Oh, Mischa! Living on the fringe . . .

Ms. Barton has been lambasted in the press recently for her fashion choices, not an insignificant amount of which include some element of fringe.

As New York Post Popwrap blogger Jarett Wieselman stated so eloquently: "Bejesus Barton, you're starting to make me feel like Regina George, but I must persist. Stop. Trying. To. Make. Fringe. Happen. It's not going to happen!" Go to http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2008/06/mischas_style_i.html for the full scoop.
Maybe Mischa wants to get the credit for this trend, but it was clearly in the ether (and on numerous runways, as you will see below!) already:

Hermés

Jaeger London

Jonathan Saunders

(this one is CC's personal fave!)

Reem Acra
Basso & Brooke

Rodarte

Chado Ralph Rucci
Balmain

Giles Deacon

Gucci

Kai Kuhne

Temperley

All runway images in this post via nymag.com/fashion.

Despite the OTT ridiculousness of several of the above confections, I still believe that fringe can be done tastefully, as with this Salvatore Ferragamo metal fringe trim bag, pictured at right courtesy elle.com.

Before you leave the house, just assess: is it classy, understated, and inoffensive? If you answer a resounding "yes" to all three, live on the fringe!

What do you think, ladies? If money were no object, would any of the looks above be in your repertoire?

SURRY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP

ADORNMENT, FLAPPER-STYLE

From gowns to handbags, fashion is on the fringe! The most fanciful (and doubtless, expensive) takes on the trend were those sashayed down the runway for Bill Blass's Fall 2008 Collection. The dalmatian-spotted mini-dress (left) and frilly black-fringed white gown (above) are show-stoppers! Photos via nymag.com.

A more achievable way to wear the trend? This sexy Elizabeth and James French lace minidress, for purchase at Neiman Marcus. Scandalous!

If you dare not don the fringed dress, you can carry the look with an adorable clutch. I am absolutely smitten with this silver Easter-grass strewn Roger Vivier Exotica bag, featured in style.com's coverage of accessories for Fall 2008. Even more fanciful, with a splash of teal, is Salvatore Ferragamo's tiered mesh fringe frame bag with resin barrel closure. Handbag pictures courtesy style.com. Now shake it like a Polaroid picture!