SS26 go-to accessories
My Favorite Accessories Right Now: Secondhand Finds, Paris Discoveries, and a One-of-a-Kind Hermès Charm
Some of my most asked-about pieces are the ones I’ve been hunting around for years & come with a story — the dream bag I found secondhand, the charm I got working for Hermès, & the necklace I carried home from Paris. Here are the five accessories I've been reaching for on repeat lately, and why none of them are new.
01. Freja Paloma Tote in Latte — The Work Bag
Found secondhand
If you've seen me running to a meeting, hauling across a venue, or just existing looking put together — this is the bag. The Freja Paloma Tote in latte is structured enough to look intentional but roomy enough to hold your whole life. In this bag I can hold my 16-inch work laptop, my Owala water bottle, agenda, notebooks, sudoku, ballet flats, a scarf, and still have room.
It goes with everything. Black trousers, a trench, a blazer, jeans. It's the bag equivalent of a good foundation, it just makes everything else work better.
Style it with: Tailored trousers, a silk blouse, clean white sneakers for the commute
02. Hermès Secondhand-Recycled Cashmere Horse Head Charm
Handcrafted with Recycled Fabric
The horse head hanging off the Freja is handmade from recycled cashmere sourced directly from the Hermès FW25 collection that I got it working an activation at their flagship store in Chicago last fall.
It's chic, weighted perfectly, and every time someone notices it I get to tell this story. That's what accessories should do. Not just look good — but mean something to the wearer.
These are supposed to be on Kelly’s but I think my Freja will suffice until I reach that tax bracket.
03. Maje Fringe Crossbody in Olive
Found secondhand
Every work bag needs a sexy day-to-night bag. The Maje fringe crossbody is mine. Dark green, fringe detail on the sides, that signature Maje top handle cutout — it's the bag I grab when I want my outfit to do the talking. I found this one secondhand too, and in incredible condition.
Fringe is having a serious moment right now and this bag has been ahead of it for years. It works with an all-black outfit, with earth tones, with denim. It's unexpectedly versatile for something with this much personality. I also love to wear this bag as a clutch by taking off the strap if I’m taking to an evening event.
Style it with: Black wide-leg trousers, a fitted turtleneck, ankle boots
04. Brown Cord Ring Necklace — From Paris, With Love
Found secondhand
I brought this home from Paris and I've worn it more than anything else in my jewelry box since. It's a long brown leather cord with a simple silver ring pendant — minimal, architectural, and unexpected. I love shopping in Paris. Small boutiques are everywhere and the city has such taste that you’ll find at least one thing you love in each store.
It layers beautifully, works worn long or doubled up, and goes with everything from a crisp white shirt to a maximalist evening dress.
Style it with: Anything. Truly. But especially a deep V or an open collar
You can find similar options on Etsy here!
05. Floral Crystal Chain Necklace — Demolition Collective, Wicker Park
Found secondhand
This is a recent pick-up and a new fav. A dusty rose fabric flower with a jeweled center, and cascading layered crystal and bead chains falling below it. It's romantic and dramatic and completely one of a kind. I found it at Demolition Collective in Wicker Park, one of my favorite spots in Chicago for pieces that don't look like anyone else's.
I love to wear this with a flowy white tank top and jeans to dress it up. Paired with the Maje bag it becomes a whole look.
If you're in Chicago, go to Demolition Collective. If you're not, follow them — @demolitioncollective — because their pieces are so good.
06. Pearl Ribbon Drop Necklace — Demolition Collective, Wicker Park
Found secondhand
Along with the brown cord necklace, I’ve found this piece to be just as versatile. A long drop of graduated pearls with a soft baby pink satin ribbon tie at the top — it's so delicate and bold at the same time, which is a hard thing to pull off. Another Demolition Collective find, and another piece that I’ve never seen anyone else wearing.
I've worn this with a blazer, with a slip dress, with a simple white tee. It elevates everything. The ribbon tie means you can adjust the length, which makes it incredibly versatile.
The Through Line
None of these pieces are new. Two bags found secondhand (if you’re interested for specific pieces, check out TheRealReal and you can find luxury on the low), statement necklaces from boutiques, and a charm I got for working a luxury market. The longer I shop and start to develop my taste the easier it is to know the pieces I will actually wear versus the pieces I just think would be cool to own. I’ve also learned that versatility in wear is important to me when I’m purchasing pieces to add to my collection just as much as aesthetic which is a rather new development for me.
Accessories with a story wear differently than something pulled off a rack. You carry them with context.
