We may not all have the supreme confidence required to pull off Rihanna's 'bandaged' look, as worn by the singer at the recent American Music Awards, but we can admire it from afar in our choice of accessories.
Lot of pieces I've seen recently are clearly inspired by the look, which is characterised by simple strips of white fabric. What could be simpler? This elasticated bodycon belt, £15 at ASOS, is an affordable and speedy way to get the look, while Maison Martin Margiela's take on the style has a $500 price tag, for their multi-strip white clutch bag at Saks. Keep an eye out for more hospital chic!
We've been falling for Wrenline's vintagey-looking accessories ever since they first appeared in Oliver Bonas' boutiques, and we'd expect nothing less of them than a crop of sweet, romantic new styles in time for Valentine's.
Available to buy direct from the website are these old-fashioned and oh-so-feminine clasp purses come in shades of pink and blue, featuring lovehearts, love birds and chains. There's also a range of round coin purses with romantic motifs.
Find the full range here.
So our bags are getting smaller and lighter, but that's only when they're not multiplying 50-fold in size, which is also bang on trend. Have we got that right? The message I'm getting is as long as it's too small to be of use or fits in everything including the kitchen sink (and any passing pets) then it'll probably pass muster at Fashion Week.
Then again, pets in the fashion world also seem to be shrinking. Fallen down any rabbit-holes lately!? This particular 'oversized tote' is by Oak, and they weren't exaggerating with the name there. Great for slimmers, campers and those who live apart from their partners, it's a bag with a big personality and many roles.Personally, I'd just love to take that bad boy with my on my next 'big shop' at Waitrose....
$128 at OAK
Related: Yay or Nay: absolutely massive handbags | Are women's handbags getting lighter?
Reiss have done a lovely job here of interpreting the woven style that's dominating the spring/summer look. Whether you prefer a highly matchable black bag or want to go for the more fashion-forward dual colour weave, you'll end up with a highly versatile, very current accessory that I think looks much like a designer buy.
Aside from its obvious high fashion influences, this bag just seems super useful with it's slouchy shape and room interior. Definitely a good investment for the spring/summer period and beyond.
£245 at ASOS
Feeling tired at the end of a long and busy week? Wanting to start over by rebooting the day so you can start again and get it right? The girls at fabulous handmade label Cup of Sea certainly know how you feel, and they've produced this three-bit ring to prove it!
Made from lovely opaque acrylic, the ring is pure geek chic. Look out for loads more fun designs along the same lines, including one that makes up a hamburger on your very fingers! Bizarre, but fun.
£8 from Cup of Sea
Nica have always been a bit overly cutesy for me; a bit fussy with their over-large butterfly logo tending to dominate. So I was quite pleased to see the label going in a subtler direction for its spring/summer 2010 collection.
This style, either in violet or pale tan, is highly versatile and the folksy leanings that characterise the brand will mean it fits in a treat with this summer's vibe. They've used great quality leather in the making of both bags, and changed the appearance at the front, replacing the logo with a small, embossed brass emblem. There's even a bit of broguing going on there. I've not seen the newer style bags in any shops as yet, but they'll be available to buy from Debenhams shortly.
Lace isn't a material we're particularly used to seeing in accessories, but Zagliani have created one that manages not to look too much like something you'd see hanging from an old lady's window, and far more like the sort of thing that will complement your hippy summer wardrobe (and trust me, you will have one) to perfection.
The work that's gone into creating the intricate design is phenomenal (and also reflected in the bag's price!) giving it an almost artisan bridal feel. But whether or not you could contemplate buying a piece like this, I think it's interesting to see even more light and artsy design being used.
£3,565.00 at Browns
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