Glam and Edgey Inspiration abounds on Tumblr and Pinterest!

Check out these gorgeous Gareth Pugh thigh highs from the AW2011 runway collection

Want more Spikes and Diamonds fashion inspiration in your life? Don't fret -- we're on Tumblr and Pinterest! We're pinning and blogging the glammest and edgiest the internet has to offer, so be sure to follow and never miss out!

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Slashed Look and Slashed Prices: Kimberly Ovitz Open-knit Sweater for 65% off

Guess who snagged the last large Kimberly Ovitz "Corin" sweater at 65% off from The Outnet? THIS guy! (Sorry for the phone pics!)

Front

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The Outnet is fantastic. This sweater was originally $320 and I got it for $120. It arrived within a couple of days of ordering. It love the open-knit because it creates a slashed look. I can't wait to wear it this fall!

Have you had any great shopping experiences at The Outnet?

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Black leather boxing shorts are what I never knew I always wanted

One of my favourite bloggers, Fashion Snag, posted this great outfit. I've already sung praises for Kimberly Ovitz, and the sweater in that post just legitimizes my praise. But what really made my jaw hit the floor was those leather boxing shorts. When I read the post's title, I didn't picture anything as awesome as these babies.

Haute Hippie

Jacqueline Rose links to this pair of shorts. What I love so much about them is that you can wear them over leggings (just like Jacqueline Rose does) in the fall and not have to worry about showing too much. You can wear them with shorter tops or longer ones, and the boxing short style is really flattering. The only problem, for me, at least, is the 355 GBP price tag. So I went looking for less expensive alternatives for this fall would-be staple for my obsession with leggings, long tops, texture, and of course, black.

Vero Moda Very

At 129 Euro, these Vero Moda Very 100% leather shorts come very close to the originals Jacqueline Rose posted. They keep the boxing short style without costing as much.

Tripp NYC at Nasty Gal

Tripp NYC has these vegan leather shorts available at Nasty Gal for $55. They don't provide the same flowing style as the boxing shorts, but they still cover up and add great (and cruelty-free) texture.

Forever 21

These faux-leather shorts from Forever 21 have a little more give than Tripp NYC's option. At less than $20, these are definite contenders to try this look.

Forever 21

Forever 21 also has a plus size version of faux-leather shorts, again for less than $20. The only difference is these ones have the added feature of a beaded front panel. These shorts take the look a step further and add even more texture.

What do you think of black leather (or faux-leather) shorts? I personally can't stop thinking about how great these would look as part of my fall wardrobe. While you're mulling it over, be sure to check out Fashion Snag for more great ideas from Jacqueline Rose.

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Dark and Edgy Texture: Kimberly Ovitz AW2012

Asymmetry, texture, and black on black on black sums up Kimberly Ovitz Autumn/Winter 2012 runway line. Let's bask in the dark glory of this line of my dreams, shall we? 

This outfit had me at the Murai leather jacket -- but the Jorah tank and
amazing texture on the Vara legging seal the deal.

The Rainer dress' leather and what looks like horse hair overskirt evokes a goth Viking.

The Hisu dress recalls the Vara legging's texture. I love the mesh sleeves with elbow detail.

The Xander zip jacket was my friend Soha's fav -- and for good reason! The top it's paired with here is also gorgeous -- I love gunmetal used to subtly break up a black outfit.

The Lonzo blazer, Dorman shirt, and Hiyo pant are combine to make a sexy suit that plays with the menswear trend. I love the cutout on the top.

I can't wait to see more of the Pai coat -- its tails are making me swoon. 

Another Murai jacket, this time with a Beltar dress. The dress looks so satiny and shiny, and the colour is beautiful. 

Get a load of the Tero coat in what looks like black fur! The shiny fur plays up the satiny Kamau pant and they make a great team with the asymmetrical Noland sweater. 

The Kosi dress' tails are sure to turn heads.

The Xino coat takes the menswear trend and pushes it to the oversized extreme.

The Phito dress is perfect for those who love to layer. And that black fur shoulder accessory can't be missed.

These are some of my favourites, but there are many more outfits on the site. What do you think of Kimberly Ovitz's tribute to the dark days of fall and winter?

