Available Now: RPZL x Bella Gerard
The scoop on my first-ever hair accessory collection(!).
I feel a little funny saying this, but I only started wearing my hair up a year and a half ago. Seriously! I have the proof. In February 2023, a stylist did an amazing updo on me for a partnership during NYFW, and it completely reset my brain.
Prior to this, I hadn’t voluntarily worn my hair up in years — perhaps too many seasons as a cheerleader made the thought of a too-tight ponytail the equivalent of a wartime flashback. But really, the truth of why I never wore my hair up was that I just didn’t think it looked good. I felt like I couldn’t pull it off! “It” quite literally being any style other than leaving my hair completely down.
It wasn’t until I started playing around with hair accessories last year that I fell in love with the option of a bouncy pony or a slicked-back bun. Before this, I felt like updos drew too much attention to my face. But once I started incorporating hair accessories, I began to notice just the opposite. The updos themselves became the focal point, and it took the pressure off of my makeup, my outfit, etc.
This past February, RPZL stylist Steph Angelone humored me as we played around with hair accessories I procured from every corner of the Internet, from silver metal spirals to 3D-printed scissor hairpins. It didn’t take long for RPZL’s founder, Lisa Richards, to suggest we collaborate on a line of hair accessories of our own.
I don’t foresee myself as someone whose name will ever be attached to a lot of products, but I’m particularly proud of what we’ve decided to call the Dichromatic Collection. We knew our emphasis would be on gold and silver accents, as the name implies, but a few other favorites that felt true to my personal style found their way into the mix as well.
It was a true collaborative effort between myself and Lisa, and I’m so grateful to her for allowing me to be picky and particular in ensuring every piece met my standards. I seriously can’t pick a favorite (although I did name one after myself, so that might be a major hint).
The collection is live now on the RPZL site, and there are six different products I hope you’ll love as much as I do: The Bella Cuff ($24), The Morgan Stacked Cuff ($30), The Sophia Mini Pin ($12), The Candi Metal Hair Bracelets ($20 for 2), The Spiral Hair Wraps ($10 for 2), and The Effortless Clip ($10).
Follow along on my Instagram and RPZL’s page for more videos and images of the collection to come, and please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you might have about the launch.
Below, a bit more about each piece in particular. Shop them all here.
Right off the bat, I knew a piece like The Bella Cuff ($24) would be essential to the collection. It’s an accent that’s simple and easy enough to add to literally any bun or ponytail, but elegant enough to totally transform the look. It took quite a bit of trial and error to land on this perfectly bulbous shape, and I couldn’t be happier with the finished product.
This is definitely the piece I personally reach for the most, and it comes in Silver and Gold. I usually put my hair up with a plain elastic and then place this one overtop, but you can also use the attached elastic as your main hair tie, if desired.
If The Bella Cuff doesn’t feel like enough of a statement for you, try The Morgan Stacked Cuff ($30). Or two! Or three! Named after my older sister who loves a good party pony, this double arched cuff can be romantic or edgy, depending on how you style it. I particularly love mixing and matching the Silver and Gold versions for a mixed-metals feel.
The Candi Metal Hair Bracelets ($20 for 2) have quickly become a fan favorite — and not just with my mom, who gets to be their namesake! These stretchy hair ties come in a set of two with clusters of gold and silver beads. They don’t look like much at first glance, but pop one overtop your bun as a finishing accent or double-wrap it on a ponytail for some major added interest.
We call them “hair bracelets” because — in a perfect world — we’d all be wearing these on our wrists instead of cutting off our own circulation with ugly, plain black hair ties. I love how RPZL stylist Steph styled the gold one with her watch and other jewelry!
I don’t have a cute photo of me wearing The Sophia Mini Pin ($12) at the moment, and you can blame New York’s heatwave for that. I simply haven’t worn my hair in a half-up style in weeks — it’s been slicked-back buns only, baby! That said, my sister Sophia looks amazing in a half-up style, and she’s the inspiration behind this little gem, available in Gold and Silver.
To use, simply put your hair up in a half-up style and then use the hook on the back of the pin to “tuck” it in and cover your elastic. The Sophia adds major polish, and it’s a great ease-in option for anyone who might not be ready for the Bella or Morgan ponytail cuffs.
In addition to the metal pieces above, there are two non-metal hair accessories that still deserve their respective spots in the collection.
Remember the metal hair spiral I wore last fashion week? It remains one of my most popular updos to date — but it just wasn’t a practical piece for daily wear. Fortunately, it inspired us to include these Spiral Hair Wraps ($10 for 2) in the collection as an easier everyday alternative.
These unique hair wraps remind me of telephone cords, and they stretch like crazy, always returning to their original shape after some time. To use, make a ponytail (I recommend using clear elastics so as not to compete with the spiral!) and tuck the spiral’s hook into the elastic. Then, have a friend wrap the spiral around and around until it runs out (You can definitely do it yourself, but a friend certainly helps!).
I sometimes place another clear elastic at the bottom of the spiral for security, and recommend adding gel or hairspray to your pony prior to wrapping to ensure a smooth finish. I love the classic Black, but I adore the way the Bone color contrasts my darker hair. Luckily, you get both in a set!
The final product in the collection isn’t metal, and I don’t have a photo of me wearing it, but that doesn’t make The Effortless Clip ($10) any less fabulous. I take this thing with me absolutely everywhere, and mostly use it on the go — which is probably why I don’t have any glamour shots wearing it. I mean it when I say it’s for effortless vibes!
I love a claw clip as much as the next girl, but I’d argue that these flatter clips are better for a multitude of reasons. Not only do they look way more chic (especially in Black or Smoke, the latter of which is particularly good on blondes), but they hold a ton of hair. And unlike traditional claw clips, these are safe and comfortable to wear while driving, sitting back, or laying down.
And there you have it, folks — these are the hair accessories I felt compelled to put my name on! I’m so grateful to have followers and readers who I know will be excited by this collection, and it means a lot to me to be able to offer you something I’m so proud of.
This won’t be the last time you hear about these pieces (perhaps a giveaway in an upcoming B List?) but you can shop the entire collection here, and feel free to reach out here or over DM if I can answer any questions.
x BG