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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

FASHION

Trendlet Alert: Rope

Clockwise from top left: L.L. Bean rope-handle handbag; rope pendants by Accessories by ASH; Kate Spade bracelet; the Glamourai blogger wearing one of her own rope necklaces; Gap rope-handle tote; rope earrings from Michelle Lane.

Rope has ancient appeal. Fossilized fragments of it have been found in caves in France dating back to 15,000BC and the Egyptians used it to build the pyramids. Right now, this prehistoric and civilization-shaping tool, made from twisting and plaiting fibers ranging form cotton to nylon, is an oh-so-chic accessory.

In tandem with the nautical trend (as already noted on The Inside Source), rope is showing up on runways and in real ways. Italian fashion house Marni frequently elevates rope to a luxe accent on bags and necklaces. Last year Australian swimwear line Zimmermann paired their disco ready frocks with indie designer MANIAMANIA’s statement twine necklaces. And English design house Burberry can rarely resist tying a pair of cruise shorts with rough-hewn cord.

Rope is a big part of casual American style. This summer, L.L. Bean’s Signature collection straps rope on leather satchels and there’s a macramé belt to snare. Meanwhile American retailer Gap uses rope to tie shorts and as trim on utilitarian bags. Over at Anthropologie string is twirled into artful accessories and rope patterns feature on summer dress prints.

Los Angeles-based designer Tanya Aguiniga, 32, fashions thick dyed rope bracelets. “I usually work with yarn and wool, but was looking for a material that I could use in the summer. Wool was too seasonal and rope takes dye very well.” As for how she styles it, she says, “I wear the rope jewelry with everything. It’s casual enough to work with jeans and a t-shirt but can easily make a dress feel more formal.”

Rope is the perfect accent for the warmer months, conjuring vacations in Nantucket (see traditional sailor’s bracelets), dockside adventures and sand underfoot. Perhaps the ropiest adventures can be had in a pair of jute-soled espadrilles, available in a rainbow of colors.

Accessories to rope in on eBay.

Roll over items for details
L. L. Bean woven Rope & Leather Belt
This olive green belt adds flare to a summer outfit.
(buy it now price, $19.99)
NEW Men’s Espadrilles by Office Black & White
Nothing says beach holiday like a pair of jute-soled espadrilles.  
(buy it now price, $21.73)
NEW Men’s Espadrilles by Office White
(buy it now price, $21.73) We can’t get enough of the fun colors of these espadrilles.
Red Top Shop Sandals with Rope Uppers and Wedge
These rope sandals would look perfect with a stripy tee and a flirty skirt.
(buy it now price, $28.98)
Sailor's Friendship Knot Bracelet
Dive in the ocean wearing this natural bracelet and it will shrink to fit your wrist.
(buy it now price, $5.75)
NEW Sailor’s Friendship Knot Bracelet
Originally made from spare rope on the ship’s deck, a sailor’s bracelet was meant to bring good luck to the wearer.
(buy it now price, $5.69)
Vera Bradley Rope Handle Tote
This bag’s Vera print is a take on Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” with a practical rope handle.
(buy it now price, $74.95)
NEW Vintage Wicker Bag with Rope Handle
Imagine exploring a French seaside village carrying this bag. Tres chic.
(buy it now price, $79.99)
Jute Purse
This heavy hand-knotted handbag has a California hippy vibe. Perfect for outdoor summer music festivals.  
(buy it now price, $8.90)
NEW Macrame Owl Wall Hanging
We’re big fans of the larger-than-life owl macramé wall hanging at J.Crew’s SoHo store. This is a way of bringing Jenna’s earthy style home.
(buy it now price, $10.99)
NEW Gurkee’s Rope Sandals in Natural
We love the look of these Gurkee’s sandals, made from carpet fiber. They promise to wash in water and float!
(buy it now price, $26.95)
Gap Nautical Stripe Bag with Rope Handles
Trust the Gap for this no-nonsense nautical style tote.
(buy it now price, $14.99)
Stella McCartney Rope Heels
Of course, vegan designer Stella McCartney was going to jump on this rope trend. These are the ultimate twine heels.
(buy it now price, $539)
Marni Bag with Rope Detail
Marni elevates rope to a luxe accent with this shoulder bag.
(buy it now price, $811)
Trendlet Alert: Rope

 


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