Earrings

"Now there's a way a pet owner can really show their pet how much they love them," said Patricia Henderson.Hmmm. Let's guess what that could be. Allowing the dog to sleep with her head next to yours on the pillow?No, the answer is pet earrings."I was designing jewelry and I sold an ear cuff," explains Henderson, of Chicago, and the store owner "calls me and says, 'Mrs. Henderson, we just love them, but do you mind if I sell them to men?' I said, 'I don't care if you sell them to dogs.' Then it hit me -- that there is no dog jewelry!"

Amy Matt says her friends often call her "J. Crew" because of her style. "If I have a collared shirt on, I definitely pop the collar," says the 33-year-old Paychex senior sales associate, with a laugh. However, the Pasadena resident describes her own style as more "mix and match. I like to have fun." And that she was having when we "glimpsed" Matt at the Tiki Barge in an emerald flutter sleeve top from The Limited, denim New York & Co. shorts, a gold snakeskin patterned leather belt from Banana Republic, and neutral metallic bangles from the BCBG outlet at Arundel Mills.

Cathy K. Weiss is a senior account executive at Philip Willen Associates, a public relations firm specializing in health care. Weiss is in charge of putting together a new television show, "SilverTone," an exercise program for senior citizens that will debut next month on Baltimore County Cable.How would you describe your taste in clothing?I think avant-garde, with bold colors and good lines. I used to model in college, so I'm not afraid to try new looks. I like clothes that suit my personal style, and I will go anywhere to find them.

"You're looking at my earrings," the lady with the painted orange toenails said.I was sitting on a bench at the Camden Yards light rail station, waiting for the train back to Glen Burnie, when she and her friend came along. They were also headed south.Yes, I was looking. Staring, in fact. When you see two middle-aged women with huge plastic rectangles dangling from their ears -- one with little crabs glued on, the other with orange-and-black baseball bats and gloves -- you notice."You know what they are?"

Theater Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted: A humorous, thoughtful look at how famed Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo took on Hollywood, Congress and the Red Scare after he was blacklisted in 1947 and won. Through Sept. 28 at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. $15-$25. 410-772-4900 or www.repstage.org. Mary McCauley Art Meaghan Harrison Solo Exhibition: Trust : Death, ceremony and human relations are themes that drive the art of Meaghan Harrison, who creates "totemic memorials" from old liquor bottles, lottery tickets and secondhand furniture in the Maryland Institute College of Art grad's first solo exhibit.

Jewel trims add hundreds to the cost of clothes. Gowns by Bob Mackie, who decks the stars in glitter, can run as much as the price of a car."The trick of adding a little designer sparkle to your wardrobe is to do it yourself," says Susan Brandt, director of communications for the Craft and Hobby Information Bureau.Faux jewels and pearls made of acrylic are remarkably inexpensive. They can be faceted or smooth, sized from discreet twinkles to Liz Taylor-size carats. Best yet, plastic gems are washable, so they can be used on practically anything.

Sharen Udell prefers wearing dark colors, but the hostess at Tapas Adela knows how to make her look stand out with pops of color and unusual accessories. "I'm not a designer person. I don't follow trends," says the 45-year-old Canton resident. "I like to put different stuff together to create my own look." The look: Red ribbed cotton-blend turtleneck Bebe sweater. Black asymmetrical cotton American Apparel skirt. Black fishnets. Black leather pointy-toe boots. Black rabbit fur pom-pom scarf.

Not just a brown bagOnce the marker of the perfect '50s female, cocktail bags have replaced the bulky shoulder bags and sleek backpacks of last season. They don't hold as much, and they demand at least one hand's attention -- but their worth is in their elegance. They add a retro look to suits and grace to evening wear. And unlike the basic black or brown of last year's bags, they come in plaids (like the Kate Spade design shown here), leopard prints and iridescent shades.Two accessories that some women can't get enough of have now inspired books -- two weighty, photo-filled, borderline-obsessive tomes, in fact.

Artists don't simply confine their sense of the aesthetic to their art. For many, how they dress is just another form of self-expression. Case in point -- the Baltimore School for the Arts. Many of the students there are artworks in themselves. Theater student Shakera Tuggle is a perfect example. She creatively combines colors and patterns for a kicky look that totally works -- and that tells her audience she is someone to watch. Age: 17 Residence: East Baltimore Job: BSA senior, theater student Self-described style: High fashion.

It's a beautiful, breezy day along the Annapolis waterfront. No wonder it attracts beautiful, breezy UVA student Xandria Fleurke. She's spending the day with her aunt, who's spending a little money on this day out with her niece. Age: 21 Residence: Virginia Beach, Virginia Job: University of Virginia senior Self-described style: "I'm kind of preppy, but comfortable." The look: White button down J. Crew shirt. The Limited denim jacket. Gray striped Seven for All Mankind jeans. Antonio Melani tooled black and brown boots.