Design Stories: The Goa Sunset Beach Bag Collection

Here at Accessorize, we create some of our most special pieces by drawing design inspiration from the key colours, embellishments and craft techniques of faraway places – and our new Goa Sunset beach bag collection is perfect proof of what we do best. Join us as we meet one of the talented designers behind the range, and find out how it’s been brought to life by our wonderful artisans.

The Inspiration

“We’re forever exploring new techniques for our beach bag range. In beautiful earthy and spice tones with a flash of metallic, we have designed gorgeous bags with details like wrapped handles, artisanal macramé and embroidery. Materials like raffia, wood and resin have been used throughout. Hand embroidery and weave techniques also give the collection our true and distinct signature handwriting.” – Jasmine Broughton, Assistant Jewellery and Embellishment Designer.

Versatile enough for both the beach and the city streets, the artful pieces from the Goa Sunset range comprises woven totes, handheld designs and cross-body classics in new and unexpected colour combinations, from warm pinks and sunset oranges to sun-catching golds. Tassels and top-handles make up some of the key talking points of the curated collection, lending it a truly unique touch.

 

 

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4 Beach Cover-Ups to Take You from Day to Night

It’s summer somewhere – and we’re more than ready to feel the sand on our toes and the sun on our skin. Whether you’re flying off somewhere far-flung, or looking forward to a staycation closer to home, we’ve got the best beach cover-ups to take you from day to night. Here are our top picks.

 

1. The Embroidered Playsuit

 

When it comes to finding that perfect beach cover-up, nothing beats a playsuit. Our long-sleeved embroidered playsuit is designed with playful pom-pom trims and boho tassels which tie up at the front. Vibrant pinks and cool greens make the pretty floral embroidery pop, while the lightweight material adds to its breezy finish. For warm summer days that turn into starlit nights, team yours with the Jenna macramé circle bag, the Moscow suede asymmetric sliders and the slinky shell earrings.

2. The Chambray Dress

 

Made for the beach, bar and everything in between, our chambray embroidered trapeze dress has a cool blue hue that’s perfect for summer. Throw it on over your bikini and a pair of flip-flops for a go-to beach ensemble, whether you’re dancing till dawn at a full moon party or just kicking back by the water. When it comes to the accessories, add a splash of coral with our Brooke pleated clutch bag, beaded wrap hoop earrings and the Ellen espadrille sliders.

 

3. The Maxi Dress

 

Made for breezy beach days and dreamy holiday nights, our white maxi dress is the latest holiday must-have. Crafted from the finest cotton, this sand-grazing has delicate lace details and a lightweight design that will keep you cool when the weather heats up. Accessorise with the skinny leopard-print scarf (perfect for keeping your hair up on sticky summer days), bringing a burst of brightness with the satin knot bag and the Lisbon suede sliders, both in coral.

4. The Kaftan

 

For a versatile addition to your suitcase selection, layer the Lottie lace-back kaftan over all your bikinis and swimsuits this summer.  Made from soft, breathable cotton, this piece is lightweight enough to throw on somewhere tropical but will help keep the sun off your skin if you need a break from soaking up those rays. As the sun goes down, style with a layered necklace in luxe gold, before keeping it natural with the leopard-print sandals and the Naomi wooden handheld bag for a laidback holiday feel.

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Design Stories: The Jasmine Clutch Bag

Join us as we inside our design studio in Notting Hill, London, and explore the inspiration behind one of our most showstopping accessories of summer event season: the hand-embellished Jasmine clutch bag.

The Inspiration

 

“I wanted to incorporate the colours of the season to create a pretty and fresh embellishment that could be worn from day to night. I used a mix of beading and sequins to create a dual texture effect – designers such as Valentino and Peter Pilotto inspired the floral patterns and colours used.  As the baguette shoulder shape was so key for the season, it felt like a new modern approach for embellishment.” – Jasmine Broughton, Assistant Jewellery and Embellishment Designer.

 

Embellished by hand, our Jasmine clutch bag features glamorous floral decoration in the form of glistening beads and sequins in red, pink, aqua blue and gold. Perfect for summer event season, this occasion-ready style features a magnet fastening, inner zip pocket and chain strap.

