: $38
Available at Banana Republic stores across Canada (selection may vary by store) |
Jewelry
"There are always a few pieces of jewelry that will mix and match with any style. You can never go wrong with pearls, which are larger in size this season or diamond stud earrings are always classic. For a more chic look, try hoop earrings; they go with practically anything. For more formal occasions jeweled drop or chandelier earrings are perfect. Cuff bracelets add just the right touch while necklaces are chunkier and bolder than in past seasons.
Try this:
Belts
Belts help you look pulled together and are one the most prominent accessory items of the season. Wide leads the way but skinny, chain or embellished belts are all popular, too. Belts aren't confined to belt loops. You can wear them with your satin shirt out, over a dress or jacket, or on a plain black dress. Go for better quality here; a cheap belt can ruin an outfit.
Try this:
 | 5. Skinny metallic belt
Price: $48
Available at Banana Republic stores across Canada (selection may vary by store) |
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Natalie Bahadur is a contributor to www.homemakers.com and is the editor of www.styleathome.com.
-Send Christmas and holiday e-cards to your loved ones. Homemakers.com e-greetings are fun, festive and free!
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