A few of the exits in Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2010 show featured black jersey day dresses styled with ethnic accessories. Among DVF's colorful prints these combinations appealed to my practical side  because who doesn't have a simple, solid colored dress -black or otherwise- that couldn't use a transfusion of 'right now' accessories?  This summer's global bazaar of baubles, bags, and sandals are available at prices from bargain to very high. The tribal trend looks especially fresh when paired with something straight-forward. That white cotton dress that feels a bit precious whenever you put it on?  Show it some tough love with a tie-dye clutch inspired by Indonesia. A stack of soft kente cloth bracelets, a straw bag and a woven leather sandal will change the landscape of a simple frock. So, here are a few suggestions:

I have always loved the spectator shoes and sandals of summer. Any graphic combination of chalk white paired with bright color and you've got my attention. Not to mention the appeal of the Chanel ballet flat. The feminine proportion and that black cap toe have a 'forever ingénue' quality that appeals to the inner Bardot in ever woman.  For summer I've been spotting many two-tone and color blocked riffs on the theme that are more cheeky than classic. How better to spark neutrals like white, khaki and black in your wardrobe? And in a season of pattern mixes, wearing a print something with a color-blocked shoe (that share at least one color in common) looks style savvy. 

When rainy days meet hot weather women face a real style challenge. Few things are more uncomfortable than bare feet and legs shod in rubber rain boots. A less sticky but unsavory alternative can be seen when legions of flip-flop-wearing girls navigate the soaking streets of New York. Ack! 

On Prada's Resort runway nearly every model carried the same style handbag- the mid-sized satchel. Aside from the designer's emphatic visual cue about the bag shape and size to come- it's clear that a new order has emerged in Accessoryland.

Already had your fill of wool scarves?  Even girls in the deep south have had to wrap themselves up to keep warm during the cold snap of the past few weeks. 

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.