buckle up...

the belt was originally drafted for the military...to support clothes and hold weapons...today, belts usually aren't as aggressive...their main job is to add color and texture to an outfit...

you will wear a basic brown or black belt forever...so invest in quality and subtle style...look for even stitching...good leather...well-finished holes...and solid or well-plated hardware...



what a belt can do...

a wide belt shortens the upper body and works well on most women...
a loosely slung belt lengthens the torso...

if your belt is the same color as your top...it will visually lower your waistline...
if it's the same color as your skirt or pants, it will help to shorten your waist and lengthen legs...
if it's a different color from the rest of your clothing, it can cut you in half, especially if the top and bottom of your outfit are the same color and texture...

and then...there is the belt simply as a luxury accessory...(my favorite)
the Jana Kos Winter 09 Collection has some beauties...

the regal belt: boa patent black italian leather, 1 1/2" contoured strap & snaps with amethyst jade semi-precious faceted stone, sardonyx and onyx semi-precious stone, silver pearl and black acrylic cabs and light amethyst crystals...

the delicious belt: shiny print patent black leather skin, 1 1/2" contoured strap & snaps with multi colored semi-precious stones, glass catseye cabs and multi colored swarovski crystals...

jana manages to turn a belt into a piece of jewelry...