Have you ever bought a wrist-band that you didn't really need but you thought would look good on you? What about a hat or a pair of sunglasses? Later on, did you account for your expenses?

A lot of people often stop and think about how much it costs to look trendy. However, no one feels the burn of an impulse purchase until reality sinks in. Who can forget the bandanna craze of the early 2000s? Or the ripped jeans fad that swept the nation sometime in the 90’s. That was over 20 years ago, and, if old photographs are anything to live by, beads and bracelets were just as popular then as they are now.

A small group of people has even started a movement by referring to Reggae-themed accessories as Dem Rasta Tings (Them Rasta Things). Spelling and pronunciation aside, the designs seem to be very popular. From marijuana-shaped pendants to red, yellow and green colour schemes, beads, bands, hats and necklaces are part of many people’s wardrobe.

So how much does it cost to accessorize?

Street Prices

Plain coloured wrist bands can cost as little as KES 50 on the street (based on hawkers selling them around Tom Mboya Street and Moi Avenue). Those with designs can go for up to KES 300, depending on where they’re sold.

A packet of Silly Bandz(Bands, for everything else these people don't seem to be grammar's biggest fan) goes for up to KES 600. Street prices tend to differ but the fact remains that people are willing to buy them. For those not in the know, Silly Bandz are funny-shaped wrist bands that come in a variety of colours and sometimes glow in the dark. Their shapes include simplified designs, usually based on the silhouettes of objects such as houses, crosses, bones and love-hearts among others.

NACS, an International trade group representing retailers and suppliers, notes that annual sales for the Silly Bandz brand had hit USD 100 million by 2010 alone. The company has not yet released results for 2011 but USA Today says that the business, coupled with similar imitation brands rakes in USD 200 million (KES 17.02 billion) a year. Funny thing is, Silly Bandz have an official price of only USD 5 (430) per pack of 24 pieces.

On the other hand, a belt on the street can cost as little as KES 200 but Mocality notes that Ladies’ Skinny Belts can cost about KES 350 based on discounts from their original price of KES 600.

Funua, a price comparison resource center, notes that men’s watches can cost anywhere between KES 2500 and KES 5000 on Mama Ngina Street. It also mentions 5-piece bangle sets that cost KES 300 along Tsavo Road.

For those of the female persuasion, accessorizing can lead to higher expenses. Jewelry is often a deciding factor in cost comparison between a man and a woman. A man may opt for a wrist watch and some cuff-links while a woman may put on a necklace, some bracelets, a pair of earrings, bangles, anklets and a nose ring. Tongue, belly-button and additional ear-piercings can also form part of this equation.

Store Prices

In any case, there’s a thin line between overkill and trendsetting. Too many accessories are bound to cause alarm, especially where metal detectors are involved. Below is a table of how much it would cost to adorn most of these items according to Deacons, Kakuzi, Diamonds and Watches and Accessorize: