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As autumn leaves drift by our windows, we find ourselves excited to once again add boots, hats, scarves and bright jewel-toned colors to our wardrobes. Yet, in this economy, many of us find ourselves on a tight budget and scaling back our purchases. Here at Puttin' on the Glitz, we know that accessories put a whole new spin on old classics. Fall jewels and accessories make last year's coat new again; scarves, hats and gloves will update your look while adding variety and versatility to your wardrobe. A few key pieces will update your wardrobe for the season while keeping your budget in check.

I myself have been joyfully reconnecting with my fall and winter wear, putting away summer for another year and reaching for some old favorites. While quite serviceable, my own fall wardrobe needs some updating to keep it looking fresh and new. Indulging in the role of customer within my own shop, I thought I would share my personal shopping list with you:

• A new scarf, really two. One for a “pop of color” to accent all my dark clothes and make them look new – something green (Red Chair Studio $77) to show off my eyes and match the one new sweater I purchased for the season. The other is silk crepe with lots of gold, black and grey that will look good with most of my wardrobe (Suraj $59).

• A pair of new gloves....maybe hot pink ($39) to match the lining of last year's coat or a long pair in chocolate ruched velvet (Shell Game $49) that will warm my arms in 3/4 length sleeves.

• A big brooch (Detra Kay $180) that will play many roles; dressing up a lapel, holding a pashmina in place, or added to the side of a hat for evenings out...a huge splurge for sure, but so versatile that I can even clip it to the side of my boot when I wear a LBD. Instant glamour.

I definitely want a couple of hats...one for the fall that is a cap (Asian Eye $42) or a cloche (Toucan $72), and another of boiled wool or cashmere to tuck over my ears, keeping them warm and cozy (Seeberger from Germany or Millie & Cohoe from Canada. $150).

Another must for updating a fall wardrobe is The Handbag. Our newest line, Big Buddha, is the front-runner in affordable fashion handbags for women, featuring rich, saturated colors in a variety of styles that are eco-friendly, stylish, fun and won't break the bank. Big Buddha bags work for women of any age – with styles from polished and classic to playful and sassy.

It's never too early to begin thinking about your Holiday shopping or to start your own Wish List! To make it easy and fun, we invite you to join us any Thursday evening in November...come relax, have a glass of wine and peruse our new holiday inventory. Every nook and corner of the shop is bursting with unique jewels and accessories that are sure to please and delight your senses. November 5, 12, 19, and 26, from 5 – 8 pm, we'll set out the wines, turn down the chaos of the world, and welcome you for a relaxing evening.

This month you'll save on scarves and gloves – Just in time for the chilly weather. We invite you save 10% on any scarf of your choice for four days only. (Friday, Oct 23 – Monday, Oct 26) Add a pair of gloves and we'll give you 10% off them too! Shop early for the best selection.

Visit Us Monday - Thursday 11AM - 6PM, Friday - Saturday 11AM - 8PM, Sunday 11AM - 5PM at Puttin' on the Glitz, 150 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

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Fall Flowerboxes

We all love the sprays of colorful flowers that bloom in spring and summer, but don’t let fall weather be an excuse to leave your flowerboxes empty. When layered with bold, burnt autumn hues, your flowerboxes can instantly take on a whole new look. Gather your materials and fill your box in five simple steps:

Step 1 — Ditch the Dirty Work: After you dispose of last season’s blossoms, leave the soil in the bottom of the box—even if somewhat dry, the soil provides a sturdy base for the new items you’ll insert into your flowerbox.

Step 2 — Work with Wire: Next, cut a sheet of chicken wire to fit the top of your flowerbox, then fasten in place with a staple gun—the holes are perfect for inserting stemmed items, creating an arrangement that is lush and proportionate.

Step 3 — Tall Pieces First: Create a frame for the rest of your items by inserting long materials like wispy sticks, twigs, bark, hay and dried grass along the back and sides of your flowerbox. This will add dramatic height and depth to your arrangement—plus, it lends structure and sturdiness to the look.

Step 4 — Showcase Comes Second: Begin to fill in the center of your flowerbox with bold, colorful items, like miniature pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, even fall fruits like apples and pears. Arrange them casually, mixing and matching and letting pieces rest atop one another in pairs or trios.

Step 5 — Finally, Fill it All in: To perfect your look, tuck items like dried leaves, flowers or raffia in between your showcased items. You can also bundle together leftover materials from step 3 to help fill in gaps. This added texture lends a professional polish to your flowerbox—a true harvest for the eyes!

Tip: If you don’t already have flowerboxes attached to your house, consider purchasing some from your local garden store and display them on your porch, patio, mantel or an outdoor bench. Check out more great ideas at homemadesimple.com

By Debbie Breneman

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