Seattle had it. Marc Jacobs put it on the fashion map. Kurt Cobain gave way to Kate Moss, and the early 90's are a lifetime away. Well, except in the land of the unwashed, granola-with-a-toke dudes and dudesses where it possibly never went away.

Grunge is back in a big fashion way! This time it's glam grunge, if you will.  More Alexander Wang with a dash of Balenciaga inspiration rather than a thrift shop overkill of fill-your-bag-for-five-bucks at the Haggle ˜N Hoard. Modern grunge one-ups the thrift shop rag version and is more about well-honed vintage mixed with good design and better fabrics. Ok, grunge purists, we understand your angst, but this FASHION grunge, after all!

Think of the essence of a downtown rocker with a northwest casual vibe with an eye for off-handed irreverent style. It's wholesome yet urban at the same time-- grunge but not grungy. You may already have some grunge elements tucked away in your closet and you may want to update a bit more. Mix and match for personal style, it's more about how you wear it and your attitude than the exactness of the trend.

Try:Comfy, earthy plaid paired with amazing second-skin leatherette pants or leggings. Curb-kicker Doc Martens or fringe moccasin booties and lacy tights paired with an ethnic floral mini. Your boyfriend's shredded jeans (or a look-a-like designer version) and that to-die-for satin blouse.  Keep your hair deliberately undone, wear a  tight-fitting knit cap, and add some smoky eyes... you'll be good to go glam grunge.

Glam Grunge Shopping Guide:








--November 18, 2008