Author: Michele Mobley

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Wrapped and Woven

Nothing quite compares to an accessory that’s handmade. A crafted friendship bracelet is no exception. A familiar hobby of grade school enthusiasts has long since lasted the test of time. A wrist full of individual art easily transfers into a modern day fashion trend full of prints, patterns and shapes—embroidered thread designs move from knotted jewelry to wearable fabric, a trend that lends to a far off desert scheme and aesthetic.

This Fashionista makes the most of her vibrant accessories amidst a neutral comfort look, a pairing that works well to add interest and color on a cloudy day. On first glance, her thick woven bracelet with a geometric likeliness steals the show. Only then does one go on to notice her appropriately chosen slip-ons that feature a jute wrap edge and vertical geometry, a perfect match to balance out the eye-catching pattern designs. To top it off, a popular choice of high-waisted denim completes the outfit’s approach in an urban setting. Her chevron patterned bracelet in a repeating red, black and yellow add enough extra color to coincide well with a simple leather braided bracelet. If your bracelet making skills are a bit behind in age, this step-by-step tutorial could be the right refresher since maybe you missed out on Rebecca Minkoff’s DIY bracelet event at Saks Fifth Avenue. For store bought options, Nasty Gal has a variety of knot and loop closure friendship bracelets, Colombian bands made of bamboo are on sale at Madewell, ceramic beads file in a geometric design at Need Supply Co. and Urban Outfitters encloses multiple friendly bracelets all in one.

As for this Fashionista’s comfy slip-on flats, you can find a lace-up option from Shopbop that features similar raffia styled sides with a woven cotton geometric upper. For that desert sand Southwestern appeal, these ankle strap flats from ThreadSence are feminine and subtle.

Still craving another wonderfully colorful woven accessory? This lightweight blue carpet backpack made in India from World Market will be sure to establish your inner wanderlust.

Spotted: Missoni never fails with geometric patterns, and always manages to continue the trademark aesthetic be it winter or spring. Proenza Schouler went for a slanted geometric wear as well, in an expected scheme of warm tones for fall 2011.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Sun Shade

Your eyesight shouldn’t be the only thing you shade from the shining summer sun during the summer. Though easily forgotten and under appreciated, a hat on your head is an essential to protect the skin of a young college-age wanderer. Spanning decades, the simple straw hat, worn by aristocrats and laborers alike, approves healthy functionality with optional style. The winter temperatures may have an advantage on versatility in the headwear department, but a wide brim made of straw is a summer exclusive.

This Fashionista styles a breezy sun hat favorite with her own handmade top garment and shaded accessories. Secured beneath the flexible interior, her hair casually braids to the side, making indoor hat removal effortless and free of any hair mishaps. With such a prominent brim plus a tiny perforation design, sunlight will have difficulty making its way through this Fashionista’s wise fashion choice. Straying away from the annoyances of classical rough straw (made from the Raffia palm), her hat instead balances a tightly woven straw blend that makes traveling and packing around campus no problem. Also in a more neutral dark tan, her sun hat proves an all color diversity. You can find similar floppy types in vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, pink and blue.

If you’re really on the hunt for that characteristic seaside straw appeal, YesStyle has some of the largest online selections. A simple straw can sometimes look bland on it’s own, so you can add character with cute accents such as corsages, lace trim, rear bows details (for the Madeline effect) and even cat ears. As for those that find the natural palm blend itchy with discomfort, ASOS has your head covered – felt boaters, bowlers, fedoras and snapback caps may be your best option. Add your favorite pair of sunglasses and you’re ready for the overhead afternoon sunshine.

Spotted: Tracy Reese spring 2011 planted a very ’70s style vibe atop heads in past years ready-to-wear with leather and cotton floppy sun hats.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Jellybean

You probably remember jelly shoes – the soft plastic footwear of your childhood, the clear, glittery and inexpensive sandals that grew their name just back in ’80s. The weather-proof, waterproof and transparent shoes (nicknamed “jellies”) remain perfect for a summer’s day outdoors, in rain or shine. Though the trend of the jelly shoe hasn’t faded from the fashion shelves, their nostalgic style has certainly evolved through a transition into the 21st century, even nabbing their own Buzzfeed and HowStuffWorks articles. Lately, the trend has become so popular that designer names like Gucci, Valentino, Givenchy and the most expensive Saint Laurent Paris have given the shoe their own transformations and embellishments, converting from sandal to platform, flip flop, flat and wedge. Don’t worry though – you will still be able to catch your own special pair of jellies at a near drugstore price, just like decades ago.

