Kate Barton Clear Acrylic Goldfish Bag, $275, katebarton.com
Marc Jacobs made a fashion and political statement with his colorful, unapologetic, cartoonish Fall 2024 runway show. Marc’s show notes proclaimed, “Joy. Period!” We could all use joyfulness and levity right about now.
“I believe in living with authenticity — free from validation and permission of absurd conservatism and societal norms.”
Marc Jacobs
Cocktail soirees, dinner parties, pool parties, fundraisers, barbeques, and other summer gatherings are perfect for breaking free of everyday norms and having fun with fashion. Good taste be damned!
Fashion continues to be everywhere, going from one extreme to another. The one constant is the instant impact provided by accessories. Moreover, we wear fewer clothes in the summer and tend to pare down to the bare essentials; hence, accessories become even more critical.
Considering this, I selected 13 perfect icebreakers and conversation starters that will surely get you noticed.
Grevy the Zebra Bag, $325, wickerdarling.com
Thom Browne made it chic to carry a dog bag; why not tote a corgi, a zebra, a red dragon, or a pink flamingo made of wicker? Wicker Darling, whose motto is “The Most Fun You Can Wear, ” thinks it’s a great idea.
“Our menagerie of ridiculously whimsical wicker characters are created in limited-edition numbers, so they remain a rarity in the wild. Handmade using traditional craftsmanship, they’re designed to spark delight and start conversations wherever you go!”
Wicker Darling
Loong the Dragon Bag, $345, wickerdarling.com
While Wicker Darling’s headquarters are based in Melbourne, Australia, their quirky handbags are handmade by two small, family-owned companies in the Philippines that specialize in traditional Filipino craftsmanship.
Every handbag is woven by hand, using traditional techniques that help keep local arts and crafts traditions alive. Many of the weavers are mothers or older women who are now able to supplement their family income while working from home.
Butler & Wilson green alligator cuff, $258.70, butlerandwilson.com
Since 1969, UK-based Butler & Wilson has created unique crystal jewelry and accessories. Take a walk on the wild side with their stunning croc cuff, which measures 10cm by 6cm! Adorned in delicate Austrian crystals from top to bottom, the cuff is secured with a buckle clasp. Wrap this iconic piece around your wrist and be the talk of the town.
Anya Hindmarch loves to make the ordinary extraordinary. Many of her label’s handbags and accessories are inspired by beloved brands you’d find in the supermarket. They are often embellished with bold, tongue-in-cheek graphics, comic book typography, and a signature Smiley logo. These limited-edition pieces have become collectors’ items, even taking permanent residence in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
“Anya Brands Perrier Mini Tote is a whimsical reinterpretation of a classic evening bag that’s sure to inspire conversations over a glass of something sparkling to match.”
Anya Hindmarch
Anya Brands Mini Tote, $1850, anyahindmarch.com
Still or sparkling? When this Perrier Mini Tote is part of the picture, the answer is the latter in more ways than one. Embroidered over its recycled-satin fabrication, an array of shimmering sequins and crystals recreate Perrier’s distinctive branding on the front and our signature bow motif on the reverse.
Anya Hindmarch Frosties in blueberry sequins, $1850, anyahindmarch.com
A truly “grrreat” addition to your collection of evening bags that takes inspiration from a morning staple, this tote immortalizes Frosties packaging over its sides in a dense array of sequin and bead embellishments. Hold it in your hand or from the crook of your arm thanks to the two handles that arch over the top and fill it with your essentials for the evening.
Anya Hindmarch Crisp Packet Clutch in Pale Gold Brass, $3700 at anyahindmarch.com
Perfect for photo ops, Anya Hindmarch clutch in gold-toned metal adds a little flavor to your party closet – the gold-glistening shape cleverly mimics a bag of chips. It’s fitted with a chain strap that disappears in the main compartment when you want to hold it in hand.
If soy sauce is a mainstay of your kitchen cupboards, you’ll love this teeny tote. Crafted from recycled satin for a lustrous finish, its cylindrical silhouette is strewn with sparkling sequins that form the famous branding of Kikkoman condiments.
Anya Hindmarch Kikkoman Sequined Bucket Bag, $510, anyahindmarch.com
Topped with drawstrings that secure the interior (and double up as a set of carry handles), it hangs from a dainty chain strap that you can loop over your shoulder.
Heinz X Kate Spade New York Crossbody bag, $398, katespade.com
Seemingly inspired by Warhol’s “32 Campbell’s Soup Cans” art, Kate Spade and Heinz have collaborated on a summertime “haute sauce” fashion collection for the backyard barbecue set, which includes a “packet” patent leather bag.
Kate Spade Vita Riva Wicker Car Bag, $394, ebay.com
Kate Spade New York’s Vita Riva top-handle bag, featuring a unique design inspired by the VW Bug car, is a limited edition piece from a past collection. The exterior is made of high-quality wicker, while the handle and strap are made of luxurious leather.
The beige color of the bag is complemented by gold hardware, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look. The medium-sized bag retailed for $398 and is currently for sale on eBay and Poshmark.
I first saw Heidi Abrahamson’s bold, architectural, and modern work at the MAD About Jewelry exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design in May. While the Tacoma, Washington-based jewelry artist’s early work was inspired by mid-twentieth-century silversmiths, her practice has evolved to embrace unconventional materials.
A selection of Heidi Abrahamson’s colorful foam earrings, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Abrahamson’s current collection centers on EVA foam, elevated with lampwork glass beads, sterling silver, and cubic zirconia. The lightweight pieces are playful and brightly colored, evoking childhood memories and the need to create. For more information, go to heidiabrahamson.com or call 602 690 2191.
Vintage Jigsaw Puzzle Blazer 1stdibs.com, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Sometimes, clothing is so unique it can be seen as an “accessory.” This colorful, immaculately cut, vintage 1990s Moschino’ Jigsaw Puzzle’ blazer fits the bill! Throw it over the simplest outfits (maybe white jeans and a simple white tee), and you are all set!
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k book bag clutch, $ 191.51, etsy.com
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k,” written by Mark Manson, was first published in 2016, and it instantly became a #1 New York Times Bestseller with more than 10 million copies sold. VRStorybook, a shop on etsy.com, surmised that this would also make a great book bag clutch; indeed, it is one of Vicky’s most popular styles. Gee, I can’t imagine why!
In this generation-defining self-help guide, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade but on learning to stomach lemons better.
Latest Comments:
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love my portrait Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!
Such a fun and bold take on fashion! Love how this collection brings a fresh, playful energy to the scene.
Beautifully written with fashion, identity, and branding intelligence!
Wonderful gift ideas for stressful times! These suggestions are really thoughtful. Thanks for sharing!
Bob Mackie…truly a creative GENIUS with limitless talent that I adore!
I have loved Carol, her work and everything she’s done since 1975. ~ Paul Ruscha’
The *MAD About Jewelry* event at the Museum of Arts & Design celebrated the vibrant world of contemporary, artist-made jewelry.…
The article highlights 12 standout fall fashion pieces, ranging from luxurious vintage items to contemporary designs. With eclectic finds like…
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.