 

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How to Choose the Perfect Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

A good pair of sunglasses is the ultimate accessory for sunny days – whether you’re whiling away the weekends at home or jetting off somewhere far-flung. Finding the perfect pair of shades is all about choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape, and with our super-easy guide we’ve got you covered.

Illustrations by Emily Bunch (@emilybunchillustration).

Oval

Face shape features:

Oval faces are longer than they are wide, with the brow, cheekbones and jawline being pretty much equal in width.

Which  sunglasses suit my face?

When it comes to oval faces, anything goes! This summer,why not try a pair of chunky sunglasses? The Riley wrap sunglasses are a super-stylish, wear-with-anything accessory to see you through the summer – without swamping your features.

Famous faces:

Kate Middleton, Beyoncé and Jessica Alba.

Heart

Face shape features:

Heart-shaped faces are usually narrower at the chin and wider at the temples. Chins are pointed, and cheekbones taper at the jawline.

Which sunglasses suit my face?

Aviators are the perfect shape for heart faces, as they’re narrower on the bottom and wider at the top. The Chantal classic aviator sunglasses add a touch of rockstar glamour to any look – perfect for festivals.

Famous faces:

Kourtney Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry.

Square

Face shape features:

Square-shaped faces are usually defined by a wide brow and jawline, which are similar in width, plus a square or flat chin.

Which sunglasses suit my face?

Cat-eye shapes are perfect for softening the features of a square-shaped face – try the Chrissy sunglasses with its on-trend oversized design and an effortlessly cool tortoiseshell finish.

Famous faces:

Rihanna, Leighton Meester and Olivia Wilde.

Round

Face shape features:

If you have a round-shaped face, the height and width will be around the same. Features are soft and cheekbones are usually the widest point.

Which sunglasses suit my face?

Square frames help to add some definition to round-shaped faces, so opt for some oversized square or rectangle sunglasses to really accentuate those cheekbones. The diamante square sunglasses maximise your style impact, while adding some angles.

Famous faces:

Emma Stone, Mila Kunis and Kirsten Dunst.

Oblong

Face shape features:

Oblong-shaped faces are generally longer than they are wide, with a narrow width. Cheekbones and sides are usually straight, and chins can be pointed.

Which sunglasses suit my face?

Round frames complement oblong faces, so choose a vintage-inspired pair to incorporate one of this season’s key trends into your accessory edit. We love the Phoebe Preppy Sunglasses for easy summer style.

Famous faces:

Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Liv Tyler.

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3 Bag Trends for Festival Season

As we gear up for festival season, we’re planning our main stage-ready outfits in meticulous detail – and bags are next on our list. Be it a belted style or a cross-body classic, hands-free is the only way to go as we soak up the sounds of summer – here are three of the biggest bag trends to watch.

1. Bum Bags

 

Bum bags = the accessory that was made for festival season. From luxe leather styles to neon numbers that are straight out of the nineties, these belted designs are fashion’s favourite way to keep field-day essentials to hand. Wear them high on your waist or across the shoulder for carefree cool.

2. Cross-Body

*Bag (left) coming soon

Want something you know you’ll wear all season? Make it a cross-body bag. Perfect for your next festival as well as your everyday wardrobe, our hands-free favourites of SS19 come in every iteration that you can imagine, with pale pastels and bold brights thrown into the mix.

3. Neon

 

Blending into the background? Not an option for neon. Highlighter orange is one of the headlining hues of festival season, seen across retro bum bags and cool cross-body designs alike. Style yours against a blank canvas or go all-out with clashing colours, sequins and prints.

 

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5 Headbands That We’re Obsessed With

Headbands have been reborn. Once associated with royalty, these ultra-chic hair accessories have had a strong presence on the recent runways (Prada, Miu Miu and Dior – we’re looking at you), with padded, embellished and sparkly styles all making the high-fashion cut. Since then, they’ve won over celebrities and street stylers alike, joining pearl-encrusted hair clips, slogan slides and printed scarves to become the latest trend taking over Instagram. Ready to get acquainted? Here are five headbands that we’re obsessed with right now.

