Will the New Year’s fashion trends be powerful enough to knock out the trends of 2012? Local boutique employees and UNCW students weigh in on whether flowing skirts and sunny weather will overpower last year’s “hardcore princess” look. It could prove difficult with everyone from celebrities to college students flaunting and embracing this glittery tough girl look everywhere. 

“I think the sparkly shoes are really trendy for the right occasion,” said UNCW junior Caroline Logan. 

Designer names Christian Louboutin, a French footwear designer famously known for his red-lacquered soles, Marchesa, a brand widely known for their elegant evening gowns, and Michael Kors, a judge on Project Runway known for women’s sportswear, are just a few among many other designers who incorporated sparkles, spikes and leather into their winter designs. The red carpet often acted as a showcase for their work. 

Jessica Alba, seen at Spike TV’s 10th Annual Video Game Awards in December, wore a sexy Narciso Rodriguez black, bodying- hugging, leather strap dress with a black pair of Giuseppe Zanotti cutout sandals, and a Christian Louboutin studded clutch. 

If you want to get a look similar for a lot less, try this black patent trim sheath dress at Forever 21 that features the same sweetheart neckline as Alba’s dress. The patent trim on the sleeve, the skinny patent belt and the exposed zipper give it just enough edge, all for only $27.80- a huge difference compared to Rodriguez’s $1,095 ensemble. Add a pair of peep toe velvet pumps with a crisscross upper and adjustable ankle strap from Charlotte Russe for $32.50, and a vintage handmade black studded clutch from Etsy, and the look is complete. 

“I can always find designer looks for reasonable prices at Forever 21,” said UNCW freshman Ana Myren.

Local clothing boutiques Edge of Urge, on Market Street, and Lure, in downtown Wilmington, have also adapted this style, but the look might be ending sooner than expected. 

“The leather is definitely staying. The sequins will fade out, but they will always be great for the holidays,” said Edge of Urge’s stylist Michael Ussery.  “We have a lot of cosmic prints coming in, and a lot of water colors, but the pastels do have a rougher look to them. They’re pastels with an edge.” 

For those who don’t know, three days a week Edge of Urge shows off their newest additions in their “Look Book.” In it you can find a cute maroon studded bag for $42, several pairs of skinny-legged party pants for $62, and Vanessa Mooneydella anklet heels for $28.

“We just got a new shipment from California and Las Vegas, but during the fall season we stuck to the leather outfits,” said UNCW alum, and sales associate of Lure, Sarah Nunnally. “The sequins sold really well during the holiday and the New Year, but for the new season we’re going to be getting into a more bohemian look. Flowy skirts and dresses, thin fabric, geometric prints, and pastel colors will be our main focus for the New Year.”

While leather will have its place in fashion this year, the tough girl look will be seen around Wilmington in a “Zooey Deschanel meets Katniss” way, mixing bold and girly prints with the popular leather and studs trend we saw in 2012.