Accessories Show Shines a Spotlight On Spring

My favorite trade show of every season is The Accessories show (also shown with  FAME (Junior & Young Contemporary Resources) and Moda Manhattan (Juried ready to wear).  This show is an all-accessories trade event at the Javitts Center in Manattan that attracts  thousands of fine specialty buyers, and of course, the press.  No matter what year or what season, there's always something exciting, new, and unique to discover.

As Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" (isn't she just everywhere these days?) played through speakers, Spring/Summer 2010's accessories, beckoned.

Accessories are an easy and affordable way to re-energize last year's outfits and add your own special touch to new ones.  Accessories range from less than the cost of a cup of coffee, to thousand of dollars, but you needn't spend anywhere near the high end to be trendy. 

I saw bright colors, lots of prints, and flowers and feathers adorning everything from hats to  belts to shoes.  And don't believe it when you hear that "bling" is out, because it isn't.  Rhinestones, crystals, and tons of chains in silver, gold, pewter and tri-color where everywhere.

If you are budget-minded, don't wait until the stores start showing their Spring/Summer collections to buy your accessories...read the trend report below.  Then you'll know exactly when to bag those bargains if you see them...and be ready for warmer weather before anyone else!

Accessories Trends for Spring/Summer 2010

    

JEWELRY - BLING, AND BEADS DEFINE THE SEASON - LOOK FOR:

Chunky resin necklaces
crystal, rhinestone, Cubic Zirconia (diamond substitute)  pins, rings, bracelets,necklaces
statement (huge) cocktail rings & necklaces
Cuff bracelets
pearls (faux)  with chain or ribbon
Faceted silver beaded necklaces
Ropes of flat chain or discs in silver
Silver mesh with rhinestones
Frosted and clear plastic layered bangles

You have probably seen jewelry by Crislu on fashionistas, or at least in advertisements in fashion magazines like Vogue and InStyle. Their cubic zirconia designs look like they should cost thousands, but they're set in sterling platinum or 18K gold vermeil, which makes them much more affordable. Crislu jewelry has been seen on Paris and Nikki Hilton, and these ladies can afford the real thing. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Bassinger have been seen adorned in Crislu, and so can you!

I couldn't resist these adorable turtle pendants and earrings from Fornash.  Jewelry needn't be too serious if casual is more your style .  Their Boa Scarf (not shown) was featured in Oprah Magaszine.  Bright beads and bangles give even a plain outfit a welcome pop of color.

HANDBAGS - LIGHTWEIGHT LEATHERS AND NYLONS - LOOK FOR:

Released pleats and tucks

Drawstrings and pouches

Crochet cotton totes

Pearlized leathers
Satin rosettes and pom-pom details

Lace overlays, medallions and trims

Crinkled nylon framed clutches
Ruched leather and satin hobos

Leather is always "in," but "green" handbags and totes are wildly popular (and often more budget-minded), too.  One unusual and affordable company making fabric totes that are true, fashion statements, is Bagulous. Kristina (in the photo) has handbags and totes with retro fabric (reminds me of Miami in the 1940's) and also a collection large, black fabric totes that I fekll in love with. These have padded handles that slip over your shoulder (even with a coat) or hang nicely on your arm. Each is embellished with a cute design or saying, in rhinestones and/or tiny sparkling studs. The designs are also available on T-shirts.  I loved "Queen Octopus" and the glizty, red crab, but there is something for everyone:  even a large, green recycling symbol.  The tote is the perfect size to take to the market, to school, to the beach, and beyond. each side of the tote features a snap gusset to accommodate bulky items. an attached cell phone case with snap, and an attached string with key fob, make this a tote for all seasons and all reasons.  And they're affordable!


GLOVES & SCARVES  - OVERSIZED, TRANSPARENT OBLONG STYLES - LOOK FOR:

Silk chiffon oblongs and squares
Wide satin borders on sheers
Crinkled silk gauze
Chantilly lace wraps
Silk/satin jacquard prints
Iridescent fabric with crystal accents

Sequin skinny oblongs

Lace and satin jabots

When it comes to leather goods, an investment piece can pay dividends for deaces. I am a fan of Kippys high end leather goods, embellished with crystals and rare leathers, put together in unusual ways.  This jacket, for example, would dress up anything from jeans and a t-shirt, to a black cocktail dress. Save your pennies, and check out what Kippys has to offer.












HAIR GOODS - HEADBANDS ARE A MUST HAVE ACCESSORY- LOOK FOR:
Fabric headbands in wild prints
leather headbands thin to wide
embelishments in feathers, tulle, lace, flowers, crystals and pearls
headband "hats" of tulle or feathers

Stylist (and glove designer) Patricia Parente, and Dora Marra of Headdress NY,  posed in front of some of Dora's "Headdress NY" headbands. A head band works on hair of all types and lengths. Pop one on to add instant pizazz to any outfit. 









HATS - ILLUSION AND VEILING ADD A SOFT TOUCH - LOOK FOR:Veiled fascinators
Voile and tissue faille buckets
Floppy and wired brims
Feather and lace trims
Crinkled cotton caps
Clear plastic hair clips
Sequined skinny headbands

Christine Moore of Christine A. Moore Milinery caugth my eye. She makes hats for women who need to be noticed.  Her hats are popular at garden parties and of course, at the races.You can see her designs on TV shows like Gossip Girl, and on celebrities like Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, LeAnn Rhimes, and Cynthia Nixon. I loved the huge, black and white  (Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady) hat to the right of her,  but you can channel "Audrey" with a flowered cloche, or even an embellished headband this season.


BELTS - EXTREME WIDTHS FROM SKINNY TO WIDE - LOOK FOR:

Soft leather and fabric sashes

Pearlized leather straps with silver hardware

Frosted and clear plastic buckles

Braided leather and ribbon straps
Rhinestone and sequin accents

Crystal and pearl drop offs

Metal mesh belts with crystal accents

Skinny metallic leather belts with jeweled buckle

LEGWEAR  - SUPER SHEER PALE TINTS ADD A HINT OF COLOR- LOOK FOR:

Sheer leggings and bike shorts

Chiffon ankle wraps

Fine mesh and fishnets

Sheer crushed socks

Sheer knee highs with lace bands

Metallic shiny surfaces

Flocked and crystal motifs

Lace leggings and knee highs


PERSONAL ACCESSORIES:  MAKE A STATEMENT:

I have a business card case that I got from Jimmy Crystal a few seasons ago.  It is light blue metal with my initial in blue crystals. Every time I open it, someone says: "what a great card case!"  i think it sends the message that I'm serious about my business, but want to have a little fun, too.  ns, business card cases, reading glasses, mirrors & compacts, sun glasses, key fobs, and anything you use frequently in public, are also symbols of your personal style. Replace your key chain with a leather fob, adorned with studss or crystals. Ditch the plastic pen for one in metal, or enamel.  These items can be pricey, but bargains are out there, so keep your eye peeled!

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