Empowering Women: Lydia French from The Brighter Times

For the final chapter of our Empowering Women series, we’re meeting Lydia French, founder of The Brighter Times, a platform that spreads peace, love and positivity.  Here, she talks to us about all things female friendship, self-care strategies and her top feel-good picks from the new-season collection at Accessorize. It’s time to make room for happy…

 

 

Tell us more about The Brighter Times…

The Brighter Times is a platform for all things positive, kind and inspiring. Life always presents its challenges and hardships, so I wanted to create a space where people (including myself!) can go for a motivational quote, a titbit of wisdom, a laugh, some escapism even just for a few minutes. From the very beginning, I had a clear vision about it being full of inspiring stories and tales of human kindness.

It’s been a long and, at times, frustrating journey but through sheer persistence, the website is finally live, greetings cards have been created and people are sharing their good stories. Moral of the story: keep going!

The message that I want to spread with The Brighter Times is simple: we are all in this crazy world together and we need to be kind to ourselves and others.

 

 

What does Galentine’s Day mean to you?

I LOVE IT! I’ve been sending my besties Galentine’s Day cards for years – it’s a moment to pause and say thank you. I will always cherish my girlfriends because of their constant support, loyalty, generosity, and how much they still surprise me with their unconditional love. Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate and let them know how much they’re appreciated.

 

Tell us the best piece of advice that a friend has ever given you.

‘To be completely and unapologetically you’. It’s totally okay to not vibe with everyone – you just need a few good’uns to appreciate everything together. You may not be everyone’s cup of tea but you’re definitely someone’s tequila!

 

What are your top tips for staying positive?

Make sure you have enough giggle time with your friends – the side-splitting, jaw-ache kind! If anyone is going to pull you out of a funk it’s them. Music is a big one too – for an instant pick-me-up, whack on your favourite track and let it take you to your happy place. Having a scroll through positive, uplifting, motivational Instagram accounts can also be very helpful but honestly, do whatever works for you. My advice would be to keep checking in with yourself and ask ‘what can I do to make me happy today?’. The smallest thing can make the biggest difference.

 

 

What is your best self-care strategy?

I’m a big one for feeding’ the soul… literally. Happy tummy, happy mind. I love feeling healthy… with the odd jam-filled donut thrown in for good measure of course! Taking time for myself is really important, whether it’s having a bath, watching my favourite Netflix series or sitting on my bed staring at the ceiling, the occasional bit of quiet time makes all the difference. A big thing I’m working on this year is only saying ‘yes’ to things I really want to do, prioritising myself and being okay with that. It’s made SUCH a difference already. It means the decisions I do make, I throw myself into whole-heartedly. It makes me, and others around me a lot happier. Try it!

 

Tell us about the pieces you’ve chosen…

I was immediately drawn to the pieces because of their colour and fun. They’re brilliantly feel good, not only uplifting an outfit but your mood too. Statement pieces can also boost your confidence and set you up for the day – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being full of fierce.

 

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How to Master the Layered Jewellery Trend

Here’s the long and short of it: layered jewellery is one of the best ways to play with self-expression, whether piling on your favourite necklaces or stacking up bracelets and rings for a cool, curated effect. Need a few fashion pointers? Here’s how to master the layered jewellery trend for a look that speaks volumes all season long.

 

Made You Blush

 

Rose gold = the jewellery trend that we’ll never get over. A middle ground between gold and silver, the blush-toned metal is now a contemporary classic, making it the perfect base for layered jewellery looks. Experiment with pendants of varying lengths or find your eclectic with mix-and-match pieces with light-catching embellishments, clashing cut-outs and textures.

 

You Are Gold

 

Bohemian glamour comes easy with gold-tone metals, with coin pendants, sparkling crystal gems and tassel charms creating the illusion of long-forgotten vintage finds. And the good news is, there’s no need to wait until summer rolls around to embrace the free-spirited feel of these luxe layered pieces – start now with long-line chains and carefully-curated rings and bracelets.

 

Say it with Silver

How to layer jewellery and still stay understated? All you need is silver. Adopt a less-is-more aesthetic with delicate, multi-chain necklaces with clean lines and curved shapes, complementing them with simply-styled bracelets and rings that evoke a minimalist mood.

