Paisley accessories for Paisley fans

The design known as Paisley comes originally from the Orient, Asia and India. The typical design resembles a curled leaf, or a kidney shape, or maybe a tear drop.The design is thought to be at least 2,000 years old, and may have religious significance.

When the European nations began trading with the east in the 16th and 17th centuries, fabrics in the Paisley design were imported , largely as shawls. These Paisley items were beautifully colored and intricate, and were far more sophisticated than most fabrics then available to the wealthy classes in Europe at the time.

Europeans tried to copy the Paisley design with limited success, but eventually, in the 19th Century, the weavers in the Scottish town of Paisley devised a way of producing high quality woven Paisley on their looms. They commissioned designs from artists such as Charles Waite. The Paisley weavers's products became so popular that the design then became known by the name of their town- Paisley.

In the 20th Century, Paisley had a period of huge popularity in the late 1960s,when the Beatles among others adopted Paisley clothing along with their love of all things Eastern and mystical.

Since then, Paisley has fallen out of fashion, and had been mostly seen only on pyjamas and rather dull ties- until now!  Paisley is hot! Paisley is news! Paisley is cool! 

Paisley is pretty, adaptable, ageless and fun. Here is a great way to get the latest hot fashion trend.

You could buy yourself a Paisley dress for the latest  fashion trend, or you could be more cautious and just choose an accessory like these gorgeous Paisley bags.There is a fabulous choice of Paisley totes this year. You can use them as a shopping bag, a beach bag, a travel bag or even a backpack.

These tote bags will look great with the new  skinny jeans for casual wear.

You could buy a neat paisley clutch bag to go with your  new classic shift dress for a more formal look.

For summer, round off either outfit with a Paisley hat. Go for the floppy Paisley sun hat for fun, or the beautiful straw hat with just a subtle pasiley trim for smarter wear.

There are some really Paisley scarves around this year. I particularly love the range of Paisley scarves at Macy's.

I love classic designs, and they don't come much older, or classic, than the wonderful Paisley pattern.To find out more about the history of Paisley,take a look at  The Paisley design on Wikipedia. It's a very detailed listing.

The design only became known by the name "Paisley" relatively recently. If you'd like to know more about the town of Paisley in Scotland  take a look the the official Paisley website

I've just looked through my wardrobe and find that I already have some Paisley items. I'm already on the hot trend. Actually, these are vintage items. One is a shawl from Liberty of London in fine wool which I've had for years. It travels everywhere with me. It's very fine and light, but warm and beautiful . I take it when I fly to keep me cosy when it gets too cool onboard. My Paisley wrap helps me to sleep!

The second item is a Paisley kaftan, which I've had for more years than I care to remember. I has a long history. Who knew it would be a hot trend 40 years since I bought it!

Can you believe I also had a dress very like the one below!

Love your Kindle? Mad about your iPad? Of course you are. Treat your best loved gadgets to a Paisley makeover. You know they would love these new Paisley Kindle skins and Paisley iPad covers!