Funny that a pair of really nice shoes make us feel good in our heads – at the extreme opposite end of our bodies. ~Levende Waters
Accessories. The very word makes me smile. If I can’t always buy a new outfit, I can at least make an outfit feel new by adding new bling or a new pair of shoes (or at least a new pair of flipflops!).
Guest blogger SOPHIE BANAT shares great ideas and the latest trends in summer accessories. What are your favorites, girlfriend?
One of the biggest accessory trends for summer 2012 is set to be the use of transparent materials, whether perspex, acrylic, or vinyl. These adaptable materials are being used for everything from bags and bangles to shoes and sunglasses.
You would be forgiven for thinking that it would be impossible to have shoes made out of perspex, however this has become one of the hottest trends for summer 2012. This versatile material can be seen either in the form of a see-through heel, or as part of the main body of the shoe. Some designers have even used transparent materials to make the whole shoe. Clear shoes have the advantage of being able to match with virtually any outfit. You can also coordinate your shoes with your outfit by choosing a pair that is made from a colored perspex.
The best way to wear this trend for summer 2012 is in the form of chunky bangles. These are available in a clear material or a variety of colors to ensure that they coordinate perfectly with any outfit. There are also a lot of statement rings and necklaces available in perspex or acrylic, which incorporate colored jewels or other adornments to ensure that you have a piece of jewelry that everyone will be talking about.
Thus, even if the idea of wearing plastic jewelry brings back memories of being a child, it is still possible to wear this trend without having to embrace it wholeheartedly. There is also a diversity of silver jewelry that mixes this metal with acrylic, providing something that feels timeless while still embracing the latest trend.
Choosing to use a bag made out of a clear material will not be for everyone and is definitely not a trend to follow if you have a tendency to carry lots of things around with you and you are unable to ensure that your bag is ultra organized. Using a clear clutch bag for evenings is probably the best way to wear this trend as it will mean you need far less in it than you might have during the day. This will also coordinate well with any outfit.
Sunglasses and other accessories
The use of clear frames for sunglasses has been around for a number of years and if you decide to wear your clear framed sunglasses this summer you will be right on trend. As with everything else, the use of clear material means that they will match any outfit. Some designers have incorporated transparent materials into belts that can be worn in the evening with summer dresses if you want to make a statement. There has also been an increase in the use of these materials for watches, with lots of big-name brands incorporating at least one watch into their range that is made from acrylic material.
Wearing perspex or other transparent materials will not be for everyone and you will probably not want to wear more than one piece with any outfit; however, it does go with virtually anything and is a timeless material that will appear again and again.
SOPHIE BANAT, graduate in Psychology, fascinated by all things girly, (including silver jewelry), twee, and knitted! Tweets by the name @Scramboodle
What is your favorite accessory for summer, girlfriend?
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