Tuesday Accessories: Brass Monki Footwear

We have all seen those T-shirts that express the individual's moods, favorite bands, and senses of humor embedded in witty cartoons. Now...imagine getting more expressive than ever with shoes! Brass Monki's Daniel Reese will take your favorite Nike Dunks and turn them into the most unexpected works of art. The designer is only a ripe 22 years old, and has been running Brass Monki Customs since July of 2009. The sneakers are all hand-painted and design inspirations range from movies and television to video games and music, and from our favorite favorite search engines like Google to other media services like Twitter! The designs featured above are only a few of his "pre-designed" footwear already available for purchase--but there's more. Reese's business is a collaboration of innovation and creativity with his customers. Register with Brass Monki and you can request an exclusive design that is created by you and brought to life by him. So change up your outfit by showing off a pair of these loud yet fun accessories, for change cannot be better expressed than wearing a pair of Reese's Nike Dunks featuring the president that advocates it!

Tuesday Accessory: Sun God Ready

Can't decide on what to wear this Friday at UCSD's Annual Sun God Festival? Unique earthy pieces literally inspired by the Sun God are perfect for the music-filled day of festivities. Since alot of these pieces are created with natural materials such as clay and metal, the natural look and textures they bear are most exquisite.
Don an intricate necklace like the ceramic sun-pendant necklace by Novica with your most comfortable and breezy casual whites for a harmonious yet fashionable look. In fact, Novica , being in association with National Geographic, offers a wide variety of nature-inspired jewelry specially hand-crafted by skilled artisans. Even show off metal jewelry with sun-inspired engravings to add a personal edge to your Sun God apparel! Check out your local stores, like Urban Outfitters has the perfect yet affordable studs for this theme. So pile on your accessories, and see all you fashionistas at this year's Sun God Festival!

Tuesday Accessory: Ocean's '11

With the summer heat and ocean breeze teasing you as if summer is already here, one can hardly focus their mindset on one thing without being interrupted with fantasies of jumping into cool crystal blue waters glistening underneath the hot sun. Despite always snapping back to reality after the calendar reminds you that summer is actually over a month away, it is not too early to take a splash into summer-ready fashion! This summer, flash your favorite ocean-life inspired jewelry pieces such as the octopus ring by Kenneth Jay Lane the starfish ring by Marc Jacobs. Wear them for a nautical touch to your outfit or complement your minimalist white summer dress with these pieces for an ocean goddess-inspired look. Pearls, dolphins, turtles, and seahorses! The variety within this summer trend is endless!

Tuesday Accessory: Pledge Wedge

These wedges were created by a collaboration made in heaven: Suno and Loeffler Randall. The high wedges come in the two patterns shown above. What makes these shoes beautiful is the usage of materials. The wood base paired with the cut out napkin-like material make them both organic and ultra modern looking. While these wedges are 645 smackaroos, you can don other delightful wedges such as modcloth.com's copious amount of artsy wedges for half the price but all the beauty.
Wedges are making a comeback. Will you step into this trend?

Pretty Pouch

This accessory is a neat because it re-purposes household materials. We won't tell you the secret to Elaine's masterpieces, but rest assured, these darling little pouches can perfectly hold your credit cards or any notes you may want to keep safe. This crafty lady is a local San Diegan and she keeps a blog called A Crafty Mind in which she shares her oh so artsy adventures and also tips on how to make some of the cool things she does!

Wild Wear

Feeling bored with just plain old jewelry? Then spruce up your outfit and don animal jewelry! They are an easy way to make a wildly wonderful statement. Whether it's a lion ring or a zebra ring, each one will reflect your inner animal showing your bold nature.

What is great about these rings is that you don't have to be dressed up or dressed down to wear them to match. They are a versatile accessory that is easy to love and pretty to look at.

Bold With A Bow

Tired of troublesome ties and looking for something more bold to accessorize with? Try these great bow ties which are sure to add some flare to your plain white T! Available in fun patterns and colors, these little numbers are a great accessory for men of all ages and add a lot of character to any formal wear. Musical artist Janelle Monae shown above wears them well!

