In Fashion: How 'Bout It, Stud?

Posted at 5:11 AM Jul 03, 2009

By Kathleen Willcox

Studs - horse, man or accessory, I love 'em all. Bestud my heart. And since studded clothes and accessories are much easier to keep in line, I tend to favor them over the equine and male varieties. I also love that studs are a completely versatile accessory - they can be totally punk rock or totally uptown chic.

My favorites right now:

These shoes were made for struttin':

These Steve Maddens (pictured) constitute a summer 2009 trend triple threat: studs, sky high 4.5' heels with a gladiator-style straptastic cut. Every available inch of strappy black leather is bestudded - including a built-in ankle bracelet. (Totally Blondie!) Perfect for stalking the town, clubs and coolest shows well into the wee hours of the morning. $129.95.

This shirt was made for prancin':

This cheapo ($22.99) studded mesh tank from Charlotte Russe is a major score - and not just for it's bargain basement price. It's sexy, chic, edgy and made with schvitz-friendly mesh (I can feel the breeze now). The wide straps, scoop neck, pleated and roomy cut will hide a multitude of sins, so this is definitely the shirt to strap on if you're getting ready for a gut-busting BBQ bash which your crush du jour just happens to be hosting. (Or for a waddle out to brunch for a gut-busting grease-soaked plate of sausage and biscuits the morning after a particularly late night). Or - if you happen to be classier and more mature than I and no longer participate in such revelries, it's great when you have PMS and you're totally bloated. So there!

This belt was made for flouncin':

Ah, the truly sophistocated take on the studded trend, courtesy of none other than prepster-chic extraordinaire Michael Kors. Available in black, or the more staid uptown brown, the belt sports layered, studded panels of nubby leather. A beautiful 4' hammered-brass buckle pulls the whole shebang together. $98.

A bangle made for janglin':

This $4(!) bracelet, again from Charlotte Russe, is by far the easiest, least risky and cheapest way to cash on the stud thang. It features studs made from black plastic in the shapes of pyramids. The only drawback is that it's mounted on elastic strands, so tread carefully when janglin'.