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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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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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The Bigger the Better: Summer Bags for Smuggling

I am a recent-ish university graduate and unlike many of my friends, I graduated without any student debt. It was tough, I'll admit and looking back, I'm not quite sure how I was able to budget so well. Oh wait, that's right, I BARELY shopped, and when I did, it was usually for friends and family members. Needless to say, the minute - nay, second - I locked down a full time job I went shopping.

And boy did I shop.

Now, also unlike many of my friends, I recently moved back in with my parents (long story). Therefore: full time job + no rent to pay = lots of money to spend. At first, my parents were supportive of the purchasing but after a while, they started reading me the riot act. I was spending lots and saving less. They were the guilty conscience I didn't want to own up to, so I did what any self respecting fashionista would do: I started hiding my purchases.

And how exactly have I been able to pull off such a clever stunt? Two words, amigos: giant purses.

Here is a quick and helpful step-by-step guide on how to smuggle purchases into your home:

1. Carry a large bag at all times. They are fashionable and make a statement, don't you think?

2. Before going into your home, make sure any packaging or bulging of product is concealed. Remove any noisy packaging as well - its a dead give away. Trust me.

3. Run to your room as fast/as naturally as you can.

4. Put new product away where it belongs, as if it has been there this whole time! Then, discard tags and receipts in empty Starbucks cups. Do not just throw tags in the regular garbage as they will be visible in plain sight and your efforts will have been wasted.

5. Repeat each pay day, and a few days in between.

So, for anyone else out there who also faces the tyranny of responsible parenting, I would like to present you with a few options for concealing your purchases.


The Hermes Birkin Bag

Great news! If you are Victoria Beckham or Kim Kardashian or have an extra $10,000 laying around, you might be able to get your perfectly manicured hands on a Birkin. This is an excellent choice for hiding purchases from your parents, mainly because after you buy one, you won't have any money left.
But in all seriousness, this bag is beautiful and functional and comes in every colour and goes with every outfit. If it is not at the top of your leather goods wishlist, it ought to be! Wasn't it Les Brown who said 'Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll land among the stars'? This rationale also applies to shopping: Shoot for Hermes, because even if you miss, you'll land at Kate Spade, or Michael Kors.

For more information, see: Hermes


The Marc by Marc Jacobs Take Me Tote

This hot pink beauty retails for only $228, modest in comparison the the almighty Birkin. This tote is super cute and very versatile. It also comes in black, but I think the hot pink is perfect for this season's colour blocking trend. Also, if you're one of those people who gravitates to all black (like I used to), this is a great way to add a little pizzazz to your outfit. Just think how nicely a pair of hot pink lips would look with this tote. Sigh.

For more information, see: Bergdorf Goodman


The Roots Large Hobo Woven Leather Bag

Exhibit C - the Roots bag. I am a firm believer that everyone needs to own a pair of Roots sweats (yes, I wear sweat pants... in the wilderness) and a Roots leather bag. This one is a stunner and retails for only $268 (amazing price for Italian leather if you ask me). I like that it is woven because it reminds me of a basket and baskets remind me of picnics making it a perfect summer bag. It is so soft and the hardware is so beautiful. And because it is leather, it is also a great transitional bag for the fall. Like Roots itself, it is timeless and classic and will be a great item to have for years to come.

For more information, see: Roots


The Jessica Simpson Getaway Tote

I absolutely adore this Jessica Simpson getaway tote. It retails for only $88 and comes in about five different colours. I chose two of my favourites.

The one featured above is on trend in a major way.  Firstly, that coral - orange colour - LOVE it. Its so vibrant and fresh. And the colour blocking? Trend number two! And of course, the python print is the hottest animal print for the season.

The bag featured below also has a lot of the selling features as the orange & python print tote does.
That mint-y, teal, turquoise colour is very hot right now and would be great addition to an all white outfit. My favourite part of this tote, however, is the print on the top section. The print is a perfect mixture of palm trees and leopard print spots (who knew?!). I urge every one to buy one or both of these bags IMMEDIATELY.

For more information, see: Jessica Simpson. Also, for you Canucks out there, this bag is available at my second home The Bay.

What are your favourte big bags this season??

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