n unsteady economy has changed the retail industry across the

8/14/2019 n Unsteady Economy Has Changed the Retail Industry Across The

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An unsteady economy has changed theretail industry across the board, and thefashion sector is no exception. Nowmore than ever, shop owners must do

their homework to find accessories that are both la mode and affordable. In this guide, well shareexclusive trend forecasts and tips from style experts.Well also uncover our collected cache of jewelryand accent pieces that customers are sure to love.

GREATFINDSATNYIGF

Dont miss Personal Accessories featuring Detailsthis month at the New York International Gift Fair(NYIGF), which runs August 15-20 at the JacobK. Javits Convention Center and Passenger ShipTerminal Pier 94 in New York City. This specialsection, which opens Sunday, August 16 in Javits,features 365 companies offering contemporary, bud-get-friendly fashion items.

The great majority approximately 95 percent of the divisions newcomers represent companiesmaking their NYIGF debut, says Dorothy Belshaw,NYIGF director and senior vice president of GeorgeLittle Management. The other five percent of theexhibitors have moved into Personal Accessoriesfeaturing Details from other NYIGF divisions or arereturning to market following an absence.

Located between the 8100 and 8077 aisles at the

north end on Level 1 of Javits, Personal Accessoriesfeaturing Details has increased its space to 55,000square feet for the summer show, which is a 30-

percent increase from the winter market. For moreshow information, including a list of exhibitors, visitwww.nyigf.com.

EXTRA! EXTRA! MEDIA FEEDBACK

Consumer magazines, style networks such as Bravoand fashion blogs such as The Budget Babe (www.thebudgetbabe.com) have acknowledged the reces-sion as a new opportunity for communicating money-saving tips to readers. Even the famed ThursdayStyle section of The New York Times has featuredarticles concerning the abandonment of rash spend-ing within the luxury market. Other media outletshave touted and praised clothing-swap parties, shop-ping at secondhand stores, clipping coupons and

seeking out half-price specials on beauty services.Needless to say, thriftiness is no longer taboo inthe world of fashion rather, frugality has becomesynonymous with practicality and intelligent allo-cation of well-earned income.

Whats even more inspiring to consumers isthat a number of famous designers are contributingexclusive collections to seasonal lineups withinmass retail stores. In June, H&M announceda Jimmy Choo shoe line that will debut this

November, and Gap Kids announced it will launch

a winter childrens collection designed by StellaMcCartney.

In addition, various celebrities known for theirstyle pointers are promoting simplicity and empha-sizing quality over quantity. Many do so by endors-ing everyday brands that are stalwarts in tradition.Project Runways style maven Tim Gunn dem-onstrates clothing preservation through his Tidecommercials, and fashion authority Stacy Londonof TLCs What Not To Wear is a spokeswomanfor affordable, trustworthy brands including Dr.Scholls, Lee, Pantene and Woolite.

Having worked with stars such as Angelina Jolieand Eva Longoria, stylist Michael OConnor is anexpert when it comes to Hollywood trends; he uses

his inside perspective to show women how they canmimic their favorite celebrities styles on a budget.

One of the hottest celebrity fashion statements

this year is the whole idea of layering, mixing andmatching, says Michael. This was very evident

at this years Academy Awards, where Heidi Klumwore a stack of mixed bracelets up her arm. Its agreat way to draw attention to one specific area ofan outfit and to create importance and you donthave to have a million dollars to do it. Also, itssomething that allows you the ability to take whatyou already have in your jewelry box and partnerseveral pieces together to create a more importantand unique look. Dont be afraid to mix a fewchunky, non-precious pieces together with your fin-est to create a great look.

Michael also recommends layering necklaces for adecadent, red-carpet look. Chunky necklaces wereeverywhere this year! Similar to the layering ideawith bracelets, you can also create a chunky state-

ment necklace by putting a few together. Longernecklaces are perfect for this because they can bedoubled, tripled or twisted with other longer neck-laces to create importance. Try taking a strand ofpearls and adding it into the mix to create some eyeinterest with the chain. Marion Cotillard wore a fewlayered and long for a dramatic effect during thisyears awards season.

