Tough Love

Looks from Versace Spring 2012 (left and right), and Balmain Spring 2012 (middle). Via style.com 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Opposites, as they say, always attract.  Whether it's the unexpected mash-up of a masculine cut with an ultra-feminine twist, the fresh contrast of mixing something traditional with something modern, or the proportional beauty of pairing a fitted piece with a super voluminous partner, things always work better when there's a yin and a yang to help achieve that perfect balance.  Case in point: my husband and I, who could not possibly be more different, are somehow just what the other needs.  He's rational where I'm completely not, he's a science and business nerd and I'm a fashion geek.  I'm a little immature and he's... Okay, maybe we're more similar than I like to admit...

Always in search of that perfect contrast, designers often rely on the stud to toughen up a too-pretty look. Those little metal details provide the perfect hit of toughness to add some bitter to the sweet.  And when you think of it, couldn't most of us use a little edge? After all, we spend so much time trying to look professional, trying to impress our mother-in-law, trying to look the part (blah, blah, blah) but somewhere underneath, there's a little trouble-maker trying to get out.  I'm not talking 50 Shades of Grey trouble..(not that there's anything wrong with that...)

And yet, the stud is just tough enough.  Wear it now and all the way into the fall, anytime you feel like your look needs a little edge.  You might be surprised how fun it is to break out your inner rebel, even if only in the form of a bad-ass little bracelet...

From summery neon sandals and little white dresses that you can wear right now to studded leather finds that will see you through the fall, here are some of my top picks from White Oaks Mall.  Oh, and unlike a tattoo, this trend is 100% removeable.  Phew ;)

Valentino Spring '12 Ad Campaign - photo source: whowhatwear.com

Studded Bag, $59.95, H&M

Doreen Studded Sunglasses, $90, Guess

Shauna Studded Dress, $349, Club Monaco 

A sweet summer look gets a little edge thanks to cool studded loafers. Photo source: Zara

Studded Loafer, $80, ALDO 

Neon Studded Sandals, $14, ALDO

Bed Stu Studded Heel, $127, American Eagle Outfitters

Studded T-Strap Sandals, $24.49, ALDO

The Burberry Prorsum Fall '12 Finale, complete with studded leather gloves. 

Button Cuff with Wrap Chains and Studs, $30, Guess

Suede Peep-Toe Booties, $120, ALDO

Wrap Bracelet with Studs, $12.99, Guess

Studded Ballet Flats, $50, ALDO

Studded Leather Tote, $168, Guess

Studded Pumps, $100, ALDO 

Les Poissons, Les Poissons...

 

 

...Hee Hee Hee, Honh, Honh, Honh!  This fanciful frock lets you dive deep...like way deep..into the aquatic trend that's made waves in the fashion world this season.  From Chanel to Versace to Givenchy, underwater influences flooded the spring runways and I don't know about you, but this haute-looking Fish Print Dress ($119) from Zara totally floats my fashion boat.  I love little fishies, don't you?

Versace for H&M = Glamorama for All

Versace for H&M's Lookbook - modeled by the glorious Abbey Lee Kershaw (images: KACPER KASPRZYK)

I wouldn't exactly call myself a Versace girl.  If Donatella had her way with me, she'd dye my hair platinum blonde, pump collagen into my lips while adhering fake lashes to my eyes and, after throwing me to the floor and holding me down with her 6-inch heels, attack me with a bedazzler while screaming, 'VICTORYYYY!!!' Donatella has always scared me a little - see below: (not new but still funny..) 

And yet, there's a side to Versace that's so OTT, that it's actually kind of good.  And now that the label is coming to H&M, I might just get my glam on.  The latest collaboration sees iconic Versace pieces, reimagined for H&M - think wild prints, bold colour and sexy dresses.  

"The collection for H&M is the essence of Versace. For the collaboration we've brought back from the archives, as well as from more recent collections, some of the icons of Versace such as the bright prints, the Greek key and daring cuts. I can't wait to see how H&M’s wide audience will make these pieces their own." Donatella Versace.   

In the market for a perfect party dress?  The collection is available in Canada on November 19th at select H&M stores (Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, Bloor, Peel/St.Catherine (Montreal), and Pacific Centre (Vancouver) (just in time for the holidays) and prices range from $19.95 to $299.

Be sure to check out more from the Versace for H&M lookbook in my article at ivillage.ca