FEBRUARY 2008: FINE POINTS.

Lighten up people. When times are tough, take a cue from Mary Poppins and eat some sugar, or go fly a kite. If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, you might delve a little further into the Disney songbook for inspiration. Think a little more “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and less “Oh, Bother.”

Fortunately, many of this spring’s accessories – bright, playful and plastic – offer a droll antidote for these worrisome days. Created before the “R” word (no, not ruffles) was jumping out at us from the front page, some baubles – from the cultish London label Tatty Devine, from the Paris designer Luc Keiffer, even from Chanel – look straight out of Tom and Jerry.

“Even when clothing trends veer toward conservatism, accessories can break the mold,” said Cynthia Rowley whose accessories are always good humored and amusing (as is she). “A playful, unconventional necklace or handbag remains an expression of personal style, even paired with a basic wardrobe.”

While these may be designer pieces, you won’t have to take the hammer to the piggy bank. Actually, that sounds like fun.

• Tatty Devine Lovely Lady Leigh flower brooch, (about $51) at tattydevine.com.
• Tarina Tarantino Kokeshi Lucite and crystal drop earrings, $75 at tarinatrantino.com.
• Luc Keiffer resin and crystal cuff, $490, and ring, $250, both at Henri Bendel.
• Delphine Charlotte Parmentier Gloria Lucite ring, $130, via e-mail, yann.lp@dcp-corp.com.
• Tatty Devine Lovely Lady Leigh brooch (about $104) at tattydevine.com.
• Chanel resin and metal cuff, $1,950 at Chanel.
• Tarina Tarantino carved Lucite earrings, $45 at Tarina Tarantino (117 Green Street).