Spring Accessory Guide: As Seen On

by Filipa Oliveira

Every self-respecting fashionista knows to never underestimate the power of accessorising. An interesting, updated piece can transform an outfit from blah to oh-lala in no seconds. And if the budget won’t allow you to do big investments, something as simple as a scarf or a few chunky bracelets will do the trick just as fine. So has shopping spree make the top of your to-do list already? Hold off until you see our accessory suggestions for the upcoming spring feast.

Scarves
Simple or embellished, scarves are an easy way to add a punch of color and style. Splashed all over the runways, you will be amazed with the endless possibilities a scarf has to offer – wear it around your neck as a piece of jewellery or as a belt in a pair of jeans. You can even polish your look by using a scarf as an headband or tying your hair in a playful messy braid.

SCARVES

1. Bandhini scarf. Available at Toast for £158 buy it . 2. Paisley scarf by D&G. Available at Matches for £175 buy it.

Hair embellishments
From big bows to twinkling hair clips and girly headbands, you can expect to see a lot of hair teasing and ornaments for spring 2010. Our favorite? The Dolce & Gabbana messy bun, accented with jewelled hair combs. It just looks effortlessly chic, as a perfect blend of girly glamour with vintage style.

HEADS

1. Silver crystal spring hair clip by Red Herring. Available at Debenhams for £8 buy it. 2. Satin and feather hairband by Jennifer Ouellette. Available at Net a Porter for £76,63 buy it. 3. Tribal print bow headband by Benoît Missolin. Available at Browns for £75 buy it.

Cat eye frames
Like a flashback from the fifties, the cat-eye frames are the shades to be seen with this summer. Go frolic with Giles’s colorful specs or play the Gaga part by sporting Wang’s futuristic cat shape. Whatever your taste may be, hopefully you will ditch those aviator goggles. At least for a while.

CAT EYES

1. Nikita cat-eye acetate sunglasses by Tom Ford. Available at Net a Porter for £235 buy it. 2. Purple large cat eye sunglasses by Ray-Ban. Available at Debenhams for £90 buy it. 3. Cat-eye-frame acetate sunglasses by Emmanuelle Khanh. Available at Net a Porter for £425 buy it.

Lucite
This spring, it’s all about the peep-show vibe. If sheer apparel is a bit too much for your heart to handle, go for lucite bangles or choose translucent pieces as see-trough heels and transparent bags. See…good girls can have fun too!

1. Alley patent leather and PVC pumps by Brian Atwood. Available at Net a Porter for £500 buy it. 2. PVC and black leather large tote bag by Julia Cocco. Available at Forzieri for £110,05 buy it.

Small day bags
Less is more when it comes to spring handbags and satchels. The carry-all tote was nowhere to be seen during runway season, with the lady-like purse being the prima donna of the ball. When spring season rolls around, give your bulky friend a well-deserved resting time and opt instead for a stylish compact handbag. Believe us, your shoulders will throw a party.

SMALL BAGS

1. Grasshopper small leather bag by Chloé. Available at Net a Porter for £280 buy it. 2. Satchel bag from NW3 by Hobbs. Available at Asos for £179 buy it.

Sandals+socks
Can we wear socks with open sandals? Yes, we can. If some years ago we’d rather be caught dead than to be seen sporting the preppy look, today this weird combo is gracing pages of every major fashion magazine. And we dare to say, it’s growing on us too. Try the new trend with different styles of socks and pair them with stumpy shoes and wedgy heels. Add a feminine dress to the ensemble, and you got yourself a spring winner look.

SANDALS+SOCKS

1. Turnover rib over knee socks in purple. Available at Topshop for £5 buy it. 2. Strappy sandals by Celine. Available at Matches for £608 buy it. 3. Piper sandals by Pedro Garcia. Available at Mytheresa for £231,31 buy it.

Temporary tattoos
If you are a fan of the tattoo culture, but would be much happier without the needle or the “forever yours” end result, we might have what you’ve been looking for. This spring a new trend is set to lift off, as top fashion houses as Chanel and Rodarte showcased temporary tattoos on their spring 2010 runways. And even Marchesa didn’t want to miss the tribal party, bringing hand-painted tattoo hosery to the fashion show – body art without the ink, the pain or the permanent commitment.

TATTOOS

Lovers of Chanel posh tatts will be able to buy the transfers in boutiques, concessions and the Selfridges counter from March 1st. Les Trompe L’Oeil de Chanel Temporary Skin Art, a set of 55 individual tattoos, will retail for £49 (a friendly price tag for the Chanel seal).

If you’re more a DIY kind of person, feel free to mimic Rodarte’s henna-inspired body art, created by M·A·C Cosmetics Senior Artist, Chantel Miller:

PRO Micronized Airbrush in Black Black
252 brush buy it
242 brush buy it
PRO Mixing Medium/Alcohol Base
Liquidlast liner in Point Black buy it