Life & Style

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Adorning autumn

Playful, fun accessories really warm up cool-weather fashions

By: Connie Tamoto / Fashion

Posted: 10/20/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

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Cowl scarf by Pip Robins (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

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Bamboo cufflinks, $28, and tie pin, $14, by Cabin + Cub (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

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Tie by Magnetics, $34 (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

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Leather bag by Opelle, $328 (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

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Crochet triangle scarf by The Art of Zen Crochet, $40 (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Adding accessories to an outfit is like adding icing to the cake. Sure, you may have a fantastic foundation, but it's that little something extra that raises the basic to the next level.

Finishing touches complete the look. They take something ordinary and make it extraordinary -- and most importantly, they allow us to add a bit of flair to an ensemble through personal expression.

For me, accessories are essential, and autumn is my favourite season to embrace adornments and accoutrements. Fall is one time of year when accessories can be worn with both outfits and outerwear, double the fashion pleasure.

While I admit to being a bit of a fanatic for contemporary classics, one of the things I adore about 2012 fall accessories is that they take on a bit of an autumn motif -- not tacky, but playful and fun.

Take, for example, the leaf pendant or earring in a luxurious rusty hue. I just love how the colour pops while complementing the natural golden and earthy hues the season brings.

Now, you might be thinking, "A leaf, really? That's like wearing pine cones and holly during the holiday season," but the delicate metal leaf shape feels more organic than gaudy and looks fabulous in contrast with a thick cream-coloured cable-knit sweater.

While I'm on the topic of knitwear, another cute autumn accessory is the crocheted cap or hand-loomed scarf, especially when the knitwear in question incorporates an array of fall colours that bring to mind the transition of leaves from green to gold and red to brown. Pair this look with a gorgeous leather handbag from the same colour palette, along with a belted cape, and you have a fantastic fall outerwear look.

And accessories aren't just for women. In fact, I often get asked what accessories are out there for men. Well, it just so happens that fall 2012 has also been cleverly kind to guys seeking something fun to accentuate their wardrobes.

I just love the little touches of whimsical outdoorsiness captured in the wood-burned cufflinks and tie pins by Cabin + Cub. These would look fantastic against a crisp white shirt or a plaid tie -- again, something playful, rather than tacky.

For those looking for something a bit more edgy, the tree stump silk-screened tie or chopped-wood belt buckle are clever and chic without looking corny.

Got a suggestion for a future column or a fashion trend worth following? Email Connie Tamoto at connietamotofashion@hotmail.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 20, 2012 E10

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