Stud obsession

There's something so edgy and sexy about studded clothing and accessories that I find very irresistible. The decorative hardware toughens up any outfit and you don't have to be a biker or punk to rock out this look with confidence. This is a bold look so, as is the case with many trends, the trick to effortlessly incorporating it into your style is to do it in moderation.

One celebrity devotee of this look is Rihanna who is often seen wearing numerous stylish articles such as the studded bag, skirt and bracelets in the photos below.

photos courtesy ultimate-rihanna.com and justjared.buzznet.com

A few of my favourite (and currently unattainable) studded items are these Christian Louboutin 'Ariella' boots, Burberry 'Warrior' bag and Carrie's belt from the Sex and the City movie.

photos courtesy elleuk.com, elitechoice.org and patriciafield.com

Below are some fab and very affordable studded items that may interest you.

Tiered Stud Dress
Price: US$28.99
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3163947&cp=&sr=1&origkw=stud&kw=stud&parentPage=search&searchId=


Bold Square Stud Design Headband
Price:US$4.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/items/item.aspx?itemid=4929581

Metallic Stud Bag
Price: US$29.00
http://www.spiegel.com/shop/product_single.aspx?style_id=33378145

ASOS Studded Fingerless Leather Glove
Price: UK £15.00 (US$32.45)
http://www.asos.com/Kimberly-Stewart/Asos/Studded-Fingerless-Leather-Glove/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=286059&cid=4174&clr=Black&sh=0

Gold Stud Triangle Top and Gold Stud Bottom (sold separately)
Price: US$19.50 each
Top: http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=12480
Bottom: http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=12481

Colin Stuart® Studded t-strap sandal
Price: US$49.00
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=9B-207536&cgname=OSKEYSHUZZZ&rfnbr=4782

Black 3 Row Alternate Pyramid Studded Leather Belt
Price: US$16.00
http://www.bodypunks.com/product.asp?sku=BPIBELT005&browseby=category&category=ROOT/Belts/&material=&producttype=&gauge=&brand=BodyPUNKS&size=

Black Studded Aviator Sunglasses
Price: US$11.25
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/store/product.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302024217&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442172540&bmUID=1217272275752

Danbistyle Studded Vest
Price: US$48.00
http://www.yesstyle.com/en/Product.aspx?pid=1011093747

Xhilaration® Stud Stretch Bracelet
Price: US$11.99
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-2305275-3793419?ASIN=B0019SXPC2&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B0019SXPC2|Xhilaration_Stud_Stretch_Bracelet_Silvertone&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B0019SXPC2&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Patching things up with style

I'll admit it, when I hear the word 'patchwork' used in relation to clothing, the very first thing that comes to my mind is the quintessential country bumpkin in a modest dress made out of old pieces of cloth in many different colours and prints.

photo courtesy kindercottagekeepsakes.com

The next image I usually think of is the funky patchwork from the 70s. As the model in the photo shows us, wearing this look from top to bottom wasn't something out of the ordinary or intimidating to the eclectic and fashionably daring men and women of the time.

photo courtesy gettyimages.com

However, my mind is slowly beginning to see more possibilities with this style with the help of some fun and stylish pieces I've been noticing recently.

While browing the Spring and Fall 2008 collections, I realized that there was tons of patchwork on the runways including Dolce & Gabbana, Kenzo, Moschino Cheap and Chic and Matthew Williamson where the look appeared on both clothing and accessories.

photos courtesy elle.com and style.com

If you're feeling this trend, check out these affordable patchwork items that I found.

Patchwork Stripe Fringe Scarf
Price: US$18.80
http://bleudame.com/product_info.php?language=en&currency=USD&products_id=6191&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase

Catch my I Belted Patchwork Skirt (available in other colors)
Price: US$20.40
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&storeId=301&langId=-1&productId=501541326

Blue Patchwork Top
Price: UK £12.00 (US$23.67)
http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=true&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId=68417&parent_category_rn=51643&productId=670763&langId=-1

Insight Reversible Top Bikini
Price: UK £20.00 (US$43.26)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/1/Insight/Insight-Reversible-Top-Bikini/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=225645&clr=Patchwork&SearchQuery=patchwork&sh=0

Madden Girl Maggiee Shoe
Price: US$65.00
http://www.poppincollaz.com/madden-girl-maggiee-shoe.html

Tribal Tube Mini Dress
Price: US$15.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dresses&product%5Fid=2048921712&Page=all#

Leather Patchwork Clutch
Price: US$34.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=FC23B58B024858783BCC388F34BFAD31.app11-node1?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&id=14385363&parentid=W_ACC_SALE&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=84&navAction=poppushpush&color=

Maxi Dress
Price: UK £22.00 (US$43.41)
http://www.oli.co.uk/Web//main/productdisplay.asp?An=673&A=32S979_20&N=4294965638&Au=P_MasterItem&Nu=P_MasterItem&Ns=P_Colour%7C0%7C%7CP_Size%7C0&merch=You%20may%20also%20like

Sperry Women's Striper Laceless Shoe
Price: US$49.99
http://www.shoes.com/Shop/productdetails.aspx?catalog_name=web&pg=5058161&p=EC1079802&CMP=OTC-GoogleBase&partnerid=GoogleBase&cpc=GoogleBase&=campaign=Sperry+Top-Sider&category=W&cpckw=Sperry+Top-Sider+Womens+Striper+Laceless+Shoe+(Patchwork)&CAWELAID=168010080

Also, for those of you who haven't seen it as yet, check out the post below on the Dorothy Perkin's Summer Sale to get up to 50% off on clothing and accessories.

Love this - H&M Summer 08 TV Spot

One of my favourite models, Daria Werbowy, looks absolutely fantastic in this Summer 08 commercial for H&M.

The spot shows Daria relaxing on the beach, playfully frolicking on the sand and enjoying a boat ride, all the while looking natural and gorgeous in her H&M swimwear.

If you were having any trouble at all getting prepared for summer, this commercial will do the trick!

(Music: "Lay Your Head Down" by Keren Ann)