The ladies' paradise

Love Virginia Johnson?

Barneys has the always fabulous Virginia Johnson shawls, a few of them, anyway, on serious sale. The weight of these particular shawls -- a wool gauze -- is totally yummy, and you could definitely wear these into the fall and even winter.

Love Quotes scarves on sale

If you've been hankering after a Love Quotes scarf this summer but balked at the price tag, take heart -- they're on sale at Shopbop (two for the price of one). Tie one on! Although they're an accessory of/for Summer 2009, they'll also be especially nice for bringing your summer clothes into fall.

Scarf: Tie one on

I will definitely be getting this! As the website says, this scarf will elevate a whole, otherwise ho-hum look.

Sunshine & Shadow scarf ($118)

Colorful bag

And the price isn't bad, either

Sigh. The days of the criminally expensive handbag may be permanently over for me. Happily, there is Tano,  affordable and very stylish bags. One I love was featured in the Times on Sunday and is also on the Anthropologie site.

A funny thing, too, is the Tano All the Trimmings tote looks a lot like the beautiful Kooba bag I lusted after when I saw it in the Times.

A signature piece of jewelry

One of the things I often find missing with even fairly well-put-together clients is their accessories. You can wear a lovely skirt and top, but without the right accessories to pull it together, you're still not going to get the I-feel-great thing you want.

Case in point: One of the best-dressed women I know buys beautiful clothes, but even when they aren't themselves standouts you always notice, and admire, how she's put together because of her creativity with accessories.

Oversize scroll-link bracelet ($68)

Problem is, often women fear the challenge of adding those key pieces, or they fear the trauma to their wallet. Here's something that will allay both fears: an easy-to-wear "gold" bracelet that will add interest to just about any outfit, whether a severe business suit or jeans and a top or anything any between.

Here's something a little more adventurous, also from J. Crew.

Beaded waterfall necklace ($150)

 

Signature necklace

One of my hands-down favorite pieces of jewelry is an eight-strand "coral" necklace from Urban Oufitters. I get tons of compliments on it. I love it because it surrounds my face with color -- always flattering -- and fills up the neckline if I wear a V-neck -- also flattering.

For a while I've been looking for something similar for a client. I finally found it, thanks to In Style magazine.  (While I'm mentioning it I recommend checking out the retooled magazine; it's far more eclectic than it used to be -- and less sycophantic.)

KEP Designs green opal necklace ($295)

Note that this necklace isn't for everyone -- not everyone can wear this color green successfully. But for those who can, it would be a signature piece -- something to enliven the most prosaic outfit, and not just something to put on with a suit and silk blouse (although of course it would work with that, as well).

Sadly, not everything on the website is equally nice (I don't recommend those twisted necklaces, for instance) but this piece would be a great addition to most everyday jewelry collections.

Carpetbags in style, big and small

Where to stash all your stuff

Way back when I was trying to finish my dissertation, I found myself spending time doing anything but working on it. I took up gardening and regularly cooked elaborate, four-course meals. I went religiously to the gym. I even started a tiny antiques business, so naturally I needed to spend hours every Wednesday at a fascinating, cutthroat, hole-in-the-wall auction.

On one particular Wednesday, I scored both a vintage doll -- gorgeous! -- and a brand-new carpetbag from Neiman Marcus, complete with satin interior and sterling silver buckle. Oh, and it was $25 rather than its original several hundred dollars.

I never did sell it (and didn't make much profit from that antiques business, though I did eventually get my PhD). I love using that bag to this day.

Gucci large Hysteria tote ($1295)

So imagine my delight at finding that carpetbags are experiencing something of a comeback. Gucci has a few in its fall line-up, including a beautiful yellow-and-black one. Would I ever pay that price for a fabric bag? Not in a million years. But I can admire from afar and be inspired.

There's a nice version at Anthropologie (Carpetbagger Satchel $278) at a far more affordable price. (Too bad I can't figure out how to post pictures from Anthropologie.)

And there are numerous places online to buy non-fashiony carpetbags that will fit the bill this fall. Caution: You'll need to choose your carpet pattern and colors with a discriminating eye -- they won't all work. (If you ignore the Ye Olde West web design, here's a nice one -- I would use it for weekends away.)

Blooming roses extra large bag ($229)

 

Summer sandals

I wrote in the last post about traveling light. That whole concept hinges on bringing enough accessories to make your various basics stand out.

Here's an example: a cute summer sandal made even more attractive by the sales price.

You can wear this with everything.

Dolce Vita Dakoda Sandal ($54 on sale)

For a splash of color, try this:

Dolce Vita Dahlia Sandal in green patent ($59)

A great summer bag

I love this bag!

I don't think it's something you'd use to shlep your milk and eggs home, it's just a great summer bag with a good message on the side -- wearing your heart on your shoulder, as it were.

Beau Soleil Beau Bag ($48) 

Summer jewelry

My grandmother used to wear a special set of bangle bracelets in the pool. (It went well with the turban.)

I find that in the warmer weather, I want to wear less jewelry. I don't like putting necklaces over sunscreen, for starters, and then I just find that less is more when it's hot outside. So I usually just stick with watch, wedding ring, and a great pair of earrings.

Here are a few standout pieces, pieces I love and that will make any outfit look special and put-together.

Love Heals Alouette earrings ($148) at Twist
 
Here's a necklace that won't weigh too heavily on you when the mercury hits 100.

Miguel Ases Multi-Strand Gem Necklace ($408) at Twist.

My hands don't usually get too hot, so I love wearing rings even in the summer. This one is so distinctive, plus it has the perfect beachy vibe.

Nautilus ring ($298) at Free People

Even if you decide to keep your accessories to a minimum this summer, at least after the sun goes down, you'll want to get a little more dressed, so take the time to experiment with new pieces and looks -- the folks at your local jewelry story will love it!