Accessories are an essential part of every fashionista's wardrobe. Shoes, purses, scarves and earrings are easy to mix and match with any outfit, and they always fit, even on fat days. So, what better way to keep your look up-to-date than with new accessories?

Now, I know what you're thinking: "The economy is a complete mess right now, why on earth would I want to spend money on a scarf or earrings when they're non-essential?" To a certain extent, this is true - jewelry and other accessories cannot be the backbone of your wardrobe. However, having a variety of interesting accessories can allow you to make a week's worth of outfits out of just a couple of basic wardrobe pieces - and that is priceless!

Scarves are my favorite accessory, for their versatility and ability to completely transform an outfit. Long thin scarves can be worn at your neck, as a headband or even as a belt. If you choose a wide scarf to dress up the lapels of your favorite blazer, it can be repurposed as a wrap on cool evenings, a throat protector in winter weather, a sarong or even a sexy top, depending on how you wrap it. Having scarves in several colors in your wardrobe will allow you to wear the same suit or blazer several times a week without ever looking like you're showing up to work in the same outfit.

Shoes are an equally fabulous way to change up your look. A plain pair of black trousers will look like a completely different pair of pants when worn with ballet flats as opposed to stiletto heels (or leather ankle boots, or Mary Janes - you get the idea). While shoes are a little more costly than some other accessories, they are an essential item, and will last a long time if cared for properly.

Jewelry, bags and hair accessories are also good ways to change up your look and best of all, they're one-size-fits-all -- that means that instead of shopping, you can swap with your friends. Best of all, borrowing and lending is not only economical, it's fun too!

"Stacking" is a re-emerging fashion trend in jewelry. Every other decade, it becomes popular again. What is it? Stacking is the layering of bracelets. If done right, stacking can liven up an otherwise dull outfit. If done wrong, stacking can make the wearer look like a bag lady. So, what are the rules surrounding this trend?
The rules for stacking jewelry are simple. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do them. They are:

Rule #1: Stay in the same color family.
Don't mix and match colors if plan on layering your bracelets. Even if it seems like a good idea, too many colored bracelets will overpower an outfit. So, instead of looking chic, you'll look cheap.

Rule #2: Wear ethnic materials together.
Many ethnic bracelets are created with wood. Because of the texture and pattern, they don't mix well with gold or silver. Therefore, you should stack them together. Be sure your earrings match them as well.

Rule #3: Treat pearl bracelets as neutrals.
Pearl bracelets can be used as neutrals when you stack gold or even silver bracelets. Here's how to do it. Layer on two or three pairs of gold (or silver) bracelets and then slide on a pearl bracelet. (Be sure they match in size.) The pearl bracelet will help accentuate all of the other ones (bracelets) you are wearing.

Rule #4: Mix bangles with chains.
By mixing bangles with chain bracelets, you will add texture to your stacked jewelry. The contrast of a smooth bangle with a linked bangle will add more sophistication to your look.

Rule #5: Stack bracelets with watches.
You've seen (and admired) this look before, but nine times out of ten haven't tried it. To liven up a bland watch, add a similar bracelet to it. This mix works best with "skinny" gold or silver watches. Stack bracelets behind the watch or on either sides as bookends.

Follow these stacking rules and you'll brighten up your wardrobe. You will also be able to take advantage of a fashion trend that is cross-generational.

How many times have we heard fashion gurus say, "Pink (or brown, or green, or red, or whatever) is the new black!"? Too many to count. In these tough financial times, however, filling up your closet with the new "it" color each season doesn't make a lot of sense. Buying baby doll dresses and micro-minis just because they're in doesn't either. Fortunately, there is a better way!

Each season, some color always gets referred to as the "new black" - that's because black never goes out of style and looks great with everything (same goes for other neutrals, like beige, white, off-white, dark brown and navy). Building your base wardrobe in neutral colors is a great way to ensure that you never get caught wearing last season's pink trench coat when orange is this season's black.

Neutrals are boring, though - right? Well, they can be. However, they make a great blank slate for you to decorate with trendier pieces, colors and accessories. For instance, a plain white blouse can be paired with a scarf in this season's hottest color, a funky necklace or even adorned with a skinny belt. Also, wearing neutral pants allows you to show off your inner fashionista with fabulous, colorful shoes, boots and stockings. These accessories can be purchased very inexpensively and can keep your basic wardrobe au courant while keeping your wallet full!

Classic styles are another area to focus on. Turtleneck sweaters, crisp white blouses, mid-rise dress slacks, A-line skirts and boot-cut jeans are always in style, so base your wardrobe on these staples. Also, instead of kowtowing to every trend that comes along, figure out what looks best on your body and stick with it.

When you do want to try out a trendier piece, purchase something inexpensive or borrow it from a friend before committing a big chunk of change to something you may only wear once. If something in a "trendy" style truly looks amazing on you, don't worry about wearing it after the trend has passed - if it looks great, it won't look dated. Another plus - you can wait until classics go on sale to buy them, since, by definition, they never go out of style!

If you think about haute couture (high fashion), you're likely to think of Paris, France. Paris has always been at the forefront of world fashion. Clothing designed in France makes it all around the world in a matter of weeks, with similar designs soon showing up from London to Hong Kong. French accessories aren't any different. Accessories designed in Paris are big business and often affect accessories fashion for the rest of the world. In 2009, the must-have French accessories are handbags, or purses, as the Americans call them. French handbags are known all over the world. From Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Etienne Aigner and Yves Saint Laurent, to lower priced but still beautiful bags from the likes of Jerome Gruet.

