It's not that I don't like a colorful bag. A pop of jewel toned satin is fun for the holidays. But then what? A few years ago I indulged in a gorgeous crimson clutch but alas, she's a one trick pony. I'll bring her out for a holiday party next week but then she'll be tucked away in her felt pouch waiting for next year. In this economy, it makes sense to buy a versatile bag with enough star power for an evening out all winter long.Texture, mixed leathers, exotic skins, and serious hardware are all versatile looks with staying power. 

Mixed metals and mixed materials define the season's statement necklaces. Alber Elbaz of Lanvin was in front of the trend when he introduced strands of pearls wrapped in ribbon. Mixed media looks include combinations of stones, metals, embroidery, chains and ribbon. Part estate jewlery and Miss Haversham meets 80's tough mixed with global inspirations laced with a little deco and a few machine age intimations. It's a magpie mix and it looks great.  Just about all you need to make last year's LBD - or any outfit -look newer.  

It can be as simple as wearing a pair of important looking cuffs to make an LBD or a sweater and whatever bottom look chic, grownup and completely pulled together. I love pictures of the fashion doyenne Diana Vreeland in her matching Kenneth Jay Lane Maltese Cross cuffs - one on each wrist. Or a combination of metals and scale as seen on the Bottega Veneta fall 2009 runway looks especially polished and new.