 

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4 Leather Bags to Invest in Now

It’s time to go back to basics. Take a breather from the statement-makers of the season and focus your attention on the accessories that won’t leave your side for months or years to come. Brought to life in our London design studio, here are the four leather bags to invest in now.

 

1. The Leather Rucksack

 

The leather rucksack has been elevated for SS19. Fashioned with a structured, squared design with a soft suede flap, this Scandi-like style offers an updated take on our usual hands-free favourites. Perfect for work and the weekend, this pared-back piece is finished with a metal ring tab in glossy gold, adding just the right amount of detail to its otherwise minimal silhouette.

 

2. The Leather Clutch Bag

 

How to extend the longevity of black leather clutch bag? Make it reversible. Featuring a fold-over top that’s metallic silver on one side and suede on the other, this after-dark design has all the makings of a modern wardrobe classic. We like how it comes with three internal zip compartments to keep your party essentials organised.

 

3. The Leather Cross-Body Bag

 

Make way for this season’s must-have cross-body bags. Whether opting for red, black or burgundy, these luxe leather designs are roomier than your average, while still retaining their style credentials. Wear yours from day to dark.

 

4. The Leather Tote

 

Your work bag just got an update. From structured styles to drawstring designs, leather totes are the ultimate workday heroes, thanks to their spacious interiors and premium feel. But perhaps the real beauty of these pieces? Their simple versatility means you’ll be wearing them right through to the weekend.

 

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Empowering Women: Dior Bediako from Pepper Your Talk

For the next instalment of our Empowering Women series, let us introduce you to Dior Bediako, founder of Pepper Your Talk, a fashion careers platform for young creatives. Find out more about Dior’s passion project, crucial career hacks and her game-changing goals for the year ahead in our exclusive Q&A. It’s time to feel inspired.

Tell us more about Pepper Your Talk…

Pepper Your Talk was birthed out of a need I had as a new graduate and young professional. My first role was at a luxury fashion brand which was a dream come true but I quickly realised that I didn’t know how to grow in a corporate environment. Simple tasks such as how to send a good email, put on my out-of-office and send calendar invites were all foreign to me. Yet, on the more serious side of the spectrum, I realised that I completely lacked professional confidence, never spoke up in meetings or knew how to approach conversations about promotions and pay-rises.

Through Pepper Your Talk, we prepare young professionals for their career climb through workshop, panel events, university lectures, articles and so much more. There is still a long way to go but ultimately, we want every single young person to have the tools to succeed in their fashion career. Back in 2017, I also launched The Junior Network, a members’ club for young professionals, which is an extension of Pepper Your Talk and very much close to my heart.

 

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve been given?

“When you’re in a disagreement, it’s never you against the person. It’s always you two, as a team, against the problem.” That has really stuck with me and can be applied to all areas of life, from relationships to careers.

 

 

What are your goals for 2019?

My personal goals are endless but framed around a podcast I listened to about The Compound Effect, which basically says that anything you do every day is significant and has an impact. In short, I want to adopt good habits that produce amazing results in my life.

What are your top three career hacks for breaking into the fashion industry?

Build a grass-roots network of people at your level and grow in the industry together. Secondly, when applying for jobs, pay attention to company culture and aim to work in environments that support your core values and match your personality. Lastly, look for opportunities everywhere. Fashion is a very social industry and you can meet your next boss at bar – perfect your pitch and stay switched on!

Describe your typical workwear uniform…

I usually work from various members’ clubs around London and nowhere seems to be warm enough – comfort is always in season for me! A good thermal vest is my base before I build it up with one of three combos: a jumper and a knee-length skirt, cropped trousers and a shirt, or jeans and a blouse.

 

Which trends are you most looking forward to in 2019?

For the first time in my life, I’m looking forward to streamlining my wardrobe and focusing on ‘grown-up’ basics, great fabrics and classic silhouettes. But let’s see how that goes – in a few months’ time, I’m sure I’ll have some crazy neon impulse buy thrown in the mix.

 

Tell us about the pieces you’ve chosen…

I’m obsessed with the shell ring because it has rich connections to my culture. Many moons ago in Ghana, shells were used as currency which I still can’t get over. The grey leather bag is a great find because it’s neutral enough to compliment so many outfits and fits my laptop, which is always a selling feature for me. The hoop earrings and stackable rings are the perfect solution to dress up a day-to-day look, taking me from work to after-work drinks. And lastly, my mantra for 2019 is ‘never borrow from tomorrow’ so the hour-by-hour planner keeps me accountable and in charge of my day.

