Trends in Fashion Accessories
Fashion accessories are typically the easiest and cheapest way to update an otherwise outdated outfit. For the broke high-schoolers and twenty somethings, accessories are sometimes the only fashion items that are affordable. Tried and true, incorporating seasonal accessories make enough of a different to take on outfit from bad to good. Follow our posts on the latest accessories trends here!
Time telling- Looking at Nixon Watches
14 years ago
Pulling out your iPhone to tell someone the time is getting a little old now. Sorry, but you’re no longer the only person who owns an iPhone. Now let’s get you a watch that suits you. Have you considered a Nixon watch? Well you should.
The Nixon brand conjures up images of Skaters, Surfers and Snowboarders. The brand has been around for over ten years and offers practical accessories like bags, wallets, headphones, and watches for both men and women. But you don’t have to be part of these subcultures to appreciate their well-designed and durable products.
You can sort through their watch pages or use the Nixon watch selector that uses gender, display, band material and color to find a suitable watch that fits your lifestyle. Nixon watches start at about $60.00 and range up to $2,600 with their Ceramic 51-30 watch. Work or play there’s probably a cleverly named watch that suits your taste.
If you are all work and need something that’s more than just regular everyday flair Nixon has created the 42-20 Chrono for both men and women. This style is offered in 8 different colors for men and 12 different colors for women, two of those models include Swarovski crystals if you want to turn fancy up a notch. Rose Gold and Antique Gold are two of my favorites but it also looks exceptionally classy in the Tortoise design. 
If you are a little less work and more play, the same model is taken further with the 42-20 Tide. This multi-functional version allows you to set both low and high tide so you know when to start wrapping up your end of the day duties and letting your friends now they can find you down by the beach. 
The Rubber Re-run is one of Nixon’s newer models that offers the basics if you are going on a run, heading to the gym or get the urge to go skinny dipping but want to keep track of time to show you’re somewhat responsible. Here it is shown in all white but also comes in Coral, Rhodo and Sky Blue if you’re looking for something not so basic and more vibrant. 
Some of the Nixon designs demand attention. The original format of these watches are taken apart and broken down to all face, all band, or no band at all. The Murf is all face and looks like a throw back to an old record player or radio dial from the early 70’s. The men’s Rotolog brings in natural elements through wood inlays that are contrasted against stainless steel and run throughout the whole watchband. The Highball, another new design is an extra large modern version of a man’s pocket watch. Its watches like these that are not for everyone and take some confidence to wear. 
Nixon’s mission statement, also know as their “Vitals” page reads, “We make the little shit better. The stuff you have that isn’t noticed first, but can’t be ignored. We pay attention to it. We argue about it. We work day and night to make the little shit as good as it can be, so when you wear it, you feel like you’ve got a leg up on the rest of the world.”
And they’re right regardless of what you do or how you do it, the functionality of their products goes a long way. The essentials Nixon offers get noticed and become part of your everyday life, jet setting trip or what others call your hobby but you consider a way of life. So if you need a time telling device that has more character than your iPhone you at least now know where to start.
Interview with Leyna of Leyna Lightman Jewelry Design
14 years ago
Leyna Lightman introduced herself to me a month ago, and as soon as I realized she makes lace jewelry I knew I needed to interview her. I like lace jewelry because it looks delicate and feminine. According to some fashion articles I’ve read, mainstream editors like lace too!
Style Bust: Why did you start making jewelry?
I started by making jewelry for myself. I have a short haircut (okay, it’s a fauxhawk….) and it’s perfect for displaying big, dramatic earrings. I fell in love with some local SF jewelry designers and felt inspired to make my own! I was on the lookout for unusual jewelry materials when I discovered some over-the-top appliques in a fabric store and tried them out on earring hooks. Much to my surprise, they took on an elegant and expressive feel as earrings.
Style Bust: Describe your current collection.
I’m loving big, bold colors and unusual shapes. Right now my favorite earrings are called the Buena Vista Earrings and they are oversized flowers with intricate detailing. I dye them a really rich purple that I call ultraviolet. It’s amazing- you’d think big earrings would get lost in long hair but these somehow look like feathers and work with long and short hair equally well. I actually got the lace for the Buena Vistas when I was in Turkey this summer. I am doing several pieces from the lace I got while I was shopping in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
Style Bust: What makes your designs unique?
