THE ACCESSORY EDIT

THE ACCESSORY EDIT FOR THE ACCESSORIES COUNCIL 

“Because accessories are punctuation.”

-Tamiko White

1/31/2022

BALACLAV-ING

Chances are you have never heard of the word Ba-la-clava. Upon discovering what it was, you probably said, “Oh, it's a ski mask.” 

I did.

Balaclavas are the newest PPE gone wild. They are uni-dressing, face-covering and winter wear all rolled into one.

Balaclavas got their name from the headgear British troops wore in the Battle of Balaclava in the town Crimea where troops fought in 1854. So although Gen Zers are using this term, it actually is not new.  

Balaclavas have been popping up on runways since 2018 but we can thank TikTok for their current  popularity. (The  #balaclava hashtag has 141 million views.)

Minimize maximalism.

Fashion is! Function. This is not going away. 

Consumers want everything in their lives to do the most while minimizing their consumption.

CHALET CHIC + ACCESSORIES THAT DO IT ALL + COVID PREPAREDNESS

=

 BALACLAV-ING

Not without controversy, the commerciality of head coverings has  traditionally marginalized groups clapping back. 

Specifically, Black men and Muslim women have been vilified - or killed- for wearing hoodies, ski masks, or burkas for their intended purpose: a head covering.

I hope with fashion normalizing head and face masks we can eradicate the fear of them.

1/24/2022

HONEST & FAITHFUL

Aminah Abdul Jillil is a luxury shoe brand from the creator of the same name. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Jillil  was a professional dancer working with some of the biggest names in music like Janet Jackson and Brittney Spears.

In 2012, Aminah launched her sexy shoe brand. You may have seen her signature shoe on the ‘gram recognizable by its towering heel and enormous bow. This shoe has captured the attention -and sales- of many a shoe addict. They come in every primary color, in 3 different heel heights, and in  kids.

The secret to her brand is offering a variety of colors with limited heel heights while staying faithful to the peeped toe, ankle strap style. Always a statement, they are adorned with chunky gold chains, rhinestones, and glitter. All elements that I adore!

Finish reading here…

BOOT UP

This is our first winter OUTside in 2 years and baby, it’s cold & weather-y out there.

If you are like me, you need boots for function and fashion. And I am grateful that designers have answered the call because boots are following the soft volume, cozy, puff trend in every fabric, heel, and height. 

They make being outside in this winter weather fashionably tolerable.

Read more here

1/10/2022

BINGE WATCH!

Watches aren’t letting socks have all the fun. Watches and all of their accoutrements are colorful, digital, bright, and blinged out.

Watches are now the focal point of a look not an  afterthought. In other words, don’t wait until you're dressed to put on your watch. Style your look based on your watch band, studs, or bezel face.

Branding tip: Make  watches / watch accessories the prominent  focus of your content. Merchandise with colors, prints, or filters that complement the watch band. Tell a merchandising story that explains how a watch can punctuate every look. In other words, build a ‘fit  around the watch.

More…

12/21/21

Christmas in December

Christmas in July allowed me to get a jump start for Christmas in December.

Accessories make the BEST gifts because they are punctuation! They add to, bring out and jeuge up everything and one never, ever, ever has too many.

This July, many accessory brands participated in Christmas in July at the Accessories Council. It was there and then that I did my holiday shopping.

Support accessory brands this season. It’s not too late. 

 Jewelry, gloves, scarves, home accessories. Grab some for yourself too! 

Merry Christmas!

12/7/2021

FIT LIKE A GLOVE

Knit, tech, opera or embellished. Available in all fabrics and fabrications, gloves are not letting socks have all the glam.

Taking it’s trend direction from necessity and the idea that, clearly, we are not ready to touch everything again, short rubber clinical gloves have inched up the arm to provide dramatic, stylish, sanitary style.

As we fall into this new place, I believe consumers are “elevating everything”.

The elbow length  “opera” glove has been traditionally reserved for elite events like it’s namesake, debutante balls, and formal galas.

Getting dressed up was so missed the past 2 years and now we are not holding anything back. 

Put your gloves on!

Read more!

11/30/2021

CHALET CHIC

Sitting in the bus lane in NYC drinking an aperol spritz to watching a movie from the trunk of your SUV in Iowa, we are definitely back outside.