 

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What to Spend Your 20% Off Student Discount On

Calling all students – 20% off everything with UNiDAYS has started at Accessorize and this season, we’re being spoilt for choice on what to spend it on. To narrow down those term-time essentials, we’re looking to some of our favourite influencers for street style inspiration and seeing how they’re wearing the key bags, jewellery and accessories of the moment. Featuring Sinead Crowe, Laura Byrnes, Francesca Parks and Joanna Mcneish, here are the blogger looks to copy with your 20% off student discount.

 

Sinead Crowe

 

First up, Sinead Crowe. This season, the fashion blogger is adding blanket scarves into her cold-weather wardrobe, with super-soft textures and bold colours coming into play. Scandi-style backpacks are also part of her style uniform (a must-have for term time), while cross-body bags with embellishments and quilted patterns cement their status as day-to-night favourites. For that extra je ne sais quoi, neckerchiefs that double up as hair accessories are also catching our eye.

 

Laura Byrnes

 

Next in line, Laura Byrnes. Showing us how to go from study date to team social, the style influencer is coveting nude colour palettes, statement resin earrings and cross-body bags in monochrome hues for the season ahead, with pieces that lend themselves well to any diary date. Easy outfit updates, achieved.

 

Francesca Perks and Joanna Mcneish

 

The cool way to do cosy this semester? Look no further than fashion bloggers Francesca Perks and Joanna Mcneish. Pom-pom beanies and patterned scarves are Francesca’s winter warmers of choice – perfectly suited to cold days on campus. We’re also taking style cues from Joanna’s statement cross-body bag to add a directional twist to any look, without having to splurge on a whole new outfit.

 

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3 Ways to Style Neckerchiefs This Season

Fashion’s love affair with neckerchiefs has been reignited. Paying homage to old Hollywood glamour (as well as our grandmothers’ closets), these vintage delights are regaining their popularity, thanks to their instantaneous ability to polish up the simplest of outfits. From animal prints to paisley, lend your look some French girl flair with three ways to wear neckerchiefs, as seen on fashion blogger Yatri Pabari. It’s time to style it your way…

 

1. On Your Bag

 

The easiest way to utilise the neckerchief trend? Tie it onto your bag. Fashioned with a clashing patchwork motif, this bold design delivers a dose of colour and print to your everyday accessory without detracting attention away from the rest of your outfit. Try it with classic colourways now and, when the weather warms up, use yours to update natural straw or wood-slatted styles.

 

2. Around Your Neck

 

Whether knotted or wrapped, wearing a scarf around your neck is a shortcut to effortless chic. We like how Yatri has added unexpected colour to her high-neck knit with a snakeskin style, spliced with orange stripes and complemented with a pair of chunky gold hoops. But the true beauty of this piece lies in its versatility – wear yours with everything from striped tees to shirt dresses.

 

3. In Your Hair

Scarves are a simple way to elevate the classic ponytail or bun, as well as adding a certain je ne sais quoi to your outfit. The trick? Twist yours around your hairband, leaving both ends loose down your back or over your shoulders – street style status, achieved.

 

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Empowering Women: Alex Pawlowska from Looking for Heroes

Introducing Empowering Women; our new series exploring positivity, self-love and individuality with some of the most inspiring women on our radar. First up, we speak to Alex Pawlowska, poet, storyteller and founder of Looking for Heroes, as she talks us through her past, present and future aspirations in our exclusive Q&A.  2019, we’re ready for you.

 

Tell us more about Looking for Heroes…

Looking for Heroes is a project dedicated to sharing empowering stories of everyday people. Everybody has something to share, something to teach and I love searching for people who dedicate their time to making the world a better place. I started the project when I needed more positivity and inspiration. I was struggling with depression and wasn’t willing to wait any longer for my dream of writing about people to come true. I picked up a camera and I started sharing stories that were important to me. I shared the light and strength that I saw in others as I was fighting my own internal battle.

The message behind the project is that we are all powerful, that we all matter and that even small actions can have a big impact. We should never give up on ourselves, our dreams and our vision of a better world. We should be our own heroes.

 

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from within. I allow myself to slow down, I take a deep breath, and let my mind run wild. I give myself time to connect to who I am here to be. When I open my eyes, I often find that the answers to my questions were right there all along.

