Category Archives: TRENDING

Summer Accessory Trends to Wear Everywhere

The summer accessory trends last year were all about above the keyboard dressing – a term I’d be pretty happy never to hear again. This summer, we’re seeing a nod to nostalgia, a passion for feel-good finds and an obsession with bold colour (don’t worry, animal print is still around too)

Summer accessory trends

homage to holidays

We’re dreaming of far away beaches and nautical getaways – and we don’t think we’re alone. Whether we can or can’t get away this summer, your accessories can offer a nod to your fave summer vacations, think anchor motifs, shell earrings and beach market charm bracelets.

in a ruffle

We’re going to be real frill-seekers this season (sorry, not sorry). Think dresses and swimsuits adorned with ruffles that are chic not childish. 

bright pink

We’re all about joyful dressing and what better than head to toe dressing in pink – think Villanelle’s pink tulle masterpiece and every SS21 runway. Pair your pinks with fresh white or a bold tan accent to break it up and add a modern touch.

feel good colours

After a year of living in neutral sweats and activewear (we know we aren’t the only ones!) we’re grabbing anything colourful to brighten up our wardrobes. If you’re a little afraid of colour, dip your toe in with colour pop jewellery or bright shoes or a bag. On the other hand, if you’re all about more embrace colour blocking to avoid looking like a rubiks cube.

Colour us happy

wild wild love

Good news is that animal print is certainly not going into hibernation. It’s all about tiger print this season – and leopard, it’s the coolest of cool cats. Make it a chic look paired with a black swimsuit (no beach needed) and cat-eye sunglasses…

We’re Feline fine

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Shop all summer pieces

Explore our gorgeous gold vermeil collection

Our Role Models: Chelsie Collins & Kristelle Levy

Chelsie Collins and Kristelle Levy are the founders of Blondies Kitchen, the UK’s first and only milk and cookies bar. These professionally trained chefs and best friends were inspired by American-style cookies on a trip to New York. The duo joined forces back in 2016, on a mission to bring the taste of America back to London, and have since built up an army of UK and international superfans.

Kristelle has always worked in restaurants and was head chef at a restaurant in Primrose Hill for over two years. Chelsie was a cookery writer for BBC Good Food, starting as a cookery assistant, testing all the recipes for the magazine and producing hundreds of recipes for the site.

What does IWD mean to you?

To us, IWD means celebrating all the phenomenal women out there. Whether you own your own business, you’re a female entrepreneur, employee, or simply just a GO-GETTER – every woman deserves to be celebrated on international Women’s Day and every other day in between.

Tell us what it’s like being a woman within the food industry? What challenges have you faced?

It’s perceived by many that women in business are less confident to go into powerful roles and would rather look for something less senior. Even in certain fields, like ours, it is certainly male dominated. However, with confidence and as you grow as a person within your industry, those barriers go. It all starts with your mind and the sooner you realise you are worth it and you are valid, the better. You have to prove it to yourself before you prove it to someone else.

We’ve faced many challenges along this journey. With dreams of expanding our business, we initially applied for a stall in Topshop, but they rejected us. We were incredibly upset and I remember saying: “Obviously, it’s not a good idea. If Topshop doesn’t like it, then nobody will”. One thing we’ve learnt through this process is to always keep learning everyday and be sure to take on all feedback and constructive criticism.

However, we didn’t let that discourage us and on our first day at our Old Street pop-up, we sold 500 cookies by lunchtime and couldn’t keep up with demand. We would work 7am to 7pm and although it was incredibly exhausting, it was the most fulfilling experience of our lives. Fast forward to September 2017 and we launched our flagship concession in Selfridges. What seemed like a challenge wasn’t a rejection but in fact a redirection for something greater.

Not everyone will believe in your vision at first but as we always say to each other, you can’t buy the experience we’ve had, and it’s true. The learnings have been endless, and we learn something new every day. Obstacles come in all shapes and sizes, but we always find a solution.

 

Why is it important to celebrate other women’s achievements?

