Trend Watch: Ankle Cuff

Consider it the sophisticated older sister of the gladiator . . . The dainty ankle strap has been replaced by a tough and sexy wide band.

The inspiration for this post and Couture Carrie's favorite pair of the lot are these glamorous gold Gucci sandals. Photo via French Vogue.

The following four stunners can all be found at Barneys New York. Go to barneys.com, where some of them are even on sale!!

HEELS:

At left: Manolo Blahnik black patent Pepe stiletto.

At right: Manolo Blahnik Rocco silver studded sandal.

FLATS:

At left, Pierre Hardy putty-tone zipper sandal.

At right, Lanvin studded t-strap.

FOILED AGAIN

We, like sharks and babies, are attracted to shiny things . . . And thus begins Couture Carrie’s aluminum-inspired post.

Of course, we are all now intimately familiar with Nina Ricci’s pleated tin-foil-esque creation, worn by (1) Sarah Jessica Parker at the New York premiere of the SATC movie [pink carpet photo at left via elle.com]; (2) socialite Lauren Santo Domingo on the Met red carpet [photo at right via rexfeatures.com]; and (3) Lindsay Lohan on the pages of Bazaar. SJP and La Lohan aren’t the only ones sporting the look. Just witness the recent runway rampage, like this Carlos Miele aluminum foil gown (pictured at left, via Vogue Italia). The crinkly metallic fabric and contrasting butterfly bust are delightful! This frock is adventurous, yet wearable.
Blade Runner meets couture at Paul & Joe, where a side-tied, bubble-shouldered silver tarp was paired with matching lace-up ankle boots. Pic via Australian Vogue.

At Jasmine di Milo, the foil took the shape of a tee shirt dress with front seams and a teeny tiny mini skirt. For playing tennis on the Starship Enterprise? Photo courtesy Italian Vogue's online coverage of the Fall 2008 Milan runway shows.

Fret not, my futuristically challenged fashionistas. If the preceding dresses are too OTT for you, simply channel the trend with a flashy foiled accessory.

I have always been a fan of the chic and practical Wellington, but I have truly fallen for the fab new range of colors offered by the original and best: Hunter Boots. Just get a load of these fabulous silver rain boots, for purchase at winknyc.com.

If you are less farm girl and more It Girl, then you should absolutely snap up a pair of this Paule Ka mirrored platform pumps, recently featured in French Vogue's online accessories roundup.

Favoring a statement bag? The nickel-hued options are numerous. Couture Carrie is digging this Dolce & Gabbana Miss Easy Way metallic Boston bag (left), for purchase at eLuxury.com.

Or try Gucci's metallic wristlet clutch (photo at right courtesy French Vogue).

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!