Boutique Owner Donna Wesselman's shop, Bella Donna, has been open for business for the last 10 years, and has seen the past decade's trends come in and out of her doors. From the ultra low-rise jeans earlier in the decade to today's skinny jeans and flash-in-the-pan trends like ponchos to lasting ones like the Ugg boot, the 2000s have seen a wide range of styles. But one trend that has risen to fame and doesn't appear to be fading from the limelight anytime soon is the "status handbag."

Purses have evolved from nameless black or brown structured bags with long straps to brightly colored hobo bags, covered in hardware and designer insignia. At the beginning of the decade pocketbooks were moderately sized and functional, while today they range in size — anywhere from huge to ginormous! The prices and status associated with a plush, leather handbag have grown as well.

"I've spoken with a lot of young sales reps who don't make a lot of money, but they always tell me they will buy a $500 to $1,000 handbag at the beginning of a season because that's the one thing that people see on the streets. Even when they have their coats on, that handbag is hanging out," Wesselman says. "It's an easy way to reflect status."

Wesselman believes that with a society so obsessed with celebrity, fashion and status that it's no wonder some consumers indulge in the finer things. "We have elevated celebrities to be the fashion icons and you see it on TV, on the computer, on the facebook, twitters, and the what-not. It does tend to draw people in." But handbags are not the only "it" accessory to emerge from the shadows to bask in the limelight.

Call them sunnies, shades, or simply sunglasses— but the sunglass has emerged as "a top accessory over the past 10 years since sunglasses are another way for people to individualize their styles, and match their personality to their look," ILORI Brand Ambassador Jennifer Rade says. While the sunglass has always had an aura of glamour and mystique, over the past decade its profile has risen to epic proportions. "People want their sunglasses to coordinate with their favorite purse, their car, or even their dog’s collar. Sunglasses have become a fashion accessory that gets changed with each outfit," Rade says.

There have been many iconic frames over the decades— Jackie O's oversized Nina Ricci plastic sunglasses in the 60's, the classic 80's staple, the Wayfarer, and many more. And with fashion trends being incredibly cyclical, these styles have reappeared in the 2000s. Around 2004 the trend was simply, the bigger the better but today along with retro designs buyers are also looking for unique frames to really compliment their facial structure rather than cover it up with gigantic lenses Rade says. "Consumers are looking for limited edition [sunglasses], one-of-a-kinds, and exclusives, as they are seeking items that set them apart. Graphic designs are big as designers are using modern prints, bright colors and unusual shapes."

For more information on ILORI visit their Web site or take a trip to Kenwood Towne Centre to browse their boutique in person.

For more information on Bella Donna visit their Bella Donna Web site, or check out the boutique located at 1115 Congress Ave. in Glendale.


PHOTO CREDITS

Photo courtesy of ILORI

Emily Terbrueggen
		About the author:
		Emily Terbrueggen is Cincy Chic’s editorial intern. Send her an e-mail at eterbrueggen@cincychic.com.
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Last update: 21-12-2009 16:26

Published in : Magazine Items, Fashion