I agree with you about not wanting to look too high-maintenance when it comes to being a man-magnet. No matter how long your look took to get together, you should always appear more carefree and with that certain air of self-confidence. Avoid anything that is overtly matchy-matchy and discover the inherent style in quirkiness. You want to look festive, not like you're trying too hard.

When there isn't an unlimited heiress style budget to go hog wild with (like most of us have shopping carte blanche), honing in on your hottest choices for the season is key.

Think about how you can incorporate more formal choices into your existing wardrobe and learn how to mix the fewest pieces to create the most varied outfits.

Try a furry shrug or caplet or anything with some feathers. The cute fuzzy add-on summons up old movie star allure to the most simple sheath dress and looks equally cute tossed over a tunic top and jeans.

The same goes for a velvet jacket- it's the perfect topper for any party dress and so cool with a tweed skirt for the office. Get into DIY and replace the buttons with strips of satin ribbon to tie like that celebrity favorite YSL jacket.

This is the time for sequins, beading, and other embellishments. Try a black clingy turtleneck with a sequin zebra print mini skirt and high black boots. On another day, pair slim jeans under a beaded flapper dress. Add one outstanding touch to an otherwise essential piece for modern style.

Brave the red- rich ruby short fingernails are soo hot right now and bring extra attention when you.

Grab on to a fabulous clutch- handbag that is. A bold metallic bag that you can tuck under your arm and hold a drink is the perfect party accent. The next day, stash it in your totebag for a surprise of daytime glamour.

Go for the bling-bling. Jeweled chandelier earrings, an enormous faux cocktail ring, scores of rhinestone bracelets- one MAJOR statement making piece is all it takes.

Forget bare arms when you can wear long satin gloves that do double-duty to keep you toasty and looking chic.

Never underestimate the power of a great pair of shoes. ˜Nuff said.

--December 18, 2003