God Bless America!

This weekend is the official kick-off to the summer- Memorial Day weekend!!! Every year, the best season is opened with lawn parties, BBQs, and Hamptons beach parties, so its important to dress for the occasion. I like to be traditional and be patriotic throughout the weekend, wearing red, white and blue. Now, before you go nuts- not all together or with twin sets. Some of my favorite designers presented Resort 2008 collections with pieces that mesh perfectly in to the celebratory landscape that is Memorial Day! Use these as inspiration for your patriotic weekend wardrobe.

Alberta Ferreti pairs roomy shorts with stripes and solids to create a casual and comfortable nautical look.

Michael Kors, the quintessential American designer, uses crisp lines and classic American design, offering a cute little white dress for a twilight cocktail party  and a sweet as pie striped coverall for the beach.

Bottega Venetta adds a bit of European flair to classic bathing suit cuts and sun dresses. Don’t be afraid to stray a bit from the traditional, as long as its YOU!

Carolina Herrera, class defined. This sweet sailor-inspired dress is perfect for Fleet Week and the ensuing Memorial Day celebration weekend. While modern and crisp, still traditional in its cut and feel. For a more dressed-up affair, Herrera offers a whimsical dress in beautiful red florals.

Rachel Roy, American designer on the rise, offers a modern version of the shirtdress- the style, the cut and the bubble hem all add to the fierceness- perfect to transition from the beach to a party. Her red strapless dress is perfect in its simplicity. The draping adds flair while the color adds punch!

Who said long dresses were for night?!?! Maxi dresses are elegant, sexy, and slightly bohemian for daytime. YSL offers this maxi dress in a vibrant and alive print. To make it more casual, tie the halter at the bust and add a pair of flat sandals- see www.bernardofootwear.com for awesome options!

I hope you all have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend! Post your outfits for this weekend’s festivities!!!

xoxo

All photos courtesy of www.style.com

In honor of last week’s Earth Week, here are some ways for fashionistas to go green.

Forever 21 Tee

Be thrifty 

You’ll find some of your most treasured threads at your local vintage and thrift shops. So, in the name of helping the earth (and hopefully saving some money), visit your local thrift stores before going to a traditional chain-clothing store. You’re more likely to find unique clothes there—no more worries about going somewhere and finding someone wearing the same dress!

Click here to find the nearest thrift stores in your city.

No bottle poppin’, use  a filter

We all know the benefits of drinking water can have on your skin and overall health.

Aside from recent reports of the possible health hazards of plastic water bottles, buying these bottles in bulk to stay hydrated is costly for you and the environment. In California alone, more than 1 billion plastic bottles are thrown away each year.

Buy a home water filter system for your kitchen faucet and refill a bottle before you go out. Some positive peer pressure: Eva Longoria does it, you should too!

Say no to catalogs and junk mail

Why should you do this? I’ll let the facts speak for themselves…

• Over five million tons of catalogs and direct mail ads end up in American landfills each year.
• Forty-four percent of thrown away junk mail was never opened
• Over 100 million trees’ worth of American households receive unsolicited junk mail each year

In the age of the Internet, do you really need a catalog delivered to your home? Cancel all your catalog subscriptions and shop online by going to this website. If you’re not into going out to shop, buy your clothes online instead of through a catalog.  And while you’re at it, opt out of prescreened offers. The more people that do this, the more corporate America will get the idea and stop the waste of paper.

Refill your makeup

If you’re like me, your makeup collection is an essential part of your beauty repertoire. Some companies offer makeup refills without the new packaging. Stila, Clinique, and Aveda offer refillable products.

Increase your green IQ

There’s no better way to save the environment then to learn about how to do it. There are plenty of Websites where you can do this, and here are a few I’ve found useful:

Glamour: “30 little ways to save the planet:”  My favorite! I got some of my “green” tips from here.

About.com: Environmental Issues Great place to get some basic stats on how much we’re hurting the planet, and how to stop it.

The Green Guide: A cool site with videos and tips on going completely green

Fix/give away your old clothes

Don’t throw away old shoes or clothes just because a button is missing or the heels are worn down, get ‘em fixed! There’s no need to buy replacements for these items if all they need is a tailor or shoemaker’s TLC. And it will probably cost less to fix your old clothes or shoes than buy new ones.

BYOB! 

It’s the end of the plastic and paper bag era. Stores are starting to offer reusable bags to customers. The goal here is to bring your own bag to use when you go shopping again, instead of getting new plastic or paper bags, which will inevitably end up in the garbage. Whole Foods offers customers reusable bags with cool designs that you can take with you when you go back to the store. It also makes for a cool tote to bring to work, the gym, and basically anywhere.

