I know I'm supposed to list five trends in keeping with my theme this week of Spring trends, but this one deserves an entire post unto itself: metallic. Apparently, designers have gone the way of Midas and everything they touch turns to gold. Or silver. Or bronze. Shiny shiny is the look of the season, and we're looking at how you can add it to your wardrobe in little -- or big -- ways (but we can't guarantee that it won't break the bank).

Handbags - My favorite place to see metallic this spring is the handbag, and we're not just talking about the hardware and adornments. Kooba's Mini Small Satchel comes in both silver (my choice) and bronze. $295 at Neiman Marcus.


Shoes - I kind of had this weird thing about metallic shoes. I hated them, and I think it's the product of being a bridesmaid about a bazillion times in one summer for friends, all of whom wanted me to wear the most obnoxious bridesmaid's dress ever. Every time. I wore metallic sandals with almost all of them, and though the sandals themselves weren't bad, I associated them with the horror of being a bridesmaid. I'm over it now, especially when faced with the Gucci Sunset Mid-heel Wedge with ankle strap. $550 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Jewelry - Obviously, the most natural place to find metal is in jewelry. Go big, whether it's a giant cocktail ring, a cuff shaped from hammered gold, or the awesome Dynassis Earrings that dangle like chain mail from your ear to shoulder. On sale at GirlShop for $125.

Belts - The wide belt is still very much "in," but you've got to get it in a metallicized leather to really be up to date. Couture Candy has a Cumberbund Belt for $198 in a number of colors, two of which are metallic.

Clothing - I've seen them out there. Yes, there are full dresses made of metallic fabrics, and even though the dresses are little this season, a full dress in metallic shine reminds me a little too much of the Solid Gold dancers. I'd opt for something no less shiny, but in a single, smaller piece like the Army Bomber Jacket by L.A.M.B. Just beware. Gold lamé leggings are not as subtle as you think. The bomber jacket is $425 at Nordstrom.