As a female founded business it is extremely important that we celebrate and also champion other women’s achievements – for us there is no stronger unity than when women stand together to support each other. For IWD 2021, we teamed up The Princes Trust to support the Change A Girls Life Campaign, with 25% of sales from our cookie roles going towards supporting young women in the UK. The Princes Trust recently reported that more than 78% of those who lost their jobs at the start of the pandemic were women and two-thirds were between the ages of 18 and 34.  With those statistics in mind, it has never felt more necessary to celebrate other women’s achievements because there is power in unity and support.

Earlier this month we sat down with two friends who also run a successful business to celebrate international women’s day and spoke through some of the challenges we have all faced as female business owners. It was gratifying to sit down and reflect together on where we had all come from. It’s always good to celebrate one another because supporting another woman’s success and acknowledging her achievements will never dampen your own.


What advice would you give to your younger self, having the knowledge you have now?

If we could give advice to our younger selves, we would tell them that it’s okay to take baby steps before running. You need to build strength to walk, then crawl and then run. Every start-up has its struggles and hard work will always pay off as long as you remain committed to the vision.

The other thing we would tell our younger selves is to trust the process. Obstacles come in many shapes and sizes however, there is always something that can be learnt. Asking for help is key, we have continued to take on board all the feedback that we are given – learning never stops! And finally, to believe in what you are doing and one day you might be doing it full time!

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Read more of our Role Model Series 

Jenny Halpern Prince, CEO & Founder PR Agency, Halpern

Zara Simon, Jewellery Designer 

Our Role Models: Zara Simon

Zara Simon studied Jewellery Design at Central St Martins and since 2008, when she started Zara Simon Jewellery, she’s collaborated with Felder Felder and Turquoise mountain, designed a collection for the 2012 Rolling Stones tour and has had countless celebrity commissions for it-girls like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Cara Delevigne, Poppy Delevigne, and Natasha McElhorne. She’s also the designer of our stunning collection, Z for Accessorize

 

What does IWD mean to you?
IWD is important to me as it highlights all the female jewellers in the industry more so on this day as we can celebrate their achievements as a whole. It also encourages us to appreciate how many more women there are in the industry these days.

How will you chose to challenge?
I will always be aware of everyone around me and close to me, in particular my children, who I will teach not to stereotype.

Tell us what it’s like being a woman within the PR industry? And what challenges you have faced?  
It is exciting to be a women in the jewellery industry as I get to wear my creations along with the women I design for.

Why is it important to celebrate other women’s achievements?  
I have been inspired by some amazing female jewellers since I started, including Elsa Schiaparelli, Elsa Perretti and Pippa Small, and more recently Jessica McCormack.

I faced challenges in my early career when I worked in Jaipur as it was a very male orientated industry, there were times I felt I was being disrespected as a women working on my own.

What advice would you give to your younger self, having the knowledge you have now?
I’d encourage myself to do a business course when I was starting out, as I found out the creative can be smaller part of having your own brand.

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Check out our Role Models’ series 

Our Role Models: Jenny Halpern Prince

 

Jenny Halpern Prince is the CEO and founder of Halpern, a global PR and influencer agency, part of the WPP network and The&Partnership. Jenny founded Access Aspiration in 2012, an educational charity promoting social mobility via aspirational work placements and introductions. Access Aspiration is now part of the Mayor’s Fund for London, they work with 32 schools, securing over 5,000 placements with state and academy students. In 2014, The Lady Garden Foundation, a national women’s health charity, was co-founded by Jenny, who is Chair of the charity. The aim is to increase awareness and raise funds to fight the five gynaecological cancers, to date they have raised over £1.6m.

 

 

What does IWD mean to you?
IWD is a reminder of how we should be all year long. It is a moment to celebrate the progress we all are making as women worldwide and oh my, are we making huge strides in many areas. BUT the areas where we are struggling, we need to champion those to support us further and that includes, very importantly, men.


Tell us what it like being a woman within the PR industry? And what challenges you have faced?  
Being a woman in the PR industry is easy as our industry is dominated by women. I have cherished the allegiance of so many women over my career in PR. My partners at Halpern are women and make my business a joy to still be involved and increase our relevancy and differentiate ourselves from others.

We strive to have a well-balanced agency of individuals from all ethnicities and backgrounds so we must encourage the industry to proactively bring in more talent from those arenas.

I have faced many challenges but more in my personal life with gynae issues especially with trying to become a mother for a long journey of 11 years. In all areas of my life, I have a mantra JFDI, just ****ing do it. So many people talk but don’t action.

