Last year, flashy belts that resembled those popular in the 1980s were fashionable. Today, they seem hopelessly dated as skinny belts have become more popular. Fashion designers love the more feminine appearance of the skinny belt, which can be worn well above the waist to improve a woman's silhouette. When coupled with a free-flowing dress, chunky knit sweater, or loose knit shirt, they make an effective pair. You will even see many suit jackets being made with belt loops, so that they can be cinched in against the torso to emphasize a woman's shape.



Comfort is a major and I'm quite certain, a welcomed theme when compared to the corset-sized, rib bruiser belts of 2007. While these skinnier belts are still subtler then last year's version, embellishments, bright, colors and patterns are sure to please. Some versions are extra long and can be looped at the end, another throwback to the '80s.

Another very popular accessory this year is the clutch, and I am very impressed with their design and instant appeal. They make the simple ensemble that I designed exciting and new. They are surely not just for formal occasions anymore, and they go nicely with any type of clothing.

Although you can't get all of your items into one, its more freeing to be rid of the clutter and the heaviness of the large bags from last season. The sizes of these bags were starting to resemble extremely large overnight bags. My ability to find anything in this humongous bag, whether I had it or not, was hampered severely by the other 3,000 items that were jammed into that grossly oversized bag.

The top designers such as Burberry, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Fendi have been extremely hot on the use of clutches and belts this season, but if you can't afford these name items try Steve Madden, H&M or Forever 21. Last season's hot accessories were hardly accessories as we know them. They totally dominated the clothes they were supposed to accent. However, the past is the past and is now being replaced by sophisticated and chic styles in 2008.