True Fashion for 2010: Accessorize

I've always been a big proponent of accessories: shoes, bags, jewelry- you name it and my friends will agree that I have a bit of a, ahem, problem. It's no problem to me however, I think of accessories as a quick and cost efficient way to update my wardrobe to be on par with the trends of each and every season and with retailers like Forever21, TopShop, and Zara I know that I can keep up the look without breaking the bank.

So, what better way to update your look for 2010 than with some of the best accessories on the market? Here's a list of the styles and their designers that you are bound to see copied by various retailers worldwide. This way you can craft your own new look for 2010 with a base knowledge of what's hot now and make the trends all your own. Whether you are shopping online, at the mall or in your own closet, enjoy!

...Handbags...
*Fringe* It's back ladies! Embrace it. Or, if you are like me, dig it out of your closet from several seasons back and wear it again with a vengeance.
Ex. Bottega Venetta tie-dye napa leather intrecciato Umbria bag

*Mini bags* Oh, remember the old days of the nearly-bursting-at-the-seams LV Pouchette? You did all you could to get everything in there. Well, now you can do it again with these lovely little handbags in a variety of colors and designs.
Ex. Proenza Schouler fluorescent leather bag with rainbow strap and rope detail
*Long-strap bags* My personal favorite for a music festival, a trip through an overcrowded European city center, or simply out shopping. There's nothing quite like them to keep your hands free and your belongings by your side.
Ex. Derek Lam's Leather Penelope Bauletto bag
*Pouches* Both practical and adorable, pouches have the durability and the functionality to expand when you need them while still looking cute. Get one with a long chain strap and garner double style points.
Ex. Marc Jacobs Leather Dancer knapsack with tassel detail
...Jewelry...
*Bracelets* After several seasons with an obsession with the giant necklace a new trend sweeps the runway: the giant bracelet. Don't store your big necklaces just yet, they are still cool, just don't wear them at the same time.
Ex. The.Well.Set's must have for Spring 2010: Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere horn bracelet

True Fashion for the New Year

As the new year swiftly approaches we are all urged to pause and think, "How can I make myself better in 2010?" With the notion of a clean slate just around the corner gyms offer membership specials urging you to start the new year off right. Our narcissism really bubbles to the surface this time of year and the more narcissistic the better. We are all encouraged to commiserate on what we will try to do to make ourselves better:


"I'm going to drop those 20 lbs." - "I'm going to be healthier." -
"I am going to drink less." - "I am going to exercise more." -
"I am going to quit smoking." - "I am going to stop stressing out."

How many of these resolutions actually come true?

And how often do you find yourself discouraged by your lack of ability to really stick with it and make those big changes to problems that have plagued you for years? I have a resolution that you can stick to: live better. It's that simple. No starvation diets, no ridiculous fad treatments. Just live better. Treat yourself better.

One way I am resolved to do this is in a way that you might say is extremely shallow: look better. I believe that when you take a few extra moments to take care of the way you look it will do wonders for the way you feel; regardless of your weight/height/job/etc.

So, together lets resolve to be better to ourselves in 2010. No more negative talk. Lets resolve to build ourselves up and not tear ourselves down. For me this resolution is parallel to looking better and to feeling better about myself.

There is truly no easier way to do this than to update your look. I know that when I take a moment to dress well that I have more confidence. It's personal maintenance for me.

So, without further ado, I will be spending from now until mid January fleshing out some of the best trends for spring. There's a plethora of subtle, affordable things that you can do to your look to rocket you into a stylish 2010.

Please take them as suggestions, but remember to be yourself and express your own personal style M.O. because, in my opinion, there is nothing more stylish than being yourself.

Picture to left from thesatorialist.com