 

Why is it important to celebrate other women’s achievements?  
We must celebrate women’s achievements to encourage more women to speak up, start their own businesses, overcome anxiety, to be their best self they can be.

What advice would you give to your younger self, having the knowledge you have now?
I would give my younger self this advice; never give up. Be a gladiator and fight. Then encourage more to fight too and achieve their dreams.

 

5 of the Cosiest Winter Accessories

If there was one word to describe our cold-weather dressing mood it would be cosy and that’s why we are all about these winter accessories. 

 Whether you’re meeting friends for an outdoor hang or popping to the shops for some essentials, these accessories will make you feel like you’ve made an effort to leave the house.

 

Bucket Hats & Berets

Lockdown 1.0 was defined by Tiger King, lockdown 2.0 saw Emily in Paris take over Instagram, group chats and fashion searches. The good news is we have plenty of bucket hats and berets to make sure your look is très chic (and anything but basic!) 

Hats off to Paris

 

Blanket Scarves

We get it, making plans with friends at the park or beer garden mid-winter is … unheard of. But new rules & regulations means getting creative and it also means making sure you’re warm – enter, the blanket scarf. Cute for the commute and then cosy for the destination. 

Find your wrap star

 

Slippers

Never did I ever think I’d have a meeting with my CEO in my slippers, but, in a recent Zoom meeting, each and every one of us admitted to having our slippers on. Better do it in style then, right?

Slip into something comfy

 

Leopard, anything

Not an accessory as such, but this wild child is not going anywhere. From bags and scarves to need-to-have face coverings leopard is without a doubt our best seller.

Take a walk on the wild side

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Visit our winter shop
Snuggle up with our cosy edit

What is gold vermeil (and why are we obsessed?)

At Accessorize we’re all about offering you on-trend pieces that can be stacked and styled to show off your unique style. The latest ‘we want one of each’ arrival is our collection of gold vermeil. 

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil (ver-may) is a century-old technique that gives you the look of solid gold, without the price tag! Think, a level up from gold plating. 

A thick layer (minimum of 3 microns) of 14k gold is applied over sterling silver to create forever favourites. 

It’s becoming more and more popular as IT-girls and fashion houses alike look for on-trend, and affordable, gold jewellery. 

So, why are we (and everyone else) so obsessed?

Not only do these pieces last the seasons, but they are the kind of things you can wear every day for an effortlessly cool look. Think, Zoom meeting in 2 minutes and you’ve snoozed your alarm 3 times … simply pop your hair in a top knot, drape on a chain and stack up some earrings – done! (No one will know you literally crawled from bed to your desk). 

The ease is just one of the reasons we love gold vermeil, of course. We are also all about that extra luxe feeling, cause we all deserve that! This range features semi-precious white topaz stones – shine bright like a diamond without the price tag!

So, enough talking. Because these pieces can convince you themselves!

Wear it everywhere, every day. Whether you’re after simple studs, hoops or chain – there’s that. We’ve also got the coveted initial necklaces (perfect gifts, right?!)

 

If you’re looking shine bright like the night sky, our celestial-inspired pieces are the perfect fit. 

Shop the collection

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Shop Z Leather
Shop Z Jewellery

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Learn more about our luxe Z by Accessorize collection
Discover our Z Healing Stone range
Master the layered necklace look (perfect for the Z chains!)

Z by Accessorize: Our luxe jewellery collection

We’re completely obsessed with our new Z by Accessorize collection (and we think you will be too!)

You know all those chunky chains and curated ear looks you see on Instagram? We’ve got those pieces so now you can express your personal style through on-trend, quality pieces.

Featuring gold-plated pieces with semi-precious, this is a collection you’ll want to get – quick!

All of the beautiful pieces are brought to life by luxury jewellery designer Zara Simon.

 

First things first, the one piece everyone should have in their collection – a stunning, ‘where did you get that’ chain. And oh do we have the chains, all of the chains. 

Get your hands on a hero pieces – and once you start, you’ll be ready to layer up. Master the layered necklace look (perfect for the Z chains!)

 

Someone’s calling, it’s your friends asking where you got all those super cute rings from … I know, I know, cheesy (but true!). 

