On A Tear

Previously, whenever Monique Lhuillier's name was mentioned I would have cringey flashbacks to Britney and Kevin's wedding day. Lhuillier designed that shorter-than-life-itself lace number that K-Fed (remember K-Fed??) and Britter's tied the knot in. I hated that booty-baring dress, but apparently Britney loved it, really loved it. Remember when she resurrected it for a daytime walk with photog lover Adnan? Ah, memories. Anyways...

Lhuillier's latest collection slightly redeems her image in my eyes. Lhuillier has always been known for her awards show worthy gowns, and her traditionally sweet dresses got an edgy makeover with the help of a little creative styling. The satiny, lacy looks were layered over snagged, torn body stockings and topped with multi-strand necklaces. Some of the 12 looks got a little carried away, but I applaud the move in a new direction and I think at least a few were very wantable.

Ladylike never looked so raw. I like the contrast.

Photos: Marcio Madeira for Style.com

Barbie's Bawdy Beginnings

This year Barbie turns 50 years old. Seeing as how Barbie's main purpose in her half-century existence has been to delight very young girls, I was quite surprised to learn that she has some dirty little secrets in her past. In fact, the doll's controversially busty/teeny shape was cloned from a sexy little German doll named Bild Lilli who was based on a bawdy comic book character and sold in tobacco shops and "novelty" (wink, wink) stores. Barbie's creator scooped one up on a European vacation and had her turned into the seemingly wholesome, pink-loving doll we all now know and love. Here's the buxom Bild Lilli:

Here's Barbie:

Can you say identity crisis, little girls? I personally liken this to the age old Britney vs. Christina dilemma.

Remember when Britney was still trying to play it all church-going-sunshiny-sweet-as-apple pie-y'all even though she was writhing on MTV's stage practically nakey? X-tina, on the other hand was all the way booty-out, chaps-wearing, grinding, dirrrrrty. It was the classic virgin/whore complex in its two extremes. I was on X-tina's team all the way. She was a ho fo' sho' and she wasn't even trying to hide it. I admire that authenticity, even if her wardrobe and hair choices were completely questionable. Look at where all of the repression and denial got Britney. I'm not saying you have to let it all hang out, but if you do want to? Don't try and hide it. If you're a Bild Lilli, you don't have to turn yourself into a Barbie. Let your freak flag fly high!