Nautical Fashion Accessories 2008

However, the tide has turned and commercial high-street chains have gone overboard for the look and we are seeing an explosion of ship-shape jewelry and belts, handbags and shoes in nautical navy and sailor stripes. Fashion accessories can triumph by giving a nod to the trend, rather than causing you to go overboard on striped outfits and anchor prints. A navy blazer and crisp white shirt can look amazing with a stripy pair of courts, a sailor-style duffle bag and gold anchor pendant. Personally, I have an aversion to anything navy, a throwback from when I was at school. I also don’t do horizontal stripes on the whole, as they have a tendency to accentuate an already ample bust! In my opinion, stripes are unforgiving and should be the domain of the less-well endowed, who are much more capable of wearing them without resembling a barrel. My only foray into stripes this year is likely to be on the feet. There are certainly a wide variety of styles to choose from. Designers have embraced the trend with Chanel’s head-turning stripy suede shoes with cork heels, and a pair of ice-white roped leather flat sandals by Moschino. Men’s footwear has certainly not been overlooked. Tommy Hillfinger’s boat-shoe design sneakers are both practical and fashion-forward. For those whose obsession is arm candy then there are sailor-style duffle or barrel bags aplenty. The Billy Bag Francesca Large Rope Barrel Bag, with rope detailing on the handles, is set to be a real winner. According to Handbags.com, “This leather handbag is beautifully soft and would be the perfect bag for everyday use, with its relaxed styling and spacious interior.”