British brand JuJu has manufactured both Jellies and Wellies (rain boots) since 1986, their footwear available to purchase at any of their fifteen stockists.  And in Australia, Jellybeans opened their company in 2011 and stocks for big, small and neon.

If you’re on the lookout for a jelly that’s a bit different, YesStyle carries two different girly cutout jelly wedges, one strapped with glitter and sparkles, the other a peep toe in nude pink. This Fashionista cruises in a simple pair of gladiator style jelly sandals, just a slight modification from the closed-toe original, in clear transparent. Macy’s stocks a thong sandal with a bow ornament in the jelly form, and the bow cuteness continues with Urban Outfitter’s adorable mary jane jelly flat by Melissa and The Hut’s “Bow Front Pumps”. Flexible cutout jelly flats also make an appearance in stores like ModCloth and Jason Wu. Jelly shoes are a perfect match for a retro swimsuit or frilly ankle socks, so make sure your durable jellies tag alongside your spontaneous summer travels, whether at school or leisurely abroad.

Spotted: Clements Riberiro opted for some silver peanut butter & jelly opaque cutouts this spring. A bit of jelly inspired sandals even made it onto the feet of Paul Smith’s menswear collection for the spring as well. Dolce & Gabbana embellished a pair of nude jelly gladiators in spring 2012 with royal jewels. You can learn how to sparkle a plain pair of your own with the help of this Glitter n’ Glue DIY tutorial.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Blue Tint

Made famous by John Lennon, Mick Jagger and other male pop star icons and legends alike, the mod sixties and seventies circle lenses have distinct decade remembrance, though even John Cryer, or “Duckie Dale,” carried the trend forward well into the pop culture of the eighties, while Léon the Professional resurfaced the pair in the mid-nineties. Formally referred to as “teashades”, the thin wire-rim sunglasses are simple enough, yet carry an iconic image of counterculture and unique aesthetic charm, especially when featuring a translucency of color, image or design upon the lenses’ front. This Fashionista  lightly shades her eyes from the summer sun with a pair of tinted cobalt blue Lennon glasses that complements her pale floral dress, avant-garde choice of fashion embellishments and adornment of jewels.

Along with her saturated frames, this Fashionista wears a plethora of other groovy and notable accessories with confident ease: necklaces, bracelets, arm cuffs, rings, a head wrap, suede booties, ankle socks and even a curious keychain that dangles from her cross-body purse, known as the string voodoo doll keyring. For a bohemian style that compares, take a look at this vintage mini dress, a gradated pair of round eyewear and a classic mood ring.

If your search for the perfect teashades is still afloat, try a sleek modern design from Forever 21, a similar pair from ASOS, cool clear frame, purple ombre center seventies shades, lenses with a hologram 3-D design or just a handful of five neon party favor glasses.

Spotted: Diane von Furstenberg is not shy to sunnies, so an assortment of large circle reflective frames were no question for her resort 2012 collection. Miranda Konstantinidou revived a lively and colorful hippie fashion that of course included the staple circle frames.

 

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Metallic Kicks

Texas state senator Wendy Davis isn’t the only one to sport neon sneakers around the workplace this summer. In light of daily campus trekking, weekend endeavors and your on-the-go internship, a pair of bright gym shoes or “trainers” are a no-brainer for the health and style conscious with a to-do list, even if you’re not prolonging a filibuster.

On this Fashionista’s feet are a pair of reflective low-top lace-ups in teal below a simple floral dress and denim cover-up. Along with speckled gray ankle socks, the shoes stand out as a forward accessory. Flowing summer skirts and dresses balanced with a dressed-down shoe imply a comfortable attitude for the bold and feminine yet street sensible woman. This style has hardly been absent in women’s street-wear street style. The Sartorialist has captured the daring fashion combo not once or twice, but more than eight times just since May of 2013. The popularity doesn’t stop at the heart of New York City or Milan – even street style blog Sol-Sol often documents the saturated sneaker on the streets of Seoul, South Korea, where monochromatic pairs of New Balance shoes seem to gather an influence.

These flashy tennis shoes have also graced the designers set of mind, with unexpected names such as Miu Miu advertising the studded and glittered. You can find your own pair of standout designer trainers at places like NASTY GAL and Farfetch. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more sporty, try Nike’s sectioned aisles “To Run”, “To Train” or “To Live” or a pair of racing stripes from adidas Originals.

