As soon as the weather gets warm, everyone in the fashion industry starts talking about fall trends. Even this weekend, eco-fashion designers showed me their fall collection at the D&A show in downtown LA, and they were already well into creating their spring 2009 collections!

Luckily, today’s tip is about a timeless piece: the refined silk scarf. This piece is all the rage for fall, and is likely influenced by the classy and powerful ladies in the political spotlight (and not the call girls, thank you very much). It can be worn by pioneers young and old and in many different ways this summer and fall.

Plus, no need to buy… most likely there’s a pretty silk scarf somewhere in the back of your wardrobe (if not, raid mom’s closet). I’ll be using a vintage floral Oscar De La Renta number I picked up a while ago at a used clothing store. Find your fave scarf, iron it on low, and tie on one of these sassy ideas:

- Remember last week’s tip? (Our white button-up?) Wrap a scarf around the outside collar and tie in a low, loose bow so that the knot hits just below the collarbone. Avoid looking too matronly by pairing it with slim fitting tailored pants and some h-o-t lipstick.

- Forget purchasing a new bag this season! Simply freshen up last summer’s handbag by tying your scarf in a bow on one of the straps.

- Depending on the length, a long silk scarf can double as a fun belt. Try a jewel colored scarf paired with deep, dark denim.

- Summer trends are still clinging on to bohemia chic, so rock your scarf as a headband. Start at the forehead, wrap it around, and tie it at the back of the head underneath the hair. (Remember how Axl Rose used do it? Avoid that.) This style is particularly eco-chic for you bike-riding ladies who want to avoid unsightly helmet head.

Do you have your own ways of accessorizing with vintage scarves? Let us know!