 

 

What are your goals for 2019?

This is the year for self-development. I want to love myself more. I want to show up fully with everything I have to say and share. I want to believe that I deserve everything I dream of, and that good things are coming.

 

How do you overcome negativity within yourself or from other people?

I give myself permission to feel whatever is coming up for me. I call it by its name and give it space to breath. If it’s anger, then I let it out. If it’s sadness, I make room to cry. If it’s other people’s energy, I imagine an invisible shield that is made of bright light and that doesn’t let any negativity come through. I also meditate or journal. I constantly work on myself and I always remind myself that I set the boundaries, that I have the power and that I am in charge of my own experience on earth.

 

Tell us about the pieces you’ve chosen…

I’ve chosen pieces that contain crystals and the moon symbol. The latter is especially important to me because I refer to myself as a Daughter of the Sun and the Moon in my poetry. Its influential power is associated with femininity, the energy of emotions and feelings. I’ve also chosen:

Moonstone

This symbolises the moon and female energy and is also a crystal for protection and balance when diving into the unknown.

Labradorite

A stone of self-discovery, intuition, grounding and transformation. This stone will help with getting in touch with yourself, connecting with your truth, with tuning in and discovering the song of your soul.

Aqua quartz

 A stone of communication and healing. It will help you speak your truth and to express yourself in a way that is aligned and loving.

Pearl

This represents wisdom and life experiences. It is a stone with a calming effect that will help with everyday protection and self-love.

 

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How to Wear Stacking Bracelets

Stacking bracelets: the unexpected jewellery trend that’s gaining momentum for 2019. Far removed from the mishmash of pieces that we wore during our younger years, the new-season way to wear bracelets feels a little more curated, with key colourways, textures and shapes all being taken into account. Ready to layer on the luxe? Here’s how to wear stacking bracelets for a wrist that’s worthy of an Instagram close-up.

 

 

 

Go Green

 

Green is seeing a surge as we settle into 2019, with the spectrum spanning from dark, ethereal emeralds to refreshingly cool mints. Mix and match them together with stacking bracelets that convey an air of curated eclecticism, opting for beaded pieces with stand-out tassels and pom-poms.

 

Down to Earth

 

Rust orange, chestnut brown and clean neutrals: chances are, you’re familiar with fashion’s current obsession with earthy colour palettes by now. Delivering a dose of polish to any considered outfit choice, sepia styling can be embraced in the subtlest of ways – stacking bracelets included. Experiment with discs and beads in varying sizes and shapes, marrying them together with the colours that set a modern mood.

 

In the Pink

 

From barely-there pinks to vibrant fuchsias, pink is starting to come into play as we venture towards spring. Crafted with faceted glass beads, discs and tassels in tonal colours, this set of stack and style bracelets is the easiest way to embrace the pretty palette ahead of the season, with each piece signifying a sense of femininity and optimism.

 

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Style It Your Way: Introducing New Season at Accessorize

New season, no rules. Style it your way with the latest arrivals from our SS19 collection, packed with pieces that combine key runway trends with a sense of optimism, joy and individuality. From ‘it’ bags with updated silhouettes to the jewels that were made to be mixed, matched and loved, here’s your exclusive first look at the brand new range, available online and in store.

Ahead of the Curve

 

Highlighted as one of the key bag shape for 2019, saddle-like styles are the ones to watch this season. Nodding to nostalgia, these cross-body creations have been revived by iconic designers and championed by the street style set on Instagram, cementing their fashion status for the year ahead. Bring the trend into your new-season rotation with a black or mustard yellow iteration, finished with stud details for an edgier feel – we like how it goes with everything, from prints to bold colours and neutral palettes.

 

Set the Tone

 

Stylish and spacious in equal measure, oversized bags are set to be huge again for 2019 – and this time, they’re going big on colour.  While classic black and tan still retain their relevance, berry shades are now lasting far into the new season, shaking off their autumnal reputation. Wear them your way with prints, mixed metals, and stack and style bracelets in colour palettes that complement and clash.

 

Play with Pattern

 

The easiest way to switch up your look this season? Invest in the statement-makers. From sleek snakeskin to patchwork appliqués with seventies’ appeal, bold bags will instantly make your outfit feel more elevated – no overthinking required. For something that’ll take you from work to weekend as well as day to night, put your trust in versatile cross-body designs with prints and patterns that are guaranteed to demand a second look.

