Obsession of the Day: Ranjana Khan Crystal and Silk Flower Bib Necklace

Anyone that knows me is aware of my love for the 80's nighttime soap opera, Dynasty. And by love, I mean nothing short of obsession: I have seen every episode at least three times, I can recite lines, I bought a piece of the Nolan Miller wardrobe at auction, and I own any season available on DVD. The drama, big jewelry, giant hair, diamonds, lame, and the fact that Linda Evans' shoulder pads kept growing to what seemed like NFL regulation size kept me coming back for more every week.

My love for the now-defunct television show has influenced my love of jewelry my entire adult life: I like my jewelry to exude opulence, with gems that send light dancing around the room. Hence, my obsession with every single item of jewelry that has been created by the uber-talented Ranjana Khan. Wife of my beloved Naeem Khan (red carpet darling, designing guru extraordinare, the man who brought down the house at A/W '10 Fashion Week,) this designing dynamo creates statement-making jewelry that is meant to be SEEN, people. This confection of crystal and silk can add instant glamour to a basic t-shirt and jeans for girls night out or will turn your Little Black Dress into a showstopping look. Weddings, holiday parties, backyard barbecues- it wouldn't matter where you wore it, it would broadcast that everyone should bring their A-game that night because, well, you've obviously brought yours.

Ranjana Khan jewelry is for power girls, ladies who love to be seen. Like me. Now, run over there and fetch me another martini, darling. I've got some Dynasty to watch.

Ranjana Khan Crystal and Silk Flower Bib Necklace ( $1,100) - available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Obsession of the Day: Foot Petals Triple Threat Pack

Let's face it: whenever a woman says a high heel is "super comfortable," she's kind of stretching the truth most of the time. I mean, the higher the heel, the more relative comfort gets in regards to, say, walking on broken glass. The shoe she's wearing all day is "super comfortable" compared to the pair of shoes that caused her to soak her feet in Epsom salts for two hours last Sunday morning while she begged for mercy from the footwear gods. We love killer heels but sometimes the torture we put our feet through is a pain worse than death.

Enter my new favorite Hollywood stylist secret obsession: the Foot Petals Triple Threat Pack. This package of adhesive cushions can be added to any fabulous pair of shoes or boots to keep shoe wounds to a minimum. The pack includes three of the brand's well-known products: Tip Toes (to protect the sensitive ball of your foot), Killer Kushionz (comfortable shoe sole inserts) and Heavenly Heelz (to absorb the shock at the heel area.) Any combination of these three items can reduce the threat of crying at the end of the night.

Got a fabulous evening planned or an event (wedding, anyone?) where you'll be standing in high heels for an extended time? I just saved your lives. You're welcome, America.

Foot Petals Triple Threat Pack ($24.95), available via Bare Necessities

Obsession of the Day: Dermalogica UltraCalming Skincare Treatment Kit for Sensitive Skin

I have to say that I am maniacal about my skincare regimen and of the three products I rotate and use regularly, I have one that I will swear by without fail: Dermalogica.

The company that is greatly responsible for my (so far) wrinkle-free complexion has just come up with something that I've been testing for about a month and I'm officially obsessed with: the new Dermalogica UltraCalming Treatment Kit ($40), designed to supply relief for those of us out here with sensitive skin. You know what I mean: itching, redness, heat, stinging and dryness caused by pollution, environmental factors and - quite frankly - the wrong products. It can be irritating, sure, but evidently this condition can cause permanent cellular damage, which can lead to more serious skin conditions and premature aging, which, you know, would kind of suck.

The system contains five products that contain a proprietary complex that mitigate your angry skin's inflammatory response to those environmental factors, providing immediate and long-term relief. The kit includes their UltraCalming Cleanser; an UltraCalming Mist, which is amazing to keep on your desk or in your gym bag; an UltraCalming Serum Concentrate, an all-day hydrator and a fabulous under makeup addition; the UltraCalming Barrier Repair, my personal favorite waterless moisturizer that melts right into your skin and keeps you smooth and hydrated; and the UltraCalming Relief Masque, which is a fabulous masque that helps skin recover from any damage and sensitivity. I adore all these products and for those of us who have sensitive skin, this collection is a must have.

I mean, after all, when accused of being too sensitive, sometimes it can be true. No need to suffer from irritated, red skin this season. Help is here: Dermalogica.


