Forget getting ahead of the Games.. (well not totally).. it’s time to Get Ahead of the Trends.

One of the major trends for Autumn Winter will be LEATHER as a way of adding texture and a slight shine to the more muted colours of the season.

If the thought of wearing leather fills you with visions of talc powder and over heating then fear not! It’s not just bags that can tick the trend box for you, Kate Benjamin have created these extremely desirable and adaptable magnetic leather clasp bracelets. Available in three colour ways they will sit really well with all wardrobe palettes; worn on their own for a subtle stylish look or grouped and stacked for more of a statement.

Stay tuned for more trend details that will get you through the season without any fashion injures.

KB

Leather Magnetic Clasp Bracelets £35 each

Kate Spade, the prominent accessories designer, has recently launched a new range of summer nail polish colours.

The collection, which was unveiled at a launch in New York, will bring a new wave of trends to the beauty world for summer 2012.

The new shades were inspired by the late Australian artist, Florence Broadhurst, who created vivid works during the early 20^th century. The new nail polish set is made up of four shades and was created by Poppy King, a renowned make-up artist.

Speaking to In Style, she said: “I have long been waiting for the right reason to turn my eye from lipstick to nail polish! Florence Broadhurst was the perfect inspiration to have me design nail shades that spoke to the same female fun as lipstick.”

The travel set comes with four shades, Solar Orange, Watermelon Fingers, Yellow Cockatoo and Sea Foam Swirls.

For even more fabulous fingers, check out our favourite rings and wonderful wrist accessories.

Made UK

The Made UK fair trade encased glass brass ring is another wonderful treat for all eco fashion fans. The stunning yet simple design was crafted from the in-house design team in Kenya and is made of recycled clear glass set in a raised hand-bezeled brass ring. The ring is subtle and sophisticated and could be worn as a standalone piece or paired with bangles and bracelets.

Noemi

For something a little more glamorous, Noemi provide an elegant ring decorated with Swarovski element crystals. The beautifully embellished dome ring is a statement piece set to stun fans of the brand. The hand set crystals that cover the surface of the ring make it the perfect gift or stylish addition to any outfit.

Put a spring back in your step this season and update your wardrobe at the same time with some fashionable favourites. With styles ranging from the roaring 1920s to bold bangles, there is something to suit all tastes.

Below are some of the top spring essentials for 2012:

1. Pastel bags

Pretty pastels are back for another year and this is definitely something to be celebrated. Bright, candy coloured accessories can bring almost any outfit to life. Try the Olga Berg cream patent shoulder bag or the Fiorelli nude pink small shoulder bag..

2. Oversized hats

Kate Moss, Jameela Jamil and Sarah Jessica Parker have all been recent champions of this unique spring essential. Oversized hats provide an element of 70s chic with a casual slant. The eco-friendly Pachacuti-Panama Hat could make a great addition to your wardrobe this year. Whether it’s an oversized trilby or just a floppy sun hat for the beach, these old favourites are currently storming their way into the top essential spring accessories list. We sincerely hope that they’re here to stay!

3. Chunky bangles

Why not instantly update your wardrobe with a few summer inspired bangles? These funky accessories can currently be seen on the wrists of a number of celebrities and international high-end designers. You can find them in a range of textures, prints and colours, from simple gold cuffs to elaborate and bold statement bangles. We particularly love the Kate Benjamin orange block geometric bangle.

4. Gatsby chic

With a film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby scheduled for release later this year, the fashion world has turned its attention to various items from the 1920s era. Flapper dresses, deco details, tassel trims and feathers galore are set to be a significant trend for this summer. You can achieve the look without breaking the bank by getting hold of some long beaded necklaces, like the Kate Benjamin elegant navy blue long beaded crystal necklace.

If Rihanna needed an excuse to flaunt her figure to the world then clearly Coachella, the Californian music festival, was it.

The starlet tweeted a picture of herself in a scantily clad denim bikini just hours before hitting the festival scene.

Rihanna posted several tweets of herself throughout the show, clearly making the most of the little time she had left to enjoy the three-day event just gone.

Rocking the festival scene, the globally popular songstress was sporting a pair of denim-studded shorts, black crop top and thick gold chain necklace. Of course, Rihanna didn’t forget the ultimate festival accessories, a pair of sleek black Ray-ban sunglasses.

Whether you’re visiting sunny California or a muddy music festival, we have put together a guide to some of the summer’s ‘must have’ accessories.

1. Headscarf

Trendy, cool and effortlessly easy to wear, a headscarf can be worn all year round. We love the Fraas Printed Silk scarf for that added touch of luxury. The bright paisley print boarder wraps around a burst of leopard print in the centre, making it the ultimate festival or holiday headscarf.

