We’re so excited to announce that we’re re-opening the doors to our Harrogate store, with a fresh new look!
For the first time ever, our Harrogate store will stock homewares, gorgeous gifts and self-care treats. And that’s not all – the design has also had a joyful refresh, making it your new ultimate happy place on the high street.
From vegan Aery candles and reed diffusers, to an eclectic new selection of prints to brighten up your gallery wall, we’ve curated an edit of our favourite pieces that any interiors lover will fall head over heels for. Alongside our new homewares (which you’ll only be able to shop in Harrogate), you’ll also find bestselling favourites, like our premium Z gold-plated jewellery range, and new waterproof range, and browse our sunny new selection of holiday shop.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, or a little treat for yourself, this is one to add to your ‘must-visit’ list.
To celebrate our opening day, we’ll be giving out free personalised embroidery for every customer, plus with 20% everything! Pop in to say hello from 17 May at 20, 22 James St, Harrogate HG1 1RF.
So you’ve RSVP-ed yes, now it’s time to curate an outfit worthy of the occasion. But what exactly does a black tie dress code involve? And how to stay on the right side of the ever-vague ‘smart casual’?
When it comes to dressing for your summer events (whether you’ve got invites to Ascot, Wimbledon or weddings of every variety) pro events stylist and fashion writer Alice Hare is here to give the answers to all your dress code dilemmas.
From ‘what hat to wear to the races?’ (without looking like an exotic bird), to how to make your outfit *both* head-turning and black tie-appropriate, and accessorising up your investment dress to make it multi-task for sweltering city weddings, casual countryside services and full-on destination weekends (we’ve all been there), we’ve rounded up the answers to any formalwear styling challenge this year’s event season will throw at you.
Plus, get a breakdown of all the latest SS24 trends for events dressing, from 80s-worthy shoulder pads to elaborate gothic florals!
What’s in your calendar this summer?
I have a christening (my first God child!), a couple of days at Royal Ascot, my sister’s 30th, and my best friend’s wedding.
How do your prep for events season?
As soon as I receive an invitation, the stylist in me immediately starts planning the outfit. The process of putting together my outfit gets me in the headspace for the event and it’s a ritual that brings me such joy.
Far from being frivolous or silly, our clothes are hugely powerful. Wearing something you feel confident in can dictate whether you enjoy the event you’re attending.
As a stylist – what are your top tips for building a standout event look?
Summer events provide the perfect opportunity to indulge your more dramatic side. Accessories are any easy way to do this – they can revamp a dress you’ve had for years or worn several times already.
I adore a boater-style or super wide-brimmed hat for summer events. The drama of the hat’s wide shape is unapologetically bold and lends a Spanish-inspired elegance to any look. In a sea of fascinators, you’ll stand out for all the right reasons. I have my eye on Accessorize’s Isabella hatinator.
Aside from the obvious (mobile, purse, etc.), my clutch contains: blister plasters, heel stoppers (a life-saver on grass and gravel), and a vintage-style fan for hot days (both practical and chic). I have a black boater hat that will perfectly match Accessorize’s £6 bargain fan.
Ditsy florals were usurped on the Spring/Summer catwalks this year by a darker, quasi-Gothic take on roses. Simone Rocha, for example, had real roses layered into tulle skirts. If a trip to the florist just to get dressed seems extreme, Accessorize have a gloriously intricate clutch bag adorned with a beaded rose to tap into the trend.
Metallics (usually the sole reserve of party season) were big on the SS catwalks, but it’s not a trend I’ll be taking up for summer. I still have flashbacks to nearly melting at Ascot last year in a faux leather, Quality-Street-style metallic dress. Beautiful on the catwalk, less beautiful when you stick to your seat on the tube.
What’s this season’s investment piece?
The Row’s ‘Margaux’ bag has been dubbed ‘the New Birkin’, but the £5k price tag is a slight disadvantage. Accessorize’s soft shoulder bag is a great dupe, and it’s just £38. Jennifer Lawrence, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Harry Styles have all been spotted carrying the original.
Tips for styling up the same outfit for different events?
Add a belt, tie a silk scarf around your neck as a choker, add some statement tights or change your hat, shoes, bag or jewellery. Consider the dress or suit your blank canvas, and the accessories the paint to make it look different each time you wear it.
Favourite wedding guest accessories this season?
A huge earring is so elegant poking out from under the brim of a wide-brimmed hat and paired with a sleek low bun. I prefer ‘80s-style statement stud to a chandelier – they lend a retro glamour that’s feels modern and cool.
At the moment I’m also loving gloves. Last summer I wore a pair black lace pair with a red dress, black boater and gobstopper-size, bauble-style black earrings to a wedding and felt like the Flamenco dancer emoji.
