Update your closet with the next 'lust-have' accessories

With the recent on-goings in New York, Paris and London Fashion Week, we see a slew of new accessory musts. So we’ve listed down the most covetable runway accessories for you to either treat as a checklist (if you have the money to burn) or a style guide (if you’re shopping on a budget and opting to cop the local look-a-likes instead). Either way, these designs are your new wardrobe requirements.

The bag

Gone are the days of the oversized, sloppy totes. Though they were a great accouterment for over-packing women, the next “it” bag calls for a simpler style (or lifestyle for that matter).

These bags are structured with cleaner lines, very polished and less boheme like Balenciaga’s Maillon Bag or Mulberry’s Kensal.

Both designs veer away from zippers and opt for a sophisticated clasp that locks the envelope flap at the center. The Maillon Bag comes in black or egg white, a perfect partner for formal affairs while The Kensal comes in bright poppy.

The architecture of these bags are beautiful on their own—structure never goes out of vogue—but the most delectable trait of these designs are probably the monochrome, matte leather they are made with.

The simplicity of the fabric makes the details and stitching stand out boasting luxe and craftsmanship above all.

The shoe

Sure, the black pump is the equivalent of the LBD (little black dress) for your feet, but it’s about time we put a modern spin to this all time favorite.

Narciso Rodriguez updated the pointed black pump with sexier fringe straps in his S/S 2014 show.

The criss-crossing ankle strap makes your gams look sexy while the embellishment adds movement and flair to each step. The slim heel curves ever so slightly inwards, mimicking the slender shape of a woman’s body.

The best thing about this shoe is that it virtually complements any outfit. It’s sophisticated yet rock and roll—wear it with a power suit or with a grungy ensemble, either way, it won’t fail to impress.

For flat fanatics, Tabitha Simmons for Creatures of the Wind’s pastel loafers are the ultimate must-have. Predominantly white except for the sky blue details and the white and gray snakeskin toe, they are casual without looking too dressed down.

The most creative feature of this shoe is the zipper with the cross-over strap. These details speak volumes and they’re saying you’re having fun with fashion.

The neckpiece

It’s all about hardware for the coming months.

We say goodbye to ornate bibs and even delicate layered chains and welcome metalwork as neck ornaments, much like Philip Crangi’s collaboration with Altuzarra.

The accessory is a bit Grecian in design but its horseshoe shape makes it look breathable and current. Adorn pieces in silver, gunmetal, bronze, copper or gold.

Since the summer designs call for less gloss, opt for something matte and rustic to put against your décolletage.

The sexy opening of the neckpiece draws the eye towards the chest, making it look more slender.

This neckpiece is a perfect mash-up with the skin-bearing clothes of summer or as we call it in the Philippines: every day.

The sunnies

Go big or go home, as many would say, so why should eyewear be any different?

One of the most covetable sunnies that sashayed on the S/S 14 shows were Opening Ceremony’s azure rimmed frames with chameleon reflecting lenses.

It’s the exaggerated version of John Lennon’s iconic eyewear with a year 2000 spin.

Don’t get repelled by the colorful frames, you’ll be surprised to know that it goes hand-
in-hand with much of everything.

Go matchy-matchy with a sea foam blue top or go funky with something lilac—just make sure to anchor your pieces with something basic like black cigarette pants or a stark white pencil skirt.

The arm candy

Although layering your wrist with accessories is still key, choosing the right pieces to wear is top priority.

Opt for thin leather bracelets with gold embellishments as seen in Derek Lam or something simpler, like wrapping a thin strip of leather around your wrist like in Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Creating the illusion that they are one continuous piece (despite the layering) gives a strong, Amazonian feel to the look. Try it with earthy colors such as mud, black, or jungle green.

If you want the actual things, I stand by net-a-porter.com or niemanmarcus.com.

Just be wary of shipping costs and how long it takes for your purchases to reach your door. I’ve heard horror stories of ladies waiting for as long as two months for an order!

If you’re going local, zalora.com.ph is a mecca for all things fashion. Their extensive inventory of items is sure to appeal to all tastes, plus it won’t break the bank. --KG/VC, GMA News

Photos from Balenciaga, Mulberry, Narciso Rodriguez, Tabitha Simmons, Opening Ceremony, Derek Lam and Altuzarra.