Off the Peg: Make sure you shine with bold accessories

Published on Monday 16 November 2009 09:05

MASTERING the art of accessorising can propel you into the style stratosphere with one simple action. Earrings can take you from day to night and completely transform an outfit. A belt can create shape and add a whole new dimension to an old frock, while shades have the capacity to turn the plainest Jane into a bona fide film star.

If you opt for Chanel's school of thought then Coco's words of wisdom "before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory" will never be too far from your mind. However, if you are a pupil of Patricia Field's teachings, then piling on the accessories comes naturally.

So this week when I bumped into two funky females walking down George Street as they left the J and J Antique and Collectors Fair in Freemasons' Hall I was giddy as a girl could be.

Pinned to the lapel of an ordinary looking black coat were broaches and cameos. Each finger was bejewelled. Beads bedazzled as they hung ornately round delicate necklines and all of it had been thrown together effortlessly as the friends walked from stall to stall.

I asked the girls how much their new-found obsession had skinned them and they told me that each item ranged from 50p to a 1. "Bargain!" one of the girls squealed as she thrust more finds under my nose.

I really admired their capacity to have fun with what they were wearing. After all, fashion is ultimately there to make you feel good. I don't buy into that old saying "you are what you eat", I believe you are what you wear.