Latest news with #ClairesAccessories
Vogue
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Claire's, We Hardly Knew Ye: 5 Vogue Staffers on Their Memories of the Tween Piercing Paradise
I've shed many tears in Claire's Accessories over the years (specifically, the Upper West Side one on 82nd and Broadway, and even more specifically, because my mom wouldn't let me get a cartilage earring when I was 12), but nothing compares to the pain of knowing that this beloved haven for tweens with allowance money burning a hole in their pockets and a passion for trinkets is bankrupt, yet again. While the majority of Claire's locations in the United States and the rest of North America will remain open as the company 'continues to explore all strategic alternatives,' according to a statement released on Wednesday, it's hard not to feel like the writing is on the wall for this once-iconic chain, where so many of us got pierced for the first time by bored 19-year-olds with unsteady hands, dished about crushes by the racks of charm anklets, and had epic fights with our parents when they wouldn't spend their hard-earned money to buy us said charm anklets (just me?). Below, find 5 Vogue staffers' reminiscences about the store that taught us how to accessorize: 'When I was young and still figuring myself out, I would pass by Claire's in our local mall and secretly admire all of the frilly little pink things in there. I knew it was not 'for boys,' yet I felt a draw to the store. I wanted to wear the cute bows and little star-shaped earrings and cheap jelly bracelets. It was aspirational.' —Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer 'Call it longing or morbid fascination, but I probably spent hours of my young life lingering outside of the Claire's at my local mall, watching people get their ears pierced by barely qualified 20-somethings armed with a piercing gun. After I (finally!) was allowed to get my ears pierced in the third grade, much of my allowance went to hideous plastic earrings. The most egregious? A pair of sparkly frogs holding soccer balls, which my mother warned me was 'not a good investment.' I beg to differ: a few years ago, she found a pair on eBay for $8 and bought them for me. Consider them an heirloom in the making!' —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer 'I have gotten five piercings at Claire's—four lobe piercings and one cartilage. Now, everyone warned me before I got my cartilage pierced at the age of 15 NOT to get my cartilage pierced with a gun, but I was terrified of needles and really wanted a cartilage piercing. The only people willing to do it with a piercing gun were the brave employees at Claire's. Unfortunately, the piercing only lasted a year (longer than I expected, honestly), it kept getting infected, and I had a weird bump on the top of my ear for a few months after I took my piercing out because of the impact of the gun. Never again! Anyway, RIP Claire's!' —Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Noughties throwback fashion trend Victoria Beckham & J-Lo loved is back in style for summer – here's how to wear it
FROM low-rise jeans to tiny bags and enough denim to kit out a whole pop group, it seems that Noughties fashion has officially made a comeback. Now, adding to the collection, one of the decade's coolest and easiest accessories is officially back for summer: the humble-yet-chic headscarf or bandana. 9 9 This iconic accessory, championed by everyone from pop princesses to fashion royalty back in the early 2000s, is making a serious comeback, and we are absolutely here for it. None other than fashion icon Victoria Beckham and the one and only Jennifer Lopez were big fans of the look. Victoria often opted for sleek, almost minimalist bandanas tied neatly at the nape, adding a touch of understated cool to her polished outfits. J-Lo, on the other hand, made them part of her signature Bronx-goddess aesthetic, often pairing them with crop tops, low-slung jeans, and a whole lotta sparkle. And more recently, A-list celebrities are choosing to bring it back. The bandana is seriously buzzing, currently trending on TikTok with a whopping 312.7k hashtags. Influencers are rocking them with bikinis on the beach and chic summer dresses to the pub, making them the ultimate versatile summer staple. They are even doing tutorials on how best to wear them as well. The buying team at Claire's Accessories reports that, to meet demand, its next collection will contain five more ranges. Dunnes Stores fans go wild for new summer dresses It's affordable, versatile, and instantly elevates any summer look. Plus, it's brilliant for those humid days when your hair has a mind of its own, or to protect your scalp from the glorious (but strong!) summer sun. Fashion experts recommend opting for lightweight cotton for casual, laid-back vibes, or going for luxurious silk for a touch of sophisticated glam. Don't be afraid to experiment with patterns - paisley prints are true Noughties nostalgia, but bold florals and block colours are just as fabulous. 