First of all, it is so hard to go big with your earrings without having them get really heavy. Lace is the perfect antidote! Also, using fabric allows me to get really playful with my designs and add new pieces to my repertoire all the time because I am constantly lace-hunting.
Style Bust: What big jewelry trends are you seeing this season?
Bone! I have been seeing more bone lately and it’s a great material for one-of-a-kind, interesting pieces. Actually, I think people are more interested in statement jewelry in general. My day job is in a museum where people really dress up for work (by California standards!) and I have been seeing a lot of big jewelry.
Style Bust: How do you suggest shoppers should go about finding good quality jewelry, are their any secrets to shopping you can tell us about?
Ooh….great question. You know, there are lessons beyond food that we can take from the slow food movement. Know your artisan! There are such creative, conscientious local jewelry-makers and it’s really rewarding to get to know the people making the pieces you wear. Plus, you can ask all those questions about process, materials etc.
Style Bust: Are there any new directions you’ll be heading in for future collections?
I want to use more chain. I love a little dangle….
Style Bust: Where can readers find your jewelry?
www.leynalightman.etsy.com. I am also doing November’s Indie Mart (11/7 at Thee Parkside) and several local stores carry my jewelry including Candystore Collective on 16th Street and D-Structure on Haight.
Date and Tell has a great review of Leyna’s lace necklace.
A Vintage Nail Polish Collection by NARS
14 years ago
NARS recently launched their latest limited edition nail polish collection, this time in “Vintage Nail Shade.” These five metallic colors are named after iconic movies from the 1990’s. It’s kind of ridiculous that they are calling the colors vintage, because in my mind, we’re decades away from the 90’s becoming vintage.
The nail polishes are named: Full Metal Jacket, Zulu, Midnight Express, King Kong, and MASH. According to our archives, these nail colors originally debuted in the late nineties, though I certainly do not remember any of these colors, do you?
You can pick the Nars Nail Polishes up for $16 at a handful of department stores, here’s a link to the collection at Barneys.
Style Bust’s older post on Nars nail colors.
Interview with Irene Jung of Irene Jung Jewels
14 years ago
I recently met Irene Jung of Irene Jung Jewels online, and felt her design esthetic and story was something to share with our readers. She has a great eye and the skills to mix vintage pieces together to look, well less vinatge-y. I think it’s an amazing skill that few jewelry designers have. Let’s jump right into the interview!
Style Bust: Irene, how did you get started with your own jewelry line?
I started making jewelry as a hobby in college. Then, as soon as I joined Corporate America, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet. I taught myself how to reupholster and refinish vintage furniture, but once I finished decorating my apartment, I felt unfulfilled once more. I have always loved fashion so as I decided to start designing and making jewelry again and I found myself completely passionate and launched Irene Jung Jewels.
Style Bust: Wow, you’re a total DIYer, that’s awesome! Plus you’re so much more ambitious than me…I feel lazy.
Style Bust: Describe your current collection.
My collection is fun, bold, and glamorous with a vintage yet modern twist. All of the pieces are handmade and one-of-a-kind. They are also extremely versatile. You can wear them with jeans and a tee, a cocktail dress, or even a power suit. They definitely make an outfit.
Style Bust: I have to point out that some of your necklace names are awesome, I really like: Golden Gate, Tequila Sunrise and Top of the Mark
Style Bust: What inspired your current collection?
I was most inspired by old Hollywood glam and all the the vintage goods I see at auctions, consignment stores, and estate sales – everything from furniture and artwork to fashion. Furniture, in particular, has quality of craftsmanship that you can’t find anymore. Everything is mass produced these days and I wanted my collection to be the exact opposite.
Style Bust: You’d probably get along with our guest blogger Beryl pretty well, she loves furniture!
Style Bust: What makes your designs different?
All of my pieces are original. The chance of someone else having the same necklace as you is slim to none. I love combining beautiful vintage brooches and earrings with bright and colorful stones. The combination is stunning!
Style Bust: What big trends are you seeing in Jewelry for the upcoming fashion seasons?
Big, statement jewelry has been a trend for a while and I see it continuing.
Style Bust: How do you suggest shoppers should go about finding good quality jewelry, are there any secrets to shopping you can tell us about?
People assume that new means better quality, but I disagree. If you can’t tell, I’m a sucker for vintage jewelry. Jewelry that incorporates real stone beads tend to be heavier than plastic jewelry, so I can judge by the weight of the stones whether they are real or not.