We are doing more indoor activities outdoors and outdoor excursions have been modified for inside. Our accessories are supplementing this trans-occasional wardrobe.

Accessories we once used only for the slopes are on the streets and at our indoor  gatherings. 

Chalet Chic is not just  snow boots but plush blankets,  sherpa headbands, mittens, and muffs.

​​Life + now =everything goes….inside & out.

More about this trend…

11/23/2021

OUTDOOR GLAM

Shearling has long been a winter staple and it is  showing up every where!

Soft and layerable, sherpa is designed to look like sheepskin and is mostly used as a lining material.

Like most of our wardrobe these days, sherpa and shearling are now on the #outside.

This outdoor glam direction for fashion confirms that customers have accepted the "next normal" and are demanding accessories that supplement their wardrobe NOW!

Read more here!

6/15/2021

WRIST TO CUFFS

Wrist bags have become part of the  belt bag and neck purse trifecta.

Larger than the aforementioned, they too keep your hands free and come in all fabrications.

Read more…

6/7/2021

Say YES to the Excess-ories!

Everything AND the dress…

Bridal season is back with no holds barred.

Covid cancelations included  the 2020 bridal season but in 2021, it is back featuring EVERYTHING and the dress.

The bridal gown has been swapped out for suits, slipdressess and collared minis and accessorizing your remixed bridal style is front and center.

Read more here…

5/24/2021

GEORGINA JEWELS

I met Georgina Herrera at her trunk show in Soho a couple of weeks ago and fell hard for her metal!

Mexican born Herrera started her brand in 2010 and has been successful at creating jewelry for every woman’s style.

She offers all the usual jewelry suspects and also has cufflinks, men’s brooches, two-finger rings  and gold metal handbags.

Her collections include bridal, HER - a mens line, and Exceptional Creations which is her one-of-a-kind wearable art.

Georgina currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri but is in NY often to host trunk shows at Flying Solo in Soho.

Georgina takes statement jewelry to another level!

5/17/2021

NOT YOUR DAD’s DAD SANDALS

“Dad sandals” or the slide on, flatbed shoe with the double velcro strap are showing up on feet everywhere.

With lounge sets, frilly feminine dresses, or high waisted white jeans, this comfortable go-everywear shoe is in store windows, on e-comm home pages and the ‘gram.

The Birkenstock has passed the summer “it shoe” baton to the Dad sandal. 

Wear it well!

5/10/2021

Mask Appeal

Now that we are peeling away the outdoor mask mandates, optional masking is still in effect indoors. With the reopening of America and the reintegration to socializing, I am noticing the need to have your mask close so you can put it on or take it off with ease and speed.

Long live the mask chains!

More here….

4/26/2021

JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)

The 93rd Academy Awards were held last night at Union Station in Los Angeles. In this new Covid world, there were many familiar things “missing” from the show like musical numbers, a designated host and the traditional red carpet.

 I noticed something else that was missing: NECKWEAR!

For more, click here…

4/19/2021

ON CLOUD NINE

Down to your toes. Soft volume and comfort.

That is what customers want and padded slides are this summer’s go to.

And since “We outside all summer” is the trending hashtag,

quilted thong straps and cushioned foot beds are very necessary.

Click here to see more quilted slides.

4/17/2021

RAFFIA RAFFIA EVERYWHERE

We are all anxiously awaiting summer and vowing to make up for the missed summer of 2020.

What’s synonymous with summer fashion? Raffia. And there is raffia everywhere.

Raffia is the leaf fibre from a palmlike tree native to Madagascar and East Africa.

Because raffia is all natural & the harvesting process is regulated to June through October, raffia is a very sustainable fibre which makes it even more attractive for brands & consumers.

Click here to read more…

4/5/2021

VISOR VISION: SUMMER HEADWEAR!

Everyone is ready to go-even if they don’t know where they are going yet!

Since everyone feels like they missed a summer season, they are getting ready for summer 2021 in style! 

Multi-colored, with satin ties, half-hatted, and overextended brims are definitely the statement this summer.

For more, Click here to read my fashion business blog…

March 29, 2021

ROSE COLORED GLASSES

It’s time to get back to it and outside & travel is top of mind for everyone. Color is everywhere and sunglasses are not exempt.

Frames became a focal point during Covid allowing us to add drama to our zoom squares.

Now the lenses are following suit. Yellow, pink, blue, metallic lenses and logo-d lenses are on our faces as we head out into this #nextnormal.

