Fringe Benefits

The way the economy has been on a downward spiral for the last six months, I've realized that fashion has taken a cue from this obvious "depression" by invoking a time prior to the original G.D. (Great Depression, if you were stumped) when America was shedding its Victorian ways and women, in particular, were bucking the status quo in their flapper fringe and boyish bobs. It was a great time to be a woman -- the new fashions were daring and unfettered -- and everyone was embracing this new era of nonconformity.

My hope is that a return to fun, flirty, fringe inspired fashions will keep our minds off the doldrums of our current economic situation and on to better times ahead. Just remember: Times may be bad, but your fashion doesn't have to be!

Here are some fringe-worthy looks for those that got bailout money and those that wish they had.

Designer Look
Aquilano.Rimondi, Spring 2009 Read-To-Wear
(photo courtesy style.com)

Bargain Look

Twelve by Twelve, Ruffle Sweater Dress, $29

Trifle Dress by Esley, $48.50

Hanalei Dress by Aryn K, $103