Someone who isn’t afraid to make a statement. I have four sisters, and one of them detests event dressing. I’m trying to help her see that wearing a hat or a statement dress isn’t an exclusive club! Enjoying fashion is a democracy.
Event dressing also isn’t exclusively for people who like attention. It’s about harnessing the transformative, mood-changing power and theatre of clothes.
What’s your go-to pieces in your styling kit?
Dressing clients for summer events requires me as a stylist to think in a different way to shoots. If I’m dressing a presenter for Ascot for example, I’d have to think about something they can wear all day.
My key tools are grips for the soles of shoes (stick them to the bottom of shoes to prevent slipping), body tape to hold necklines in place, nude seamless underwear, and stain remover wipes for small make-up spillages.
However my top and most secret tip is to buy cheap shoulder pads from Amazon to sew into your dresses. My favourite designer is Alessandra Rich and all her dresses have shoulder pads. I’m not talking huge, costume-style ones, just something to give the sleeve a beautiful, subtle puff. It’s an easy way to add dimension and shape to even a cheap dress.
Around 47,000 people in the UK have Down Syndrome.
On World Down Syndrome Day, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate them, and raise awareness for their achievements, starting with our kids model, Erla-Kate.
In-between photographing our new kids’ collection for this campaign, we interviewed Aidan, Erla-Kate’s father (and one of the team here at Monsoon Accessorize HQ) about what he loves most about being Erla-Kate’s Dad, and what World Down Syndrome means to their family.
What is it like being Erla-Kate’s parent?
Fun, and sometimes challenging, but isn’t every 10-year-old? The biggest obstacle can be communication, Erla-Kate communicates verbally and with Makaton signing. She has no awareness of danger so we also have to be very alert to that.
Can you describe her character? And what is your relationship like?
Erla-Kate is always happy, and incredibly endearing. She loves music, especially Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Josh Brennan. Dancing is one of her favourite activities, she picks up moves very quickly and likes to put on performances at home! She’s also very flexible (as she has hypertonia) and she used to do gymnastics. Other than that she loves to go with muddy walks with our Bulldog Betsy, and spending time with the family. She’s very close to her older brother and sister.
What does World Down Syndrome Day mean to your family?
It’s a time for us to be proud! Her modelling raises the awareness of people with Down Syndrome in society. Before Erla-Kate was born we were like every other typical family, but having a daughter with Down Syndrome has made us more aware of people with disabilities and the everyday challenges they face.
What would you like people to know about people with Down Syndrome (and their families)?
Erla-Kate is the most joyful person you’ll ever meet. She makes you laugh, smile, giggle without knowing it. She instantly lights up any room she walks into.
Yes, there are challenging and frustrating times, but our life isn’t very different to a typical family. We have the occasional stubbornness and sulks of a 10 (going on 16!) year old girl, but they don’t last long.
How did Erla-Kate enjoy wearing the collection and visiting her Dad’s work place?
Erla-Kate LOVES to show off. Once she’s familiar with her surroundings there’s really no stopping her! She was very excited to model and loved the product – especially the dresses, hair clips, bracelets. Her favourite piece was the green octopus bag.
Is there anything else you or Erla-Kate would like to say?
Thank you for inviting Erla-Kate to model for Monsoon Accessorize and for helping to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day! Erla-Kate really enjoyed the whole day.
Period poverty is one of the #1 issues affecting women around the world today.
For women and girls in rural India, stigma and limited access to menstrual hygiene is one of the main reasons that girls drop out of school. 73% reported using a cloth during menstruation, while 66.7% developed reproductive tract infections as a result of using cloths. Today, the Monsoon Accessorize Trust has teamed up with Jeevika to help change this.
Working with its partner in India, Jeevika provides hygienic, eco-disposable menstrual products for women in the poorest communities.
It also aims to create a solution going forward by providing reproductive-health education in local villages, and training in production of eco-disposable sanitary napkins. This will support future access to menstrual hygiene products, and a sustainable income for women in the community.
When it comes to the tricky transitional months – come rain or shine these scarves punch well above their weight.
Read our ultimate guide to scarves for winter, summer, and all forecasts in-between. From oversized styles to silky squares that double up as hair bows, these are the scarves to have on your radar (and in your drawer) when refreshing your transitional wardrobe.
LIGHTWEIGHT & SILKY SCARVES
The ultimate multitasker, a lightweight square silk scarf (or ‘foulard’) is a French girl fashion staple of for a reason.
Tie it around your ponytail, double it up as a headband, wear it tied loosely to the side (Parisian-style) or wrap it around your bag handles: the styling possibilities are endless. Featuring pretty patterns, florals and pops of pastel, these ones are the answer to your spring wardrobe refresh.
MIDWEIGHT SCARVES
Need something with a little more coverage? With a pleat finish and enough length to double down on chillier days, these midweight spring scarves look just as good with your favourite jumper and jeans as they do with a midi dress and heeled boots.