 

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3 Key Cold-Weather Trends for 2019

Before we set our sights on spring, cold-weather dressing continues to remain a style priority – but that needn’t leave you feeling disheartened. Bursts of colour, graphic prints and cosy textures are to be found across a whole host of fashion-forward favourites, boosting your wardrobe – and your mood – on those crisp winter mornings. Ready to get all wrapped up? Here are three key cold-weather trends for 2019…

 

1. Statement Scarves

 

It’s time to give all-black everything a break. From abstract florals and monochromatic motifs, to colour-block spots and stripes, this season’s scarves are here to add colour and print to our cold-weather wardrobes. Find them on soft, sumptuous fabrications as the big freeze approaches and, as the weather warms up, lightweight woven designs are the perfect pieces to bridge the gap between winter and the start of spring.

 

2. Berets

 

How to achieve instant cold-weather cool? Think Parisian. Whether it’s made from pure wool or plush faux fur, berets are the it-accessory that can always be relied upon to deliver an easy dose of timeless style and comfort. Best worn with loose hair or a side plait or ponytail, these French-girl classics come in statement scarlet, mustard yellow and wear-with-anything black.

 

3. Baker Boy Hats

 

Having trickled onto our Instagram feeds several seasons ago, baker boy hats have since cemented themselves as a street style mainstay. And while black is the go-to colour for the coveted accessory, new iterations are also gaining prominence – think leopard print, pastel shades and cool cord fabrications.

 

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Style It Your Way: Yatri Pabari Wears Snakeskin

Introducing our new fashion series, Style It Your Way. For the next few weeks of 2019, we’ll be exploring the key runway trends of next season with some of our favourite influencers and showing you how to incorporate must-have style treasures into your new-year repertoire – without having to splash out on whole new outfit. First up, fashion blogger Yatri Pabari shows us how she’s wearing the latest animal print to love: snakeskin…

On the Runway: Snakeskin

Michael Kors, SS19 | House of Holland, SS19 |Marta Jakubowski, SS19

Hot on the heels of the leopard print trend that had us all obsessed, snakeskin is the natural next step in fashion’s obsession with all things wild. Over on the runways, we witnessed the print combine with graphic florals at Michael Kors, while flashes of unexpected colour were seen at House of Holland, offering a cool, contemporary take of the trend of now. Something a little more classic came in the form of the belted snakeskin coat at Marta Jakubowski, proving that timeless iterations of the print still have plenty of style relevance.

 

Styled by Yatri

 

Talk us through the trends you’re wearing…

I can’t stop wearing snakeskin right now. Whether it’s a bag or a scarf, the print can instantly jazz up an outfit without it being too much. It’s a great way to add that extra detail to a look.

 

 

What are your favourite pieces from the shoot and why?

I loved every piece! I absolutely love the resin hair clips and earrings – they’re an easy way to update any outfit and complement the snakeskin print to perfection.

 

 

Which SS19 trends are you most excited about?

I’m looking forward to embracing the minimalism trend a little more next season, as well as Western-inspired styling with boots and pleated dresses. I like to mix up different trends to suit my personal style so it will be exciting to experiment with fashion’s new offerings in SS19.

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Design Stories: The Nomad Landscape Print

From sun-soaked Kenyan safaris and the secluded beaches of Bali, to the all-American spirit of Route 66, Nomad Landscape is inspired by the travels of our talented design team. Created in our in-house London studio, exclusively for Accessorize, join us as we find out more about the origins of the print, and see it depicted on one of this season’s key accessories.

About the Print

 

“Nomad Landscape is inspired by the travels of both myself and the other girls on the print team. First, we collated photos from some of our favourite faraway destinations, before I edited them to create a dream-like effect and finished it with hand-painted details. The soft colouring of the sunset, along with the cacti and leaf prints, are particularly key.” – Lucia, Print and Colour Design Manager.

 

The Nomad Landscape Scarf

 

Snapshots of Bali, Kenya and the iconic Route 66, stretching from Chicago to California, come together on our exclusively-designed scarf, crafted from a light, woven fabric for all-season style. Muted shades of pink and orange evoke a soft, ethereal feel, grounded by the luscious green tones of the surrounding foliage on the wanderlust-worthy scene. Let the print take focus with a blank canvas of colour or create something a little more eclectic with clashing textures and patterns.

 

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