There is a fine line between a fashion faux-pas and a happy fashion accident.  The distinction between total and absolute cheez, tacky combinations and a brilliant fashion move is a muddy one that depends as much on personal taste and color preference as it does on that perfect balance of style and textures. It seems like lately the leeway for this kind of experiment is widening.  I’m not sure if it’s Montreal, the season, the year, or just the general trend but colors seem to be getting brighter, combinations more daring and revealing, and style itself seems to be becoming risqué in ways that go beyond sexual.  The line between dressing up to go out and putting on a costume is ever-diminishing, as outlandish accessories such as peacock feathers, thick metal chains and old pieces of random junk are transformed into signature accessory pieces: earrings, belts, bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

Vintage polka dot tankini bathing suits are adorned with heart-shaped glasses.  Booty shorts and tank tops are dressed up with vintage ties and knee socks.  Girly dresses are dressed down with sneakers and funky accessories.  Short shorts are dressed up with avant-garde variations on the roman sandal by Trippen and Camper. Summer 2010 is a fashion bandit’s paradise.  Just don’t please don’t wear leggings as if they were pants, and when in doubt, buy your tank tops a size too big rather than a size too small.  It just looks better that way.