Spotted: Sneakers aren’t shy of the runway either. Moschino Cheap And Chic utilized a warm color scheme of apparel with cool shoes during their spring 2013 ready-to-wear.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Silk Screen

Scarves aren’t just for the winter chill. The right scarf can be worn year-round, and during the summer, a vibrant cloth adds interest to an otherwise plain seasonal wear. Silk scarves, in particular, have an added advance of a vintage feel combined with a feathery thin weight that won’t leave you boiling in the summertime rays.

This Fashionisto styles his handkerchief loosely around his neck, an edge just peeking out from the collar’s center. The short and thin scarf of royal blue, white and gold matches well atop a monochrome short-sleeved striped shirt.  Negative white space encompassing the upper and lower portions of the top provides just the right amount of space for a scarf to fill (without feeling overwhelming). The scarf inserts a definite pop of color among a relatively light-toned ensemble. In addition, the Fashionisto’s cross necklace is faintly hinted behind his silk scarf. A matching bracelet adorns his wrist.

The most convenient component of a scarf is its versatility. A fabric of shape – square or rectangle – can be so easily manipulated to form a flattering additive piece. Folded, tied, twisted, draped or knotted, a simple patterned handkerchief amounts to endless wearable techniques. If you’re clueless, for a unique DIY, Tory Burch features their tie-dye scarf in this fun scarf-tying how-to video and Refinery29 shows a guide in complete .gif viewing format. If you’re still in search for that perfect 100% silk summer scarf, the painterly floral print scarf by Accessorize offers an up-to-date image. Free People and Anthropologie keep silk in circles with the loop and infinity.

Spotted: Upfront on the Style.com homepage today reads a “Hail to the Handkerchief”, where they share a list of their old-fashioned bandanna favorites. Coming up second in the running was a Christian Dior silk scarf.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Back to Back

A backpack may be a no-brainer for the everyday studious college student, but an accessory of such versatile function doesn’t have to be reserved for just bookkeeping. In the popular canvas, leather or suede, a double shoulder bag can easily extend from the constraints of a hectic school day as a comfortable go-to carryall. Around the college campus especially, the backpack far outweighs the benefits of the common purse, handbag, tote or duffel bag in practicality, comfort and durability. Whether you’re taking the bus, your bike or your feet, a backpack offers a hands-free commute. Usefulness aside, a backpack also contributes to a unique professional atmosphere that can be personalized to one’s own style.

This Fashionista transports a staple Hershel Heritage backpack from Hershel Supply Company. With an intricate pattern design, maybe of mountain and river motifs, the camouflage-esque bag, balanced with neutral color palette, adds an interesting and noticeable edge to any daily outfit. Though this backpack “blends in,” it too is able to stand out amongst a colorful ensemble. For an opposite approach, Hershel also stocks signature backpacks in bright teal, yellow and orange that give an eye-catching appeal amongst basic construction. The Hershel, simplified in its design yet vintage at its roots, makes for a classic closet essential. For an equally vintage yet busier and youthful approach, try the feminine Madden Girl floral pack or the pastel patterned Roxy mini.

If backpacks aren’t your thing, there is always a close relative: the messenger bag.  Don’t mistakenly think these sleek shoulder bags are secured for men only. Sometimes referred to as a satchel or cross-body, these bags allude security with a sideways perspective. Just like the backpack, the good messenger is perfect for carrying the weight of a laptop, camera equipment or just school supplies, but in contrast, these bags have an obvious ease of accessibility for the on-the-go personality.

Spotted: DKNY gave looks a color-blocking lift with carried backpacks in their spring ready to wear this year.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Cat’s in the Bag

2013 may be the year of the snake according to the Chinese zodiac, but concerning fashion, this year may have to lend its title in favor of the cat. Cat motifs have been making their usual rounds again, and it looks as though this time they are here to stay. Berets, bowlers, flats, sweaters, lipsticks, tights and handbags – cats are able to bear their claws onto just about any surface.

One of the most recognizable feline friends to make their mark recently comes from mystical Japanese brand ahcahcum-muchacha (あちゃちゅむムチャチャ). Though their original designs range from a craft of baby doll parts, teddy bears, printed rabbits, mushroom forests and eyeball accessories, their cat face tote is the most familiar among current audiences.

Our Fashionista today carries the famous cat face bag along with its detachable coin purse of similar feline design. The piece is surely conversational in any environment, and this Fashionista carries out a full ensemble of youth inspired wear in schoolgirl plaid that seems to match her bag’s personality. Though this specific bag is no longer for sale in the official collection, eager customers may find their own ahcahcum speciality on Ebay, where you can also find the more recent ‘cat shoulder sling handbag‘ or rabbit head carrying purse.