For more, click here to read my Fashion Business blog.

Scarves were quickly our  go-to when we needed immediate PPE. Scarves have been re-categorized as essentials instead of accessories. Or essential accessories. 

As a bandana, gaiter, choker, mask, or as a hair tie, scarves became a necessity during Covid and the epitome of multi function.

Dr Deborah Birx’s words and #scarfstyle was the most visible example of Covid safety in her daily White House briefings. Her scarves even have an IG account with over 38k followers.

Scarf sales have increased exponentially because masking has  become a necessity for the Western wardrobe. Make scarves  essential for your customers. 

But make it fashion.

Merchandise them  wherever possible by telling the story of their endless uses.

And they are still serving us a multi-function essential.

For more, click here.

March 8, 2021

COMFORT SLIDES

WE WANT COMFORT!

This is the cry of the #now consumer and it is  driving their  decisions.

The trifecta: fashion, function & practicality.

They want a shoe that they can slide their sock-fitted foot into with thoughtless ease.

Crocs, mules and slides had a phenomenal 2020 and it isn't slowing  yet. Design, buy or merchandise clothes with a slip on shoe in mind. For clothing, think wider silhouettes and fuller dresses for items that can be worn with slide on shoes.

CLEVER CLOGS

Clogs really are the smartest indoor outdoor shoe for our lives right now. Clogs function like a slipper and can be heeled, flatformed, shearling-lined,  and  waterproof. They are easy to wear, functional, comfortable and pretty much go with everything.

It’s no surprise clog style is popular right now. We have a greater appreciation for our  healthcare workers and clogs are a nod to their workwear.

Clogs provide support and we are all seeking support in some way or another.

For more, head on over to the blog!

Converse Comeback. Cue Kamala!

The glow up.

While Converse has long been a classic sneaker, the first female VPOTUS has put the brand front and center. Known for her converse sneaker style, she was featured on the cover of Vogue US with her signature pair. 

Converse had 24 drops in the Q4 of 2020 including Ambush, Telfar, & Carhartt WIP.

The drops are frequent - sometimes a day or two apart -  and the list of collabs are still coming. Draymond Green, Kim Jones, Tyler, The Creator, & Bandulu are the next up.

A DOUBLE PORTION

Twin brothers Bruce and Glen began their career  with an internship for Beyonce. As many in the fashion business do, they encountered the usual industry obstacles. But they never gave up and in 2019 their faith led them to launch BruceGlen accessories.

Happiness and joy is their obvious inspiration.  Their bags and scarfs  are a combination of bright colors, bold  patterns and timely functional uses. This week, their accessories debuted at the relaunched Barney’s at Saks in NYC and Connecticut.

BruceGlen are Ministers of The Rock Churches and are unapologetic in their faith. Affectionately  known as the Fashion Preachers, their label reads:

“Warning: May Cause Extreme Joy. Wear on Repeat.”

You’ve been warned. Joy is the real bag.

See more here.

Sculptural detail meets sophistication

That’s how I describe Gladys Tamez signature caps. Her sculptural detail always conveys confidence. This season, in the Twin Flame collection, GT has incorporated pearls on the bands of her felt velour caps. 

The Bailey felt velour cap has a pearl band and a black starburst at the center of the bill.

The Elle has a lower crown and sequins & pearl band. Ines’ round crown reminiscent of a riding cap has a band of pearl clusters.Each of these glamorous caps refine any look from denim to dresses.

Handcrafted and made in the USA.

It’s all about the bag!

To’Sha ‘s eye-catching handbags instantly grab your attention.

Made by hand in the USA, the To’Sha “Build A Bag” concept makes every bag unique. Founded by 2011 by FIT alum Towana Phillips, her love of structure, texture and color makes every bag a labor of love.

She hand cuts every piece of leather, velvet, or fabric to flawlessly create circles, fringe, and sculpted ball details. With new retail partners on the way and a nod from Beyonce, this brand is one to watch.

SOCK UP!

Socks are literally coming out of hiding and are a wardrobe statement and detail. Socks are now to be seen not hidden. Use socks to add color, prints, and a focal point to punctuate your look.

They may have logos, patterns, colors, and prints and anything goes in the sock game.

Socks for warmth. Socks with Birks. Socks for PPE.

Retailers - sock up!

