Essential Accessories: Part II

Continuing from last week’s Essential Accessories post, this week the focus turns to the other accessories that make an outfit. While i’m all about the jewels, these other components add just as much personality to a look, while also serving a purpose. I frequently hover between being a bag and shoe lady (I have extreme fetishes for both, depending on my mood and how well i’ve topped up my collections of each), but if i’m entirely honest, am partial to any form of accessory really…

OTHER ACCOUTREMENTS

Bags – While I’ve already mentioned bags as wardrobe essential, they’re something you can build upon once you’ve got the basics. A classic black bag will never go out of style, but for me, it’s one of the easiest ways to change my look. I am devoted to my quilted chain bags by Chanel and Marc Jacobs, but also love a small vintage clutch for evening, a worn-in satchel or oversized clutch worn during the day for casual-chic, and a slouchy or structured leather bag that will fit my whole life in it.

Shoes – Like bags, once you’ve got the basics sorted, these can be treated as fun accessories and are surely woman’s favourite thing to buy. Why not add some ridiculously cute heels with bows, mannish brogues in a bright suede, platform booties, or embellished Miu Miu flats to your life?

Scarves – I rely on these year round. In winter (when I frequently refuse to wear sensibly warm clothes), it’s a dependence on giant Louis Vuitton cashmere leopard print scarves, in the trans-seasonal months it’s a tendency to reach for light vintage printed silk scarves and faded floral fabrics. I also love big fur, feathered, lace or ruffled collars that you can layer over anything.

Belts – Given my predilection to constantly buy floaty tops and dresses, some form of belt is necessary to avoid me looking pregnant. These can anchor whispy, floaty tops (I like the contrast of a breezy white blouse worn with a solid leather belt), give structure to more tailored dresses, add or emphasise curves, or just break up a solid colour and pull a look together. Good buys are wide black patent belts, Chanel-style chain belts, skinny leather styles which can be worn double with floaty summer tops, or ribbon sashes when feeling feminine.

Hats and hair accessories – While I generally do as little as possible with my hair, I do like a little ornamentation or two to a) counteract the messy bed-head state it usually finds itself in, or b) keep it in check on those days when the weather wreaks havoc on tresses. I like turban-style headbands, strechy bands (worn around the crown so it sit on my fringe), feathered Alice bands, bow clips from Mimco, straw fedoras, slouchy beanies or French berets.

Useful things – Though statement necklaces and chic clutches are all very well, one must always be sure to make room for the accessories that actually serve a purpose. On a summer day, it’s sunglasses and a bottle of water, in winter a huge frilled umbrella and butter-soft leather gloves. For train journeys I’m always equipped with a good book or my laptop, and for exploring, a camera and Smythson notepad for sketching lovely finds and jotting down notes and ideas that inspire me.

What are your essential accessories?

Love, Miss B xx

* Images (Chloe bags and Nicholas Kirkwood heels) from Jak & Jil