Dermalogica UltraCalming Treatment Kit ($40), available via their website

Obsession of the Day: Satya Rai Bianca Tie Dyed Maxi Dress

There are two staples of my wardrobe when it comes to summer: breezy dresses and vibrant tie dye. There's no denying the speed and ease of throwing on a dress when it's hot and you're in a hurry and, well, honestly tie dye looks so fresh and cool in the summer heat. This is why I have to have this dress post-haste. It's impossibly chic, tres sexy and a fast wardrobe solution. All of these factors make it a winner in my book.

I love the styling in the photo but honestly, let's count the ways you can wear this dress: bathing suit coverup, post beach drinks, carpool chic, brunch with the girls, out to dinner with dazzling stone earrings and a stack of gemstone bangles...the mind boggles with possibilities.

Oh, and it's on sale, so, you know, get in on this immediately.

Satya Rai "Bianca" Maxi Kurta in Ocean (on sale for $191.25), available via the website

Obsession of the Day: Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Happy Birthday

 I'm currently obsessed with all things birthday-related and with perfect timing, this polish (which I've been waiting to try since I saw it backstage at Fashion Week in February) arrived in my hot little hands this past weekend and quickly became my new obsession.

In case you're unfamiliar with the name, Deborah Lippmann is a legendary manicurist and a beauty industry icon. The list of her accomplishments is staggering: countless magazine covers and shoots; the go-to woman for designers when planning beauty looks for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; and a list of celebrity clients that stretch a mile long, including (but certainly not limited to) Cher, Martha Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Renee Zellweger, and Mary J. Blige. I had the pleasure of meeting her last fashion week backstage at Lela Rose (and writer Lauren met her backstage at Alice + Olivia) and both times we were treated to a viewing of this, my new favorite nail polish: Happy Birthday.

A rich, thick clear nail polish that stays with possibly millions of tiny flecks of colored glitter contained within. This nail polish is mind-blowing because it looks amazing layered on its own (I recommend three coats for a truly dazzling effect) but -- and I've tried at least 30 swatches this weekend to make this claim -- it looks good as a shimmering top coat over almost any nail color known to man. Sick of your nudes not looking so great? Red boring you to tears? Grab a bottle of this and turn your entire nail wardrobe upside down in such a good way you might want to get two bottles: one to keep at home and one to keep in your handbag at all times. Your manicurist should just order a set: it's just THAT GOOD.

And please don't wait until your birthday to use this fabulous nail polish: it's a perfect way to add a dash of glamour to your life at anytime.

Because, really...we're fabulous. Shouldn't EVERY DAY be our birthday?

Deborah Lippmann "Happy Birthday" Nail Lacquer ($16), available via her website

Obsession of the Day: Alexis Bittar Klimt Turquoise Ring

I love a good cocktail ring. It adds instant statement-making power to any look and can be worn day or night with just about anything. I'm a fan of rings of this nature that transcend the twilight hours, though. They should be well-crafted and can also become a signature piece, part of your look that broadcasts who you are in a powerful, definitive manner.

This is why I'm slightly obsessed with this gorgeous ring. Impossibly stylish and presumably named for the painter, Gustav Klimt (the creator of the legendary work, "The Kiss"), this ring broadcasts worldly and eclectic tastes and a level of sophistication that never sacrifices fun. It's crafted for a woman who wears it sunning on the shores in France or sipping a glass of wine at a backyard pool party. The woman who dons this ring is self-assured and powerful, but not so much so that she can't make fun of herself.

Feel free to scoop this gorgeous ring up for summertime events or everyday life. After all, what's life without a little glamour? Don't answer that. I don't want to know.


Alexis Bittar "Klimt" Turquoise Ring, on sale for $122.50 via shopbop.com

Obsession of the Day: Uniqlo Sarafine Innerwear Tank Tops

Unfortunately, I'm one of those women who sweat. I don't mean a light misting like some of you lucky women out there, I'm talking a full-on stream of moisture that runs down my brow line, my neck and down my back. I bring an extra towel to yoga and I'm the girl who is constantly stripping down at events because I hate to be hot. Between sweating from excessive heat then walking into arctic air conditioning, I'm never really that comfortable during the summer.