A personal favourite for me, a chunky ring on a middle finger and then stacking thinner rings on your other fingers (don’t forget a little sparkle!)

 

Our Z by Accessorize earrings offer the perfect pairs for upping your ear game. Achieve the Instagram-adored look by following 2 very simple rules.

ONE: more is more. Don’t be afraid to stack ’em up!
TWO: Mix chunky hoops and delicate studs.

Why not pop into one of our piercing parlours to really take it a step further. 

 

Shop Gold Vermeil

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Shop Z Leather
Shop Z Jewellery

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Learn more about the Z vermeil range
Discover our Z Healing Stone range

 

Change & Check This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Somehow it’s already October and that means Pumpkin Spice Lattes, darker nights and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While we encourage getting up close and personal with breast checks all year round, this month we are taking part in the Change & Check campaign. This life-saving campaign is all about learning what changes to check for (hence the name!)

It was set up by Helen Addis (also know as @thetittygritty), who is the Features Editor for Lorraine ITV, after her own experience being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF1FnDaHemJ/

Change & Check

Helen discovered people didn’t really know what to look for when they were checking their breasts, so she created a handy guide which you can download here  – don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

Dr Hilary has also shared his step-by-step guide to checking your breasts – you can watch via the ITV website.

Signs and symptoms to look for:

Visible changes in shape or size.
Skin changes such as; dimpling, puckering or rash around the nipple.
Lumps or bumps.
Bloody discharge from the nipple.

How to check:

Sit comfortably in front of a mirror with hands on your hips so chest muscles are relaxed.

Firstly, look at the contour of the breast to check that it matches on each side and see if there is any puckering or dimpling.

Look for any change in the nipple such as a rash, indrawing or pulling in.

Look for any skin change all around the nipple.

Using the fingers of your left hand to examine the right breast, walk your middle three fingers around the breast. You’re feeling for any abnormal lumps or bumps or any irregularity that hasn’t been there before.

Divide the breast into four quarters.

Start on the inner upper quarter, walking those fingers around the breast.

Do the same on the lower inner quarter and then across to the lower right quarter and then the upper right quarter.

Walk fingers up to the tail of the breast in the armpit.

Walk your fingers back to the areola around the nipple.

Repeat steps above on the left breast, using your right hand to do so.

Dr Hilary advises that menstruating women check their breasts following their period each month. For menopausal and post-menopausal women, pick a date each month that suits you.

If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Early diagnosis could mean a better chance of successful treatment.

Your Guide To Healing Stones

Crystals and healing stones have been used for years – inspiring and encouraging wearers to take what they need for a happier and healthier life. Though there is no scientific backing, their popularity continues to rise and it’s no surprise they’re called for everyday wear – enter, healing stone jewellery.

Instead of carrying crystals or healing stones around in your pockets, you can wear them on your sleeve – literally. 

Accessorize healing stone jewelleryPart of our Z by Accessorize collection, our healing stone jewellery range features beautiful semi-precious stones in gold-plated rings, necklaces and bracelets. 

Each stone is believed to have its own healing abilities for the mind, body and soul. Whether that’s promoting the flow of good energies, such as love, courage and strength or the support to face negative energy, such as change, fear and general negativity. 

Whether you think it’s ‘woo-woo’ or worthy of time and space in your collection – there’s something nice about having extra special meaning behind your jewellery. And at the moment, we could all do with a little extra support of good energy, right?!

that healing stone feeling

aventurine

This stone encourages prosperity, well-being and good luck.

rose quartz

This stone symbolises unconditional love, emotional healing and compassion.

carnelian

This stone inspires motivation, endurance and courage.

 

turquoise

This stone symbolises creativity, empathy and positive thinking.

labradorite 

Coming in blue or grey, this stone inspires change, strength and perseverance.

black onyx

This stone encourages patience, determination and the blocking of negativity.

Just in case you wanted a little extra mindful love, the bracelets in our collection feature charms that help balance your chakras (the main energy centres of the body). Learn more about them here.

 

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Shop healing stones
Shop all Z by Accessorize

5 ways you can spark positive change​

In times of great uncertainty, it’s even important to go the extra mile for yourself and others. To bring a little brightness to the day or make a difference. 

