5 essential K-Pop accessories
K-Pop-inspired fashion has influenced the style of today's young people. A recent visit to the first-ever "Korean fancy shop" in the Philippines, C.N.A., inspired me to write this blog on essential K-Pop accessories.
C.N.A., short for Culture Nature Art, is a concept store that has over 200 branches in Korea. Their first Philippine store is located at D University Tower in Malate and was brought in by the popular Krimmy couple who partnered with the original C.N.A. owners. The Philippine version of C.N.A. does not only offer beautiful Korean accessories but also K-Pop albums! A true one-stop shop for a K-Pop fanatic.
Check out what I think are the five essential K-Pop accessories you should own.
1. The Wire Hairband
The versatile wire hairband is a unique take on the classic hair accessory. Made from fabric wrapped around a thin piece of wire, this simple accessory can be worn on any occasion whether you're at home washing dishes or dressed up for a night out. While a wire headband may sound uncomfortable, fans of the accessory swear its secure and wearable. This essential K-Pop accessory comes in simple to bejeweled styles and is also available in long and short versions.
2. The Wide-Rimmed Eyeglasses
These huge, albeit geeky, eyeglasses can be unforgiving because a pair can only accomplish either of these two things—make you look good (keep it on!) or make you look bad (take it off!). People with slightly oval-shaped faces will look good wearing them, but there's really no formula. You just have to try one on and check if they fit you. If they do, then this essential K-Pop accessory can instantly change your look from totally plain to totally chic. The frames come in classic black or white. Lately, however, colors and designs have become wilder and wilder.
3. The Ribbons
Ribbons are classic feminine accessories. From Jane Austen to Lady Gaga, ribbons have always been an essential part of women's fashion and the world of K-Pop is not an exception. Looking at the variety of beautiful ribbons used in clips, hairbands, bracelets, brooches, and other accessories, I can say that the ribbon is a true must-have for all women, whether young or young-at-heart.
4. The Chikara Hat
The Chikara Hat has been a K-Pop accessory staple for a long time. These colorful and creative hats allow K-Pop fans to express their K-Pop love without shame. Available in simple to wild designs, these felt hats have been worn by Filipino fans after idols like Super Junior's Donghae donned the accessory during their concert. Although Chikara hats are not exclusively for K-Pop fans, it was the K-Pop community which made them highly visible. What is so nice about the hat is that it can change your mood just by wearing it. For the more daring, brooches and pins can also embellish the hat.
5. The Idol Socks
Idol socks are probably the cutest and most unique K-Pop accessory there is. Although already widely available in Korea, idol socks gained tremendous popularity after being featured in the first episode of the hit K-drama "Secret Garden." These socks don't only keep the toes warm, they also gives fans the opportunity to feel close to their idols. How can one resist the many cute designs and patterns that's offered?! At less than PhP100 (US$2) a pair, it's worth the fangirl/fanboy joy it brings.
Are you a K-Pop fanatic? How many of these essential fashion pieces do you own?
Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.