2. Big bracelets

Chunky cuffs and big bracelets are definitely high on the list of ‘must have’ accessories for this summer. From textured, driftwood style cuffs to metal studded faux fur cuffs, there’s something out there for every wrist. Our favourite has to be the snake print textured cuff, perfect for any summer occasion.

3. Sunglasses

No summer outfit would be complete without sunglasses. They are the staple accessories to accompany your look whenever the sun is shining. There are a huge range of styles available at the moment, from the increasingly popular vintage cats eye look to classic aviator sunglasses. The Suuna black cat-eye sunglasses are chic and stylish, with a gold pin detail on the front and sides of the frame. Elegant and understated, these are a genuine ‘must-have’ for summer 2012.

Welcome to our first Accessories Direct news blog! aD will be keeping you regularly updated with the newest style, fashion and celebrity news daily, as well as keeping you up to date with exciting trend forecasts and our new products and competitions…

Angelina Jolie shows off engagement ring

Wedding bells are in the air for one of Hollywood’s ultimate golden couples after Brad Pitt popped the question to Angelina Jolie last week with a custom made ring.

After seven years, six children, several films, and a fair few academy award nominations, the couple are finally set to tie the knot.

Robert Procop, who is the couple’s private jeweller, designed the ring for the 36-year-old actress with assistance from Brad Pitt.

It’s been reported that Mr Pitt was working in conjunction with the Beverly Hills jeweller for a year on the ring.

The designer has been the private jeweller to Angelina Jolie for the past ten years and has even worked with the actress to produce a special collection of jewellery, Style of Jolie, which was auctioned for charity last year.

Robert Procop has worked with the royal family and was formerly the head of the renowned British jewellery brand Asprey & Garrard.

Whilst not everyone can afford to have their own personal jeweller, there are still a great number of gorgeous wedding accessories available.

1. Earrings

Every bride will have a different idea regarding what type of jewellery they wish to buy. However, Swarovski elements earrings might be considered an essential item for all. The stunning feather drop earrings by The Earring Boutique are sophisticated and charming, perfect for any bride.

2. Headband

The bride’s hair is just as important as the make-up and accessories. In order to truly feel special on the big day, a carefully selected headpiece is an absolute must. From something as simple as a beautiful crystal flower hair comb to a bejewelled crystal headband, there are a number of styles to complete your wedding look. 

3. Clutch bag

Whether you need tissues to wipe away tears of joy or your mobile phone to frantically fix last minute glitches, you will need somewhere to keep your wedding day essentials and what better way to do so than in style? Olga Berg has a range of fabulous clutch bags to meet your wedding day needs. 

Sarah at The Fashion Ache explains why the Kate Benjamin Leather Satchel bag has won a place in her heart..and on her arm!

   “I first fell for the satchel from a very young age (age 9 if we’re looking to be precise) – and who wouldn’t? A roomy interior makes easy work of my constant inability to pack light – I stuff all of the latest glossies, my make-up, Blackberry, Post-It loaded diary and anything else that I can get my mitts on into its straining seams!

   You can wear a satchel bag slung over one shoulder swinging next to your skinnies, across-the-body for when you’re late for work (toast in one hand, mascara in the other) or clutched to your side as the FASH PACK are doing right now.

    When my delectable Kate Benjamin Leather Satchel  arrived, it was most-definitely love at first sight. The buttery-soft leather and gold hardware are versatile enough to work effortlessly with this SS12’s trends – be it that flirty floral dress from Prada, that under-the-sea print Versace or your beloved Topshop jeans and a plain white tee.

   AND, there’s a delightful treat hiding inside. I’m a complete sucker for a fabulous lining and the Kate Benjamin satchel doesn’t disappoint. By golly, it’s even working the trends on the inside with its gorgeous floral print – this is one ‘of the moment’, on-trend satchel. Talk about hitting the fashion nail on the head!

   This satchel will definitely charm its way into your SS12 wardrobe, and most probably outlive many of the garments in there. Whatever look you’re working and whatever the trends are, the Kate Benjamin satchel will always be that turn-to accessory staple!”

London Fashion Week is one of the most talked about events in the fashion industry and every fashion lover is keen to get their hands on a ‘golden’ ticket to see the shows. LFW has launched today and the capital is buzzing with fashionistas on their way to catwalk shows by their favourite designers.

To celebrate LFW, aD is offering you a fabulous 15% off our Spring/Summer 2012 trend pieces..but that’s not all!

aD is running a competition where you can win your favourite trend piece from our LFW trend page!

All you have to do is head over to our Facebook page to find out how to enter..

GOOD LUCK!

(Winner announced 22nd February)

Love,

The aD Team