by Erika Dykstra
 At long last, bronze is number one. For generations the metallic underdog played third-fiddle to its shimmering gold and silver counterparts. (Perhaps it was the Olympics' designation as the third place metal is to blame?) But this season, all that's a changing.
Silver's been "it" before; gold has seen its heyday. For the fall of 2005 - and into the foreseeable future - bronze is the must-wear metallic. Belts, bags, shoes and tops: If you can name it, you'll find it in bronze.
Bronze is the perfect compliment to this fall's rich hues of chocolate brown, burnt orange and eggplant. Picture a sheer, espresso brown strappy tank rimmed with bronze sequins detailing. Or a patchwork of leather and suede swatches, the former in bronze and the latter in varying shades of greens, stitched into an oversized shoulder bag with a thick, buttery bronze strap.
 To get the look for less, invest in just two bronze staples: a braided bronze belt and a bronze purse. Pair these versatile accessories with staples already in your closet to update your look. Get in on two more fall fads when you loop the belt low on your hips (if your pants have belt loops, don't use them!) or on the outside of a long tunic. As for the purse, go hobo. Large bags are back, which means you can carry more essentials with you.
Metallic Braided Belt, Wal-Mart
Ruched Hobo Bag, Bebe
Accessory Network Bag, Nordstrom
Prefer to immerse yourself in the trend? Go wild and snatch up a pair of bronze shoes. From Target's Mossimo, to high-end lines like BCBG, pumps, flats and evening shoes in the must-have metallic are gracing shoe racks from coast to coast. Need more bronze? Look for tanks, sweaters, and even denim with bronze detailing like beads, sequins and ribbons. Complete the head-to-toe metalicizing with chunky bronze jewelry like bracelets and layered necklaces.
Mossimo Peep Toe Pumps, Target
 BCBG Max Azria Leather Pump, Bloomingdale's
Bronze Multi-Strand Bracelet, Neiman Marcus
Now, with all the buzz around bronze, perhaps the Olympic Committee will rethink their medal system? Anything's possible.
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