Boston - August 23, 2005

Buckle Down

Lucy’s Sister Belt

Some days, you’re invincible. Confidence oozes from your every pore. You nail every green light. Flirt with doormen. Ace every project. You’re straight out of a deodorant commercial.

But other days, you could use a little help. A little metaphysical — and physical — boost.

So it’s a wonderful thing that local designer Marissa Spada has just launched Lucy’s Sister, a line of interchangeable buckles and straps that are a little bit vintage rock ’n’ roll, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot feminine.

Solid pewter with either antique gold or silver finishes, the buckles come in chunky bows, hearts, peace signs, and flowers. Then there are the straps: delicious, wide leather numbers in earthy combinations like brown with green and burgundy tooling, Western patterns in everything from indigo to hot pink, and intricate graphics made of tiny studs and Swarovski crystals.

Adding one to your outfit is like a shot of swagger and attitude.

The very thing you need to keep your mood up. Not to mention your pants.

Available at Holiday, 53 Charles Street, at Mount Vernon Street, Beacon Hill (617-973-9730).