Summer Statements

Spring-Summer ’08 is fearlessly trending style in full floral fascination, hunting the wild safari in exotic-tribal Africa, brushing chic strokes and splatters of brilliance on fabric canvasses and revolutionizing minimalism into plainness. After my Fashion Forward forecast, Multiple Choice brings the best of what’s new in fab accessories. Bright, muted and primary hued accessories form the hottest ensembles and monochromes giving the seasoned looks a vibrant punch. The sizzling days ahead are filled with colors, creating an attention-grabbing rainbow palette to complement every style declaration. Textures in luxurious skins shine as the season is all geared up into more accents and detailing. Bags parade in all shapes and sizes with chic touches — either hand-painted, embroidered, stitched or patch-worked on a variety of must-have python, crocodile, pony-skin and patent leather. The clutch, which started its reign as the “it” bag of last season, holds its ground and is reinvented bigger, slimmer (flat) with a strap (used as a shoulder bag), making it versatile and the most coveted for day-to-night dressing.

Summer is standing tall as the march of the towering heel welcomes a more elevated perspective. High-rise wedges, monumental heels, platforms, gladiator sandals, open-toe booties and stilettos are soaring great heights and stepping up style in a whole new game. This season, shoes are in chic altitude.

While shoes are going sky-high, neckpieces and cuffs are going big and bold, groundbreaking the rules of accessorizing.  It’s all about getting stoned as wrists and necks revel in their most timely stellar attractions. Piles, miniatures and stacks are put on hold to give way for the ultimate standout piece that’s in the moment. Less is definitely the new more. The biggest movement and most significant in accessorizing this summer is all about creating a statement that is simple and understated. The new luxury is toned down but noticed, and this is a fresh approach to elegance.

(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)