Women > Belts

Fashion - Women > Belts

Getting ready for a night on the town brings to my mind two words: Glamour and gloss. I’m all about amping up the WOW-factor for evening, especially when it comes to some unique accoutrements.

Whether you’re creating metallic luster with a sequined gown, or spicing up a not-so-basic-black mini dress with too-tall heels, there’s one accessory that for evening is rather unexpected but that wears totally chic:

The belt.

Wearing a glammed-up belt, you’ll be a vision in vivacious jewels, sequins, or semi-precious stones — depending on how much you spend — and you’ll stand out from the crowd.

You don’t have to be wearing a baggy dress, either: Jeweled belts cinch chic over dresses loose or tight. I love this jeweled-buckle grosgrain belt by J.Crew. Available in sesame or black, it will stand out over whatever you’re wearing. And at a sale price, this J.Crew belt is an unbeatable bargain, non?

J.Crew jeweled-buckle grosgrain belt, $58 $39.99, JCrew.com

Fashion - Women > Belts

The last time I styled equestrian I was five years old, dancing circles around a quarter horse while wearing jodphurs, boots, and a navy blazer.

And while jodphurs have made a comeback on the runways for Spring/Summer 08, I wouldn’t place a bet on my sweet self ever wearing them again.

But I can see myself pulling together an elegant ensemble with these fantastic equestrian-style belts by Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Detailed in Italy with double-bit buckles, luxe leather, and silver-tone hardware, these belts are designed for wear and tear —

both in and out of the tack shop —

and both designers are discounted now at Neiman Marcus.

Dolce & Gabbana Animalier double-bit belt, $375 $281, Neiman Marcus.

Salvatore Ferragamo double-ring belt, $310 $233, Neiman Marcus.  

Fashion - Women > Belts

Hope’s Top 5 Reasons Why Miu Miu’s metallic leather belt is a splendid choice for Spring/Summer:

1. It’s gold. My favourite colour. Enough said.

2. Metallic is a big – I shudder – trend for the impending heatwave.

3. At 2-inches thick, this belt is more skinny than cinched-waist and over-sized.

4. Will this not match everything perfectly? From black to white, it transitions so easily with every colour on the wheel.

5. C’mon, Miuccia is Prada’s genius. And she has a PhD in Poly-Sci. Brains and beauty. What’s not to love?

Miu Miu Metallic Leather Belt, Net-A-Porter.com, $250.

Fashion - Women > Belts

Perhaps the greatest part of Spring isn’t just snow melting and warm weather coming; it’s the shedding of layers and layers of last season’s clothing and accessories.

Case in point? The Spring/Summer collections from many designers feature skinny belts worn in a relaxed fashion on the hips. That’s right. It’s time to strip yourself of the cinched-waist belt of yester-year. No longer forced to wear big, constricting pieces of fabric-leather-plastic-vinyl around your natural waist, you can embrace the idea of letting things hang low.

Looking 10lbs lighter has never been so easy. Simply strap on a beautiful skinny belt and see where it naturally falls. You’ll instantly feel lighter and have a new spring in your step. Pun intended.