Started in 1893, Chanel is one of the most loved handbag designers in the world. This year's Chanel handbags are gorgeous, many of them with the typical Chanel chain handle, and all of them with the very familiar Chanel logo. En vogue colors are gray, red and black with some beiges and pinks thrown in for a little splash of color.

Louis Vuitton designs luxury leather luggage and purses. The Stephen Sprouse collection is popular this year, with bags having either the traditional brown and cream Louis Vuitton design base then overlaid with enormous red and pink flowers or with brightly colored graffiti on the same Louis Vuitton background.

Yves Saint Laurent , another of the high-end bag designers, has some sweet clutch purses for 2009 that are designed to look like the front of an envelope, complete with stamp and postmark. Adorable. They come in black or ivory patent leather. In tote bags, Yves Saint Laurent has a similar design that they call the Y-Mail Patent Tote Bag. Priced at around $500, it's actually not a bad price for something so unique and so exquisitely made.

Jerome Gruet has a little shop in Paris that specializes in beautiful quality canvas bags with contrasting trims. Jerome Gruet bags are great for a woman who likes a larger bag, because she carries everything with her including the kitchen sink.

Finally, check out Catherine Zarzecki who specializes in small handbags and clutches. What makes Catherine Zarzecki stand out is all of the accents on her bags are made with semi-precious stones. In 2009, she's gone with red, black, blues and greens with some very special limited edition silver clutch bags.

Whatever your bag style though, you'll find anything you're looking for in Paris.

One of the more interesting stories when it comes to green business -- especially in terms of the green movement in clothing -- is that of Patagonia. Patagonia outerwear is famous for its quality and ability to keep you warm. And Patagonia offers more than just clothing that often includes recycled materials. The company also promotes an outdoor lifestyle centered on respect for the Earth through a range of product lines and initiatives designed to raise environmental awareness.

Beyond Green Clothing: Accessories and Surf Boards
Patagonia makes more than just clothing. The company also creates and sells camping gear and other outdoor items. One of the more interesting products developed by Patagonia is a line of environmentally friendly surfboards. It is no surprise that Patagonia is one of the first clothing and outdoor gear companies that come to mind when one thinks of "green business."

In addition to striving to create green products, Patagonia also tries to raise awareness of environmental issues. Patagonia's Web site and catalog include tips and information on environmental issues from overfishing to rainforests to genetically modified foods. The idea is that a company can provide a degree of moral direction in today's world.

Patagonia is also interesting because its moral compass and philosophy of sustainability extend beyond just making clothing and outdoor products and preaching about the environment. Among businesses, Patagonia was the one of the first to offer onsite daycare in the United States. Additionally, flextime is available for paternity leave as well as maternity leave. The idea is to create an entire corporate culture that values humans and the environment.

There are many companies that have since jumped on the green clothing bandwagon. And many more companies that are trying to show they can act in an environmentally responsible manner. However, it is worth noting: years before it was fashionable, Patagonia was including green practices in its fashions.

*One-size-fits-all clothing*? It's a concept that I have hated all of my life. I was always too tall -- too something -- to really take advantage of clothing with this kind of tag. So, I had to pay the extra money in order to get a similar item that fit. Yet, through the years, I have learned that sometimes one size actually does fit all.

For women, the idea of one size fitting all can be translated into clothing items or accessories that accentuate every gal's wardrobe. Regardless of your shape or size, they upgrade or increase our fashion clout. Below is a list of the top five. They are items you should consider adding to your wardrobe this year.

A New Headband
They are bejeweled, checkered, patterned, zigzagged and complement a variety of hairstyles and face shapes. You should add an array of headbands to your accessory drawer to help on those bad hair days.

A Classic Pair of Jeans
They can carry you through a variety of social situations. Match a cute tee and pair of sneakers with a pair of jeans for the big game or a pretty blouse and pair of heels for a date.

A Little Black Dress
You can dress it up with a scarf, necklace or pin. It can be your signature outfit for events or that stand in when you can't find the right outfit.

A Pair of Diamond Hoop Earrings
Whether you get a pair that's big or small, they add a bit of flare to an outfit. Don't sleep on this tip, especially if you have a tendency to look outdated.

A Pretty Pair of Sandals
Forget about buying another classic pump. Invest your money in a pretty pair of sandals. Matched them with a fresh manicure and pedicure to upgrade almost any look.

Purchase these five items and you will start your 2009 out right and in style.

Is it just me or are twins the latest fashion accessory in Hollywood?

Adding their names to the list of celebs who are expecting twins are Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn. The couple married last year and the twins will be their first children.

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are running from the hills - the Hollywood Hills that is. The couple recently told Extra that they are shopping for some new digs away from all the drama that comes with being a reality TV star in Hollywood. Of course, this being Speidi, they were also quick to mention that the home they hope to buy is in the $15 million range (yeah, right) and will be the home where they raise their family in. I don't know if I buy the whole "getting away from the drama" story, my suspicion is that they're being run out of Hollywood. Makes more sense, doesn't it?

As if Ryan Seacrest hasn't already appeared on a million different TV shows, he's now eligible for an appearance on Discovery Channel's Shark Week. That's right, Ryan Seacrest was actually bitten by a shark while he was hanging out on the beach wearing his sexy swim trunks recently. Luckily, Ryan's shark bite didn't prove to be too bad - he was back on the air later that day bragging about it and asking for an Advil. What do you want to bet we hear about this shark bite for years to come from Ryan?

Rumor has it that the Gossip Girl stars Penn Badgley and Blake Lively are heating things up by constantly touching each other and making out on set that it's making the other cast and crew members very uncomfortable. Not only that, but now that Penn Badgley has a new love interest on the show, Blake is becoming incredibly possessive to the point that nobody is talking to the new girl in fear of upsetting Blake. Anybody else see a cat fight in the future?