You guessed it. Another bit of 80’s flair that’s made a comeback. The double-wrap skinny belt brings back fond memories of having plastic studded versions in cobalt, red and white 25 years ago. I loved the look back then and I’m all for it again right now.

You can wrap the belt high or low around the waist depending on your preference. I like how it adds an interesting layering and textural dimension to an outfit and it’s certainly helped my old knitwear feel like new. The double wrap belt works well over shirts, knitted tops and dresses too. It is more comfortable than the single wrap skinny belt because it slouches more loosely around the body.

I recently purchased a skinny black studded style from Express, which was inexpensive by the time I had used a discount coupon. It didn’t fit so I first cut five inches off the end of the belt and then did my usual make-it-fit trick. I’m pleased with the outcome. The year is young, but the double-wrap belt is my favourite accessory of 2009.

Double-wrap belts are available in a range of price points (from Forever 21 to Bloomingdales). They work quite well on short-waisted women when worn a little lower down on the waist than shown in these pictures.

Last night’s Golden Globes Award ceremony was a splendidly stylish affair. I was relieved to see that Grecian inspired dresses, overly modern looks and black frocks were less popular than they have been of late. By far, the most popular silhouette of the night was the long strapless gown. It was represented in a variety of colours from sequined midnight blues and metallics, to cobalt, red, nude, blush pink and white silks and satins. Silhouettes were either straight all the way down, A-line, or flared out at the hem (“mermaid style”).

My favourite dresses:

• Evan Rachel Wood: This black ruffled sequined gown was perfection. The plunging front and back necklines worked on Evan’s super skinny frame, small bust line and flawless porcelain skin. The rosette details were playful yet sophisticated. I loved everything about this dress and it was hands down the most exciting frock of the evening.
• Eva Longoria Parker: This gown reminded me a little of old Hollywood. I loved Eva’s classic Grace Kelly style bun and diamond encrusted clutch. She looked classic, elegant, regal and stunning.
• Kate Winslet: I loved her black classic vintage gown with velvet belt and diamante waist brooch. It had an interesting neckline and Kate looked tall, poised and streamlined. Kate’s long fringe kept on falling into her face which spoilt her look a little, but I absolutely adore this actress. Her acceptance speeches were wonderful.
• Amy Adams: Princess type gowns such as these are dramatic and pretty, but predictable. Amy kicked it up a notch with dazzling emerald gold earrings which looked fabulous against her red hair. The fabric of this dress was especially beautiful and that’s why it made my list.

My vote for worst dressed goes to Jennifer Lopez, followed closely by Renee Zellweger and Angelina Jolie. I didn’t like the pony-tail hairstyles of Debra Messing and Beyonce Knowles. Casual ponytails and formal gowns don’t mesh in my book. Although I really liked their gowns, the messy birds nest up-dos of Drew Barrymore and Eva Mendez were also not my best. Keeping it polished for these occasions is flop proof and seems the best way to go.

If I were invited to an evening of uber glitz and glamour, I’d keep my look classic, vintage and elegant. I’d stay clear of anything that looked overly modern and revealing. My dream would be to wear a vintage Chanel gown with avant-garde pearl accessories. Whose dresses sparked your fancy and what would you wear to an event like the Golden Globes?

A subdued pair of colourful tights worn within a monochromatic palette looks great. Our forum member Shiny captures the look perfectly in this ensemble. Her plum tights are a similar shade to the sweater dress and boots. The overall effect is playful yet sophisticated and very flattering.

The brightly coloured pink and red tights below are a different story. I don’t see them working for anything other than a theatrical occasion.

I surprised myself on this one. I adore bright colours and encourage people to add fun, colour-rich elements to their wardrobes. But somehow bright tights don’t make the cut. They look juvenile and jarring, rather than stylish. Maybe my eye will adapt to this trend, but for now, I say nay.

The January issue of Glamour magazine (the one with Brittany Spears on the cover) is worth a look. It has an excellent, illustrated seven page article on how to successfully mix-and-match ensemble pieces that most of us already own. The same pieces are dressed both up and down, which is key to a making a small wardrobe work.

Getting the biggest bang for your fashion buck means paying keen prices and making wardrobe items work overtime. This article shows you how to do it. My favourite tips were:

• Wearing a black turtle neck under a white button down shirt
• Pairing an arty printed T with trousers, a denim jacket and Converse sneakers
• Slipping blouses under sheath dresses
• Opting for pale shoes (I’m biased because pales shoes work well with  my hair colour)

The article points out that adding different accessories to an outfit makes it look and feel new. I wholeheartedly agree. The accessory, handbag and footwear departments in any store are the first to tickle my fancy at the start of a new season. Based on many of your fashion and style resolutions for the new year, it sounds like we’re all going to pay closer attention to our accessory collections this year. I’m willing to bet that the accessory areas of departments stores will show a sales growth in our challenging economy.