Other key styles that Michael sees on the horizoninclude fringe, feathers, jewel tones and the classiccombination of black and white. Experiment withthese concepts in your store this fall and winter;consider the selection of products weve gathered.You and your customers will find that these piecesare ones to turn to year-round.

26 GIFTWARE NEWS www.giftwarenews.com

The Wrap-A-Round Clutch from cinda b (877/692-4632

or www.cindab.com) features two interior pockets and

a detachable wrist strap. The clutch comes in 11 fashion-forward patterns; it is shown in Bella Fiore Cocoa. Made

in the USA, it is machine washable and stain resistant.

Suggested retail: $42.

The Large Croco Grommet Tote from Mad Bags

(877/623-2247 or www.mad-bags.com) is roomy with

plenty of exterior and interior pockets. Shown in DarkEggplant, it comes in four other colors. Suggested retail:

$42.

Inspired by the natural beauty of plants, the Blue Spruce

necklace is cut from a sheet of metal and then cast from

bronze. The focal piece measures 3 long and hangs on

a 14k gold-fill adjustable chain that closes with a lobster

clasp. Each necklace differs slightly. From PrismeraDesign; 516/355-8473 or www.prismeradesign.com.


by Ashley Trent

This bold, candy-colored necklace is from Lenora

Dame (610/458-3290 or www.lenoradame.com), a jew-

elry company founded by two sisters. The piece is part

of the Retro collection, which features vintage-inspired

designs in bright colors. The company has two other col-

lections as well: Bohemian and Romantic. Suggested retail:

$45.

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KEYTREND: MULTIPURPOSE

MUST-HAVESTheres no doubt that consumers areinnately drawn to items that theycan envision pairing with a variety ofoutfits. A number of manufacturershave expanded this concept by creat-ing pieces that feature transposableelements and embellishments.

I have a line of interchange-

able jewelry called change that wasdesigned to be affordable, practical,yet unique, says designer Kim Don-aldson of Minnesota-based KimMarieDesigns (612/940-3809). The con-cept is a series of drops and swags thatcan be interchanged on silver or goldchains that can change the look andfeel of one necklace. For instance,one could attach a turquoise drop tothe chain during the day and replaceit with a crystal drop on the samechain for evening. I designed the lineso woman had the flexibility to enjoymany different looks without invest-ing in numerous pieces of jewelry,

from an economical point of viewbut also from an eco-friendly view ofreuse rather than re-buy.

Susan Fotos, a designer and retailerwho created a transformable collec-tion called Scenario (717/635-7992),

agrees that versatility in an accessoryis key. As a retailer, I see that womenwant jewelry they can wear every day.They want something that is com-fortable, yet distinctive and personal.With my versatile slide bracelets,women can select the componentsthey are drawn to, from classic gem-stones to playful, colorful enamelsto sterling silver pieces, so that theymay create bracelets that express theirown style and mood.

Another playful accessory line,which features vintage-inspireddesigns that pay homage to style icon

Audrey Hepburn, comes from CrisaBarriball, owner and lead designerat Absolutely Audrey Shoe Clips(510/483-5188). As we all know,fashion-forward footwear trends bear ahefty price tag, and designer footwearprices tend to be higher for embel-lished shoes, she says. AbsolutelyAudreys affordable alternatives offera designer look for less while instant-ly updating any wardrobe to followemerging fashion trends. Rather than

spending hundreds of dollars on a newpair of shoes, women attach shoe clipson their existing shoes at a fractionof the cost. Without pinching theshoes, shoe clips expand the possibili-ties when attached on jeans, shirts,jackets, scarves, handbags, bikinis,flip-flops, hats and belts.

SUGGESTIONSFROMSTYLE

ENTHUSIASTS

Giftware News contacted fashionbloggers, designers and trend-spottersacross the country to discuss upcom-ing style trends for fall and win-

ter. The result was an overwhelmingresponse of industry experts who wereeager to share their advice on suc-

Visit us at giftwarenews.com/readerservice


$23.956 4 "* / $

Phone: 209-474-1118zoppiniusa.com 4VHHFTUFE3FUBJM

GREAT SELLER! GREAT PROFIT! COLLECT ALL THE COLORS!


