Fashion designer Betsey Johnson was awarded the 2009 Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion at the most recent National Arts Club awards dinner.
In honor of Betsey’s four decades of fabulous fashion, I’m checking out some of her new accessories (which is always fun to do!).
Of course, it’s just not Betsey Johnson without a wacky sense of humor – like adding black widow spiders to a pearl charm bracelet:

The “Pearl & 1/2 Charm” bracelet also comes with little keys, hearts and more.
Love animal print?  There’s a pair of shoes from Betsey Johnson for you…

The “Caelen” leopard-print Mary Jane high …read more

Betsey Johnson knows how to design over-the-top accessories – and still make them totally wearable.
Check out her “Rockstar” satchel – it’s trimmed with snakeskin embossed leather ruffles, and not just a couple of discreet little ruffles – lots of ruffles!

I love the combination of the girly ruffles and the tough faux-snakeskin.  Hey, if you’re going to carry a statement purse, you might as well have fun with it.

The satchel is lined with a lace print fabric and has interior pockets with zippers.
images: Nordstrom

I’m been thinking about taking a vacation. And a vacation would not be complete without a new bag to put all my new vacation goodies or the things I’ll be carrying around from site to site to site in. I think I’ve found the perfect bag, a Betsey Johnson Showgirl Tote. Now, it’s just a matter of where I’m going to buy it and what color I’m going to get it in. If you’re looking for a great new tote to stash some stuff in, I recommend you take a look at this one as well.
This tote measures 16 inches …read more

Charm someone you love with these playful butterfly accessories. Betsey Johnson is well known for her fun, quirky and sometimes outlandish clothing, shoes and accessories and these are no exception.
The Betsey Johnson ‘Charm School’ Butterfly Ring would work very well as a bold statement or accent ring. Wear it at night as a fun cocktail ring or during the day to dress up your jeans and tee. The butterfly is made of Lucite and adorned faux gems. The floral prints are what truly make this butterfly stand out. The band measures 1/2″W and the butterfly itself measures 1 …read more

Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers these days (not that it’s a big surprise!) so I have to admit to feeling a pang when she announced that she’s considering retirement. Luckily, the brand will continue, with Eric Satori as the possible successor.  He has previously designed for Azzedine Alaïa, Vera Wang and Herve Leger.
As long as he can continue to design whimsical, stylish clothes and accessories – I’m excited to see what he can bring to the table! After all, he’s got some pretty cool shoes to fill…
“Patent Petals” frame purse, made from embossed black patent leather, with …read more

Looking for a small gift idea? Maybe you’d like to give someone a new wallet, clutch or if they love make up, get them a fun little cosmetic bag. Wristlets are a great gift idea as they are multi-functional accessories, they can work as wallets, cosmetic bags and by themselves as a evening clutch.  There are so many cute ones to choose from, too!
Juicy Couture Velour Daisy Print Top Zip Wristlet (on sale, $39)
Tory Burch Veg Tan Flat Coin Wristlet ($155)
Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Wristlet ($168)

I wrote a few months ago about my Top 5 Sunglasses Styles for Summer.  The Betsey Johson Octagonal Sunglasses are pretty amazing because they fit in four of the categories:  Bold Colors, Vintage, Unique Shape, and Oversized.  These oversized frames have a really unique design.  The resin frames are black with a beautiful marbled texture in a dark turquoise (they call it “jade”) at the edges of the lens and wrapping around the temple.  I’ve never seen this style before by another designer!  There is also the tiniest fuschia heart at the temple as a logo.
Betsey Johnson “Vintage” Oversized Sunglasses …read more

Ladies, I am pleased to announce, my Easter dress. Well, my dream Easter dress (because, to be honest, there are certain parts of my body that will just  not fit in anything Betsey Johnson). This Betsey Johnosn Blush Dotted Cotton Strapless Tiered Dress will go with any dyed Easter Egg in the house this season.

It is blush, blue and white with two tiers to add to the ruffled band and dot and floral embellishments that adorn the first tier. While this is clearly an Easter looking dress, I say wear it to any Spring party, because it is just too …read more

There’s always been something about a Betsey Johnson dress. They’re always quirky and rebellious while still maintaining a high level of feminine charm. 
This is the kind of dress that turns the chapel aisle right into a runway. I love the slim corset top with the contrast of the long, ruffled skirt. You could work this dress a number of ways. Of course, it looks great in classic Betsey style, a little bit frilly, a little bit rock-n-roll, but you could also see this dress as a modern twist on a victorian theme. Available for $1,600 from eDressMe. Bowler hat not …read more

Give her these super cute Betsey Johnson Ladybug Drop Earrings to celebrate her birthday or just as a special treat. These are just thing to perk up her wardrobe for the sunny Spring days ahead.

These Betsey Johnson earrings feature gold hammered hoops accented with sparking crystals and adorned with adorable ladybugs and flowers. These Ladybug Drop Earrings measure about 1.75″ in diameter with a 2.5″ drop. Ultra girly and so very Betsey Johnson! Pick it up now at Nordstrom for $45
(Image: Nordstrom)