10 accessories that are just the bee's knees
From rings and watches to hairpins and hats, bees have gone glam
Bees are suddenly very buzzy. As a canary in the coalmine species for climate change, there's a huge focus (and plenty of scary headlines) on saving the honey-making insects. At the same time, the spotlight has spread to the world of style where everything from sneakers and swimsuits to rings and watches are getting the black and yellow treatment. Gucci has been a major force behind the trend by bringing bees to the fore. Designer Alessandro Michele resurrected the motif that hadn't been seen since the '70s, and now it's near impossible to miss those massive bejeweled bumbles on belts, bags and stitched onto suits.
Since our nectar-loving friends are high on the list of stylish accessories, we've taken the sting out of shopping by narrowing it down to 11 of the bee-emblazoned best. Queen Bees, take note.
Introducing your perfect summer straw tote. Aside from its sweet message, this shoulder bag is sturdy enough to lug your laptop around during the week and roomy enough to pack a picnic on weekends.
Kate Spade Picnic Perfect Straw Bee Tote, $298 (on sale for $209), katespade.com
Bees have graced Gucci bags, belts, clothing and jewelry for seasons now. This feels like a fresh way to wear the trend thanks to a pop of grassy green and gilded accents.
Gucci G-Timeless Leather Strap Watch, $1,401.41, nordstrom.com
From a distance, this dainty ring makes it look like a baby bee fluttered right onto your finger. In fact, it's just a wee detail on this 18K gold-plated honeycomb band.
Pandora Honeybee Ring, $75, pandora.net
Classic smoking slippers get a seasonal update with a swarm of pretty pollinators stitched right into. Wear them with dresses now, and jeans once the weather cools down.
Stubbs & Wootton Bee Women Slipper, $450, stubbsandwootton.com
Spending over $200 on a straw hat is steep, but this one is so special that that it's worth top dollar. Aside from the scalloped edge, the crown is dotted with enough insects that it's almost as if the whole hive descended on your hat.
Mercedes Salazar Colmena de Abejas Hat, $264, shopbop.com
These small studs are a subtle ode to the bee. With their honeycomb shape and black onyx centre, they're delicate enough for day, but look equally chic come evening.
Birks Bee Chic Black Onyx Earrings, $750, maisonbirks.com
Flower crowns have had their day. Instead, slip this set of playful bobby pins into salty ocean waves or a sleek city 'do for instant romance.
Jennifer Behr Abeille Bobby Pins, $252, jenniferbehr.com
Watch for this sweet swimsuit on Instagram, it's got blogger bait written all over it. Pair yours with a wide-brimmed hat, pool slides and mirrored shades for a beach-ready look.
Ganni Charneu Printed Swimsuit, $160, net-a-porter.com
Diamonds are always a good idea, right? With nearly half a carat of glittering stones, splash out on this winged pendant and you'll create quite the buzz.
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Bee Pendant, $4,350, tiffany.ca
Delfina Delettrez hails from the renowned Fendi family. Much like the storied house's fashion designs, her jewelry is both lighthearted and luxurious, including these earrings which feature citrine honey and bees made from rows of blackened diamonds and yellow sapphires.
Delfina Delettrez 9-Karat Gold Multi-Stone Earrings, $3,520, net-a-porter.com
Caitlan Moneta (@caitlanmoneta) is a Toronto-based fashion editor, writer and stylist. She's a firm believer that there's nothing a little retail therapy can't fix.