 

Headbands: As Seen On

 

The celebrity seal of approval has been delivered. Headbands have been seen on the likes of celebrity stylist Marina Didovich who created a top-to-toe tonal look with her padded piece in soft lilac, as well as Pippa Middleton – we like how she’s proven the accessory’s royal relevance with a bold beauty in cornflower blue.

 

1. Blush Hour

 

Padded headbands have returned to the fashion forefront. A favourite of the style crowd, these puffed-up pieces feel decidedly regal, whether worn with distressed denim or a girlish gown. For something that refuses to blend into the background, go for romantic rose pink – wear yours with soft waves or a low pony.

 

2. Fade to Black

 

Prefer to keep it classic? Offering an easy into the headband trend, this plush pick is designed in classic black for low-low versatility, and can be worn day or night for an outfit-elevating effect.  Modernise it with a monochrome outfit or draw attention to its nostalgic disposition with polka dots or gingham prints.

 

3. Knot Today

 

Creating the illusion of a silky scarf, knotted designs are also a prominent part of the headband trend. Vintage styling comes into play with these pretty pieces, crafted in a subtly sparkly fabrication with plisse pleats for a modern twist. Keep it classically cool with an all-black number or opt for something softer with a rose-toned treasure.

 

4. Pearl Adorned

 

A new alternative to the pearl-encrusted slides that we know and love, embellished headbands are having a well-deserved moment in SS19. From black to barely-there blush, pearl-adorned picks are the ones we’re wearing to every summer diary date, from weekend brunches to sun-soaked weddings.

 

5. Make the Braid

 

Milkmaid styling is officially a thing this season, with square necklines, shirred details and puff sleeves making up the main talking points of the trend. Lucky for us, this ultra-feminine aesthetic has also translated onto hair accessories, as seen on our black plaited headband – the cool girl’s way to emulate the milkmaid braid.

 

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Instagram Accessorize Hair Accessory Haul Competition
Enter this competition for the chance to win £150 voucher from accessorize.
  1. Promoter: Monsoon Accessorize Limited, 1 Nicholas Road, London W11 4AN (“Monsoon”). Registered no. 1098034.
  2. Entry opens at 10am BST on 24th March 2019 and closes at 10am on Monday 5th August 2019.
  3. To enter, audience must do the following: Follow Accessorize on Instagram, comment on the designated Instagram entry post by tagging a friend and also like the post.
  4. A winner will be selected at random from all valid entries. The result of the draw shall be final.
  5. Only one entry per person is permitted.
  6. Entrants must be 16 or over, resident in the UK and have a valid email address, UK postal address and UK telephone number.
  7. Accessorize shall be entitled in its sole discretion to remove the tag, report, disqualify or require you to modify or delete content that it deems obscene, offensive, derogatory, invasive of another’s privacy, in breach of confidence or in breach of any other intellectual property right (including copyright) or that otherwise violates any applicable law or regulation.
  8. Winners will be notified via Instagram by Monday 5th August 2019 at 12pm. In the event that the winner fails to respond by midnight on 7th August 2019, they will be disqualified from the draw. The Entry shall be void and the Promoter reserves the right to award the Prize to an alternate winner, drawn at random from the remaining entries.
  9. The prize is £100 worth of Accessorize hair accessories – rewarded as a £150 voucher, which will be sent to the winner by post.
  10. If the prize is lost it will not be replaced.
  11. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for the Prize being lost, damaged or delayed in the post.
  12. For all queries relating to the competition please contact doludare@monsoon.co.uk.
  13. Prize is not refundable or transferable, and there is no cash alternative available.
  14. English law applies and the English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any proceedings in connection with this competition.
  15. Employees (and their immediate family members) of Monsoon Accessorize Limited or its associated companies are not eligible to enter the draw.
  16. Monsoon reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage in the event of circumstances arising beyond its reasonable control.
  17. English law applies and the English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any proceedings in connection with this competition.
  18. A ‘valid entry’ for the purposes of term 8 is an entry in compliance with the terms and conditions set out above.
  19. Entry into the prize draw will be deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Design Stories: Straw Hats

The sun’s got his hat on – and here at Accessorize, we’re ready to follow suit. In our latest Design Stories, we spoke to Minna Holland, Senior Designer, about the inspiration behind our summer straw hats, crafted with care from natural textures and eclectically embellished for that signature touch. Here’s what we found out…

The Inspiration

 

“The inspiration came from the bounty of embellishments, trims and components that our team collection on their travels. We have been loving the explosion in interest in arts and crafts at the moment, and the way this has been reflected in recent catwalk shows. We wanted to incorporate this rich mix of colour and texture into our range of SS19 hats.”

