This newest trend has me ‘popping my cork’ with delight. Once designers parade out their new cork accessories, I know warm and sunny days are in the not so distant future.

Cork soled shoes have been popular since Carmen Miranda starting shaking her fruity hat but designers have updated the style by adding interesting patterns, metallics, and used cork as material on vamps (not just soles). Finally, a stylish shoe that is inherently comfy. Christian Louboutin offers a pair of heel, while Chadwick’s offers a d’Orsay pump.

Take fashion to new heights with these towering treats: Fendi, Pucci, Prada, (or as I call them…the trinity) and Chanel offer lofty aspirations of wedges and platforms.

Philosphy di Alberta Ferretti offers 2 pairs of stunning metallic…one laminated peep toe pump and one multi colored wedge. Molto bene! Marc Jacobs offers a more earthly height in his flats of slides. You can always count on Mr. Jacobs!

And for all you closeted hippies, or bohemians, dig these Birkenstock alternatives from Phillip Lim (sandals) and Pedro Garcia (suede sling backs). Far out, man.

If you’re going boating this summer, it’s a smart move to carry your goods in a cork bag (cork floats). So if it falls over, just jump in and recover your purse and its contents.

My top choice is either of Fendi’s bags, although I’m edging towards the metallic. Gucci offers a vintage faux cork tote (rent it and save your money for a Hampton’s share). Ebay is a great place to look for vintage cork…the 70s weren’t that long ago.

Donald Pliner has a hefty bowler’s bag trimmed in black patent leather – this is a perfect bag for weekends. Hobo international has a stylish bag with metallic trim. The handle looks very comfy for shopping and cork is naturally lightweight.

For a sleeker silhouette, clutches in cork abound. It’s like they grow on trees….get it, cork is tree bark. Chadwick’s offers a simple sleek clutch while Cammie Hill, Lorelei, and Glorinha Paranagua all use metallic accents for an evening look.

Donna Karan offers a lovely skirt with cork trim. Newport News has a figure flattering cork corset belt – the perfect update.

Cork is being used as jewelry and being praised as a green material, as it’s recycled. Also, the cork harvested as bark, is a renewable resource. So you can be fashionable and attend your favorite earth day celebration with a clear conscious and cute outfit!

Maison Martin Margiela’s cork necklace, with silver chain, is cute. But if you spend your evenings like I spend mine (I’m very happy with my bottle of wine), you could make this yourself in an evening.

I love both of these pairs of these earrings from clickdesignthatfits, one in silver and one in vermeil. The 100 % recycled cuff by Donna Piacenza would look terrific on a suntanned arm.

If all this shopping has tired you out, take a well deserved rest in this cork and bamboo chair by Trevor O’Neil design. Or this rice crispy treat looking chair by Daniel Michalik.

If you need some light to read by, try this stacked cork table lamp or the rubber wood with cork shade, by Kenneth Wingard.

If you’re still a little shy about this whole trend, then dare to add a vanity accessory made from cork. It’s perfect for the bathroom because cork resists mold and mildew.

So spend this spring either buying cork accessories or toasting to your friends and the beautiful weather. I suggest both !   

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