Accessories Council Holiday Preview: Wow, What A Collection!

By Anne M. Raso

Every year I attend the Accessories Council Holiday Preview, where assorted press people get to see dozens of holiday collections from designers both new and established. Many of these items are handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. I pursued the collection being offered and selected a half-dozen of my favorites in all price points. Many of these are destined to become heirloom items passed from mother to daughter and so on down the line.

Andrew Hamilton Crawford Cuff

The Andrew Hamilton Crawford Dragonfly Cuff is pricey at $298 but it is made of a translucent brown resin and the detailed overlay is 18K gold-plated. There is a magnetic closure and spring hinge, so it is easy on and easy off. I love the bold statement that it makes but yet it is neutral and can be worn any time, with any look--day or night. For more info, go to andrewhamiltoncrawford.com.

David & Young make colorful leather-like iPhone 5 "bracelets" that are officially called Style Straps--they let you literally have your phone in the palm of your hands at all times while being comfortable. There is a detachable jeweled band that can detach and be worn as a bracelet on its own--the strap also forms a base so that you can stand your iPhone up on a table! They are only $20 at shopdavidandyoung.com and appeal to female iPhone users of all ages.

The New York City-based ManuealRacim makes premiere quality custom men's dress shirts using fifteen measurements for only $125--and then keep them on file in case your man wants to order more (better be safe and have his measurements taken after the holidays, though--LOL)! It's all high quality Italian fabrics and French craftsmanship craftsmanship--as well as top notch old-school customer service--with ManuealRacim and your guy might not be able to ever wear a shirt "off the rack again." For more details, go to www.manuealracim.com.

Trellie's Phone Call Light Alert System

Trellie's Phone Call Light Alert System is great for anyone who always misses calls. This easy-to-use device gives off a bright flashing light when your phone goes off, so you won't miss a call--not even in the giant handbags New York ladies wear everyday. It’s a cute shape (kind of like a whistle) and is made of a high quality goldtone metal. Price if $49.99 and is available at trellie.com.

Caroline Rocha Cuff

Caroline Rocha's hand crafted leather cuffs are all hand-made by the designer herself. They are available for $129 at retailers all over the Us, UK, Canada and Australia and she used Swarovski crystals exclusively in her designs. All the retails are listed at carolinerocha.com. There are also many "junior" versions of her designs for those interested in slimmer bands.

Randolph Engineering's classic rose gold aviators look good on everyone--no matter their sex or the shape of their face! This is the Concorde Model made in luxurious 24K rose gold plate with gray lenses of durable AGX polycarbonate! These sunglasses feel so lightweight you will not even remember that you have them on! Price: $169 at amazon.com.

Photos: Accessories Council