Trend Alert: Cork and Carry

Not just for dorm room message boards and your favorite Merlot anymore! Cork has made quite the unexpected foray into fashion, showing up as an accent — sometimes carrying the whole show — for some of the hottest accessories of summer. Stuart Weitzman’s divine Softway bag ($201) is turning heads all over the place, and for good reason. The earthiness of the cork is set off by smooth calfskin accents. Shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti is taking a similar road, glamming up cork-heeled espadrilles ($548) with gold snakeskin leather and a sweet ankle tie. Christian Louboutin makes an interesting choice, finishing off a sexy peep-toe suede pump with a cork heel ($670). But it’s a juxtaposition that works: the shape feminizes the cork, and the cork makes the style ultra-versatile.

For a touch of pushpin-friendly stuff, try Studio 1a.m.’s cork cuff ($48). Each cuff is crafted from a block of recycled wine corks (eco-friendly bonus). Or try out a cute clutch from Lauren Merkin ($165-$240). Her Louise, Eve, Darling and Swift styles all come in gold-flecked cork varieties that would feel right at home in swanky wine bar.