My Favorite Fall 2013 Trends - Punk

You know a trend is going to be hot when Chanel shows it on their runway. One of my favorite Fall 2013 trends is punk. Some are calling it grunge but in my opinion, when you add spikes, studs or saftey pins, it's punk. The key to a trend is making it work for you. Is a studded jacket out of your comfort zone? Try a studded clutch instead. A ripped safety pin t-shirt not you? Try ripped jeans. If the punk trend still isn't you, don't worry there are plenty of others to try.

Punk Chanel Style

There are lots of ways to wear the punk trend.  Shoes, jewelry, jackets, shirt, and even jeans. Here are just a few ways I would wear the punk trend.

Click on the photos for buying info.

One of my favorite things about this trend is the amazing DIY options.  Instead of buying a pair of distressed jeans, create your own from an old pair or buy a pair at the thrift store for distressing. This blog has a good tutorial. Turn an old t-shirt punk by adding a few cuts and some safety pins. For just a couple dollars you can have an on great t-shirt to wear with your favorite leather jacket. Want to add some studs or spikes?  You can buy them here or here and add some punk to a jacket, a collar or even a cell phone cover. Even create your own safety pin necklace. Looking undone or self-made is part of the toughness that is punk.

If you're lacking inspiration, check out these photos of 80's London street style and music icons Wendy O'Williams, Siouxsie Sioux and Sid Vicious, as well as fashion designer and icon Vivienne Westwood.

 

Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrated punk's influence on fashion with an exhibit this summer titled Punk: Chaos to Couture.

Met Gala 2013 - The Good and Bad

The Met Gala is the annual anything goes gala.  It's a who's who of celebs that gives them a chance to wear avant-garde ensembles. This year the theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture.  Frankly I was surprised there weren't more outlandish outfits.  Here are just a few of the highlights, good and bad.

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

Giselle Bundchen in Anthony Vacarello

Jamie King in Top Shop

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

Madonna in Givenchy

Mary Kate Olsen in vintage Chanel

Sienna Miller in Burberry

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon (dress) and Philip Tracey (hat)

Ashley Greene in Marchesa

Florence Welch in Givenchy

photo credits: Getty Images

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Balmain (Studded and Punk)

I lived through the original punk revolution of the 80's.  I definitely wasn't a punk but I've always loved the fashion and the rebelliousness of the culture.  When I happened upon a fashion spread on Balmain in this month's W magazine, I was in awe. The magazine keeps calling me back to look at the clothes. Maybe it's because they are by no means practical for my daily life. I can't imagine walking into a government building dressed in that jacket or t-shirt. Especially the agency that I work with. It's the complete opposite of the punk ideal.

A few of my favorites from the collection...

Studded Leather Jacket with Strass - $12, 565

I would definitely need supermodel legs to wear this skirt.

Leather Studded Skirt with Paint

Destroyed T-Shirt with Pins

The beauty of dreaming and obsessing is that you can dream up a big bank account. 

Moment of Lust: Alexander McQueen Knuckle Clutch

In keeping with my recent obsession with tough, punk, industrial fashions, my lastest lust is the Alexander McQueen Knuckle Clutch. It isn't a recent addition to the fashion scene. I've adored it for some time. When you see the cost, you'll understand why I've only admired it from afar.

There are so many reasons to love this special clutch. The iridescent color is fresh. The sparkles and skulls are so 80's punk. When carrying it to a party, it will be so easy to hold onto the bag. Not to mention the fact that it has built in jewelry.

This version of the clutch is available on Net-A-Porter.com for $1,595. Other versions are available from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Zappos and Alexander McQueen for $1,895 - $2,295.  Even if I thought it was a good idea to spend that much money on one tiny bag, it would still be my clothing budget for a few years. I don't think I could give up shoes and all other new clothes for one clutch.

I'm working on my own DIY version of this bag. Look for it soon.  

Get Your Punk On!

I'm inspired by 80's punk styles. My inspirations...

Being a child of the 80's, I've worn all of these trends once before. I just can't help myself, I still love them. It's possible to wear trends a second time, if you reinterpret them for today.

Forever 21 $5.80

Stack bracelets just like the original Material Girl.  Instead of pairing them with a bustier, try jazzing up a t-shirt and jeans or your work clothes.



Worthington at JC Penney $32.99

Forget Dynasty. Pick a strong shoulder jacket that you can pair with a pencil skirt or jeans. Belt it for a more modern look.

Punk.com $18

Pair a studded belt with a tunic or offset the femininity of a floral dress with a little toughness.

Wilsons Leather Cycle Jacket $90

Leather jackets (or faux leather) are becoming a wardrobe classic.  You can wear it with basic pants or toughen up a pretty dress. You can even use it as a layering piece.

Mary Kay Black eye liner $10

What's punk without some black eye liner? Instead of piling it on like Joan Jett, use it as the base of your smokey eye.  Smudge it for effect. This Mary Kay version is waterproof and smudge proof, which is important for long wear.

With a little thought you can take the fun elements of punk and make them work for you.  A studded bracelet or a belt can give contrast to girly pieces. Try an inexpensive accessory before you take the plunge and purchase a leather jacket with lots of zippers. If you've made your own DIY chain jacket that I posted a couple weeks ago, it will fit right in!

Moment of Lust: Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle

The Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle has been the "it" bag since Mary Kate Olsen began carrying it, before it was available. It's also showed up on the arms of other NYC and Hollywood fashionistas. I've heard there is a waiting list of 400+ at Barney's in NYC. This bag is proof that fashion girls will eat ramen in a recession, if the right bag comes along. It retails for $850. The black leather version is sold out everywhere. There are options available in other colors and materials.





I love this bag because it is both classic and edgy. The satchel style is timeless. The studded bottom gives it a punk edge that is fun and unexpected. Other fabrics and colors can be purchased on the Alexander Wang website. I personally like the gray denim, which isn't actually denim but distressed gray leather.

If, like me, neglecting to pay the rent or power bill isn't an option. There is a chic and lower priced alternative, thanks to Steve Madden. The BSTUDLEY bag is very similar and about 1/10 of the price at $88. It also comes in white.



You can order this bag on the Steve Madden website. Happy parsimonious shopping!