“The key conversations of SS19 are all around escapism, travel and adventure. We tried to reflect this mood with the wonderful patterns, fringed-edge raffia trims and pom-poms that we chose – perfect for injecting a dose of bohemian glamour into your wardrobe.”

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4 Covetable Accessory Trends for Event Season

You’ve got the dress, we’ve got the accessories. Whether it’s a wedding, race day or a special celebration for Ramadan or Eid, here’s how to elevate every look with the four covetable accessory trends of event season.

1. Pearls

 

Pearl-adorned pieces have moved from the classic to the contemporary in SS19, shaking off their conservative reputation for something that feels fresher, cooler and considerably Instagram-worthy. From hair accessories to earrings, you won’t have to look far to find pearls in every iteration this season, with bead-adorned designs combining with unexpected textures, metals and shapes as part of their modern revival. The good news is that there are no set rules to wear pearl accessories – express yourself with one statement piece or mix a few pieces for a curated take on maximalism.

 

2. Top-Handle Bags

 

A covetable alternative to the classic clutch, the top-handle bag has wooed the fashion crowd this season. Elevating every outfit with minimum effort, these vintage-inspired styles have been down-sized for invite-only events, with resin chains and metallic handles cementing their relevance for SS19. Wear them in a whole new way with rose-toned designs in soft suedette – we like how these pieces make the trend feel instantly fashion-forward rather than formal or demure.

 

3. Diamantés

 

If you haven’t contemplated wearing diamantés since your last school disco, now is the time to reconsider the throwback accessory trend of SS19. Small-scale sparkles are everywhere to be seen for event season, with bejewelled hair clips and dazzling drop earrings making up the sought-after styles that were made to be mixed and matched. Want to go all-out? Tie your summer party look together with an iridescent sequin pouch, delicately detailed with metallic silver beads and a sleek ring handle.

4. Hard-Case Clutches

 

Hard-case clutch bags are playing a significant role in our summer wardrobes, contrasting against the long, fluid hemlines that usually dominate the event-season dress code. Interpret the trend in a modern way with lustrous mother-of-pearl textures and slimline silhouettes or hail heirloom styling with vintage jacquard fabrications and gold-tone metal trims on structured boxy shapes.

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Design Stories: The Coral Reef Clutch

Dive in – our latest edition of Design Stories shines a light on one of the most special pieces from our SS19 collection: the coral reef clutch. From first sketches to the final product, here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the hand-embellished design was brought to life…

 

The Inspiration

 

“I wanted to create an explosion of colour and embellishment,” explains Jasmine, Assistant Jewellery and Embellishment Designer at Accessorize. “I was inspired by my trip to India and the colours, textures and craftmanship that I saw there. I spent some time delving through threads, sequins and beads to build up texture and create something truly unique.”

After being designed in our London studio, each clutch bag was then hand-embellished with scores of beads in beautifully bold, vibrant hues in an artful depiction of our oceans’ colourful coral reefs. By using a mix of shapes and textures, our talented craftspeople were able to add tactile interest to each piece which has been finished with a sleek satin lining and woven jute on the back.

 

The Monsoon Accessorize Product Supply Chain

Here at Accessorize, we take responsibility for our product supply chain. We have a team in India and in China who personally visit our suppliers where our products are made. As part of that visit, they speak directly with workers to check that they are being treated and paid fairly.

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Home or Away: How to Wear Tropical Brights

Synonymous with summertime, tropical brights aren’t exactly a surprise entry to your sunshine line-up. The trick to making them feel this-season? Opt for palm-heavy floral prints and clean stripes, and weave in the natural textures of the moment for an undeniably boho finish. Here’s how we’ll be styling the look for every phase of the summer, from weekends in the park to wanderlust holidays by the pool.

