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Rain rain go away. The weather lately has been less then stellar, and with this season's clothing trends on lockdown, it's time to liven up these dreary April days with some vibrant spring accessories. Amplified accoutrements were staples on spring runways, and this season when it comes to accessories the bigger and brighter the better.
The most popular accessory trend for spring 2009 is the bib necklace. The bib necklace became a red carpet statement piece this awards season, with actresses like Amy Adams donning thick jewel-encrusted versions to the Oscars. Adams' accessory choice saved her bland red Oscar ensemble from blending right into the red carpet. The bib necklace this season comes in a variety of shapes and colors, from gold and silver, favorites of model Molly Sims, to glitzy and jeweled versions a la annoying but stylish socialite Olivia Palermo. Bib necklaces are plastered in style sections courtesy of countless famous fashionistas and will add an extra pop of color and texture to any outfit. Bib necklaces are a smart investment piece because they look great paired with everything from mini dresses and tuxedo jackets to basic jeans and tees. It all depends on what type of look you like to go for.
I've discovered a gorgeous and surprisingly cheap bib necklace on BananaRepublic.com that only costs $69. It's called the Glam Bib Necklace and its smoky grey-colored gems ensure you can match it with any outfit under the sun. The next popular accessory trend this season is fringe. This fall we saw fringe embellished shoes and bags galore, and this bohemian look is back and stronger than ever for spring. Leather-fringed sandals in black and chestnut brown are being sold by the dozen at popular stores like Urban Outfitters, and oversized suede-fringed satchels were seen adding a breezy edge to several outfits on spring runways.
English designer Alexander McQueen followed the fringe trend, and while his spring accessories were a collaboration of diverse inspirations and themes, the most memorable piece in his collection was his heavily fringed Wish hobo, the perfect purse to try and replicate this season.
The Wish hobo has an ideal balance of woven and fringed texture, and its cognac color guarantees it matches with everything. The bag I've found that comes closest to the look and feel of McQueen's is the Suede Fringe Hobo in rust available on UrbanOutfitters.com. This item is currently on sale for $59 from an original $78.
We've covered necklaces and bags so it's now time to move on to the most coveted accessory of all: shoes. We saw a few major shoe trends this season, including pumps with heels sculpted into diverse figures and forms, but the standout shoe trend for spring is the studded ankle boot. Ankle boots are being swiped out of winter stockpiles by stylists and are breaking through into new territory. Studded ankle boots have been seen adding a tough edge to frilly feminine dresses, metallic minis and baggy shorts for spring.
Look for an ankle boot with mild studded detailing, for example a pair that only has embellishment on the heel. Steve Madden fashioned a fabulous pair that I own called the Clubbin Bootie available on Nordstrom.com for $149.95. Don't let the unfortunate name fool you; this shoe is everything I've been looking for as far as comfort and versatility, and it blends well with whatever I decide to wear.
It may seem cliché, but another major trend for spring 2009 are floral accessories. I mentioned a few weeks back that floral patterns are moving well beyond clothing, and this season flowers are being seen on totes, stilettos, scarves, sandals, hats, headbands and even jewelry. It's difficult to mix and match floral patterns without looking overdone, so stick to wearing one floral piece that makes a statement at a time.
Forever21 is selling an adorable silk headband with a chiffon flower attached that looks sophisticated and comes in an array of soft colors. The headband costs $4.80 and is the perfect way to ease your way into the floral trend if you want to follow it but remain understated. In general Forever21 is selling floral accessories and attire by the dozen, so they're a fabulous place to shop this trend as long as you don't mind searching for a while.
As a final note, I've come across a collection of umbrellas that are both functional and fashionable. They're featured as a must-have item for spring on Vogue's home website, and they're called Rain Parade Mini Umbrellas available on FredFlare.com for $32 each. Designed to look like people wearing rain boots and rain jackets this accessory is almost too cute for anyone who loves fashion to pass up. They're the perfect little something to help you survive the pending April showers.
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