Don't tangle your dangle

Once the leaves turn we all become enamoured with scarves. Who can resist such rich textures, vibrant colors, and designer patterns? There's something about fall that has the clothes horse in us panting to purchase. We want sweaters, jackets, coats and the potential to layer anything and everything (after all that's an invitation to a larger wardrobe and more shopping.) Scarves are emerging again this year as a "must own one" accessory. They are fabulous in their versatility but come with one important caveat..."Don't tangle your dangle!"

Be careful not to wear a necklace that competes with your scarf, consider a brooch instead. Since earrings are undoubtedly a woman's most important and potentially flattering piece of jewelry, be careful with your choices when wearing a scarf. Avoid drop earrings that interfere, even if you are wearing a scarf over a coat or jacket and plan to remove it. Make sure your earrings end before your scarf begins. Consider large studs or wide, short hoops instead of dangles. Finally, learn to tie your scarf in several ways so you don't ever tangle your dangle!

Photo: Jessica Biel in Ya Ya Aflalo scarf

Sex and Carrie Bradshaw's pearls

Those of you who have seen the "Sex and the City" movie already know Carrie Bradshaw has traded in her gold chain nameplate necklace. She's more gown-up now and owns a 32 inch strand of Mikimoto pearls. It's oh-so fashionable, classic, and enviable at a price of $11,900. Ouch! She announces her engagement wearing these opera pearls, combines it with other necklaces, and showing how pearls can really be worn day and night--wears it to bed with Mr. Big--WOW! It's caused a run on opera length pearls. But why did anyone have to wait for a fashion statement from Sarah Jessica Parker to possess these beauties? Mine aren't Mikimoto, but they are genuine freshwater pearls and at 8 mm match Carrie's size perfectly. I wish my dress size matched as well, but it doesn't. So I plan to rent the DVD, watch it wearing my opera pearls, and eat popcorn and M&Ms. I realize some things--like a size zero--are out of my reach, but not real pearls!