Scarves Fit to Be Tied, or Knotted, or Draped ...

Bloomingdale's has a number of different head-scarf options, including the Echo Printed Silk ($50), which features a bird-of-paradise floral print on a pink, white or black background.

Accessories kingpin Coach (COH Quote) offers the stripe ponytail scarf ($38) and the legacy stripe ponytail scarf ($38). Both have enough colors to match any outfit, and the long, narrow cut makes them simple to tie and style.

Nordstrom sells the whimsical, nautical-inspired Juicy Couture square silk scarf ($95). At 33" x 34", this scarf is large enough to be worn in several ways -- as a shirt, a hair tie or neck accessory.

One-of-a-Kind Covering

Or, check out the offerings from Canada-based Amélie Silks, which are unique, hand-painted pieces in a number of styles and sizes. They are even reasonably priced, from about $18 to $23. And don't worry if you get a stain -- these scarves are completely washable.

Artist Amélie Koning creates these flowing works on silk. "There are never any duplicates. The way the dyes flow together cannot be replicated; it is similar to making watercolors on paper," says Amélie Silks partner Steven Koning.

Amélie Koning studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the Netherlands, and has been making scarves for over 30 years. She approaches each scarf as a unique canvas. "She knows how colors combine, how the scarf folds and how the colors contrast [with] each other, which only comes with years of experience," says Steven.

So what's the difference between an Amélie scarf and a Hermes one? "When you buy a Hermes scarf, you are buying a print. Print scarves can be very easily duplicated," Steven contends, so an Amélie scarf is ensured to be original.

The company, although small, brings in an annual income of $35,000. "She's not trying to expand and have people working for her. Her primary job is being an artist," says Steven, who markets the scarves primarily throughout the U.S.

Another unique line that stands out is Belisi, which manufactures square scarves (36" x 36") and long scarves (10" x 70") in a variety of colors and styles, from flowers to prints and dots.

Belisi offers high-quality scarves at affordable prices. "A high-end scarf typically costs $250; ours sells for about $75, and you can't find a better quality or value," says owner and designer Peter Belisi.

Belisi also stands out by giving back a portion of the company's proceeds -- he estimates giving 10% of his pretax earnings to several different charities this year. The purchase of several theme scarves also supports various causes, from finding a cure for breast cancer to promoting animal rights.

If you need to dress up an ordinary outfit or find the ideal lightweight, summer accessory, try a silk scarf. Whether you wear it in your hair, around your neck or tied on your purse, it's sure to make a statement.

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