Would apparel and accessories buyers for Macy’s worldwide lead you astray?

Note, please, the knit caps … gauzy blouse-on tops … distressed and ripped denim jeans …paisley and tribal patterned clothing … jewelry dangling beads, shells and large chunky signature beads. All flash the Peace Symbol, butterflies and plump – sometimes misspelled — Peter Max-inspired typefaces: Love. Luv. Summer of Love. SOL..

Here’s how Gucci saw it in a Gypsy (i.e., Hippie) Collection last year in Milan Italy, as retro fringed handbags …

Timing is right:
· The universal symbol of Peace is having a 50th birthday this year.

· The big Hippie Summer of Love – epicentered in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco – kicked off in 1967 at the first “Human Be-In” in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Though the media “officially” declared SoL over at year’s end, it continued in fact as a cultural, political and social movement straight through to the end of the sixties.

· Kept alive by anti-war protests against U.S. involvement in Vietnam, plus an impromptu gathering in 1969 on a small farm outside Bethel, New York (Woodstock Music & Arts Fair), plus youth political/social activism that rocked governments the world over … all extended The Hippie/Youth/Flower Child Era to the end of the 1960s decade.

· The official San Francisco Summer of Love hit 42 years ago. But peace imagery, styles and mindsets extended thru 1969. Now, 40 years later in 2009, they’re baaaaack.

See other items on this season’s revival of Peace Symbol jewelry and Nostalgia Clothing styles at the Top Ten Wholesale Blog:

1. Peace Sign Turns 50 Years Old. Peace Signs Blooming in Retail: Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories.

2. Wholesale Trendy Jewelry Compliments Back to School Sales

Including coverage of a Peace Necklace Collection from jewelry wholesaler Cool Jewels . What’s going to be hot this season as teens and young adults gear up for another school year. And, what’s selling in wholesale fashion jewelry .

One thing is for certain: Boring just doesn’t cut it.

Take a glance at the trendy “not boring” edge of footwear. Then scroll down to the ultimate Summer & Beach Sandals and Shoes from Star Bay Group.

Gladiator Sandals
As the must-have trendy summer shoe of 2008, the gladiator sandal is reaching critical mass (adoption) this summer. For Men: Raw Leather Gladiator Sandals to match rustic accessories: Explorer travel bags in leather and canvas or leather and string; Rustic techno sandals.

For Women: Laced up to the knee.

Lace Up Boots
Part of a Tie-Ups Trend toward lace-up shoes, ankle straps, criss-cross laces and ballerina ribbon ties. From: Dio, Lacoste, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs. These demure lace-ups were spotted on London celebs …

And, now for something slightly fetish …

Walking the Line between Fetish Shoe Trend and Exotic Detailing, the above Runway Shoe Trends feature studded booties and chain-detailed heels … “bondage details” … Anna Sui’s Egyptian-inspired sandals … lots of jewel and beading embellishments.

Welcome to Star Bay Group

Star Bay Group imports and exports footwear, specializing in sports sandals, beaded and sequined sandals, summer beach sandals, moccasins and popular EVA clog shoes. For women, men and children. In various colors and detailing.

Here is a quick look at selections from the women’s, men and children’s summer collections. (Note the tie-up sandals –- v. trendy this year — at Square One.)

You can catch Star Bay Group at Value Price Expo in Atlantic City from May 17 to May 19. (Booths #217, 219) … timed to Summer and Beach Wear buying on the East Coast.

Or, check out Star Bay Group at the Off-Price Show in Las Vegas from August 28 to September 1 (Booth #822) … where the Off-Price motto is: You Have To Buy Right to Sell Right.