Whether youre putting the finishing touches to a brand new outfit or giving an old favourite a new lease of life, the accessories department is where youre bound to get that special something. Be it a hat, a scarf, a cardigan, a bag or a piece of jewellery theres something to give every outfit that wow factor. Generally with accessorising less is best. Choose items that complement rather than overpower your outfit. Take into account your outfits colour and texture while choosing accessories. Do follow current trends, but dont use every trend at once. Choose a signature piece, a scarf, a piece of jewellery, or necklace but dont choose the same piece every time. Have fun with your accessories, but if you do choose a stand out item, make sure you have the confidence to carry it off. M&S sequin clutch with chain tassle, 30 Dorothy Perkins bangle, 22 Jane Norman handbag, 11 Wool hat, 11 Wool scarf, 11 New Look purse, 9 Handbag, 34 METRO Thursday, November 26, 2009 D Edited by Vicki-Marie Cossar features@metroireland.ie Style Counsel Ladies: Apple Bottoms is here to liberate your curves so to embrace your shape and look good into the bargain by VICKI-MARIE COSSAR Making a booty call N ot content with being a multi- platinum superstar, Nelly (pictured right) has ventured into everything from energy drinks to charity. With such an entrepreneurial appetite, it was inevitable he would branch into fashion. His mens hip-hop label, Vokl, launched in 1997, followed by womens label Apple Bottoms in 2002. A huge success in the US, Apple Bottoms celebrates women in all their natural beauty and calls it its supreme mission to liberate the natural curves of a womans body. No wonder it caused such a sensation when it launched. Initially just a denim label, its first batch of jeans sold out within two weeks. Since then, Apple Bottoms has been mentioned in Flo Ridas UK No.1 single Low. The signature apple pocket now extends past denim on to a variety of fashion items, including footwear, handbags, sunglasses and childrens clothing. Its first fragrance has just launched in the US and will be here for spring 2010 and everyone from Fergie to Oprah are fans. For spring 2010, the collection is split into four parts. Spring Transition: lightweight knits embellished with flowers and sequins, bright acid-wash denim jackets and motorcycle jackets. Eastern Chic: tie dye and deep pinks and oranges with gold shimmering lines, Garden Of Eden: nature-inspired graphics, crinkled chiffon, floaty silhouettes and frilled denim dresses. And Cast Away: nautical-themed items, draped and rouched fabrics in beachy colours and severely distressed denims. According to Nelly, a woman shouldnt try to fit into the clothes, the clothes should fit the woman. The concept for Apple Bottoms was influenced by the women in my life, he admits. I constantly heard frustrated stories about denim not fitting. The name Apple Bottoms popped into my head because its synonymous with curves, so I decided to roll with it. Nelly is personally involved in the creative process, although he does admit to doing some crazy s**t in the past with fashion. One time I wore this entire Louis Vuitton monogram suit. I looked like a luggage set. He says he loves a woman who knows how to accentuate her curves and when choosing the face of Apple Bottoms it had to be someone who represented everything the brand stood for. An Apple Bottoms woman is strong, sexy, confident, playful and proud of her curves. he explains. Who better, then, than half-Latina beauty Sassy Pandez, pictured right. She has graced the covers of Vogue and Stuff magazine and has featured in an array of fashion shows including Vivienne Westwood. This curvy model says she feels good about being a size ten and has never succumbed to the size zero pressure. Size ten is hardly big and if the other models say Im fat then I tell them I could snap them in half with my thighs, she laughs. Pandez certainly has the figure to work the Apple Bottoms range and says the clothes feel like theyre made to fit her. Finally I can put on a pair of sexy jeans that dont get stuck halfway up my thighs. According to Pandez, confidence doesnt come from squeezing yourself into clothes, its about being comfortable in them. When Im working I see myself as a product. When Im not, my style is really casual and I love hooded tops and trainers. Im more like the girl next door. Somebody once told me I have the personality of a girl that works in a cake shop. I guess theyre right, I like cakes. In keeping with the typical Apple Bottoms woman, Pandez has brains as well as beauty and is also the official DJ for the brand. Described as the Sexiest DJ In The World on the cover of Maxim, she lists one of her highlights as playing at the Formula 1 Grand Prix Fashion TV party in Bahrain. She has played at various celeb parties, including Mary J Blige, Beyonc and Jay-Z and accompanied P Diddy on the decks of his launch party at Caf de Paris in London. Ive been DJing for years and only just got that title so its cool, she says. Now when I show up at events some people are shocked that I can actually mix and scratch. n The Apple Bottoms spring 10 collection isnt available to buy until April 2010 but its Christmas collection is online now at www.applebottomsuk.com. in association with... 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