Enter my new tried-and-tested solution: Uniqlo Sarafine innerwear tank tops. I wrote up the launch of the items before but I've now had the liberty to test these fabulous tanks and I have to shout from the rooftops: LOVE THEM. I've worn them to yoga, out in the park, under a blouse and jacket to dinner, even out running and I'm going to vouch for their claims: they wick moisture away and allow your skin to breathe when you're sweating, but they also keep you warm when you walk into a room with air conditioning. I have two black tanks and they're all I've worn this entire Memorial Day weekend. I now need them in every color they come in and so do you.

Look, it's ok to look hot, but uncomfortable and sweaty is not how I prefer to go through my summer months. For those of you who need something that will keep you comfortable in all temperatures this season, I suggest stocking up on every color they come in. You'll LIVE in them this summer.

Uniqlo Sarafine Innerwear Tank Tops, available at Uniqlo stores or by emailing customer.orders@uniqlo-usa.com

Obsession of the Day: Vera Wang Web Butterfly Necklace

Wow. Just...WOW.

I was recently fiddling around on the website of my beloved Bergdorf Goodman when I spotted this little slice of magic. You know that feeling when you fall in love, where your mouth is suddenly dry, your heart stops and you feel like you can't breathe? Oh yes, upon viewing this amazing piece of artwork, I'm ready to believe in love at first sight again - all the requisite signs are there.

Could you die over the mysterious beaded web chain detail? Do you swoon over the crystal butterfly near the fabric neckline closure? I do. This is me, lying dead on the floor over this piece.



If you're thinking what to wear this piece of art, my reply is to keep it simple: layer over a silk tank (or a cotton tank, whatever) or a simple solid-colored V-neck (or strapless - YES, strapless) dress. The necklace is the centerpiece of the look. No earrings, maybe a simple ring if you're so inclined. Because this one is a showstopper. If you're feeling very Patricia Field, add sunglasses on a stick as an accessory.

Most of us have what we call a Fashion Bucket List, a whole mess of things that we want to experience, consume or own before we die. Vera Wang necklace, you've just made the Top Five.

Vera Wang Web Butterfly Necklace ($1195), available at Bergdorf Goodman

Obsession of the Day: Alexander McQueen Skull Gem Knuckle Duster Ring

The recent passing of Alexander McQueen was so shocking I think it rendered the entire fashion industry speechless for a good two months. I don't believe we're over the premature death of this creative genius just yet. His talent lives on.

In his honor, I feel like today's Obsession of the Day needed to be something from one of his last genius collections, a little way to unleash your personal style after a week's worth of "work-appropriate" clothes. This is a ring I would have worn during my other life (a long career in human resources - don't ask) to add rocker edge to my suits and I most certainly would wear now. It's a four-finger knuckle duster in gunmetal with two skulls and a fabulous stone seemingly modeled from post-Apocalyptic Terminators. It's beyond cool and adds instant rock and roll glamour to any wardrobe.

Just imagine this ring running across your fingers as you give that Powerpoint presentation, then kick on some black skinnies and platforms for drinks with the girls. TGIF, indeed.

Alexander McQueen Skull Gem Knuckle Duster Ring ($374), available via farfetch.com

Obsession of the Day: Freya Summer Plunge Underwire Bra and Thong

For those women who can just pop into Victoria's Secret and purchase any bra they want and walk out the door, let me just say that I envy you. I won't get into the details of my particular bra size, but let's just say that my cups runneth over. People who don't have this issue might think it's a good problem to have but let's be honest here: trying to find a comfortable and SEXY bra when you're well-endowed can be quite a problem.

Ladies of the large breast set, meet Freya. This gorgeous line of lingerie and swimwear is built specifically for those of us with larger cup sizes (they can go up to a 36G and a 38FF) and come in every style imaginable. They're amazingly sexy, have fabulous support that doesn't dig into your body, and they don't have (wait for it) ridiculously large straps. Yes! Our cries have been heard. I purchase at least five of these bras a year and my new love for summer is this gorgeous printed plunge bra for my deep V-neck tees. I also love the idea of this bra peeking out from under a burnout tank. Que bella!

If you're wearing lingerie this gorgeous, you should come with a warning sign: "Dangerous curves ahead."

Freya Summer Plunge Underwire Bra ($64) and Thong ($28), available at Bare Necessities

Obsession of the Day: VMV Hypoallergenics ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-Bacterial Monolaurin Gel

I attended a luncheon for VMV Hypoallergenics with some other fabulous beauty writers. We were marveling over the new products offered by the brand (more on that later), but when they allowed us to play with the rest of the product line, Betty Confidential Fashion & Beauty Editor PJ Gach became emphatic over this anti-bacterial gel. "You MUST get this!" she exclaimed. Claiming it got rid of all sorts of acne in places mentionable and unmentionable (sitting too long can give you dimples on your backside, yes?), every single one of us jumped on a sample because, let's face it, if an editor will recommend something with that much enthusiasm, you try it with no questions asked.

