Accessory Of The Week

Everyone's got one — that special bracelet/necklace/bag/ring that might not have cost a mint, but means the world to you. Whether they're special because they're personalised or special because of how you got them, there's a movement towards wearing accessories that have some sort of meaning behind them. Don't believe us? A quick run through of designer names — Samantha Wills, Charlotte Olympia, Tiffany & Co., Jordan Askill and more — proves that putting a personal touch to an outfit has never been more popular. And whether it's your star sign, birthstone or initials you like to point out, there's an option to suit. Jump in and check out these pieces waiting to be treasured.

We know, we thought we'd left Bambi behind years ago, too! But if there's one thing we're certain of, it's that Carine Roitfeld has her finger on the pulse of what's hot and what's not. So when we spied her in this Givenchy number (so new it's not out 'til July), covered in a too-cute print of Bambi, it quickly became clear that fashion is looking to have a little bit of fun this season. From animal prints (not as you know them!) to cartoon bananas, floral gun motifs and stereotypical fairytale scenes, these pieces simultaneously take us back to our childhoods and make us feel like we're stepping into the future of fashion. Shop 10 of our favourite picks right here, right now.

The Great Gatsby finally hit Australian screens today, and to say our high expectations were met is a bit of an understatement. The glitz! The glamour! It's the 1920s on steroids, and it's fair to say that the jewels and headpieces nearly stole the show. From art deco earrings to onyx rings and pearl tassels, it's a veritable feast of incredibly beautiful pieces — no wonder, considering Tiffany & Co. designed the whole lot. We may not all be able to afford Daisy Buchanan's — Carey Mulligan's character — divine headpiece, pictured above (it's, um, the price of a house), but we can all take inspiration from it. You can see all the Tiffany & Co. pieces in store in Sydney, but in the meantime, click through to add some flapper-glam to your collection now!

When the temperature dips outside the first thing we find ourselves doing (apart from downing the odd litre of hot chocolate) is swaddling ourselves in the cosiest of knitted wraps. When it comes to Winter warmers size really does matter: a scarf is good, but an oversized blanket wrap is better! To avoid any street urchin comparisons may we suggest you choose your wrap carefully? Colour-blocked, patterned or bright colours will make a statement-piece out of your cover-up, or try a tonal effect in classic grey or black. I said brrrrrr! It's cold in here. Time to nix those goosebumps in style. 

Often, trends take on a more adventurous edge — like say, punk-themed accessories or vibrant ethnic-inspired pieces — so it's refreshing when things swing towards a more minimal aesthetic. This week, we're zeroing in on the most simplistic ear adornment we've seen in ages: the bar stud. They're dainty, delicate and edgy all at once, and whether you like yours with studs, black diamonds (yes, please), or plain and simple like Ginnifer Goodwin's, there's a pair to appeal to everyone. We've shortlisted our faves to a list of 10 — click through to see, and shop!

Punk is back! Leave it to the 2013 Met Gala to bring early-1990s London back to life — and of course, looking better than ever. Tuesday's event was themed Punk: Chaos to Couture, and we've gotta say. . . Never have studs, zips, safety pins and spikes looked so classy (or pretty, for that matter). The accessories stole the show that night in a stylish parade of rebellion; from Cara Delevingne and Sienna Miller's spikes and studs and Gisele Bundchen's sexy heels, to Miranda Kerr's cool clutch  — there wasn't a detail that went against the theme, and we're following suit today. We've been drooling over these pretty punk-inspired pieces, and you can shop them right here, right now! Come along. . . 

Nope, that headline is not a typo — and we're not tossing the term "designer" around lightly, either. Lately, a slew of our all-time favourite labels (Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga, Kenzo, et al) have been all over versatile pouches — purses, if you like — that we can't get enough of. Rarely coming in at over 20cm in length, these petite beauties are hard workers: use it as an everyday purse, a slim-line evening clutch, a cosmetics case, you name it, it'll work. There's never been an easier way to add a bit of designer luxe to your life. Your only problem will be stopping at one! See (and shop) our top 15 picks right now.

Alexander Wang kicked things off when he released his super-chic, pared-back Prisma tote. Sporting nothing more than little metal corners holding four panels of quality leather together, the tote bag was a lesson in how to do understated accessories with style. Last week, Ginger & Smart put minimalism back on the map, with their MBFWA models toting simple, structured, almost masculine clutches and shoulder bags as they hit the runway. After a few seasons of printed, quirky, misshapen styles, these clean, monochromatic bags are like a breath of fresh air. See our top 10 picks here!

When you think of the word "tribal", chances are, you think of chunky brown and orange beads, circa 2002. But scratch that — tribal is back, and it's bigger, better, bolder, brighter and more beautiful than ever. We've done away with African tribal, and we're welcoming the updated, more worldly version — think ikat, aztec and Mexican-inspired prints, neon brights and tonnes of embellishments and you're on the right track. Far from being tacky, these pieces are all you need to pick up your wintery style, and who better to lead the way than style icon Caroline Issa? When you see her line for Kate Middleton-favourtie L.K. Bennett, you'll see what we mean when we say that the new tribal is about to go global. Shop our top 10 picks now!

When big-name labels like Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Proenza Schouler are leading the way, you know you can't really go wrong with this big trend. And we're talking big — big shine, big statement, big impact. Yep, iridescent colour ain't for the faint of heart. After being deemed one of the biggest trends on the catwalk at the Spring 2013 shows late last year, we swooned when we saw the oyster shell-effect skirt Raf Simons created for the Christian Dior lineup, and model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne worked a maxed-out metallic Burberry dress in reflective green. Not keen on all-over shine? Worry not, for we have found 10 of the best-looking ways to add a smaller touch of metal to your main look. Shoes, bags, earrings, the lot — the world is your oyster.