From the category archives:

studs

Today I was out in the town for a day of shopping: I had to get a few more presents for my husband’s birthday, check out the sales to see if I could score some cute things for the girls and for myself at a good (make that great) price, and look for a cute, cold weather-alternative for our anniversary date this Friday night (13 years! Awesomeness.)

Browsing through the mishmash that are the sale racks at H&M, I came across a simple black cotton jersey tank dress, and without thinking I put it back. Then I got a sudden inspiration, and grabbed it again. The shape was nothing impressive: a simple tank dress with an elastic waist (yikes!) and side pockets. The length though, was perfect: just barely above the knee, the universally flattering length even for those of us not blessed with long, lean legs (sigh).

So I grabbed it again – grabbed a second one even, because hello? 5 francs ? – and headed to the accessory section to find a cool belt to cinch it at the waist and hide the hideous elastic. Found a cute one (with studs!!) on sale for 10 bucks! Sold.

Which is how I got a good outfit for tonight’s dinner: cute enough to wear for the celebration, but casual enough so that I didn’t feel stupid parading around in my own house, with just my family all dressed up… not to mention cooking in it ;-)

Nude pumps to elongate legs, studded belt to cinch waist, jeweled headband to keep hair off your face while cooking :-)

And now my head is bursting with the possibilities. This dress, which looks like nothing on the hanger and is sooo incredibly comfortable, is basically the perfect summer dress. It’s light and comfortable, and so versatile!

So on the next sunny day, I will probably wear it like this for a walk on the lake:

or like this, to go shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse:

and if it gets chilly I might add layers:

And because of the relaxed fit, you can add really cool accessories without going overboard – the casual shape keeps it all kind of down to earth.

Now tell me what you think, really: do you love it too, or have I completely lost my marbles (not to mention my sense of style) after only 7 months back in Switzerland?

Looking forward to your comments!

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CravingIf you have been reading my blog for a while, you already know that I like studs. Mind you, studs are kind of like statement jewelry, a little goes a long way. But as someone who loves the rocker-chic style, I find that a studded belt or other accessory can add a bit of an edge to an otherwise blah or too lady-like outfit (yes, I’m sorry, in my fashion vocabulary there is such a thing as “too lady-like”).

Want proof? Think of the fabulous studded belt Carrie wore in the SATC movie: it was the one item she wore over and over, with several outfits, the two most memorable (IMO) being the ones below:

The first outfit we see Carrie in. The coat is a bit much IMO, but then again, so is Carrie :-)

The first outfit we see Carrie in. The coat is a bit much IMO, but then again, so is Carrie :-)

A simple pink shift dress that would have otherwise been really girly is given an edgy makeover thanks to the fabulous belt... and the odd shoes ;-)

A simple pink shift dress that would have otherwise been really girly is given an edgy makeover thanks to the fabulous belt... and the odd shoes ;-)

Interesting shoes are a great way to ‘wake up’ your outfit without being too flashy. A sexy peep-toe under a conservative pant suit, a red satin shoe worn with a classic LBD, are just a few examples of how you can use shoes much as you would statement accessories.

What I really want right now is a pair of boots, any height, any heel, with a stud detail – ’cause you can take the motorbike dream away and give me a stroller to push, but there’s still a bit of a rebel in me (and then some ;-) )

Some of my favorite picks:

1. Studded Suedette Boots from Forever 21: these boots are perfect if you want to try on this trend but aren’t sure if you’ll want to wear it long-term. Because they are imitation suede, they probably won’t be very warm, but with those silver buckles and studs on black, they will definitely look cute with skirts, leggings, skinny jeans alike, or even peeking under pants. You can’t beat the price: $29.80, only at Forever21.

2. Michael Antonio Mikoda boot: I LOVE these. These flat boots are perfect for everyday wear. Wear them with skirts or leggings, if you are blessed with lean legs, or tuck your jeans into them, or let them peak out from under your pants. Choose from Purple, Black, Grey and Brown. You can get them at Endless for $64.95.

3. Studd boot by Miz Mooz: These suede boots are seriously tempting. The heel is 3 1/4″, which is higher than I normally like to go for my everyday boots, but I love that these have a zipper (making them much easier to put on and get off), they are a bit slouchy and the front rises higher than the back, perfect for accommodating a larger calves. And at $119-129, they are also affordable. The only problem: what color to order? Black, Grey or Purple? I like them all! If you do too, you can get your own at Endless and InfinityShoes (where they are also available in tan and brown).

4. Cassie boot by ZiGiNY: these are a really great pick if you are looking for knee-high boots. The studs are limited to the ankle strap, so the boot still looks pretty classic. They are made of soft grey suede and they definitely have that “wardrobe staple” quality to them. You can get them at Shopbop for $200.

5. Pine boot by Zigi: Classic shape, slightly slouchy, buckle detail and multiple straps with gold and silver straps make this soft leather pull-on boot a winner. And when you add to that the comfort factor of a flat boot… how can you not give in? I’m adding these to my Christmas wishlist. Available in Black and Cognac. Priced at $135-186, you might have to hunt down your size and preferred color, but you can find them at LoveMyShoes.com, Karmaloop, Endless, and eModa.com.

6. Kerris boot by Joan & David: I don’t usually include items above $300 in my sets, but these boots are beautifully made. I looked at a whole bunch of boots with similar models, and these are by far the best. This is the kind of boot you will wear for years. So if you love the rocker-chic trend, maybe want to emulate Sienna Miller’s style and make it your own, maybe splurge a little and get yourself these gorgeous boots. They are available in Black, Dark Brown or Taupe, retail for $329 and you can find them at Zappos and Endless. (And if you really love them but can’t fit them into your budget, check out these less expensive options. Just ’cause I like you :-) )

7. Brylee boot, DV by Dolce Vita: A classic boot with a vintage feel, where the multiple studded ankle straps add an unexpected edgy touch. Available in black leather with gold studs or grey with silver studs, they retail for $110-129 and are available at Endless, Bloomingdale’s, Karmaloop, Need Supply Co. and Shoes.com.

So, what do you think? Do you like studded boots? Do you already own a pair?

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Copyright Elisa Bieg, 2008-2009.