We asked our team some of the things they do – or have had done for them – that make them feel like they’re sparking a positive change.

message a friend 

“A few weeks ago I received a message out of the blue from a friend telling me how much she appreciated me. It was like a modern-day love letter and it made me feel so grateful for the people in my life.”

Let your girls and guys know how much they mean to you with a simple message. We’ve even started some for you!

I appreciate you because …
I’ll never forget that time we …
Thank you for always …

 

learn something new

“I recently taught myself how to do macrame – it’s so relaxing and you get some cool pieces afterwards. It made me appreciate all of the things my Gran knitted me so much more, the time those ‘ugly’ jumpers must have taken …”

Learning something new is not only fun (and educational, obviously), but it can also give you a new appreciation and outlook on life.

Grab your besties and pick up a new book, shop for some new crafts, listen to a new podcast or sign up for an online course!

 

recycle used accessories

“Like most of us, I have a lot of accessories…while most are used season after season to update my look, there’s been times I don’t want them (or can’t fit them in my collection) anymore. I’ve started to donate these pieces,  it made me feel good knowing I’d given the accessory a new life and made a conscious choice!”

You can pop into your local Accessorize to donate your used accessories and will send them to New Life

 

buy some plants

“I became a new plant mum during lockdown and bringing nature inside has made a massive difference to A) the look of my room and B) how I feel –  indoor plants have proven health benefits  – plus it’s satisfying keeping them alive!” 

Studies have shown plants can boost mood, productivity, concentration and creativity – all of which are so important now that our homes have become our offices. Best get shopping.

 

send a surprise gift to someone

“The doorbell went one day and the postie handed me a parcel I wasn’t expecting (I originally thought I’d ordered it in my last shopping spree and forgotten…) But it was a gift from my bestie. It brightened my mood for the rest of the day and was nice knowing she’d seen something and thought of me.”

Give your friends or family some excitement and send them a special gift. The more personal and thoughtful, the better – think a zodiac necklace or initial jewellery. Plus, science has actually proven we get great pleasure from giving, and we feel even happier when spending money on others. Win-win!

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Shop our Bright Spark edit

 

Leather Sandal Styles You’ll See Everywhere

Summer love like Sandy and Danny in Grease rarely exists, but that’s ok, we’ve found our summer sole-mate with these leather sandals.

Simple yet stylish. Comfy yet cool. These sandals tick the boxes of plenty of 2020s sandal trends – from a pastel hue to strappy and sophisticated styles. They’re a fashion-forward take on your go-to shoe of the summer, the flip flop. They’re easy to slide on but look just as at home on the beach as they do in the office or out for dinner. 

These leather sandals will make sure you step out in style.

Working on your tan

Whether you’re channelling J-Lo in the Leaf Print Belted Swimsuit or embracing the neutrals trend with the Tiered Maxi Dress, The Seville Twist Tan Sandals are the ideal pair (sorry, shoe puns are just too easy!)

 

Knot your average leather sandal

One pair of shoes, two stylish outfits. The Perth Pink Sandals make the Beach Shirt Dress effortlessly chic,  while dressing up the Off-Shoulder Cotton Dress ready for a night of dancing. 

 

 

Slide into summer

Whether it’s a scorching day or a cooler evening, The Seville Twist White Sandals will complete any look.  Explore the beach, or the city during a staycation, in comfort in the Wide Leg Beach Trousers. Then, take them for an evening stroll with the Puff-Sleeved Polka Dot Maxi, perfect for a night of Italian cuisine. 

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Shop all shoes
Mix it up with the top 5 accessories for summer

Our Website’s Had a Makeover

While you’ve all been begging for hairdressers and nail salons to reopen, we’ve been having a freshen up ourselves and we’re excited to share our fresh new site with you – explore the new-look site now.

An absolute beauty, the new site has everything you loved about the old one and a few bits that will make your shopping experience even better.


Shopping online got even more fun

TREAT YOURSELF

See how many Treats points you’ll earn from each purchase.

LOOKING GOOD

See the new item you’re going to buy from every angle!

EXACTLY RIGHT

Search for exactly what you want to complete your outfit, from polka dot bags to pearl hair clips.

Share what you buy with #Accessorizers and you could be featured in our weekly and monthly outfit-inspiration rounds ups!

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Explore the new-look site