A trademark of Winter 2008 was an abundance of hardware, including studs and zippers.  Winter is (sigh) not over, and this is a trend we'll likely be seeing well into spring.  Designers are using studs in new ways, adding traditional punk and softer rounded studs to jackets and shoes.  For more subtle edginess, zippers offer the same flash of grit and silver, and sometimes even add functionality.

Zip to my Shoe

As The Shoe Blog reported (with truly droolworthy photos, I might add), a prevailing designer shoe trend is zippers.

More affordable shoes shown above (both pairs) are by Dollhouse and sell for around $60 per pair.  Try to score a deal by shopping Ross, TJ Maxx, or other discount stores.  Charlotte Russe sells colored pumps with a zipper as well.

Shoe designers are adding all sorts of studs to shoes as well, from covering the straps completely in the bling usually reserved for rocker's belts to spotlighting a pump's perfect heel with a row of pristine rounded studs.

Tons of high-end designers are studding their heels, but you could also mimic two of my favorite bloggers who tackled D.I.Y. studded shoes by adding studs to oxfords and pumps.

Whatever your usual style, adding a bit of unexpected hardware to your footwear will give your look a twist of punk chic.

Zippity Do Da Jeans

Another trend is zippered hardware on denim, particularly on the legs of skinny jeans.

Mary Kate Olsen is a fan of Superfine brand zippered jeans.  You can find a cheap pair of denim with a zipper up the leg by L.E.I.

A zipper at the bottom of your skinnies is a good solution to balance out your body if you're intimidated by the skinny cut.  It can also make the jeans more comfortable on a hot day, or allow you to roll up jeans for a spontaneous pedicure.  (Once at the salon I had to swap jeans with the boyfriend because my skinnies were too slim at the ankle to roll up for my calf massage.)

Also be on the lookout for excess stylized zippers on bags (although excessive handbag hardware is hardly anything new), zippered pockets and studding detail on jackets and even jewelry (stud stud earrings!).  Telling the boyfriend you're running to the hardware store and returning three hours later with stacked pumps and new jeans?  Totally acceptable.