Brands - produce or collaborate with sock makers  Designers-Create merchandise to be worn with socks. Merchandisers, stylists and influencers - add socks when shooting shoe shots.

Read more here.

DESIGN. DETAIL. VALUE. INTEGRITY.

That's the way Elma Blint Jewelry has been defined.

Self taught as a jewelry designer, Elma Blint has been designing jewelry for over 20 years. Her modern designs are created to be worn everyday and to become an extension of you.

All of her jewelry is available in 18k &14k gold, vermeil, sterling silver and brass so they are accessible to every budget.

Handcrafted and made in the USA.

See more here.

DO THE SCARY THING

As Halloween approaches this weekend, ghoulish costumes and haunting images will be everywhere. 

As entrepreneurs, and in life, we are constantly faced with unknowns. This year has certainly been a year of the unexpected and the unknown. 

As I was working on my #Holiday2020 trend report,  I started thinking about the spirit of fear that Halloween represents. I realized that I have cowered from doing too many things because I was afraid and made a deliberate intention not to celebrate fear. I decided that for Halloween, wouldn’t it be better serving if instead of being scary, I faced what causes me fear and instead,  “did something scary”. 

Wouldn’t it be a better ritual to eradicate fear rather than celebrate it?
The scary thing is different for everybody.  Maybe it’s admitting that you have a habit that is constantly holding you back personally and professionally. Maybe it’s  apologizing to a friend or colleague for a misunderstanding. Maybe it’s procrastinating or ending behavior that no longer serves you.

Whatever it is, this Halloween, follow in the #2020 trend and turn the tables on what’s familiar. Ask yourSelf what’s scary for you and address it, change it and Stop it.  It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. DO THE SCARY THING.❤️

MAXIMALISM

I first met Autumn Adeigbo 10 years ago when we both attended ARISE Fashion Week in Lagos, Nigeria. She was one of the many talented US designers that were there to present their collections.

Today she has achieved an historical feat: she is the first fashion brand led by a female, Black designer to raise more than $1 million in venture capital funding!

“The past 24 months have been filled with over 200 meetings with investors, nearly a thousand follow-up calls, and even more meetings after that…” she shares in an interview with Crunchbase. Her Nigerian heritage and maximalist aesthetic is what makes Adeigbo’s accessories stand out. 

Tenacity + Talent = THE next brand to watch! 

CONGRATULATIONS AUTUMN!

PURPOSE

“Designing is my passion, but giving is my purpose” says designer and founder Jen Hansen. Her brand consists of 2 collections: Fine and Demi-fine and it is the quintessential marriage of high low.

Bangles ,rings, earrings and mix n match chain & pendant collections complete her well-rounded assortment. Jen has philanthropy built into her business.

She has long been supporting charities that rescue women from sex slavery. In 2018, she donated to a charity in India that provided one year of vocational training, and employment programs, free child care and safe shelter for 250 women.

Read more here

SCRUNCHIE TAKEOVER

Hair has been having moment as an accessory all its own.

All colors, textures, and styles are finally being embraced so it's no surprise that hair accessories are taking over. The 80’s scrunchie has been on the trend radar for a couple of seasons and is now front and center.

And just like the 80s, the bigger the better! 

TIP: These make the best stocking stuffers --add these as a pop up reminder just before checkout on your website.

MAKE THE BEANIE YOUR BESTIE

I just shot a segment for GoodDay NY where I highlighted the trend I call “Indoor / Outdoor Wear”.

A huge part of this trend are winter accessories and I have some creative ways to style & wear a beanie.

Luxe, soft, and versatile, the beanie can be your bestie this season. Wear it outside, inside, throw it on for a zoom, and it certainly is a #badhairday saviour.

For more on the Indoor/Outdoor trend, sign up for our NowTrending here

AT LEAST 2 PAIR

Very much like myself, Simone Smith is a NY girl that loves hoops. Married to the hip hop legend, LL Cool J, Smith says her first “big hoop earrings” were a gift from her then boyfriend.

Fast forward 4 kids and a victorious bout with cancer, Simone I Smith is the go-to brand for hoop earrings. Links, enamel coated, and heart-shaped, her hoop earrings are just one category included in her eye-catching collections.

Following a favorite lyric from one of her husband’s famous hits, “at least 2 pair” of her hoops are touted this year as Oprah’s favorite things!

Clearly, LL was right.