Affordable Accessories

Dressing the wrist with leather wrap bracelets - some with charms, some without - continues to be a popular trend, and fast fashion stores are quick to copy. Above left, we have Accessories & Beyond understated yet edgy bracelets available at ShopBop.com for $110. On the right, Urban Outfitter's Gilded Rubber Bangles for $18.00. I picked up a set last weekend from my local Urban on sale for $5, and I love them. They match everything, and you can layer them with a watch or other bracelets for an effortless, chic look. Get 'em while they're hot.

I look pretty cute in hats. Hats seem to suit my big head and long face. (Hey, I'm not complaining. I can also pull-off ridiculously oversized shades, so there.) The thing is, I don't really enjoy wearing them. Can someone so into fashion say that? Too late, I just did.

But enough internal dialogue: Hats are practical and they can up your style quotient pretty quickly. They keep us warm in the winter, and shield our precious skin from the sun's harmful rays in the summer. And so, I'm beginning to think that I should just suck it up and get myself a hat for summer.

When I rolled out of bed this morning at the gawd awful hour of 7:00 a.m. (yes, that's early!), to walk my dog, all I wanted - besides to crawl back into bed - was a good hat and my oversized shades to shield my eyes from the blinding light of day and cover my frightening bedhead. For that reason alone, I'm thinking of picking up one of these straw fedoras that are cropping up everywhere.

Eugenia Kim's pricey hat designs are a favorite among celebs, and as much as we love her style, we can't fork over $326 bucks for one of her creations. So keep reading for some budget friendly picks...the kind you won't mind losing on a gusty day, or the kind you won't mind shoving to the back of your closet when your bf makes fun of you. (Guys don't seem to dig hats. Ugh, I'm talking to myself again!) Bye!

• Dehlia's "Evelyn" Straw Fedora, $19.50
  
• UO "Spillane" Straw Fedora, $28
  
• AE Straw Fedora, $18.95
  
• Oasis Straw Trilby Hat at ASOS.com, $34.61
  
• Forever 21 Straw Weave Fedora in Black/Lime, $14.80

Shown above: Eugenia Kim "Kate Fedora" as seen on Cameron Diaz, $325; Eugenia Kim Leather Trim Fedora at ASOS.com, $346; Forever 21 basketweave fedora, $12.80

Her delicate creations have been worn by stars like Jennifer Aniston, Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson, Demi Moore, and Courteney Cox. Jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, who just happens to be married to actor Tobey Maguire, has made a name for herself with her trademark necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets that evoke nature and might just bring their owner good luck. Her wishbone pendant (above left) certainly looks lucky, but for $700, how much good fortune can it possibly bring if you have to spend a small fortune to buy it? Until you win the lottery, get the look for a whole lot less with the charm on the right from Forever 21 that's just $5.80. I'm feeling luckier already.

>> Wishbone necklace at Forever 21, $5.80

Following our previous post on the hot ikat fashion trend, an alert reader pointed us in the direction of some gorgeous authentic ikat items on the cheap. She writes, "Although the print version of ikat makes it affordable, real ikat represents the precise skill and hard work that goes into hand weaving this complex textile. For affordable real, traditional ikat, check out these handwoven scarves from Aid to Artisans:"

Silk ikat scarf from the city of Margilan, located along the legendary Silk Route in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan. Woven by Rasulijon Mirzakhmedov, who represents five generations of silk ikat weavers. Cream/copper, $42 (18.5"w x 64"l) Or...


Silk ikat scarf from the city of Margilan in deep royal blue/light green, $42 (18.5"w x 64"l)

"Forty-two bucks is a steal for traditional, handwoven ikat (we couldn't agree more!). Aid to Artisans is also a great company that provides fair wages and income earning opportunities for artisans around the world."

Visit www.aidtoartisans.org for more info.

Truly happy shopping

Target is partnering with renowned accessories designer Monica Botkier to launch a limited-edition handbag collection, Botkier for Target. This collection is the fifth handbag launch in a series of limited-time-only accessories designers at Target. The Botkier for Target collection will be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com July 21 through Sept. 14, 2008. Until then, here's a sneak peek at the collection.

Personally, I'm beginning to bore of the whole metallic-bag-for-day trend. But if you're determined to go there, then the bronze and rose gold numbers below might just do the trick. I like how they look soft and slouchy, which helps offset the bling factor. I still love metallics for evening, though, and am really looking forward to seeing the clutches (above right) in person. What do you think of Botkier for Target so far?






Photos courtesy of Target

The other day I got to wondering about what ever happened to Cynthia Rowley for Target (remember the Swell collection of stuff for the home? I loved that line. So colorful and cool.) Anyways, I decided to do a little search for Ms. Rowley on Target.com, and to my surprise, I discovered that she's created a new line called Whim!

This might be old news to some of you, but if not, you gotta check it out. From picnic baskets to croquet sets, dinnerware, tumblers, coolers, and lawn chairs, Rowley's latest line has everything you need for summer fun in the backyard or at the beach. Since we're in the fashion biz, we've highlighted some of the prep-tastic totes and hats from the collection below. Could they be any cuter?! Love the colors and the whimsical little sailboats, stripes and ladybugs. Nantucket, here we come. If you like what you see, better act fast: According to Target's pressroom, Whim will only be in stores through June 14.


Floppy green rope hat, $9.99


Market tote in madras, $16.99


Ladybug hat, $9.99


Pink/red clear tote with sun, $14.99


Pink floppy hat, $9.99


Clear sailboat tote with sun, $14.99


White cloche hat, $9.99


Market tote in green/blue stripe, $16.99


Pink/red pocket tote, $16.99

The day we've been waiting for has arrived: Forever 21 just launched a new section of their online store called For Love 21 (www.forlove21.com), which features cheap & chic jewelry, handbags, accessories, sunglasses, stuff for the home and travel, and gifts. I love what I'm seeing (an orchid hair clip for $4.80! a beaded leather cuff for $16.80! a suede fringe hobo for $34.80!) and I think it's a great move for the company. I won't have to shop anywhere else, ever again! Maybe that's going a little too far, but I am just really excited at the moment. I'm going to keep browsing all the cool stuff (a turquoise and silver cuff for $8.80! a straw fedora for $12.80! a Miso Pretty coin purse for $4.80!)...let me know what you think, too.