The change jewelry line from KimMarie

Designs (612/940-3809 or www.kim-

mariedesigns.com) allows chain necklaces

to be transformed by adding different

drops and swags. Chains come in sterling

silver or 14k gold filled. Drops and swags

are also sterling silver or 14k gold filled

and feature semi-precious stones includ-

ing turquoise, quartz, lapis and freshwaterpearls. Swarovski crystal designs are also

available. Suggested retail: $40-$60 chains,

$35 drops and swags.

Scenario (717/635-7992 or www.

scenariojewelry.com) interchangeable

jewelry was created by Susan Fotos, a

designer and retailer from Pennsylvania.

The line of handmade, sterling silver slide

bracelets can be accented with various

gemstones, sterling silver components andcolorful enamel pieces that vary in price.

Suggested retail: $150 bracelet.

Clips from Absolutely Audrey Shoe

Clips (510/483-5188 or www.abso-

lutelyaudrey.com) jazz up plain pairs of

pumps or flats and are embellished with

rhinestones, pearls, fabric or enamel. The

new Amanda style, a floral-themed design

shown in the center, comes in green,purple and clear. Suggested retail: $10-

$25 per pair.

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cessfully creating fashionable looksfor less. Keep their tips in mindwhen choosing fashion accessoriesfor your store.

Although the fall/winter 2009fashion runways were overrun by

monochromatic looks and sombertones (presumably in order to drawattention to the increasingly populararchitectural and textural elements),I personally enjoy getting throughthe winter by perking up the coldand gloomy days with a bit of colorin my wardrobe. I believe that mostwomen are like me and would ratherinfuse any outfit with at least a hintof a bright color in the frigid, overcastmonths, which is why I think thatthis year will exhibit a lot of dark col-ors (gray, black, brown) and neutrals(tan, white, cream) set off by bright

pops of color, especially in accessories.This will create a playful peek-a-boothat is sure to be pleasing to the eye,combining the hottest trends fromthe runway with wearable aestheticsthat will make women feel good whenthey leave the house.

Although I dont personallysubscribe to the trend, 80s fash-ion seems to be going strong instreetwear, and the neon elementsfrom those looks may just be thecolors that find their way into popu-lar use this year when contrastedwith an otherwise somber ensemble.I prefer bright colors as one wouldfind in a kaleidoscope or candy.

In order to pull off this fashion-able balance on a budget, I recom-mend buying bright scarves (yellow,pink) and shoes (anything but black,white or brown) to offset otherwisemonotone outfits. Main wardrobe sta-ples should include one dressy blacksweater, one pair of edgy black boots(for day wear or evening wear) and agreat new pair of rich, somber slacks(such as slate gray or midnight pur-ple). Skirts should also be kept dark,but will require an added modicumof visual interest to make up for their

lack of color; volume, architectureand detail work are especially trendy.

Two surprisingly popular colorsare marigold and pink, both in matteand metallic finishes. A solid dressin a surprising color hidden under adark coat or cover-up, accompaniedby dark tights and shoes, might be theperfect outfit this winter.

-Style Bard, fashion blogger (www.stylebard.com and www.stylebardshoes.com)

Statement necklaces have beenall the rage for several seasons now

and are still a top must-have for fall/winter 09. I think theyve been sopopular because you really get a big

bang for your buck, which as were allaware is important during this econ-omy. Theyre an easy and affordablesolution to modernizing an existingwardrobe and come in a wide pricerange to fit most anyones budget.

You can never go wrong with

autumnal hues for fall and winter(think amber, smoky quartz, garnet),but this year you will also find burstsof bright colors such as hot pinkand royal blue amongst the requisiteblack and gray. With that said, mate-

rial seems to be of more importance

than color for the upcoming season sequins, chunky gemstones, snake-skin, fur, pewter and bronze metallics.The emphasis seems to be on textureover color.

Personally, I feel vintage designs

are popular because trends spread so


AUGUST 2009 29


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quickly in this viral agethat those really intofashion (who also tendto be concerned withexpressing their stylein a unique, singular

way) have turned tovintage in order to ownpieces that no one elsewill have. You see iton every level fromthe indie girl with nomoney who scours thriftstores for the perfect,non-mass-producedexpression of a currenttrend to the famousstarlet who purchasesa vintage Valentino,guaranteeing she will bethe only one on the red

carpet in that dress. Ofcourse, this is heavilyconnected to what thefashion industry is put-ting out, because we allknow it borrows gener-ously from the past, an dwhat the big playerscreate and publi-cize is in large whatforms trends.