If you can’t get enough of the cat and rabbit image trend, a look into some other friendly and furry alternatives are not far off. Icon Hello Kitty and her many Sanrio friends have been a international favorite for decades and don everything imaginable. A more current Fifi Lapin, a rabbit who asks “What Shall I Wear Today?” is a self-titled “Fashionista” herself. This little rabbit is the face of her own line of bag and purse accessories available for purchase, Vaudeville.

A simple Etsy search of ‘cat bag’ will yield just over eight thousand results, so prying for your special animal fashion staple shouldn’t be too difficult.

Spotted:  The unforgettable Miu Miu campaign of spring 2010 did more than spark an interest in one’s cat-eyed mind. Likewise, Miguel Adrover returned in 2012 after an eight year absence with a diverse collection that included an ensemble of cat clawing design, and the year previous, Anna Sui featured a single cat headpiece among a fur heavy lookbook.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Third Time’s the Charm

Simple charm bracelets – or necklaces – have never really lost…well, their charm. Both nostalgic and historic, the dangled strands and chains attain their allure from their mysterious nature. Though perhaps small in size, charm accessories sometimes carry both a literal and metaphorical weight, and with the capability to add and remove as you please, charm jewelry is much like a personal DIY project.

This Fashionista wears three pieces of statement jewelry: a charm bracelet, a charm necklace and peacock feathered earrings. Any one of these accessories could be worn separately or on their own, but when styled together, they have a greater impact.  Added ornaments have the ability to bring an outfit onto a higher platform – a different mood can emerge. Around a few simple chains, any variety of special decorations, found adornments, knick-knacks, memoirs or good luck charms can be displayed. Around this Fashionista’s wrist and neck hang teardrop crystals, square turquoise stones, cross symbols, leaf impressions, hanging diamond beadings and coin designs. The bright, contrasting white of the crystal and diamond-like motifs among both the bracelet and necklace correspond well with the beaded feathered ends of her earrings, as well as the center floral embellishment on her dress’s belt.

To start a charm bracelet or necklace of your own, Stella&Dot have an easy to use and personalized charm necklace service. For ready-made sets or inspiration, Free People stores a number of simple charm bracelets: try metal bangles, beaded, belled and embroidered, or simply leather and embellished. If you prefer a homemade feel, try scouring your nearby antique, thrift, craft stores or even you’re own keepsake drawer for a handful of attachable travelers.

Spotted: Missoni entranced abundantly in layers for their 2012 resort collection – draping, long garments were topped off with a combination of layered necklaces and accessories. Badgley Mischka added a touch of wrapped necklaces to complete the spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection, this time for a warmer weather add-on.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: On The Rise

Within the past few years, the flatform has seen a growth in trend. Since its progression into the contemporary street style and runway, the flatform molds its heightened sole onto just about any type of shoe; be it sandal, sneaker, oxford, boot or loafer.

But why a flatform? Against skyscraper platforms and angled wedges, flatforms weigh at a more relaxed ease and comfort. Feet are able to preserve their posture on a horizontal base, yet still elevate vertically to add desired height. Below are a few thick-soled flatforms that have more than caught on:

  • The Brothel Creeper: Birthed in the night streets of London, the brothel creeper carries a thick crepe sole below a usually suede form. Detailed with a short lace-up tie at it’s front, secured by two pairs of silver ring attachments, creepers endorse a signature look. Popular today are creepers with leopard print fur uppers, which you can find here.
  • The Rocking Horse: The rocking horse shoe pulls much of its charm and inspiration from the traditional Japanese sock plus wooden sandal worn by geishas, coupled with the style and grace of a ballerina’s slipper. Designed by Vivienne Westwood in 1985, the rocking horse shoes are made of a leather upper and wooden sole, and incorporate a number of different styles including: ballerina, golf, boot, mary jane, cross-strap and more. Not surprisingly, these flatforms are most popular among the Lolita fashion style of Japan, frequently stepping the streets of the Harajuku fashion district in Tokyo.  Vivienne Westwood also introduced a wing strap sandal with a rocking horse base in 2010, designed for a Brazilian eco-friendly shoe brand called MELISSA.
  • The Single Ankle-Strap Sandal: With summer at its starting point, these simple flatforms are making the definite impact. Usually made of leather, the shoe comes in two parts: an wide open-toed strap at the front, and a heel and ankle-strap at the back, and stands with a shorter one to two inch sole. Score these sandals at places like Topshop and Urban Outfitters.

Spotted: Calvin Klein resort 2013 took to the stage with a transformed take on the single ankle-strap sandals – a smaller toe opening and an added open heel.