SHOP SLASHED LEGGINGS NOW.
We all know trends get recycled, and slashing your pantalones up to make a fashion statement is nothing new. But this does not mean that the stripped, ripped, and thrashed black leggings of 2009 aren’t supes sexy and chic-ly risque. I have yet to see a non-celeb rocking “slashed-up-to-there” leggings (which makes me want to get a pair even more! Trendsetterrrr!), but I’m sure this fad will spread faster than the swine flu, especially among the teens and early twenty-somethings who are growing tired of their plain old leggings. Zzzz!

Shown: 1. LnA Olivia Thrashed Gathered Bottom Leggings in Noir, 2. LnA Ripped Zipper Leggings in Flat Black, 3. David Lerner Ripped Leggings, 4. Leyendecker Kerouac Ripped Leggings.

Click here to see more hot slashed leggings!

Wear with: a baggy t-shirt.
Click here to shop Baggy Tees.

Country crooner, Sheryl Crow’s clothing line, Bootheel Trading Co., named after Missouri’s “boot heel” region where she was born, is all about casual, vintage comfort.

Shown (from left): Printed Tee, Vest, ‘Nashville’ Jeans, and Tunic Blouse.

It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, just like Sheryl. When I first saw the garments in the line, I must admit, I wasn’t too impressed. When I saw that the clothes are eco-friendly and supes afforable, I took a closer look. I picked out a few pieces that seemed to represent the collection as a whole and added them to my Sheryl Crow Clothing Line buyer’s guide on Kazowie. The (stretch!) denim jeans have piping on the rear and cute back-pocket accents that are sure to make anyone’s gluteus maximus look bootylicious. I think this line defines casual summer chic and would look great with a piece or two of Lucky Brand Jewelry. Don’t you think?

Shown (from left): Bootheel Trading Co. ‘Missouri’ Jeans, Lucky Brand Jewelry: Peace Cuff, Carved Hoop Silver Earrings, Double Gold Chain Necklace, and Carved Gold Bangle.

I’m obsessed with the Forever21 and Wet Seal pieces I found today. These items definitely need to be part of my wardrobe, STAT! They’re mix-and-matchable and so versatile that each individual piece has the potential to become a Spring/Summer staple, no doubt about it.

Each top can work with each pair of pants to create any type of look that you’re going for. (And the skirt was too adorable to pass up. Any type of solid black, white, or 2-color colorblock tee/tank will go with it.) Save the cut-out leggings for nighttime frolicking. I’m thinking they’ll look great with a pair of heeled strappy or open-toe ankle booties and an understated, solid loose-fitting tee. They’re hot. I’m obsessed! Placing order now. To snag these items, click here: Wet Seal + Forever21 = Affordable Sexiness.

Even if I had the dough, I don’t know if I could justify spending hundreds of dollars on an everyday casual dress or swimsuit coverup. And while I believe that you “get what you pay for,” in terms of fit, fabric, comfort, durability, etc., I do think that the innovation and inspiration of designer and couture fashion can be found in less expensive versions, if you’re willing to look hard enough. In fact, that’s what I find most fun about flipping through fashion magazines and surfing designers’ websites: examining the designs of mastermind artists and finding items (that I can actually afford) which mingle their contempo ideas with my own style P.O.V..

It’s all about inspiration. When something catches your eye, take note of what it is that piques your interest about that garment or accessory and shop only for items that have that particular feature. I challenged myself the other day to find the cheaper look-alike versions of some hot new designer dresses in my Designer Dresses and Their Affordable Copycats buyer’s guide.