 

 

Tropical Brights: At Home

 

The weather isn’t guaranteed at home, but that summer feeling will be. Make your bold knitwear work for a sunny-yet-mild forecast with a pair of fail-safe denim shorts and a switch to brighter accessories. Our stacked bracelet sets bring a hint of tropical chic to every day, and straw-textured bags with statement tassels will put you in a boho state of mind for the whole season.

 

Tropical Brights: On Holiday

 

Soaked in holiday sun, our latest tropical prints thrive in your beach-ready looks. Make the leisurely move from sandy strolls to sunset cocktails in a flowing maxi dress, complete with a chic, open back to show off your glow. For your double dose of the tropics, tie the look together with a trending headband. This beaded style guarantees to glint under the golden rays.

 

 

Florals not your thing? Lean into the linear prints of now with rainbow stripes instead. A chic waist-tie swimsuit is your all-out injection of colour for a day at the lido, and a woven bag is the perfect striped sidekick for whatever your itinerary has in store. Complete the look with XL sunglasses and you’re all set.

 

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3 Summer Shoes You Need in Your Wardrobe

Sandal season is here – but that doesn’t mean our fashion choices should be solely limited to strappy styles and flip-flops. Here, we take a closer look at the key footwear favourites that have landed in our new-in arrivals, proving that there are plenty of ways to dress from the feet up. Meet the three summer shoes you need in your wardrobe now.

 

1. The Pointed Flats

 

Flats are back. In SS19, pointed pairs are the ones to wear with skinny jeans and wide-leg denim – they have all the polish of heels but don’t comprising on comfort. As the weather heats up, take a break from black and opt for polka-dot prints and feel-good shades of sunshine yellow or for something a little more elevated, try slip-on styles in statement-making red.

 

2. The Mules

 

Mules have been a key part of our style line-up for several seasons now, but this summer’s iterations are allowing them to feel much more weather-appropriate. Luxe leather designs are replaced with lighter woven pairs in monochrome colours, with lattice detailing adding to their breathability and comfort. Wear yours with everything from denim to structured silhouettes.

3. The Sliders

 

Sliders make any and (all) summer looks seem effortlessly cool and the good news is that SS19’s offering is varied as they come. Soft suede and leather styles in plain colours, animal prints and 3D embellishments are yours for the taking this season, while sequinned designs in rainbow shades are the pairs to pack on your next getaway.

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The Monsoon Accessorize Trust: Magic Bus

Magic Bus works with children and young people living in poverty across 22 states of India to ensure they complete secondary education, and develop the skills required to transition successfully into the world of work. They’re one of the key charities that the Monsoon Accessorize Trust have partnered with as we strive for a bigger, better future for some of the most deprived children in Asia.

The Project

For the last 20 years, the Magic Bus has been helping thousands of children and young people in India’s poorest communities break out of poverty with an award-winning activity-based curriculum, otherwise known as their ‘Childhood to Livelihood’ programme.

In July 2017, the Monsoon Accessorize Trust began a three-year partnership with the Magic Bus. Our funding aims to reach 2,000 children in the Khoda, Trilokpuri and Ashok Nagar communities in East Delhi, providing them with the space, opportunity and equipment to play, learn and be actively supported to attend school. The children are exposed to a curriculum specifically designed to develop personal and social skills (such as team work, leadership and confidence) and prepare young people from marginalised communities for employment.

 

Khushi’s Story

Twelve-year-old Khushi and her younger sister Palak have been living with their grandparents in Trilokpuri, Delhi, following the death of their mother. Their grandmother, who works as a housemaid, was unable to pay the tuition fees required to send them to school, meaning neither child had any access to education. When the Magic Bus arrived in the local community, the girls’ grandmother decided to send them there for remedial classes. “We are very happy to send our girls to the Magic Bus,” she told us. “Khushi never spoke at home but she does now and regularly studies too. School fees in our area are very high and we cannot afford it with the kind of jobs that we have. The free classes at the Magic Bus help so many children and give them better futures. I will always be thankful to them.”

Khushi’s education started from scratch at the Magic Bus where she was taught basic literacy and numeracy. At first, she was shy and didn’t ask any questions but slowly started to gain more confidence. Six months later, she’s ready to enrol in mainstream schooling.

 

 

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