Transforming Fashion

Women are always looking for ways to maximize their fashion dollars and keep their attire fresh and exciting. And these days, with families feeling the financial pinch, creating an extensive wardrobe on a limited budget is more important than ever. Recent segments on the Today show presented ideas on how to mix-and-match a few separate pieces in order to stretch wardrobe options and dollars. Beyond classic mix-and-match clothing pieces, one thing experts advise to help update looks and add variety is fashion accessories.

“I wanted a purse that would accentuate my outfits. But I didn't have the budget or space for a closet full of bags. Nor did I have the time to switch my stuff from purse-to-purse each day,” explains Catherine Brehm, creator of Reverse-A-Purse, Alpharetta, GA.

Brehm's company represents a growing concept in fashion: accessories with interchangeable options that make it both easy and affordable to achieve the coordinated look women want. “Plus, they're fun to wear and transform,” notes Brehm.

What are interchangeable accessories? They are versatile lines of jewelry, handbags and footwear that offer the opportunity to create multiple looks by changing a key design element. Of course, it's not an entirely new concept, but until now such accessories have been marketed merely as novelties.

For a long time, reversible elements (such as jewelry with different designs on either side, or handbags that could be turned inside out for another pattern) were the most common way to change an accessory piece and get two looks for the price of one. Today, however, inventive designers are taking a cue from automotive pioneer Henry Ford, and introducing pieces with interchangeable parts. These include purses with covers or inserts that can be switched according to mood; ensemble jewelry with removable “gems” to complement different outfits; and flip-flops and casual slides that feature changeable tops or accents.

The versatility of these accessories fits perfectly with the new standards of fashion. Once upon a time, fashion rules dictated that the handbag and shoes must match — each other, at least, if not the whole outfit. Today, most stylish women prefer not to limit their fashion accessories options to a single black bag, classic pearl or diamond stud earrings, or plain silver or gold jewelry that “goes with everything.” They like to mix things up; add punches of color.

Coordination is the new rule, with apparel, accessories and jewelry too. This gives women more options, and allows them to have fun with their wardrobe. “It's all about choice,” notes Lindsay Phillips of Largo, FL-based SwitchFlops. “Women can create their own look, their own style, on the go.”

“Today's woman understands the value of versatility,” adds Brehm. “With [something like] Reverse-A-Purse, one purse can serve as the perfect compliment to many outfits, without the complexity of owning many handbags.”

Such modifiable items — whether purse, footwear or jewelry — save on time, money, closet space and stress.

Interchangeable accessories are attracting a lot of attention from both retailers and customers. For retailers, it's a great sales opportunity — and one that represents repeat business, because many of the lines sell individual elements that can be added to the mix. For customers, such accessories offer options that keep their look fresh and fun.

“It's good for retailers because it keeps consumers coming back [for additional patterns, colors, looks],” comments Phillips, who cites herself as a perfect example. “I sometimes change my [shoe] straps twice a day!” she exclaims.

And as much as wearers can change their looks with these pieces, retailers can do the same in-store, keeping displays looking interesting and updated. By changing covers, shoe tops or “gems,” displays can be freshened and accessories given a whole new look to capture or re-capture the customer's eye.

Retailers who want to offer a customer value for her fashion dollar should consider interchangeable accessories to help her express her individuality and stretch her wardrobe options, as well as keeping her coming back.

“It's all about image, value and convenience,” concludes Brehm. “When a woman puts together her outfit, she thinks about her whole image — including her jewelry and handbag. She wants the total package to work for her.”