Max Mara comes up with the most beautiful accessories (bags, shoes and boots) season after season. No loud obnoxious logos, no frutsels, doodads, studs and buttons, no hideous fringes. Just high quality leather and stylish, minimalist design that exudes quiet luxury.

If, like me, you are fed up with the garish accessories that other fashion designers are trying to dump on us year after year (with the accompanying tacky celebrity wearing them in an ad campaign), just come back to Max Mara. Their designs are simple and elegant, and they last for many years.

The military look is “in” this spring, again, you might say, as it’s been going in and out since the late 1960s. But few fashion houses have created military-inspired clothes that are soft and feminine. Max Mara has come up with the best one I’ve seen so far: a long ton sur ton putty knitted silk and cotton jacket-cardigan over wool and silk army green work skirt, with a military style cotton poplin shirt in lycra. Pair this outfit with lace-up ankle boots.

Not only is the photography stunning, but the dress itself looks sophisticated and timeless. Note that the model is not wearing any jewelry. Unlike most fashion shots today, where stylists pile necklaces, bangles, and earrings upon the hapless models (and increasingly celebrities) creating a look that is more frightening than appealing, this photograph in black and white keeps everything to its bare minimum. After all, a beautiful dress should stand on its own and draw attention to its owner.

I have many elegant black dresses in my wardrobe and I wear them with as little jewelry as possible. To me, this is the epitome of beauty and elegance.

www.maxmara.com

Loyal readers of Shopplr already know that I love Max Mara and its sister brands, Sportmax and ‘S Max Mara. Their clothes, shoes and accessories are classic, sophisticated and modern, not ultra-trendy or loud.

In looking for accessories this season, I struggled to find shoes that have a minimalist, sleek and elegant look – and a gorgeous finish. The only shoes I’ve found so far that fit those criteria are these suede pumps and ankle boots from Max Mara (see above). Just look at the graceful, clean lines of the suede pumps – they make your feet and ankles look slim and willowy. The ankle boots are so chic and refined that they enhance the look of any trousers or skirts worn with them.

Not all Max Mara boutiques carry them so you’ll need to call your local Max Mara store. The company finally has a website (after all these years), www.maxmara.com, with an online store locator, the 2009 fall/winter collections for their brands (Weekend, Max Mara, Sportmax, Studio Elegante, Sportmax Code, ‘S Max Mara, Weekend) as well as the spring/summer 2010 fashion show. I did not see one of my favorite Max Mara brands – Pianoforte – but I guess that has been renamed or abandoned. Max Mara also started a new line of luxurious coats that bear the “Atelier” label. I will write about that shortly. Max Mara’s strength remains its coats which are truly the best I’ve ever come across. Now if only they would open an online boutique . . .

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My advice is to go to Max&Co., the younger sister of the Max Mara Group. You won’t get the same luxurious finish, but the clothes are young, fun, and very Italian. They have stores in many cities around the world, including San Francisco. Read what I have to say about Max&Co. in NBC Bay Area news.

Check out my favorite pieces.

For accessories, I like the open-toe platforms in pink/dusty mauve and boots which are practical but stylish.

If you are looking for a lady-like bag, something that’s not big, chunky and studded with metal (aren’t we a bit sick and tired of that look?), this bag (below) does the trick. They carry it also in black which I think is more elegant.

Related articles:

Urban Chic with a European Twist (NBC Bay Area News) by Esme Vos

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