The Hottest Spring Accessories 2009

Tuesday, 28 April 2009 21:27 Written by  Cicely V. Teal

Spring is peeping around the corner, and style mavens everywhere are ready to rock the newest and hottest items. Spring is the time to really be feminine—to be bold and bright. Mixing and matching different patterns and textures, colors and outlines can boost your self-confidence and energy. If you look beautiful, you will feel beautiful. Less is always more and the tiniest touch can have the biggest visual impact.

 

Knowing you can piece together a look without breaking the bank can give you feelings of optimism that parallel’s spring’s flirty, fun characteristics.  Yes folks, we are still in grave economic times, so let’s cut to the chase.  Here are some of spring’s trendiest styles and accessories at affordable prices.

The eyes are the windows to the soul, but the shades keep the mystery. Retro is still in ladies! Acetate shades are the hottest on the scene. Think about the 50s pin-up girl basking at the beach. For those of you who have ends that simply defy the means, Cynthia Rowley’s $200 acetates are a must have. Otherwise, Urban Outfitters carries a plastic version for $18. Oversized shades are in this season as well. If you go for the acetates, you may have to dig a little deeper in your pocket, so cop a very chic oversized pair from Liz Claiborne New York at Macy’s for under $40.

Drop earrings will compliment your shades quite nicely.  Go for bright colors. The elongated neck is very sultry so d on’t make them too long. Rachel Reinhardt, Lisastewart.com and Agrigentodesigns.com  have varying styles of the drop earring for under $100. Check out Forever 21 for even lower prices.

Totes are super sexy and classy. Don’t be afraid of bold color when it comes to your handbags. It will personalize your look. Contrasting your bag with your outfit makes for a funky look. They are great for work and cute for anytime. Dooney & Bourke has an adorable red tote that would accentuate any outfit for $375, but Macy’s has a plethora of totes for under $200. Etienne Aigner has one for $158. Also try TJ Maxx and Filene’s Basement for steals on designer handbags and totes.

What about the clutch, you ask? Of course you have to have a clutch for a night out on the town. There is something uninhibited and sensual about the clutch. It will never go out of style. The hottest pattern for spring is the neutral colored clutch or animal print. It goes with anything, literally. Forever 21 has clutches to fit any style under $30. Also check out the faux snakeskin gold clutch from CV by Carrie Valentine for $46.

The presence of pendants and cocktail rings will definitely be felt this season.  They seem to go with any look. Whether you are out brunching with your girlfriends or attending a fabulous p.m. shindig, they add a little dash to whatever you’re wearing; Unique-vintage.com, Hsn.com, Clubmonaco.com, Lucky Brand, Akira.com, Kendrascott.com and Intermixonline.com  have
pendants and cocktail rings for under $100.


Of course, let’s not forget our strappy sandal and sophisticated pump. You can jazz either with a dress that compliments your silhouette or a sexy pair of jeans.  Baker’s Shoes and Aldo have affordable shoes and a variety of styles that will suit any fashionista. Also, check Zappos.com  for pocket-friendly styles. For those of you who would prefer the comfort of a flat rather than heel, the boho sandals and flats are perfect. Yes, bohemian is still in. Check Ralphlauren.com. Zappos.com also has an adorable pair of leather and wood Sam Edelman flats for $89. Stop by Chicago’s own Clothes Mentor. They carry designer items for very low prices.

“They browse around and say ‘Wow,’ then they’re hooked,” said Elaine Krieger, owner of Clothes Mentor to Fox news. They have the cutest designer strappy sandals. Make sure your pedicure is on point!

Contrast bright colors with cool ones. Don’t follow fads. Mix it up to create your own look.  Be the spring-master and create a look with the little things that will have you center stage. Have fun and be fabu-ladies!


 

Photography By Billy Montgomery

Cicely V. Teal

Cicely V. Teal

Cicely V. Teal graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a B.A. in Communication and Depaul Univeristy with a M.A in Journalism. She contributed to and maintained a column at N’Digo Magapaper, and wrote for Urban Influence Magazine, Breaking Tweets, The DePaulia and The Independent. She also worked on documentary projects at WTTW channel 11, children’s television programming at WCIU-TV and African American programming at Central City Productions.

She is a blogger and studies web analytics, social networking strategies and integrated marketing at the University of Chicago.


She can be contacted at Cicely@glossmagazineonline.com