Cheryl Shops

Not so much: jelly explosion
Last summer, Steven Stolman a boutique in Southampton, began selling an Italian-made knockoff of Hermes' revered Birkin bag--but made from rubber, not leather (or ostrich, or crocodile, etc.). The bags flew out of the store, and Hermes responded with a lawsuit, which made the contraband bags even hotter. Retailers, who, due to the limitations of the design/manufacturing/distribution process, were somewhat slow to respond. Fast forward a year, to summer 2004: Jelly is everywhere. Sure, you can drop $165 on an "original" Jelly Kelly--which, due to Hermes' lawsuit, barely resembles its namesake anymore--but why bother when you can get this jelly clutch for $5 at Old Navy? And, hey, while you're at it, why not accessorize with a pair of jelly thongs from the Gap, sure to make your feet sweat? How about a jelly belt? Where are the jelly tank tops and jelly skirts? Coming soon to a store near you, no doubt.

Enough already. Retailers love jelly because it's incredibly cheap to produce (meaning they make a greater profit on it); that's why it's everywhere. And thus, you end up looking like a fashion victim. Accessories are one of the easiest--and most affordable--ways to show your individuality. While last summer Jelly Kellys said, "I summer in the Hamptons," this summer, they say, "I'm a fashion victim." So, Jelly: Not so much.