My issue tends to be "backne" - you know, the acne that you get around your jog bra on your back almost immediately after a hard workout. After a vigorous spinning class, I applied this right out of the shower and went on to my next appointment. Checked my back this morning and, no kidding: it's gone. I don't even know what to say other than PJ was right! This stuff gets rid of blemishes and QUICKLY.

Evidently, you can also use it for acne on any part of the body (other than your genitals - ouch), especially your face for people who have that issue AND for those of us who are total gym rats, you can use it as a hand/foot sanitizer post-workout to prevent/clear up infection. You can even use it to clean wounds. Talk about a multipurpose product! It's like the MacGyver of skin care.

Keep it in your gym bag, throw one in the medicine cabinet - I love anything that works this fast that leaves skin in such great condition. It's official: I'm obsessed.

VMV Hypoallergenics ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-Bacterial Monolaurin Gel ($24), available via their website

Obsession of the Day: Chrissie Morris Maia Tribal Sandals

There are some shoes that evoke an immediate and powerful reaction. This is such a pair.

I mean, just LOOK at them, people. We're talking stingray, suede and leather combined as a tribal-motif cutout sandal. The STILETTO HEEL is covered in stingray. The slingback is gathered suede. It has brass studs and a toe ring. 4" heels. This is a summer-covered stiletto heel. Gathered suede slingback. Toe ring detail, brass stud embellishment throughout. Heel measures approximately 4".

For those of you Carrie Bradshaw types who live for your shoes (myself included), this is a summer must-have. Can you imagine walking in for rooftop cocktails in something this gorgeous?
It almost doesn't matter what you wear with it: this shoe is the star of the look.

Maybe you can order and wear them for the premiere of Sex and the City 2 next week. After all, you have to dress for the occasion: you can't show up to meet your four best girlfriends dressed less than fabulous.


Chrissie Morris "Maia" Tribal Sandals ($1455), available at Kirna Zabete

Obsession of the Day: Zasha Clover Stone Diamond Pave Pendant Necklace

I love pendant necklaces, especially ones that hold sentimental value that you basically never remove. I've been looking for a cute charm necklace when I stumbled upon this gorgeous diamond pave-embellished clover pendant with a beautiful white topaz at the center. As we all know, four leaf clovers are supposed to bring you good luck (which one of us can pass up extra good fortune?) and I love the charm's understated glamour.

If you're a Sex and the City movie fan, you might see a clover pendant on Carrie in the sequel (out next week!), which will make it (I'm calling it now) a trend for the upcoming summer and beyond. Whether you opt for this glittering good luck charm or another version, let's bring a little more fortune into our lives for this season, shall we?

Zasha Clover Stone Diamond Pave Pendant ($940), available at Max & Chloe

Obsession of the Day: Get Your Movie Night On With A Roku Digital Video Player

As someone who is out covering events at least four nights a week minimum and writing every other time (blogs never sleep), I can honestly say that I very rarely have time to watch movies or DVDs, but good luck removing me from my couch when I do. Like all of you, the minute I get a chance to chill out and relax, I completely unplug with whatever has come in from my Netflix queue and catch up on documentaries, comedies and whatever else struck my fancy. Has anyone else had a movie arrive where you wonder how many glasses of wine you had to drink to put that title in your queue? Just me? Fine, be that way.

What if I told you there was a way to view all those "Watch Instantly" movies in your queue right on your television without even having to plug in your laptop? Introduced to me by Robert Verdi last year, I've just hooked up (and am now hooked on) the Roku Digital Video Player, a device that streams your Netflix queue to your tv via your wireless internet. The quality of the programming is just as good as that of a DVD, and it has the same abilities to rewind, fast forward and pause. I just finished plowing through Season Two of Showtime's The Tudors. It was Magic Time.

Best of all? Your Netflix movies that aren't instant watch just keep arriving at your house! It's like a cornucopia of movies and entertainment for your free time. The only thing that would make this situation perfect is if a massage therapist and a nail tech magically pop out and give me spa treatments while I chill out to The September Issue. Maybe throw in a personal chef?

