"Have you heard of “Jane Birkinifying” yet? In an internet age where everything seems to be renamed, trend-goers have now coined this new term to define the art of accessorizing your accessories.
The name comes from the Jane Birkin herself–a British-born, French film star and fashion icon–for whom the infamous Hermès Birkin bag was named after. Birkin was known for having a rather laissez-faire attitude with her handbags, often sporting large, lived-in bags that were spewing over with stray contents and reeking of personality. The movie star’s recent passing has evoked a movement of fashion’s it-girls adorning their bags with an array of crafty knickknacks ranging from charm necklaces to child-like trinkets. Basically, everything but the kitchen sink.
The “Jane Birkin effect” is every maximalist-lover’s dream, largely due to the fact that you can use any bag you already own to participate. The trend has been seen on a range of bags from catch-all totes to structured Birkin-like silhouettes.
Whether it’s because we’re investing more in personal style as a society as of late, or because the bag charm trend is reminiscent of our early school days with keychain-adorned backpacks, the “Birkin effect” is quickly taking shape.
How to “Jane Birkinify” Your Bag
While there aren’t really any guidelines to “Birkinifying” your bag, there are a few staple components for achieving this seasoned, over-the-top look.
Silk Scarves
The idea is to wrap the scarf—or in this case, bandana—tightly around the handle of the bag until the strap is completely covered and secured with a uniform knot at the end of each side. This is an easy way to completely transform the look of a bag, and it doesn’t hurt that it provides your bag’s handles with a little protection.
Claw Clips
On the days when you do decide to do your hair (let’s face it, who has time anymore?), opt for sporting your claw clip on your strap. Chances are, by the end of the day, you’ll get tired of wearing your hair down, and what’s better than having your claw clip readily accessible for the commute home?
Keychains
Put a finger down if you haven’t owned a keychain since grade school. While many designer brands are selling keychains at prices higher than even I expected, more brands are catching on to the trend, with keychains and other bag charm additions now being offered by most major retailers at affordable prices.
Brooches & Earrings
While brands are now purposefully designing bag pins and charms, go the DIY route and stick your old brooches and earrings to the front of your bag. Don’t have any, or not willing to part with your everyday favorites? These can be easily sourced at your local thrift store or flea market.
Charm Bracelets & Necklaces
On the note of bringing us back to our childhood, this one feels very much like playing dress-up—only I’m dressing my bag, not my Barbie. The key to successfully securing the best necklaces and bracelets for your bag is to choose a variety of colors, textures, and charms.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.