Skull-patterned lace: the best of both worlds

I didn't think my love for romantic and edgy black lace could get any deeper... then I found skull-patterned lace. I've been swooning ever since. The first time I saw skull-patterned lace was on Kat Von D's Instagram feed.

If you don't already know, Kat Von D has very quickly become my fashion and make-up guru. (This is due entirely to the Vallely girls and their awesome blog, by the way.) The piece she's holding there is by Thomas Wylde and retails for thousands of dollars. So I began a search to find an affordable version of skull lace. Here's what I found! This slip dress from Betsey Johnson is $200 and not entirely what I was going for. There's also a peplum top version, but the reviews say that the peplum is not flattering. At $88, it doesn't seem worth it to get a top you're not in love with.

But don't fret: I totally found some skull lace that looks great and is affordable! This is my skull lace cardigan from HotTopic! (It's currently on sale for less than $20! Go go go!) Here's the detail on mine:

And here's a product pic:

Though the look is definitely more crochet than the lace on the Thomas Wylde piece, I think the skull shape is even cooler. HotTopic also has a top with the same pattern in white:

If you like the white look but you want your skulls to be a bit more hyped, check out this awesome kimono-style jacket for $48.

So what do you think? Will you be combining these trends?

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Studs and Spikes on Summer Sandals

I've been obsessed with finding the perfect flat summer sandals that still have edge. This season, there are great options with on-trend spikes. Check out some of my favourites.

I fell in LOVE with these Jeffrey Campbell spiked sandals since I saw them on Gypsy Warrior's Instagram. I got mine from Free People. They come in other colours, too!

Sam Edelman's spikes and diamonds speak right to our blog! These gladiators are gorgeous and have a great combination of glam and rocker style.

Continuing with the gladiator style, these Betsey Johnson Studded Gladiator Sandals are also evocative of jellies. Two trends in one!

Jeffrey Campbell and spikes go together like summer and sandals. That gold chain around the base is reminiscent of a vintage Chanel purse.

These are the sandals that started my quest for spikes on summer shoes. Emily Vallely introduced me to the Sam Edelman Exies on the gorgeous blog she runs with her sister Lucy, OHEMV. These shoes are out of stock everywhere and I've been obsessively looking on eBay. Maybe you'll have more luck finding a pair than I have!

Have you been wearing this trend this season? Let me know in the comments!

-Caroline

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On Trend: Skulls

I've been rocking skulls since way before they were trendy. But don't get me wrong -- this isn't a lamentation that they're now ubiquitous; I'm actually stoked. It's now way easier to acquire really badass and gorgeous fashion covered with skulls.

Here is some inspiration for the trend that is actually as timeless as the memento mori it represents!

Jewellery

Tarina Tarantino Classic Skull necklace is $63 on Amazon and comes in lots of different colours. I love this dark one and the mix of girly beads and a bow with the skull.

Another girly skull, Betsey Johnson "Betsey the Vampire Slayer" Rhinestone Skull Ring will definitely make people do a double-take.

I love this ring, which I bought at a local shop in my town, so much that I got the hematite version, too. Spikes and Diamonds? More like Skulls and Diamonds!

I love my turquoise skull bead stretch bracelet. It's so summery and goes great with silver or gold accessories.

Accessories

This take on Alexander McQueen's skull knuckle-duster clutch is everywhere this season. It's a perfect way to add edge to an evening outfit.

Of course, arguably McQueen's most famous skull-related piece inspired scarves like these. They look great with nearly everything -- from a casual day at class or a night out. 

Shoes

These Steve Madden loafers combine two trends in one -- smoking loafers and skulls. Plus they're blinged out! 

Iron Fist is a skull-lover's dream. They have dozens of different options for heels, wedges, platforms, and flats with skulls (and other dark imagery). When I wear my pair of Digi Skull shoes, I get loads of compliments.

Womenswear

Torrid's got lots of plus size options with an edgier look, like this graffitti-inspired skull and rose top. 

Hot Topic takes the theme of girly skulls a step further and makes a skull entirely out of butterflies.

Alex and Chloe have this top with a heart made from adorable smiling skulls (which is currently on sale!).

This Instagrammer totally rocked Black Milk Clothing's skull dress by wearing it backward with a mesh top over it. I love this look! 

Gypsy Warrior has got these amazing hi-lo skull blouses in ivory and black. 

This Zadig and Voltaire cashmere tank wins the award for most subtle incorporation of a skull.

These skinny jeans from Tripp have skulls on one leg! Split jeans are totally in right now so these are more trend for your dollar.

These skull leggings offer a much subtler skull pattern for your skull-bottomed needs.

What did I miss? What are your favourite skull fashions?

-Caroline

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