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STYLE MATTERS: Thick or thin, accessories finish a look

By Judie Schwartz and Evelinda Urman, Special to the Rocky

Published March 13, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Victoria Beckham's sharp bob is a spring trend.

Photo by Getty Images

Victoria Beckham's sharp bob is a spring trend.

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Judie & Evelinda: Last week we covered spring clothing trends. Now, it's on to what's hot in accessories. Oversize, whimsical, chunky and fantastical - there's something for everyone.

* Belts: A wardrobe staple you can never have too many of, belts can complete the simplest outfit. Thin or thick, patent leather or fabric, chained or jeweled, belts are easy to shop for. You can try them on conveniently, and they always seem to be on sale.

* Handbags: In eye-popping colors of Kelly green, lemon yellow and peacock blue and from small clutches to oversize totes, purses are just delicious this season. If you feel too modest to buy a colorful bag, grab an inexpensive one at Target, T.J. Maxx or Ross Dress for Less and take it for a test drive. If you feel comfortable, then invest in it.

* Shoes: It's time for us to move beyond a simple stiletto heel. Why not? Designers have. Heel shapes have exploded into what the industry has dubbed the "architectural heel." On store displays are wedges with cutouts, spherical heels, heels that curve inward and the crazy Marc Jacobs shoe called the "misplaced heel" where the heel is placed at the front. Shoes come in a bouquet of wild colors and painted patterns. Dip your toe into this trend.

And remember when shoe designers tried to foist gladiator sandals on us a few seasons ago? They're back. This is a trendy option for women who prefer flats. Popular ballet flats are still in vogue. Also, you'll also see a bigger selection of neutral shades - think bone, nude, flesh - than we have seen in many seasons.

* Jewelry: The bigger, the brighter, the bolder, the better. You can don an inexpensive plastic necklace or a semiprecious medallion style with a higher price tag. Whatever you choose, oversize jewelry is all over the place. Opt for wood, metal or lucite. Chunky bracelets and thin stacked styles are still a hot trend. So, go ahead: Mix a $5 tribal-pattern bracelet from Forever 21 with a gold cuff from Neiman Marcus.

Huge hoop earrings are also still popular, but the newest trend is giant gemstone earrings. And don't forget the statement ring - pick a finger and adorn it with a humongous ring.

* Hair: For the first time, Style Matters is including hair as a spring accessory. We have Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) to thank for this. Her popular cut is a modified '60s precision haircut. According to Intercoiffure, a professional salon organization, these styles "(remove) internal weight in a new way (that) changes the movement and fall of hair, creating new shapes." Consider a new haircut to complete your spring image.

Judie & Evelinda: Remember: New accessories will update any outfit and you don't have to lose weight for them to fit.

Blog with Style Matters at stylematters.us