Browse these great bows at Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines, and Carrot and Gibbs.

Floral Footwear

Forget the runway, lets frolic in the flowers! With springtime around the corner it's time to conform to the characteristics of the season and don floral prints! Especially when it comes to shoes, flowery footwear is a trendy way to accent a plain or neatural outfit. Available in heels, flats, sneakers, and even oxfords, flower printed shoes are a fun way to show your love of Spring! Check out the bouquet of apparel at Urban Outfitters, Anne Kelin, Forever 21 and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Urban Turbans...

Tuesday: Accessory
by: Lavanya, TREND writer



What do you get when you cross a knitted hat and a headband? A turban! These boho-chic hair accessories keep your ears warm with their broad width while looking extremely stylish as well. These bands also adapt with the seasons; knitted ones exemplify a more "wintery" look while silk turbans give a lighter feel for spring time. The shape of these hair accessories can be replicated with a simple head scarf to create variety in your wardrobe. Check them out at Nordstrom, Etsy, and Urban Outfitters.

Athletic Accesories

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Lavanya, TREND Writer

When it comes to fashion, accessories don't just encompass the glitter, the leather, or the fur. Anything that compliments an outfit is an accessory, and when it comes to athletic wear, all articles of clothing make great accessories due to their basic but bold designs.
Contrary to simple solid pieces (in this case athletic wear), Lululemon Athletica explores bold, and colorful patterns while using breathable cotton in their clothing. Bebe Sport and American Apparel are also great places to check out sexy yet comfortable outfits for a quick workout.

Give a Little Love...

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Lavanya, TREND Writer

With Valentine's Day around the corner, it's time to hit the shops and scout out a gift for that special someone. Although you can't go wrong with jewelry, diamond accessories have potential to be slightly out of one's price range. With cute rings, necklaces, and various other accessories, Fossil, Alex and Chloe (shown above), and Rachel Roy are great places to check out low budget, "valentine themed" jewelry for her. You'll be pleasing that significant other as well as yourself!

Love Bites

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Writer
Let yourself get caught into this little trend! This absolutely charming bracelet is a fredflare product. It is a both clever and unique gift to give to your Valentine or even yourself! It is called the "Disney Couture bracelet" referring to Ariel and Flounder's narrow escape from the shark. It is currently their third most selling product.

Fredlflare is known for their pun heavy, wacky and witty products such as their toast wallet and usb tullip hub.

Bundle Up

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Lavanya, TREND Writer

With the cold breezes coming in, it's time for the knits to come out! And no, the shivers you got after your professor passed out the midterm isn't what we're talking about! It's that cold in the morning with the marine layer hovering up above or that stale cold when night falls upon the city.

Sweaters are a great way to keep warm while preventing the bulk of heavy jackets and coats. These hybrid, wrap around sweaters can come in assortment of colors. Their draping characteristic adds an air of elegance thus making them highly effective accessories.

Boots, canvas shoes, and even heels compliment these cardigans well and can help alter the level of sophistication you're aiming for in your outfit. Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and modcloth have really nice selections.

A Halo on Your Finger

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Lavanya, TREND Writer

Why wait for the velvet box with the thousand dollar diamond ring?

Accessory rings have become the new hand ornament, adding a flare to any simple outfit or perfectly complementing the most glamorous ensemble at very affordable prices. Keep things bohemian and chic with rings from Urban Outfitters or try a bigger and better approach with these sparkling bands from Betsey Johnson or Juicy Couture. Double finger rings are the latest trend and typically come in the most elaborate and creative designs with the added construction room for two fingers instead of one!

This Trend Will Stick

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Writer


Minx Nails are the latest and greatest nail product that has come out in a while. Revolutionizing the way we decorate nails, they are a hard film that when placed, they perfectly hug the contour of your nail. Thus making it appear as if your nails naturally grew gorgeous patterns, shiny gold or silver shimmer.

This trend has been spotted on various fashion icons such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Minx nails are manicures in a box for half the price.