You can also do other things with a Roku player that I'm discovering and loving: play Pandora radio, buy and watch movies from Amazon.com. Your husband/boyfriend might fight you for the remote, though: the player also plays MLB.tv (Major League Baseball, sports fans) and NBA Game Time. If the NFL shows up on this thing in the fall, I might never leave the house again on a Sunday.

Let's be honest here: outside of True Blood and Entourage, summer television is a wasteland. I'm planning on creating my own little summer programming schedule with my Roku player so I'm not completely annoyed. That is, after I clean out my recent crop of movies. Which will take me....well, all summer.


Roku Digital Video Player ($79.99 - $129.99), available via their online store

Obsession of the Day: Atelier Cologne

Spring is springing and we all know that it's time to show more skin in order to ensnare a summer fling. In a season where everyone is waking up from their long winter slumber to mix, mingle and seduce, you've got to pull out all the stops when attracting a potential mate. This is why I've been hoarding a bottle of Atelier Cologne as my new (not-so-secret) weapon.

The lovely master perfumers at Atelier decided to take scent into an emotional direction, blending unexpected notes and rare extracts with fresh citrus scents to create Colognes Absolues: highly-concentrated formulas with distinctive and long-lasting potency. Each unique scent has been created to capture treasured memories from our lives, sending those who experience the fragrance into an emotional trance. Scent is one of the most powerful senses we have, ladies and gentlemen: why not seduce and entice using the power of emotion and memory?

Each one comes with a poetic description of the fragrance that reads like treasured literature. My current favorite, Orange Sanguine, smells like the French Riviera with its crush of sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and luxurious notes of geranium. Its accompanying literature reads:

"It was the kind of moment you would want to revisit. Everyone was here, gathered on the terrace for breakfast, and the scent of fresh oranges was diffusing in the yellow heat. A symphony of their laughter and waves hitting the cliffs played in the air."

If that doesn't make you want to throw a monogrammed tote into a Ferrari Dino with a scarf and cat-eye sunglasses to drive down the coast a la Grace Kelly, I don't really know what will. Other scents in the collection are Grand Neroli (orange blossom flower around layers of clean herbal notes, warm musk and vanilla), Bois Blonds (woods and incense with sensual orange flower and vetiver), Trefle Pur (violet leaves and green woods mixed with freshly-cut grass and wet earth notes), and Ooland Infini (a full-bodied mixture of blue tea, bergamot, smoke and leather.) They're perfect for men and women because each scent mixes with your own body chemistry to create something uniquely sexy while maintaining the spirit of the original creation.

Let's face it: there's a whole world out there waiting to be enticed and we deserve to use every tool at our disposal. Consider these scents your personal Weapons of Mass Seduction.

Atelier Colognes ($155-$175), available at Bergdorf Goodman online or the Beauty Level

Obsession of the Day: Be & D Studded Memphis Flats With Studded Harness

I somehow screwed up my foot during spinning class before a date a couple of weeks ago, so I've been on a flat shoe kick ever since. I love a good ballet flat like everyone else, but there's something to be said for kicking up the classics: let's add some attitude in there, shall we?

This is why I'm now obsessed with these rocker chic Be & D ballet flats. First of all, they're coral pink (so classic ballerina with a moody twist), they're made from gorgeous pebbled leather, and they have a studded harness behind the heel. Could you DIE?!? I almost did. I'm a big fan of the label anyway, but these shoes might have us entering a whole new level of our relationship.

If you're looking for a comfortable shoe to kick up your look, look no further than this ballet flat with attitude. If Motley Crue played at Lincoln Center, this would be the lovechild of such a union. Let's take a walk on the wild side of classy, shall we?


Be & D "Memphis" Ballet Flats with Studded Harness ($395), available via shopbop

Obsession of The Day: Cover Girl LashBlast Fusion Mascara

I'm a big believer in mascara as a makeup secret weapon. On days where you have zero time to live but you're expected to look semi-decent leaving the house, it's up there in the High Trinity of Makeup next to concealer and lip gloss. I've been an addict of Cover Girl LashBlast mascaras in all their incarnations for years, which is why I'm understandably obsessed with the new version, Cover Girl LashBlast Fusion.

