3 Top Fashion Favorites - Scarves Bangles and Jewelry

Today's fashion styles have changed dramatically. The new fashion trends are fresh and typically denoted by one distinct feature - bold. Consider the trend just in scarves - they are bold and long - the newest trend is the pashmina the oversized scarf that elongates the body and adds a punch of color to any outfit. But what about the classic scarf? Is the classic scarf now out of style? Absolutely not! Is the tiny scarf out of fashion - most definitely, but the classic silk scarf continues to reign and perhaps always will.

Three trends to explore:

• Scarves - Bolder and Longer
• Necklaces - Bolder and Longer
• Bangles - Larger and Stacked
  

Scarves are simply the best fashion accessory - always have been and always will be in my opinion. They offer a softness and texture along with color - outshining even the biggest and best of any jewelry bling. Yet, scarves have evolved. In general scarves are larger and longer. As a petite woman always seeking an edge in appearing taller, the new scarves along with the pashminas are the best fashion accessory for changing up the wardrobe and adding a longer line to your outfit. Best yet, scarves are both formal and casual.

What is perhaps passe is the small scarf - except as a headband. The small scarf of Grace Kelly has been reserved for the head band which celebrities such as Paris Hilton has elevated into a signature piece for her personal fashion statement.

The classic scarf of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn remain alive and well as Michelle Obama's photo here can attest.

Be sure to note the color of Obama's scarf is perfectly coordinated with a purple bangle bracelet watch. Obama showcases not just the scarf but also the bangle - bright colors adding style and grace - will Michelle be the next iconic first lady of fashion for centuries to come? She IS starting out strong.

Scarves are a timeless fashion statement. I should know, I continue to wear my Grandmother's heavy silk scarf every season.

Silk scarves and pashminas are not expensive and the colors are endless.

Men LOVE scarves. It never fails, I can always, always count upon a complement from a man when I wear a scarf. I cannot say this about boots, I cannot say this about coats, hats, shoes or jewelry - scarves are true to make a statement and may even bring a complement from the opposite sex.

Bold necklaces have been in style since Cleopatra and yet they have changed. Of course, the bold pendants will forever remain a classic as exemplified by Ivana Trump but her daughter Ivanka has lead the way to a new fashion trend for bold necklaces - the chunky bold and long necklace.

What is amazing about this new fashion trend - it is not reserved for the office or casual wear - it can even hit the red carpet.

Look at the bold statement that Ivanka made in this vision of blue with the silver chain necklace.

Keep in mind that Ivanka doesn't need to add height, she is 5'11" tall.

The Jackie Kennedy Collection includes stunning bangles. Philip Katz provides a historical review of both the origin of the many pieces of Jackie's jewelry along with historical photos of how Jackie would wear her jewelry. A favorite fashion piece of Jackie's was bracelets. Photos of Jackie without a bracelet are rare. What is a common for Jackie was her bangle bracelets - even her engagement bracelet was a bangle.

Her enamel bracelets she loved so much, she had that bracelet made in three colors - royal blue, cream and vibrant summer green almost a periodot green. And yet, except for Jackie's gold bangle bracelets, her chunky bangles were almost always worn solo. Perhaps because they were always made of fine jewelry.

Today's bangle as Michelle Obama has shown us can even take the form of a bright colored watch such as the purple watch she is wearing in coordination with her purple floral scarf.

Today's bangles are different - they are stackable and the more the better - check out how the celebrities are now wearing the stackable bangles - layers upon layers covering the arms - from gold to silver - from casual to even formal wear.

Bakelite - the plastic bangle has returned too! Look for great vintage Bakelite bangles on eBay in a multitude of color - perfect for spring and summer! The wood tones are fun for fall. Combine black and white and spice up your wardrobe for the fall.

The bangle has returned with a roar! Big, bold and exuberant! Enjoy!

There you have it - three fantastic fashion favorites - classic and new too!

The moral of the story is to purchase classics, update and complement what you already have or in some cases recycle what your Mother and / or your Grandmother may have.

Fashion doesn't have a formula, it has guidelines. Seeing the best of the best guidelines such as these three fashion favorites of scarves, bold necklaces and bold bangles, I hope has motivated for your next fashion update.

To wrap up the three fashion favorites and what they ALL share in common:

• Think color.
• Think bold.
• Think long.

Include these elements in your wardrobe and you will create a personal fashion statement to be proud of year after year complete from the classic to the modern for a fresh new look.