Style up with statement jewellery, or down with loafers and loose silhouettes for off-duty days.
HEAVYWEIGHT SCARVES
Fickle UK forecasts call for an all-rounder (and all-weather) scarf. Our pick? These colourful, supersoft blankets.
A classic check print is a crowd pleaser that will never go out of style, but when it comes to following the trends – spring greens are making way for neons and bright pastels. Fling around your shoulders to keep the chill at bay for al fresco drinks, or add them to your outerwear for a pop of colour.
Your perfect silhouette is just a scroll away. Whatever your shape, these new season swimwear cuts, colours and combinations are here to make you feel amazing in and out of the water through summer, and for all your holiday plans.
Not sure where to start? Let us break it down for you in our guide to bikinis and swimsuits for every shape.
BEST SWIMSUITS FOR: TUMMY CONTROL
Meet the most flattering swimsuit you’ll ever own (yes, really). These silhouettes and cuts are perfect for you if you’re looking for swimwear with some built-in tummy support.
Add definition to your waist with prints, ties or a touch of texture, and you’re ready to go.
BEST BIKINIS FOR: SMALL BOOBS
If underwiring = unappealing we’ve got you covered. From plunging to triangle, top off your poolside look with these small-boob friendly bikini tops.
Pair with pops of pattern, a nautical stripe or an XXL beach basket, and pretend you’re in St Tropez.
BEST BIKINIS FOR: BIG BOOBS
Not all big boobs require extra-strength support. But for a little more security, this twist-front bikini has your back (and front), with the bonus of thicker straps that can be removed to turn it into a bandeau.
For a more breezy-and-boho take, a wide band is your best friend to keep your bust supported and pool party-ready at all times. We love this festival-feel Ricrac detail set, with high-cut bottoms to match.
BEST SWIMWEAR FOR: BAMBI POSES
‘What is Bambi pose?’ We hear you ask. Basically, exactly what it sounds like: an Instagram trend where you sit with your thighs over your calves like a baby deer.
Universally the best way to show off your swimwear, if you plan to give it a go – pick a bikini worth showing off. This one-shoulder pastel pink style ticks all the boxes for pretty and practical, while this belted two-tone swimsuit taps into the retro revival.
Drawing inspiration from the deepest realms of the ocean, our Spring 2024 collection takes its cues from the mesmerising shapes of underwater species, aquatic creatures and colourful reef life. Beautiful contrast detailing, bold colour blocks and stunning creative prints feature throughout.
To create our campaign set, we drew inspiration from the vibrant diversity of life found within sea forests. Boasting a greater diversity of plant and species than almost any other ocean community.
The set design featured a concise palette of turquoise with contrasting reds. Aged textures and marine projections helped create a feeling of discovering an abandoned underwater world.
Sunscreen splotches, wet swimwear and sand on everything are a thing of the past – as an everyday staple of your summer wardrobe, your beach bag deserves to be just as on-trend as your swimwear.
From statement stripes to easy-and-effortless raffia the everyday beach bag has had an upgrade in 2024. Meet the beach bags, totes and baskets that put the holiday in everyday.
WOVEN WONDERS
Best worn: breezing through Provencal streets in a sundress after lunchtime rosés (but it’ll also do for a trip to the park). Raffias, jutes and all things woven take the prize every season for most versatile staple, and these new season silhouettes are no exception.
Round, crossbody, slouchy or oversized: there’s a shape to go with every spring plan in your diary. Just add to breezy prints, bare shoulders and head-to-toe linen. *Chef’s kiss*
CUE: COLOURPOPS
Introducing the beach bag equivalent of morning sunshine. An antidote to any rainy day, these totes turn every hour into Happy Hour.
STRIPE OUT
Ready to earn your style stripes?
The ultimate work-hard play-hard pattern, this season’s take on stripe totes are the dream solution to office-to-off-duty dressing. Add to boxy tailoring to win Best Dressed Employee Of The Month, and dress down with pastels and Pimms come Friday afternoon.
Ready to learn the jewellery layering secrets of the style insiders? The obsession for stacking is showing no signs of slowing down, and thanks to our gold-plated and sterling silver collection of layerable earrings, necklaces and bracelets there’s never been a better time to get to grips with the ABCs of stacking.
From minimal ear stacks to layering necklace lengths and mixing and matching chains; learn how to make effortless stacking part of your everyday look.
A is for Arm Stacks
From boho beads to the classic tennis chain, the bracelet is a true stacking chameleon. We love mixing sterling silver with premium gold-plated designs from the Z collection for a look that can be dressed up or down for every occasion.
B is for Birthstones
A healing stone or birthstone is the perfect way to add extra meaning to your stack. Explore our semi-precious stones to incorporate a personal twist into your stacks that you can keep close at all times.