Furthermore, e-commerce sites such as

eBay also perpetuate the popularity of vintage. It upsaccessibility and has provided a whole new meansfor indie designers and self-proclaimed style-makersto spread the word of what they deem cool.

One of the benefits the recent focus on accesso-ries has is that accessories tend to be ageless, whichallows everyone to participate without the risk oflooking inappropriate. Take the above mentionedstatement necklaces a large beaded necklace looksust as fresh on a 21-year-old in a party dress as it

does on a woman in her 50s who is wearing it withher business attire. So again, I would have to saylarge statement necklaces are great, and I would alsoinclude cuffs and bangles. Thats another big trendthat anyone can wear regardless of age.

-Aimie Dukes, jewelry designer for Ferociter (www.ferociterstyle.com)

Every designer this fall seemed to have twothings in common in their collections: purple andlots of hardware. The purples ranged from deep plumto soft lilacs. For hardware, handbags were heavilyembellished with chains, locks, brackets and studs,primarily in gold. These bags had almost a rockeredginess to them.

A sparkly bag is a great way to brighten up themood with the dismal economic situation. On the

other hand, designers definitely kept some classic,safe pieces in their collections with dark navy blues,

reds, and browns in simple shapes. The detail onthese bags was subtler with pleating, some ruchingand quilting. Some handbags for the fall have littleto no detailing.

At Handbag Heaven, most of our customershave been purchasing bags with florals, giraffe pat-terns and bright colors. They fall into the categoryof shoppers who are looking to have fun with theirhandbags. Our shoppers are using their purse tobrighten up their mood. A bold, red tote is classicbut can still add a punch of color to an outfit.

-Alessandra Souers and Kim DeMeester, representa-tives for www.handbagheaven.com

As far as color trends go for fall and winter, I

would say its usually the typical black-and-graycombinations. But I think that gold and camel,beige and taupe colors will play a big part as well as


Q & A: JENNI IZZO, CHARITYECOFASHIONSHOWCREATOR

Jenni Izzo is a 2009 graduate of Drexel Universityin Philadelphia. For a senior project, she organizedGreen With Fashion, an impressive event that notonly explored trends in sustainable design, but alsoraised money for charity. Consider hosting a similarevent in your own store. To learn more about GreenWith Fashion and to view photos, visit www.green-withfashion.t83.net. Jenni is an account coordina-

tor at a public relations agency in her hometown ofWinter Springs, Florida.

Q: Why was it important for you to start aneco fashion show?

A: Most people were shocked to see that allthe items in the show were made of eco-friendlymaterials, and thats exactly what I hoped toaccomplish. I wanted to show people that youcan help our environment and still look great.

Q: Who attended the show? Did it generateinterest among local retailers?

A: Most of the attendees were fromPhiladelphia and the surrounding areas. I wasreally happy to see a lot of local retailers comeout to support the show as well. Many localdesigners were able to attend the show, whichwas great because they were able to see theirpieces come down the runway. Many businessesin Philadelphia are shifting toward a more sus-tainable philosophy, so the show was of highinterest to them.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the money youraised for charity.

A: All profits from the show, which totaleda little more than $4,000, were donated to

the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).Gretchen Rossi from Bravos Real Housewives ofOrange County was nominated for LLSs Womanof the Year title at the time of the show [she wasinpsired to support LLS after her fianc died ofleukemia last fall], so she and Slade Smiley [alsoof Real Housewives] generously chose to fly outto Philadelphia for the event in order to raiseawareness for the event and support the cause.

Q: What are some must-have eco fashionaccessories for retailers just venturing into thegreen industry?

A: I absolutely adore the jewelry from Cheeky

Monkey Jewelry (www.cheekymonkeyjewelry.com). They provided a necklace for each modelin the show and even donated three pieces tothe raffle. All items are made with both recycledand agentium sterling silver, as well as recycleddiamonds and fair-trade gemstones. In additionto looking great, portions of the proceeds fromthe collections support The Humane Society ofthe United States.

