The metallic mania has hit the fashion runways, and it's an Olympic winner all the way to the finish line this season. The slivers of silver only come in second place to all the golden girls that are setting the standard in everything from gold-encrusted shoes to sparkling sequined shifts to shimmering eyes and nails.

Here are a few golden rules:

— Start with accessories: the simplest gold hoops, a gilded cuff bracelet, a gold-crackled leather clutch, a statement-making discus ring or a pair of killer gold leather stilettos. These sparkling accessories will make any wardrobe shine (www.vivre.com).

— Wear one bold piece. Gold is the season's newest neutral. A gold-sequined sheath dress will give you endless possibilities. A great gold-beaded tank will dress up jeans and chinos (www.jcrew.com). For the ultimate gold fashion statement, Prada's cotton with lace blouse will set you back for a little over $1,000.

— Make your hair luminous. Ask your stylist about giving your hair a subtle shine with lowlights or highlights to prolong that golden glow of summer. Or switch to a new shampoo like Pantene's new Expressions collection to help restore vibrancy to dull color-treated hair.

— Brighten up your skin. If your tan is a little faded, why not brighten it up with an "end-of-summer" shimmer? There are many beauty products that will give you a boost. Try Benefit Lust Duster in Goldilocks (www.benefitcosmetics.com).

— Go for glowing lips. We all need a change in lip color every now and then. Now's a great time to get ready for cooler weather — switch to something more seasonal. Shiseido's Lip Gloss in "Mellow Gold" is a great way to leave the hot pinks behind and ease into fall.

— Make your nail polish shine. It's a quick and easy way to get the Midas touch without going all out. One of the best for fall: Chanel's "Gold Fiction."

— Take a beauty break, but don't forget tired, puffy eyes. Try Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Gold Eye Capsules (www.elizabetharden.com).

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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