C is for Chains
Curating the perfect chain combination is the key to a necklace stack of your dreams. From snake chains to chunkier links, ropes and fine chains, start with two or three lightweight chains, and mix with a maximum of one or two heavyweight styles to keep your necklace stack balanced and clean.
Don’t forget to vary lengths with short, midi and maxi-length chains. To draw the eye and bring dimension to your stack, add talismans, initials, discs or micro-pendants. Or make it totally your own with an initial necklace.
D is for Dainty Stacks
A natural companion to the Clean Girl Aesthetic trend sweeping TikTok, the dainty stack is your best friend when it comes to bringing polish to smart casual styling.
To achieve a more minimal aesthetic in your stack, stick exclusively to either sterling silver or real 14ct gold-plated. Plain studs, hoops, bracelets and chains from our Z and Sterling Silver range are made to be layered up together for a daintier look, while moments of detail can be added with a small motif like a minimal shell pendant or flower stud.
E is for Ear Stacking
Hoop earrings are high on the must-buy list, but when it comes to layering up several in one go, opt for mini huggies in slim and slender shapes to balance out your ears.
A plain gold or silver hoop makes instantly makes sparkling studs more daytime friendly (and transitions easily to evenings). Chunky gold drop-styles like these ones have soared to the top of the trend list, and look great paired up with plain studs, a crisp white shirt and your favourite jeans.
F is for Flawless Fingers
We can’t get enough of a stacking ring set (especially these). Mix and match to your hearts (and hands) desire; when it comes to ring stacking more is more and texture, shapes and gems are the key to layering up a more eclectic look.
Micro-gems and skinny rings look great stacked next to each other if you opt for several rings on one finger – we love pearls, beads and cubic zirconia for a touch of sparkle. After a more minimal look? Try combining plain gold or silver rings with twisted rope texture rings or asymmetric hammered metals for laidback luxe.
Take a look behind the scenes of the Accessorize Spring Summer 2022 shoot in LA.
the campaign
This campaign captures a carefree summer of spontaneous moments. With never-ending and unexpected adventures coming to life after days fade to night.
The West Coast bohemian girl was an inspiration, spending her days at city beaches before returning to the ‘crash pad’ houses where afternoons turn into late nights pool hopping and making mischief.
She has a confident freeness about her and dresses for herself, and no one else. This relaxed and free-spirited style is reflected in our collection with mismatched patterns, textured accessories, and pops of punchy colour.
Accessorize Spring Summer 2022 collection
Punchy yellow is a key theme of the season, as well as the Very Peri lilac of the year. You’ll also spot gingham and sunflower prints throughout the collection.
We’ve taken everyone’s favourite everyday piece as inspiration for accessories. Paired with simple style staples, double denim is a must this season.
Trending accessories like gold chains, nostalgia-inspired jewellery and silk scarves have been stacked and styled in many way – showing you can make the trends your own with the Accessorize Spring Summer 2022 collection.
Our best-selling styles have even had a cool-girl update, like the Lexi Swimsuit and Leo Tote Bag that have been refreshed with bold new season prints and updated colour schemes.
On Saturday 8th May we joined forces with Monsoon to donate 10% of all UK online sales to the British Asian Trust’s ‘Oxygen for India’ Emergency Appeal.
Together we raised over £30,000 for Oxygen for India Emergency Appeal. We wanted to thank all those who made a purchase, helping make this possible and share with you an update from the British Asian Trust below.
warning: this video shares some images that you may find upsetting
It was incredibly important for our brands to support the British Asian Trust in raising money to purchase emergency oxygen to support the immense national demand during the COVID crisis. Over the past four decades, our brands have built a unique bond with communities in India, it is where our brands were born. Today, it continues to be where many of our products are crafted by our artisanal partners.
Read more about the British Asian Trust’s mission here.
We’re doing all we can to offer support to India, who are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.
Monsoon UK and Accessorize UK will be donating 10% of all online sales on Saturday 8th May to British Asian Trust’s emergency appeal, Oxygen for India, who are raising money to purchase emergency oxygen to support immense national demand.
Over the past four decades our brands have built a unique bond with communities in India, it is where our brands were born. Today, it continues to be where many of our products are crafted by our artisanal partners.
The emergency appeal is raising funds for oxygen concentrators – an alternate devices to oxygen cylinders that continually recycles oxygen from the air and delivers it to the patient.
Together, with local partners in India, British Asian Trust are rapidly deploying oxygen concentrators them to hospitals and patients that need them most.
A donation of £50 will provide oxygen for 40 patients struggling to breathe, £450 will provide low-flow oxygen concentrator to help 900 patients and an £830 donation will provide high-flow oxygen concentrator to help 550 of the most seriously ill patients.
For more information on the British Asian Trust or to make a personal donation and show your support to India, click here.