Isabella Grace Originals (www.isabellagra-ceoriginals.com) is a local Philadelphia designerwho makes beautiful accessories out of recy-cled materials. She makes everything from ringsand necklaces to brooches and headbands. Andbecause the items are found, recycled items, you

will never be caught wearing the same accessoryas someone else!

A portion of the proceeds

of the Courage Within

necklace is donated to the

National Coalition Against

Domestic Violence. Made

of hand-hammered silver

and copper, the necklace is

made in Solstice Designs(313/724-9400 or www.

solsticed.etsy.com) studio

n Dearborn, Michigan.

Sandra Boulton, president

of the company, says the

necklace is easily wearable

for women of all ages who

can use it as a talisman

n support during divorce,

battling cancer or the loss

of a loved one. Suggested

retail: $45.

The Om necklace from

Handmade Expressions

(512/535-5228 or www.

handmadeexpressions.net) is

a fair-trade item handmade by

artisans in India. A small pen-

dant hangs on a thread twisted

around a cotton string; each

necklace measures 17.5 long.


Artist Jennifer Northup makes her jewelry by hand out

of recycled flatware in her Los Angeles, California studio.

My fascination with silverware patterns and antiques

began when I was a child wandering around my great-

grandmothers inn on the coast of Sydney, Australia, says

ennifer. When I inherited the collection, I started Silver

Spoon Jewelry (562/426-9774 or www.silverspoon-

ewelry.com). Everything is based on heirloom patterns

from the 1800s to early 1900s. The companys collectionncludes necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches and more.


Murvals (305/715-9066 or www.murval.com) Mod

Crock lunch bag lets ladies lunch in style. Shown in

orange, it is also available in pink, green, black and brown.

The bag has two large exterior pockets, a fully insulated

interior and a zipper closure. Suggested retail: $33.

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the continuing love of sequins. Thosetwo accents, especially when com-bined with black, can really changethe entire look of an outfit.

As much as I enjoy trends andlike trying them out, I think it is

wise to opt for styles and colors thatwork with your shape and skin tone.Adding pops of color is fun in thecrisper and chillier months. So, forfall and winter, even though I liketo wear a lot of blacks, grays andbrowns, I spice them up with brighterhues such as gold, hunter green andmagenta. It makes me feel less draband monochromatic.

Some key wardrobe pieces thatfrugal women should invest in forfall/winter [and that retailers can rec-ommend to customers visiting theirstore] would be:

Black or dark-gray coat. I wouldinvest in a well-made coat that willlast through fall and winter. The bestthing about investing in a good coatis that you can throw it on over any-thing; then just add a colorful scarf, apair of boots, and you instantly lookput together.

Fitted black blazer. You can throwthis on over most anything and lookput together, too. Something like thisis great for the fall when it isnt quitecold enough for a heavy jacket, butyou still need an extra layer.

Cardigans in any and every color.I own a million and love layering withthem. Wear one under a blazer or byitself with a tank underneath and abelt over the top. It gives you a verytailored look without much effort.

Black, patent-leather flats. Theyare casual enough for walking aroundat work, but they are also great fortransitioning to nighttime if you dontwant to wear heels.

Belts, in two sizes. The firstshould be a thick, wide belt with elas-tic in it buy it in black and brown.The second essential size is a thin,patent-leather belt, one in black andthen one that is a matte gold.

Tights are another staple that Iliterally have in almost every color.But if you are not wanting a boldcolor on your legs, just stock up ona couple pairs in black and gray.Try them in fun, monochromaticcolored patterns it adds an inter-esting element without standing outtoo much.

Scarves. I have a ton of scarvesin every color and pattern. They areanother way to spruce up an outfitwithout much effort. For instance, ifyou wore a simple blouse and skirtand basic heels, just throw a colorful

scarf around your neck and you canmake the whole outfit pop.

Gold or silver accessories. I am

personally a gold person, and I lovemy thick gold cuff. I wear it witheverything. Silver is pretty as well. Ialso wear gold hoops with everythingand a simple, thin, gold necklace.

