In/Out Report: Spring Accessories

By Suzanne Singer
March 1, 2010

As we begin to contemplate transitioning our closets from winter to spring, we look back on last year's warm-weather wardrobe and wonder what should stay and what should go (to make room for more, of naturally). To get ourselves on the right track, we asked seven fashion insiders to fill us in on what to reach for and what to retire. Read on for our first in a new feature on Ins and Outs in all sorts of style-centric categories.

Kristen Lee,
Creative Director and Head Buyer,
accessories boutique Tenoversix

Leopard Print

“There is definitely still a big leopard and animal print thing going on. It started a few seasons back, but is going strong, [with] lots of leopard footwear this season. We have the Tenoversix Kinski cutout bootie in leopard printed leather. I love this silhouette and it's easy to wear. We also have an Opening Ceremony lace up leopard print suede bootie on a wedge that is for sale at Tenoversix that I love.”

Get In with eBay: Leopard Print Pump (buy it now price, $139.99)

Overly Embellished Bags in shiny metals

“Now, it's more about soft palette leathers and if there's metal, it better be brushed brass.”

Edith Machinist,
Owner, vintage boutique Edith Machinist

Beading or Arts and Crafts Detailing

“Anything with beading or arts and crafts detailing (think tribal and African).”

Get In with eBay: Beaded Purse (buy it now price, $175)

Soft Hobo Bags

Rafe Totengco,
Founder and Designer,
Rafe handbag and shoe collection

(pictured with Rafe ikat clutch and tote)

Exoticism

“A trend that we are seeing is exoticism. Specifically, there is a trend towards using hand-woven ikat fabrics in bright colors.”

Get In with eBay: Multicolored Ikat Tote Bag (buy it now price, $8.99)

Logos

“Trends that are out this season are logo and oversized heavy bags.”

Laurie Trott,
New York-based fashion stylist
and ELLE Magazine Contributing Editor

Backpacks

"As spotted in the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer collection as well as Alexander Wang's upcoming Fall/Winter 2010-11, backpacks are such a refreshing handbag trend. It makes sense, given the early '90s style resurgence (think Linda-Christy-Naomi and Alicia Silverstone in Clueless). They're the perfect carryall for everyday and with double straps, can be hands-free. I love the quilted ones by Chanel and the classic nylon Prada; both have an undeniably chic quality with just a touch of sport.”

Get In with eBay: Nylon Prada Backpack (buy it now price, $325)

Clunky Wedge Shoes

”It’s all about the kitten heel this season; a delicate wisp of a shoe.”

Linda Lightman,
eBay store Linda’s Stuff

Small Handbags

“This blue jean messenger handbag is so perfect for Spring 2010.
It encompasses both classic and chic. Small handbags are perfect
for spring. Hang up those heavy handbags for a lightweight small handbag that you can just sling across your body. Simple and classic and the ultimate in chic. The extra bonus is this bag is the "hot" color for Spring too! It's
a win/win.”

Get In with eBay: Blue Leather Fringe Messenger Bag (buy it now price, $599)

Replica Handbags

"Replica handbags are NEVER in style. Buy authentic items and you will always be chic."

Colin Robertson,
Creative Director, footwear brand Charles David

(pictured with Charles David Open Toe Bootie)

Open Toe Booties

“I feel open toe booties are in for Spring and Summer. More women are continuing to wear their winter looks into spring, but instead of [pairing them[ with pants or jeans, they are pairing them with slouchy bermuda shorts or summer dresses to give a bit of 'edge' to the feminine.”

Get In with eBay: Open-toe Bootie (buy it now price, $69.90)

Flashy Logos

“As for oversized flashy logos, I feel this dates the shoe [or other] purchase for the customer. I think when people buy shoes, they are thinking more long term instead of a flash in the pan. The consumer today is looking for something exciting, accomplished through design/price/quality more than than simply a logo.

Marina Levine and Fabi Rigamonti,
New Designers for shoe collection daniblack

(pictured with Dani Black Spring 2010 shoe)

Oxford Lace-up Flats

“We love this chic sleek menswear look for Spring. It goes great with the key silhouettes for spring…shorts, mini skirts and skinny jeans… We love our daniblack version called ILLUSION, which has a stencil Trompe L’oeil effect. You can buy them online at Anthropologie.

Get The Look on eBay: Vintage Leather Pointed Lace Up Oxford Loafers (current bid, $9.99)

Over Embellished Kitschy Ballet Flats

“There are so many great bootie and oxford flat silhouettes for spring that jeweled ballet flats seem passé.”

Suzanne Singer served as the Accessories Editor at ElleGirl and most recently, as the Associate Accessories Editor at Lucky. She can usually be found wearing at least eight rings and five necklaces.

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