This all-black loving woman is suddenly eyeing spring accessories in various shades of cream, and I can only imagine that it’s some sort of uncontrolled visceral reaction to 8 million years of winter that we just got through in the northeast. (That’s a rough estimate; it could be closer to 9 million years but I’d have to do the math.)
If you’re starting to freshen up your own wardrobe with a few lighter, brighter accessories, take a look at these gorgeous options in various shades of ivory, cream, ecru, and off-white. They’re definitely little splurges, but the kind that can freshen up last year’s wardrobe so easily. You’ll also find going a little creamier than pure white keeps them super stylish, and nothing like the 1970’s Palm Beach Grandma I still kind of associate with those things.
Because I am done with you winter. Do you hear me? I shake my perforated cream handbag at you!
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I recently discovered the awesomeness that is Knotty Gal jewelry through the new site Bezar, and immediately ordered this beautiful Class Act Bracelet. It is even more gorgeous in person than I’d expected, in the perfect creamy off-white with gold accents that would look great at a beach party or even with an LBD in the city. It comes beautifully packaged, and 10-15% of your purchase help support a girls’ school in Bangladesh, which makes me smile every time I wear it.
Just know that the small is definitely on the snug side for my relatively small wrists; a medium would give it more dangle when I add it to the stack of wrap bracelets and cuffs I tend to layer up my arms. ($60, Knotty Gal)
Also, browse the selection of Knotty Gal necklaces for lots of contemporary looks that blend metals with textured cord for a boho-chic look that’s so big right now. There are major statement pieces and more subtle everyday pieces, but my favorite is somewhere in the middle: this cool Bless Your Heart Necklace designed by fashion blogger Liz Cummings. ($125, Knotty Gal)
Related: Adorn Milk is here and we’re going jewelry shopping
The crossbody bag is the hot shape of the season; just large enough for the essentials, but still slim enough that it won’t weigh you down and you can still wear it from day to dinner. I absolutely fell in love with this Hayden-Harnett Bowdoin perforated crossbody bag (also at very top) which is simple enough to be a neutral basic, but stylish enough with that cool gold hardware to look contemporary and on trend. And hey, I like feeling a little more on trend without spending a whole mortgage payment on new accessories. Plus that side strap is a brilliant addition should you want to carry it as a clutch for a more evening look. Two bags in one! ($168, Hayden-Harnett)
If you want a crossbody bag but prefer a more classic style, the Kate Spade Ellen crossbody bag from the Cobble Hill collection is beautiful in Pebble. That’s uh, Ivory to those of us whose local pebbles don’t look like this. And that exterior zip pocket is super handy for the cell phone. ($248, Nordstrom)
I’ve always loved wicker bags, and have a few vintage ones scoured from tag sales over the years. This Serpui Marie wicker clutch brings to life the retro shape and styling I like, but feels more modern with leather strips interwoven with the wicker. ($220, Shop Bop, Save 25% through 4/9 with code SPRING25)
If you need a little more justification for a shiny new bauble, check out the Tory Burch for Fitbit double-wrap leather bracelet. It’s not what you wear to swim laps or run a marathon, but if you’re tracking basic daily fitness like steps taken and calories burned, this is a gorgeous way to keep it to yourself. ($175, Nordstrom)
I’ve gotten so into scarves lately, and never want to leave home without one, especially when I travel. A lighter spring/summer option is this seafan heart scarf by Snoozer Loser with gold printed on ivory silk-viscose. We’re selling it at our own indie shop, along with other pretty things from Snoozer Loser, but this is the one that feels most right for the upcoming warmer months, and I love that hint of metallic. ($48, Cool Mom Picks Indie Shop)
Update: Regretfully, the great.ly shop is no longer in operation. We hope you’ll find other cool stuff you love throughout our site.
Yes, it’s a little early for espadrilles and sandals, at least here where it’s still threatening to flurry all week (grrrr) but I am seriously loving these Tory Burch Catalina Perforated Espadrilles. Clearly I have a thing for perforated leather — though don’t wear them with the bag at the same time. I just love how the styling makes them a bit more fashionable than traditional espadrilles, so even when you just toss them on with a cotton skirt and a tee you’ll feel put-together. Or hey, try a pair of the new flared bellbottom jeans that everyone is buzzing about. Not that you’ll see me in those any time soon. But hey, have at it. ($150, Shop Bop)
