One of the amazing things about attending these trade shows is all the sneak peaks I get of the upcoming accessories. Here's what I can tell you about the upcoming season: The fall/winter 2010/2011 season focuses on feel-good fabrics, natural materials and textured surfaces in a luscious earthone palette 

• Jewelry

  Artisan techniques add a hand-crafted feel.  Look forward to painted wood beads, carved metal beads, chunky semiprecious stones, and layered seed bead necklaces.

• Handbags

  Rustic materials give a well-worn look.  You'll see distressed leather backpacks, woven leather totes and cross-body bags, gunmetal hardware, buckles and studs on new purses.

• Belts

  Vintage leather straps with distressed metal buckles decorate belts, too. Choose woven leather pant belts, canvas and leather combinations, embroidered suede straps belts, and wide corset styles with buckled front-tab closures.

• Hats & Hairgoods

  Fashionistas will sport brushed flannel small-brimmed hats and caps this fall, as well as canvas explorer hats, wool fannel Mounty hats, studded suede headbands and woven leather fedoras.

 And there's more on the way: My next column will talk about winter's cold-weather accessories.