Accessorize Me!
by Wendy Lerman
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| Hats by Selima. |
| A reader recently asked me: "what is the best and easiest way to update my fall wardrobe without spending a lot of money?" My answer: Accessories. Buying a fantastic hat, fabulous scarf, delightful bag, or statement necklace can instantly update your look for the Fall 2009 season. It's best to find fun pieces that can be worn both casually and dressy, always keeping in mind the colors and clothing you already have in your closet. When you splurge on an accessory, even if it' over-the-top trendy ... you can almost always wear it. Always on the prowl for some (Fall) inspiration, I headed to the accessory mecca, Henri Bendel. |
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| Windowscapes at Henri Bendel ... |
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| The party inside Bendel. |
| Hats by Selima were displayed festively in the window and inside, Henri Bendel was hosting a cocktail party for the two fabulous designers in the foyer. There is something whimsical and just plain fun about trying on hats. And with the French music coming from the DJ booth, and a champagne glass in hand, all of the guests were really getting into it and having a ball. The designers, Selima Salaun and Virginie Pomeyrat, make it personal and actually create beautiful, custom hats at their shop at 7 Bond Street. You can pick from fabrics, embellishments, and styles to create unique looks. Their philosophy? Anyone can wear a hat, but just like a pair of shoes, you have to find the fit and style that’s right for you. How can you argue with that? www.selimadesign.com |
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| L. to r.: Having fun with Hats by Selima ... Adriana Keiser and Virginie Pomeyrat. |
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| Selima Salaun, Catherine Malandrino, and Virginie Pomeyrat. |
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| L. to r.: Embellishing hats ... Even pooches can wear Hats by Selima too. |
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| Hats, hats, hats, hats ... |
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| Wendy Lerman joins in on the fun ... |
| Afterwards, I headed upstairs and was stopped in my tracks at the top of the staircase by a display of gorgeous scarves. The display was that of the ash&dans fall trunk show. The two designers, Ashley Cook and Danielle Dankner were both there in person to show off their goods. The adorable friends and former college roommates have a wide collection of scarves available on their website ashanddans.com, but the ones that caught my eye at Bendel's last night were the embellished kind, specifically the I-must-have Infinity Scarf with Brooch and the Infinity Scarf with Chains. Best of all, they are super easy to wear – the scarves are cinched in the back, making it easy to throw them on and go. Priced between $110-$150, these scarves will instantly transform your wardrobe. |
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| Danielle and Ashley at the Ash & Dans Trunk Show. |
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| If you decide you need a new fall piece of jewelry, the Bib necklace is what’s hot right now. It looks beautiful on a plain white t-shirt but also with a dressy number. This might be a one-season wonder, so find a necklace that is priced reasonably but looks completely over-the-top (yes, it's possible). |
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| Enticing necklace displays at Bendel. |
| Try one of these from Charm and Chain and you can’t go wrong: |
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| L. to r.: Draped Beaded Bib Necklace, Coral, by Lee Angel, $264; Pearl Drop Bib Necklace by Gerard Yosca, $295. Both available at Charm and Chain. |
| While we don’t typically think of makeup as fashion, I took Anna Wintour’s advice from her stint on The Late Show with David Letterman. He asked her what to buy if you “can’t afford fashion.” Her curt and slightly annoyed response was that anybody can afford a high-end lipstick. So to update your look for under $20, check out Lipstick Queen by Poppy King. “Real” lipsticks (Not the gooey gloss we’ve been stuck on for years) is all the rage right now. Pick up the shade “Medieval” which is their works-for-everybody color and you will not be disappointed. |
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| Lipstick Queen by Poppy King. |
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