When in doubt, acessorize

Hats: Fedoras are near ubiquitous, but thanks to the Middleton sisters (Kate and Pippa), other types of hats are making a comeback, too. Newly-opened Charmed, an accessories boutique, is well-stocked with all manner of summery toppers, from straw cloches to wide-brimmed sun hats. The boutique, owned by Zoe Neunen, is “a literal sister store” to Virtue — Neunen is the sister of Virtue proprietress Asia Guyer. And the sibling shops share a similar aesthetic: Charmed features cheerful, affordable accessories from hair clips and appliqued wallets to bracelets and mini backpacks. Shop at at 46 Haywood St. http://www.lookcharmed.com.

Jewelry: Jewelry designer Joanna Gollberg and editor Marthe Le Van (they've collaborated on a number of jewelry publications) teamed up to launch Mora, a designer jewelry boutique. The works are Gollberg's sparkling, elegant and edgy creations in metals and semi-precious stones. Shop at 9 W. Walnut St., Suite 2A. http://moracollection.wordpress.com.

Bags: In the fall of 2010, Shelter Protects You — a design collective formed in Vermont — relocated to Western North Carolina. Lucky us. Helmed by visual artist Karie Reinertson and architect Robert Maddox. While the duo (and the friends they introduce on their blog) are talented in many mediums, the Shelter store sells bags. As in purses, clutches and backpacks, all done in interesting, geometric prints and finished with leather and heavy-duty hardware. http://shelterprotectsyou.bigcartel.com.

A recent addition to Battery Park Avenue, Asheville Shades and Market Basket is two stores in one. Husband-and-wife owners Tom (he helms the sunglasses side) and Sheila (she manages the bags) Williams have put a stylish touch on two items that everyone needs. Sheila explains that she began by stocking the things that she likes, including an array of carry-alls from “far away,” such as Blessing Baskets from Ghana. Proceeds from those bright woven baskets go toward planting crops in the African nation. Another hit: The canvas and leather mail bags from India that boast postal insignia from various countries. Shop at 36 Battery Park Ave.

Hair: Nicole Muhlenkamp is the designer behind Earth Dancer Exotics. She makes a number of accessories, but it’s her hair clips on Etsy that grab the eye. Muhlenkamp's creations range from the bright feather-and-rosette clip-in fascinators, to dainty chiffon-and-bead rosettes affixed to an alligator clip. http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthDancerExotics.

Designer Mai McKemy, known as Woodland Belle on Etsy, creates delicate, nature-inspired jewelry. Perhaps the best example of her art-meets-flora aesthetic are her twig bobby pins and hair clips. They're made of durable, lightweight plastic and finished in antique bronze or silver — and actually look like real-life bits of twig fashioned to elegantly hold a 'do in place. http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodlandBelle.

Shoes: Paul Taylor Custom Sandals is something of an institution. Taylor founded the company in New York’s Greenwich Village in 1965, opened its first store in Ann Arbor, Mich., and eventually brought the operation to Asheville. Current owner Evar Hecht (Taylor is since retired) keeps the traditional alive, doing custom leatherwork, belts (the shop is known for its extensive belt buckle collection in the window) and timeless sandals. Styles nod to Woodstock, Grecian and Birkenstock forms, but remain unique. Shop at 12 Wall St. http://paultaylorsandals.com.

Scarves: Ever considered the summer scarf? Designer Lacey Theede has. Her A La Mode Scarves serve as an alternative to both a necklace and a too-heavy-for-warm-climes neck wrap. A La Mode Scarves are bright, stripy, fringy upcycled neckware from jersey and cotton. They can be layered, twisted, doubled or left long. http://www.etsy.com/shop/alamodescarves.