Above: “This hat is handwoven in Venezuela,” says Ursula. “I’m constantly searching for unique hat styles that have an unexpected detail. The color woven into the straw itself is beautifully balanced with the braided band and pom poms.”
Want to be in the know? Sign up. Open only four times a year, The Accessory Junkie travels the world in search of cool, fashionable, small-production accessories and offers them online to subscribers/“junkies.” These are the stylish fixes for those who crave bold rings from New York, embellished clutches from Chile, luxe chokers from London, and so on. The spring collection sold out, which is a good sign that the co-founders are onto something wonderfully, stylishly, ever-so addictive.
Westporter Ursula Lyon is the founder, curator and self-proclaimed Accessory Junkie. She loves the thrill of the hunt for rare finds anywhere on Earth. Australian-born Michelle Reeves, cofounder, is the perfect partner, calling herself a “Business Junkie” with a taste for bold and deco pieces.
“Ursula set up her office in spring and it has since become a speakeasy for women to stop by and shop exclusive and one-of-a-kind items,” says Michelle. “Since the website is open only for a very limited time each season, her office has become an informal, yet important location for existing and new customers to visit. Whether one is looking for a last-minute gift, heading out of town for vacation or just in the neighborhood, Ursula loves helping those who want to find something unique. They hear the story behind each necklace and cuff, the journey she took to find it and enjoy a glass of rosé as they try them all on.”
Ursula recently returned from Denmark and Iceland, and the next shopping frenzy is ready to begin. When the digital curtains part on the latest fab finds, the owners will send an alert about accessing the by-invitation-only shopping area. Be prepared to become totally addicted.
HATS OFF TO LIVING WITH STYLE
The latest collection from The Accessory Junkie was shot in and around Westport, including Compo, Longshore and Burying Hill Beach.
“It’s truly incredible to have such beauty in our own communities,” says Ursula. “I love it in Westport, so it felt like a natural choice to have the summer campaign shot here. I also love that the images were taken by Heidi Curran, a local photographer.”
Wearing accessories is an art. Using the shot of Ursula taken at Longshore (left) as an example, she says, “The nautical inspiration makes it so easy to wear every day, and the unique crest at the front of the hat elevates the look. From beach time with my family to afternoon cocktails with friends, I pair with the sun and wear daily.”
Find a few more of her favorite pieces below. To find out about the whole summer collection, sign up at theaccessoryjunkie.com.
RINGS
“The design of this [Porter Ring] is what inspired the Splash color collection for summer 2017,” says Ursula. “Pair this ring with summer whites and a touch of navy, and the bold turquoise of the stones bring the look to life! One of one, it was found in Brazil.”
BANGLES
“Style the Haven Bangles with your favorite summer dress or caftan. I adore the ease of these bangles,” Ursula says. “You will find me wearing them day or night, down at the beach, or at home playing with my children. The texture adds so much to any style and the colors are so easy to pair together.” As for the Tidal Bangle, she says,“I am a huge fan of vintage pieces and mixing old with new. Style with smaller bangles or wear alone.”
EARRINGS
“This is wearable art,” explains Ursula. “Wear these earrings with an off-the-shoulder top or ruffled sleeves.” The dramatic and feminine Riad Earring in pink are hand-woven with large, color-popping gemstones. They were found in Cyprus.
