Accessorize Me!

The start of a new season is upon us and so the time has come for that all important wardrobe update. If you are feeling the pinch after the extravagance of the festive period; do not despair. With the help of a few accessories you can bring yourself and your wardrobe bang up to date.

For a subtle, dressed-down approach to nailing the popping colour palette, add a statement bag or pair of shoes in a traffic-stopping bright, without the literal effect. With the average student budget not stretching much further than the high street, the hope of getting your hands on the iconic Hermes Birkin bag (allegedly retailing at up to £100,000) is ambitious to say the least. However, the American outlet Thursday Friday – thufri.com, has made it all that more attainable. Their Together Bag is a cotton tote featuring a print of the famous bag on its font, back, sides and base available in red, blue and camel. An absolute snip at $35 (approximately £22). The down-side? There is an extensive waiting list meaning you will have to wait until at least March for it to be shipped.

Similarly, jazzy leggings and tights are the perfect trick to snazz up any ensemble with stores like Dorothy Perkins offering a selection in a rainbow of colours to choose from.

Feathers make a sneaky appearance and are set to be the one to watch this S/S. There is no need to adorn head-to-toe pieces a la Betty Jackson but brave the mini-trend with a headband. Headbands are very desirable for those among us not blessed with naturally perfect hair, as a way of taming your mane on a night out. TOPSHOP currently stock an enviable selection in various colours from the subtle to the full-on bird effect. Think Carrie Bradshaw on her wedding day.

The oh-so familiar florals make an (unsurprising) comeback. Inject some flirty femininity into your jewellery box with the Liberty Knot Watch, a large watch face mounted on a floral fabric strap. Practical and pretty, it’s a piece that will undoubtedly transcend seasonal trends. Accessorize bring floral satchels to the pretty prints bandwagon which are definitely worth a look.

Now for my favourite; shoes. The brogue and loafer will be sticking with us throughout spring; with everyone from Marks & Spencer to Urban Outfitters getting in on the act, we will be spoilt for choice. It would seem that sensible shoes are here to stay. Hooray.

Now for my actual favourite; heels. Four simple words; The Bolder The Better. Animal prints and block colouring lead fashion packs. The prevalence of the wedge is standing its ground but faces tough competition in the form of the latest take on the platform – the flatform. Google it. It is no surprise that Office has come up trumps again, spoiling us with the frankly outrageous to the classically demure.