Looking forward to Fall with Deena and Ozzy spiked wedge booties

These spiked wedges are from Deena and Ozzy from Urban Outfitters. I forgot I ordered them (they were on back order) so these beauties were a lovely surprise when the mailman arrived the other day. (Incidentally the mailman and I have developed quite a friendship this summer with all my online shopping...)

The spikes are actually really sharp, so I'd advise being careful when you're putting them on and taking them off (unless you're tough as nails). They're "faux leather" and cost $69. Just wearing them around the house they are really comfortable with their 5" heel and 1.5" platform. But they're also really warm. It's still really hot and humid here in southwestern Ontario, so I won't be wearing these out anytime soon. Is anyone else looking forward to fall to wear something new?

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Alexander McQueen SS12 takes Dark Glam to a New Level

Black lace, leather, cages, chiffon... Alexander McQueen's spring and summer 2012 line is speaking right to me. Dark and gothic has always been McQueen's style, but this season the style is going mainstream. Let's browse how the spring and summer line reacts to the trends, shall we?

Check out the texture on this jacket and the seam of the pants.

This is my favourite from the collection. That leather peplum jacket, black lace skirt, skull clutch, and THOSE SHOES. I die.

The textures here are just to die for.

The waist cincher adds a level of badass to this black pantsuit.

I love the fairly conservative skirt with the waist cincher and lace top.

This is classic McQueen. The sharp angles of the pattern are evocative of a Rorschach test. 

This season's popular cage done RIGHT. Check out those glovelettes too. 

Oh hi, goth wedding dress of my dreams.

The frayed lace makes this gown edgy and dark.

All the sexy goth attitude you've come to expect from McQueen takes this season's trends to a whole new level. Check out the whole collection (there's also lots of white and pink!) and let me know what you think!

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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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Me + Tom Ford Autumn/Winter Womenswear Collection: A Love Story

From tomford.com

Most of the people I know consider the summer to be the most wonderful time of the year. Patios, sun tans, strapless maxi dresses - there are many reasons to fall in love with summer. And while the majority of my friends anxiously wait for the cold of winter and the damp of spring to pass, I can hardly wait for the summer to be over. After all: first comes summer, then comes the September Issue and the rest of fall fashion in all its dazzling glory.

[DISCLAIMER: Don't get me wrong - I LOVE my open toed pumps and strappy wedged platform sandals, I just happen to love knee boots and denim and leather (and scarves and gloves and cashmere!) so much MORE.]

In an attempt to cure my sunny summer blues, I decided to do what most girls these days do to help them feel better - curate a new Pinterest board. My '2012 Back to School Wishlist' board (which can be found here) would become the latest object of my affection. And while I perused the 'net for fall/winter 2012 trends, I made my usual stop at tomford.com. What appeared before me was just the  fix of fabulous I needed. The Tom Ford Autumn/Winter 2012 Womenswear Collection is spectacular. Seriously, my jaw was on the floor.

I must have watched the collection video 10 or 12 times now, loving each viewing more than the last. And really, what's not to absolutely ADORE in the video? Python printed boots, lush fur collars, waist cinching trench coats and pointy stilettos are now on my 'to somehow afford, purchase and then wear in suburban Canada' list. And how about the makeup?? Bold brows, bronze-y lids and cheeks, paired with nude lips. Ay caramba!

 Sign. Me. Up.

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Jeffrey Campbell Litas: black patent paradise

Jeffrey Campbell's Litas are the trendy shoe this year. I fell in love with the versatility and wide range of colours and styles, and I read great reviews online saying they were comfortable to walk in. For me, if I can't stay in a shoe all day and walk quite a bit, I'd rather not spend the money. JCs seemed like a winner -- but I wanted to try them on for myself.

I waited to purchase these in person so I could be sure about the size and comfort level, and that was a really good idea. I was in NYC for a week and went to David Z's. I'm a size 8.5 or 9 usually, so tried on the black patent Litas in a 9 and they didn't fit at all. 9.5 did the trick, and they were comfortable and easy to walk in. All the customers in the store were telling me I couldn't leave without these boots!

Me in my JC Litas

The great thing about these is that in my town I haven't seen a single other person wearing them. I wore them while walking around downtown one day and turned lots of heads and got lots of compliments. They were quite comfortable for the whole day -- no pinching or anything. I walked about 5km that day in them and at the end of the day, my feet were tired, but not uncomfortable. A success!

If you've been shying away from these because of the height, give them a try. The hidden platform makes it so that the angle on your foot is very manageable, and the heel is nice and chunky and very stable.

Let me know if you love your Litas!

-Caroline

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