9 9 9 Where you can buy bandana's for cheap ASOS: Check their own ASOS DESIGN accessories, particularly in the sales section, for on-trend and affordable bandanas and headscarves. Click here. Basic Sense: This online retailer offers a good range of plain and patterned cotton bandanas, often under £5 each, including classic paisley and tie-dye options. Click here. Boolavard: You can find remarkably cheap plain and paisley bandanas here, with some options as low as £0.54 per piece if you buy in bulk, great for stocking up on various colours. Click here. Claire's: For classic paisley bandanas, Claire's is a reliable spot, often featuring multi-buy deals or sales for even cheaper prices. Click here. eBay UK: A consistent choice for affordable accessories, you'll find multipacks of cotton paisley bandanas for just a few quid. Keep an eye out for "3-pack" or "12-pack" listings for the best value. Click here. Emily Ratajkowski, 34, glided down the Cannes red carpet in May rocking a vintage Gucci style. She went for a brown theme, with a bandana that featured gold details, accessorising with sunglasses. Not one to miss out on a trend is Hailey Bieber. In true model form, the 28-year-old has styled herself in a bandana more than a couple of times - she even wears it over a cap. Keeping up with the trends as usual is Kendall Jenner, 29. 9 9 Earlier this year she went for a relaxed look, wearing dungarees, Birkenstocks and a bandana. So, just like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, those who are up for jumping on the trend shouldn't be afraid to experiment with patterns. How to style your bandana's The Classic Bandana Fold: Fold a square bandana into a triangle. Place the longest edge across your forehead (or slightly further back if you prefer), letting the point hang down your back. Tie the two ends neatly at the nape of your neck, either over or under the point. Leave a few wispy bits of hair out around your face for that effortlessly cool vibe. Perfect for beach days or festival fun! The Headband Hero: Fold your scarf or bandana into a narrow strip. Place it over your head like a headband, tying it either at the back under your hair, or on top in a cute little bow for a more playful look. This is brilliant for keeping hair off your face and adding a pop of colour. Ponytail Perfection: Elevate your everyday ponytail or bun by simply tying a colourful scarf around its base. Let the ends hang loose for a chic, flowing finish. Instant upgrade! Chic Neck Know-How: For a touch of Parisian chic rather than beach babe, tie a smaller, silkier scarf loosely around your neck. It adds an instant dash of elegance to a simple tee or a summer dress. Bag Bling: Not ready to commit to wearing it in your hair? No worries! Tie a vibrant bandana to the strap of your favourite handbag. It's a quick, easy way to inject some summer personality into your accessories.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Claire's Accessories in 'last ditch' rescue plan ahead of looming £355m debt repayment
Claire's Accessories has reportedly brought in advisers to draw up a last-ditch rescue plans ahead of a debt repayment. The high street retailer, which has 300 shops in Britain, has hired restructuring specialists Interpath to search for investors for all or part of its UK operations, according to The Telegraph. The last-ditch plan comes ahead of a looming debt repayment on a $480million (£355million) loan which has to be repaid by December 2026. In a bid to reclaim some costs, there are concerns a restructuring could lead to closures among its 2,300 stores across the world, and pull out of some countries completely. At the same time, Claire's Accessories UK arm has racked up losses of £25million over the last three years. In the year to March 2024, it fell £4.7million into the red, a slight fall from £5million in the previous period, while turnover dipped to £137million. It has also struggled with increased US import costs as President Trump hiked tariffs on goods from China, where the majority of the items it sells come from, and competition from online retailers like Amazon. It is the latest setback for Claire's Accessories after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US to restructure its debts. In 2018, Elliot Management and Monarch Alternative Capital took control of its stores as former creditors. And it is reported that it is now working with advisers at Houlihan Lokey and Alvarez and Marsal on a deal for its US operations to seek bankruptcy protection. Claire's Accessories joins other British high street staples that are struggling with ballooning costs. WH Smith agreed to sell its 480 stores to Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital and will rebrand to TGJones, while River Island recently announced 33 store closures blaming rising costs and customers shopping online.