Along with investing in a good

jacket, I would suggest doing the same

with a bag. Find one that will go withalmost everything in your wardrobethat you wear day to day. Nighttimebags are different, and you can havefun with small, inexpensive clutches.I like black leather bags or shoulder

bags in a rich, caramel color. It will

go with black, brown and gray. Itsperfect for the fall and winter months,but it will also transition well intospring and summer.

-Christine Cameron, wardrobe con-sultant, personal stylist and founder of

Style Pill (www.mystylepill.com)


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These hammered bar post earrings from Evelyn Knight

Jewelry (415/824-1006 or www.evelynknight.com) areplated in 22k gold and are set with topaz stones. All jew-

elry from the company is handmade in its San Francisco

studio. Suggested retail: $25.

These stylish earrings are from the Trend and Seasonal

collections from Oak Patch Gifts (800/824-2374 or

www.jodycoyote.com) Jody Coyote line. Suggested retail:

$14.99-$19.99.

The Stephanie bag from Vera Bradley (888/855-VERA

or www.verabradley.com) is a great carryall that measures

14 x 9.5 x 6. It is shown in the companys Carnaby pat-

tern. Suggested retail: $68.

Cynthia Bloom Collectible Jewelrys (512/779-

7737 or www.cynthiabloom.com) Milonga Collection is

named after an Afro-Argentine dance rhythm. The line is

a tribute to designer Cynthia Blooms love of dance and

her Argentinian grandmother. Each necklace in the collec-

tion features a unique button as well as various Swarovski

crystals, freshwater pearls and antique Czech glass beads.


Chelsea Taylor Beads, distributed by y2 Sisters Inc.

(866/965-5793 or www.y2sisters.com), come in 21 col-

ors and feature Swarovski crystals. The handmade, mix-

and-match beads can be strung on a beaded chain in an

endless amount of combinations. Shown are the best-sell-

ing, round-shaped beads. Suggested retail: $49 each.

From Demdacos (888/336-3226 or www.demdaco.

com) Words of Mine line are these charm necklaces

designed by artist Ali Chovanec. Eight designs are avail-

able, and each features a sentiment on the front and a

charm on back. Suggested retail: $14.

These colorful earrings from Dunitz & Company

(323/769-8600 or www.dunitz.com) feature Czech glass

crystal beads. Suggested retail: $30.

Dogeareds (888/846-0444 or www.dogeared.com)

Not Older, Wiser necklace features a trendy owl

charm. The charm is available in sterling silver or gold

dipped, and it can be paired with either a sterling, gold-

filled or navy waxed-cotton chain. Suggested retail: $92

sterling charm on sterling chain.

Stunning bags and jewelrymake gifting a snap

SpecialExtras


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Fashion earrings fromJJI

International (866/732-

8668 or www.jjiinterna-

tional.com) contain no

lead or nickel and will not

tarnish. Suggested retail:

$8.99-$10.99.

Kate & Saras (772/287-9555

or www.kateandsara.com) line

of quilted cotton handbags and

accessories come in fashionable

patterns, such as the Medallion

style shown on the Madison tote

bag. The bag features multiple

pockets and a zipper closure;

it measures 14.5 x 10.5 x

3.5, and the strap drop is 10.


Flaunting a global-inspired color palette are the Talitha Imari Pattern Bangles from Twos

Company (800/896-7266 or www.twoscompany.com). Suggested retail: $15 each.

Made of pliable plastic, clips from

The Clever Clip Company(877/303-2547 or www.theclev-

erclip.com) can be worn in a mul-

titude of ways and come in black,

bronze and blond. They can be

decorated with handmade, add-

on embellishments called Tattle

Tails. Suggested retail: $10 three

clips, $12 per Tattle Tail.

Annaleeces (619/401-6700 or www.annal-

eece.com) latest pink ribbon pin, Angel of

Hope, was introduced in January to continue

the companys support of breast cancer

awareness and research for a cure. A portion

of sales from the pin will benefit the Susan G.

Komen Foundation. The pin design centers

around an angel, the symbol for hope and

remembrance, which is made from rose and

clear Swarovski crystals. The pin features a

22k-gold and rhodium finish, and its ribbon

is accented with pink enamel and Swarovski

crystals. Suggested retail: $40.

View our entire line at

www.baekgaardltd.com

800.323.5413


AUGUST 2009 33

n unsteady economy has changed the retail industry across the

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