Published on December 1st 2006.
With a little sparkle, even last year’s LBD can be brought back to life, so grab some glam and accessorise to create a look that’s as unique as you are.
The bag lady:
Don’t let your new frock down by opting for your old reliable black handbag! Although black is the most favoured colour (apparently 80% of UK ladeeez think black is best) why not try one of the huge array of beaded and sequinned bags that are lining the high street. This gorgeous silver creation is from every girl’s favourite glitter grotto,
Accessorize and costs just £28. A metallic will go with everything in your wardrobe so don’t be afraid to experiment, pop a silver with blues, greens and pinks and gold with oranges, browns and yellows.
Chunk it up:
Chunky accessories are a plenty at the moment so even if you are caught out in that shock horror situation of wearing the same dress as another party goer, you will have added drama and personality to your outfit and will outshine any competition. The hand made look is big news this Christmas, meaning there are tonnes of gorgeous pieces around that look a lot more expensive than their high street price tags. Try this stunning charm necklace from
M&S, at just £18, which is sure to bring out the green eyed monster in all of your friends.
Fabulous fingers:
When you are clutching your glass of bubbly and nibbling at the finger buffet let your hands do the talking and glam up with gems! Painted nails are all well and good, but a nice sparkly ring is a welcome addition to any party outfit and it doesn’t have to be a diamond (although that would be nice.) Go for colour and tie it in with the same colour on your shoes or necklace. This fab cluster design is from Eica Van Peaterson at
Debenhams and is reduced from £30 to £13.50. Pick out any of the colours in the stones and repeat in your other accessories for a super slick look.
Pin on the style:
Any simple dress can be transformed by a strategically placed brooch and it’s the perfect thing to revive last year’s frock. Think carefully about where you pin it, remembering to draw the attention away from your widest point (if it’s you thighs, pin it at your shoulder, if its your bust pin it down near your waist). This is yet another way to add some colour so go for bright gems or floral corsages depending on your personality. This pretty butterfly pin would bring intricate detail and colour to any garment and the multi coloured selection will ensure that it will work with plenty of different colours. Now this really is my bargain of the week- a tiny £8 from the aptly titled
www.ringmania.co.uk (yes they do rings too).
Now get out there and wear your bling with pride and next week I’ll be bring you all my hot tips for super stylish Christmas gifts that won’t break the bank.
Kathryn Whittaker
Code Image & Style Ltd