Style Bust: What do you see in the future for your collection, are there any new directions you’ll be headed in?
I’m looking to incorporate different types of stones and would like to start using metals. Mostly I’m on the hunt for whatever catches my eye and inspires me when I’m looking for vintage items to incorporate into my designs.
Style Bust: Thanks for your insight. Lastly, where can readers find your jewelry?
All of jewelry can be found at http://www.jungjewels.com/. I’m also looking into doing some trunk shows, exhibitions, and fairs in the future. I’m working hard to grow my collection and promise to keep my website updated with my latest creations!
Style Bust: Please keep Style Bust in the loop on all things you’re doing so that we can tell our readers!
Jeffrey Campbell strides into Fall 2010
14 years ago
Luscious, polished, tan, and rugged. I’m talking about this years boot trends! Ladies, it’s time to stop fantasizing about Fall’s most sought after accessory and go get yourself a pair!
Over the years, Jeffrey Campbell has pretty much become a household name in footwear. JC has produced some of the trendiest and affordable shoes, worn by fashionista’s all over the globe!
Bloggers wearing Jeffrey Campbell-Late Afternoon, Lookbook.nu
My Top 10 favorite Jeffrey Campbell’s for Fall 2010!
1. Jeffrey Campbell Brisbane $192 (Need Supply)
2. Jeffrey Campbell Two-Tone Dippy Wedge $193 (Pixie Market)
3. Jeffrey Campbell Bjork $230 (Need Supply)
4. Jeffrey Campbell Sheman $175 (Need Supply)
5. Jeffrey Campbell Tick Cork Wedge $99.99 (Need Supply)
6. Jeffrey Campbell Lace-Up $198 (Urban Outfitters)
7. Jeffrey Campbell Wedge $128 (Urban Outfitters)
8. Jeffrey Campbell Roby Python $89.99 (Need Supply)
9. Jeffrey Campbell Christie $145 (Need Supply)
10. Jeffrey Campbell Ludlow $179 (Pixie Market)
Many shoes produced by Jeffrey Campbell (and other companies like, Aldo) tend to be a “re-created” version of higher-end labels. The architectural wooden heel of the JC Brisbane boot is similar to the Marni wedges seen on the Fall 2010 runway. And the JC Lace-Up boot resembles the Ann Demeulemeester boots (which cost about $1500) from last season.
If Jeffrey Campbell shoes are out of your price range…check out Forever21 or H&M…they tend to do a good knock-off!
Breaking All The Rules
14 years ago
We’ve all heard the old fashion rules like “brown and black don’t match” and “you can’t mix silver with gold jewelry,” but do we even know who created those guidelines? Rules are limiting and should, generally speaking, not be followed in fashion. Lately, I’ve been seeing tons of brown and black combos that I think look both effortless and chic.
In terms of accessories, try bulking up on the jewelry and don’t hesitate to sport silver and gold metal at the same time. You can easily add a funky edge to your look by layering multi-length necklaces, piling on the bangles or wearing a ring on each finger like you did in the 90’s.
(Images via Knight Cat)
Interview with Afterlife Boutique in San Francisco
14 years ago
I don’t own much jewelry. Yes I love all that sparkles and shines but when it comes to jewelry I look for pieces that look somewhat vintage, not too delicate and instead more bold. I have a few items that I rotate and it is pretty rare that I come across a piece that earns that status. Afterlife Boutique is the latest to carry jewelry that has stopped me and made me wish I could say, “I’ll take one of each please”.
Co-owned by the brother and sister duo, Danielle and Luke Teller, Afterlife opened its doors in May of 2010 in the sunny Mission district of San Francisco. Alongside their finely selected vintage attire the boutique carries the site specific line for Afterlife and Adoura Demode a redesigned vintage line, both designed by Danielle Teller.
Afterlife’s line is made up of geometric shapes, chain links and jagged lines. The angles and bold designs create an edge that is easy to pair with one of their vintage rock band shirts, while the silver materials shine just enough to make easily make an item one of your daily standout favorites.
The Adoura Demode collection has a more treasured feel. Natural shapes and weathered metals make items look like they have been passed down yet the designs are strong enough to set them apart from your grandmother’s jewelry or any specific era.