Yes, people, magic time is finally here: volume AND length in one mascara. The fabulous oversized brush ensures maximum delivery of the fiberstretch formula to make every little lash thicker and longer-looking, which creates a lash line that looks fuller and more dramatic. The formula is also buildable, so one swipe creates fabulous definition in a flash or feel free to layer it on for a night on the town. I've been using it for a couple of months now and I cannot deny the difference. I even had to finally break down and get contacts because my lovely new lashes kept hitting my eyeglass frames.

Throw one in every bag and use often. Then sing along when people start to comment: "Jeepers peeers, where did you get those eyes?"

Cover Girl LashBlast Fusion Mascara ($8.99), available at Ulta or a drugstore near you

Obsession of the Day: Jeune D'Age Organics Skin Care

Sometimes testing beauty products can be interesting. I mean, look, we're all born with one type of skin and one type of hair. So, when I got the chance to let my fabulous mother test a well-trusted organic line of skincare for her mature skin (don't let her read that word, she'd kill me), I signed her right up. Six months of consistent use later, I'm beyond thrilled with the results and ready to tell you about it. For those seeking ultra-moisturizing, luxurious skin care that's organic and healthy for you, please look no further than my mom's new glow from Jeune d'Age Organics.

She's been using the Anti-Aging Serum (photo above, $39.95 for a box of 30 packets), which contains amazing antioxidants and ingredients like hyaluronan (a dermal hydrator that plumps and smooths), DMAE (a compound that's naturally produced in the body that when applied topically lifts and tones), CoQ10 (a strong  antioxidant that helps carry more oxygen to cells, encouraging renewal), açai (another strong antioxidant) and retinol palmitate (Vitamin A), which exfoliates and helps promote collagen production while reducing wrinkles. Even better, it comes in a flower seed box. When you're done with the box, plant it and it will grow gorgeous flowers. My mother (a very accomplished gardener) liked this almost as much as she loved the products.

She follows this with the Previor Face and Body Lotion ($29.95), which she smooths on over the serum. The lotion contains coconut oil, olive oil (which is rich in vitamins and helps to and repair cell membranes), shea butter (known to soothe rough, dry or chapped skin), vitamins A and E, and green tea (to help with elasticity as well as inhibiting the formation of freckles and dark spots).The result is incredibly-hydrated, smoother skin with less hyperpigmentation.

These two products combines have given Mom some amazing, smooth and fabulous skin. If you're looking for a fabulous anti-aging solution for your beauty routine, I highly recommend this beautiful set of beauty products. Even if you're not, there's a certain holiday coming really soon (cough: Mother's Day) and you might consider some beautiful skincare for a spectacular woman in your life.

Jeune d'Age Organics, available via their website

Obsession of the Day: Thymes Naia Foaming Bath

I am a bubble bath fanatic, so when I give a bath product the high praise of being the Obsession of the Day, you know that I am truly OBSESSED. This luxurious bath product from Thymes was given to me as a gift about a month ago and I've used it almost every day since.

The scent is really intoxicating: a mixture of water lilies and cyclamen with just a hint of citrus and lychee creates a scent that is rich without being overly floral (I would dare call it unisex). It also contains glycerin for ultra-soft skin and yerba mate extract to help revitalize your mind and body. It's like a little spa experience every day. I mean, who could turn that down?

Lushly fragrant, massive bubbles, skin-and-mind soothing properties? Yep. Now you know why I'm obsessed. Bath fanatics, this is a must-have.

Thymes Naia Foaming Bath ($20), available via their website

Obsession of the Day: CC Skye LuLu Belt in Neon Pink

I'm kind of having a belt moment right now and I think you should, too. Here are my top five reasons why belts are so fun and fabulous:

1) They add instant punch to your existing wardrobe pieces without breaking the bank
2) You can transform something extremely basic (a sheath dress, a black T-shirt and jeans) into something impossibly chic with the addition of one accessory
3) They accentuate your waist and give you a waist if you don't have one
4) If you choose carefully, they never go out of style (keep embellishments to a minimum)
5) You can wear them multiple ways with countless separates and never repeat the same look twice (unless you want to, of course).

This gorgeous belt is just the thing to lighten up my rather dark NYC wardrobe (was checking the other day - too much grey - was I depressed or something?). I'm thinking of cinching it over a long white tunic top with a pencil skirt and colorful heels, or even a basic tee and a denim skirt. Either way, colorful belts like this gorgeous one from CC Skye are must-haves, especially when you're looking to transform your look without setting fire to your credit cards.

CC Skye LuLu Belt  in Neon Pink ($150), available at Couture Candy