With so many vintage stores opening up in San Francisco, I wanted to know how Afterlife came into existence and the concept behind the jewelry. I asked Danielle a couple questions just to get an introduction to the store I know I’ll be forming a beautiful friendship with.
Style Bust: Who is Afterlife?
A little background about yourselves, how you got involved with vintage clothing and how long ago did you decide to set out on this mission?
My brother and I started collecting vintage clothes 6 years ago. We started selling clothes on ebay and to private dealers. We kept the majority of our rare and collectible rock concert tees in hopes of having our own store someday. After I graduated college in May 2009, I bummed around for 6 months, traveled, and gathered inspiration to start a store.
Style Bust: I think the name of your boutique is brilliant, was it hard for a brother and sister to duel this one out?
The name for the store came to me from a lecture by one of my product design professors. The lecture was about recycling. Her main point was that everything has an afterlife and that designers should design without an end in sight… something timeless. She spoke about planned obsolescence and moral responsibilities designers should have when creating a product. I was particularly interested in that lecture because I had been designing a reconstructed jewelry line; Adoura Demode.
Style Bust: Danielle you have your own jewelry line, Adoura Demode that you have labeled redesigned vintage, what made you combine the new with the old?
Adoura Demode is about mixing old and new. Taking something that has already been designed, loved, lost, and then found again reworked into something totally new and relative to today’s style and trends. I wanted to mix old and new because it makes things more unique. Instead of creating items that are mass produced, it limits the line based on what materials I can find. Certain styles are truly one of a kind. I think people want something not everybody else has, especially with something as personal as jewelry.
Style Bust: What do you consider to be the main difference between Adoura Demode and the line for Afterlife?
The Afterlife line is inspired mainly by unit construction, popular in the 1970’s, and I use a lot of Native American designs. The line has some pieces that are one of a kind, but for the most part, they can be re fabricated. The line is different both in style and materials. I use all sterling silver and both new and salvaged, the line is calculated, but still very free….
Style Bust: Your boutique also carries new items from the brand Cheap Monday, what is it about that specific brand that stood out for you?
Afterlife strives to house items that are timeless, meaning the style is not just a cheap hot fad, but more of a place items can be remembered and appreciated for years to come. I wanted to sell Cheap Monday in our store because their basics pair really well with vintage, both in style and price.
Style Bust: I had the privilege getting to see Pow! and Blasted Canyons at your store, are you going to have bands playing on a regular basis?
We try to have shows once or twice a month. So far we have had really amazing local bands such as: Ty Segal, Honey, Lilac, Pow!, and Blasted Canyons as well as Art installation by Hannah Stouffer. The shows are always a lot of fun and they really bring a sense of community to the store.
Style Bust: Anything else we can expect in the near future from Afterlife?
We are going to launch an online store in November if not sooner.
The Afterlife line and Adoura Demode are great additions to your own vintage items that you have successfully brought back to life. The boutiques carries vintage essentials like band t-shirts, leather jackets, boots, bags, western shirts, and dresses that have outlasted trends and become staples in the fashion industry and get recreated every year. The difference is that Afterlife carries original items that have been saved and chosen for their uniqueness and quality.
You can Visit Afterlife online and at:
988 Valencia Street
(between 20th Street and 21st Street)
San Francisco, CA, 94110
Adoura Demode can be seen at http://adoura.com/
What’s your take on how to wear vintage pieces without it being complete overkill and looking like a game of dress up? What is one of your own personal finds that you could never part with?
Summer 2010 Worst Trend
14 years ago
As the summer of 2010 comes to a beautiful close, I reflect on all of the successful fashion trends that were embraced. Jumpsuits made a glorious come back while harem pants made a splash that no one saw coming! I was recently looking at some other style blogs and I came across someone’s list of the worst trends this summer. I was blown away because everything the blogger listed, I loved! Printed pants? All for them! Ripped jeans? That should be the trademark of my generation! I admit there was one that I had never even heard of (rabbit ears!?), but other than that I found myself saying to myself “but I like that!”. There was only one I had to agree with… the boot sandal. Although I haven’t seen them in action very often, the few times I have has made me do a double take.
Are they this years crocs? I don’t know if I would go that far. They don’t have the same cult following and they aren’t THAT ugly. But I would say, in my humble opinion, that the boot sandal is the worst summer 2010 trend. With that being said… they really aren’t all that terrible.. so that just goes to show that fashion trends had a good summer this year!