Happy green shopping!

by Couturable

apr 23rd

Hello, my favorite Upper East Siders—Gossip Girl’s back. Oh heck, who am I kidding? You can always visit the official Gossip Girl blog for your latest updates on the television series, but luckily doesthislookstupid.com can fulfill your style needs on a regular basis.

That said, with the popularity of the teen drama comes the popularity of the headband—yes, Blair Waldorf just might be the most influential trendsetter of 2008, beating out Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins for the spot.

I started wearing headbands a couple months before the show came out only because they were the only items that my mommy could buy for me that I’d actually wear. Lo and behold, a few months later, the craze over headbands exploded into the market and I was able to build a formidable and eclectic collection that I plan to continue to develop:

That said, I’m constantly asked where one can buy headbands similar those of dear Blair’s — from the large bows to the bright patterns to the sparkling jewels, wearing a headband is a very easy way to keep back flyaway hair and to dress up an outfit.

1. This Anna Vince ‘Felicity’ Bow Headband illuminates with gold sheen and black luxury — a much needed addition to any little black dress.

   

2. In case you’re looking for something a little less girly but equally as flashy, this Marc by Marc Jacobs Geogems Headband pairs well with any outfit and is a great alternative to the typical jewel or flower ornament.

   

3. This Skinny Feather Headband is both demure in quality and reminiscent of the Roaring ’20s — whether you’re wearing this at a party or to class, there really is no wrong occasion to wear it.

   

4. Now, for real flapper style — Forever 21’s Flapper Headband for only $4.80 can’t do you any wrong. You can then spend more on your dress, after all.

   

5. But — if you’re looking for something basic and simple, the Jennifer Behr Wide Patent Leather Headband is a classic necessity for building up a headband collection.

xoxo GOSSIP GIRL not quite.

by AnnieChin

apr 19th

Put aside the standard bikinis and plain ‘ol one-pieces. Glam up your swimwear this summer with one of these ten innovative styles – some with strategically placed cutouts that will leave behind artistic tan lines. Throw on your shades and sandals and you’re all set for a beachside party!

Eyes will wander to all the right places with this white one-piece. The three circular cutouts get extra attention with lilac outlines.
- Stephanie Hoos, $195.

This Brazilian inspired ruby red bikini has a one-strap top, which ties at the shoulder blade, is paired with a thick tie waistband bottom.

- Poko Pano at Couture Candy, $165.

Draw attention to your figure wearing a cutout side black swimsuit with embroidered trim. Change the bandeau style to a halter with a removable strap.
- Kenneth Cole Reaction at Spiegel, $78.

Show off your neck with a wide off the shoulder strap top. The matching black and white polka dots give a playful vibe.
- Salinas at Urban Outfitters, $39.99 for each top and bottom.

Look familiar? Flip through your celebrity mags to see Cameron Diaz surfing in a similar style. Alter a light blue bandeau with a multicolored necktie to go with the horizontal stripe low-rise bottoms.
- Cameron Diaz style design at ASOS, £10 for each top and bottom.

Fold a one-piece and get your scissors … or just play it safe with this crisscrossed cutout in black or gold.
- Oye at Couture Candy, $363.

An asymmetric coral swimsuit with allover ruching and one-shoulder neckline = sophisticated.
- Carmen Marc Valvo at Neiman Marcus, $165.

This is the kind of swimwear to achieve poolside glamour. The blue Moroccan print and bead detail highlight its plunging neckline and open sides.
- Milly at Shopbop, 207.

Tankinis get spiced up with an open, flyaway front and hardware detail.
- Victoria’s Secret top, $34. Choose from different bottoms.

Ditto with the turquoise and lime halter-top with an oval-ring wrap and scoop bottom. Get the same support with a new twist.
- Victoria’s Secret top, $62 and bottom, $42

There are many, MANY reasons why it’s awesome to be a celebrity. One of my many reasons for envying the lifestyles of the rich and famous is the fact that they get so attend so many black-tie events. I mean what gal doesn’t love getting decked to the nines and feeling like a princess for the night? When you’re a celebrity, get to do this EVERY NIGHT, when you’re a high-school student, you only get one: PROM NIGHT. Since you don’t get a do-over opportunity (like a celeb whose look flopped at the Golden Globes and then scored big at the Oscars), so getting it right is super important- and thus, super stressful!
Celebrities usually have a whole army of fashion experts guiding them. Since us normal folks most likely don’t have that luxury, let’s do the next best thing and draw inspiration from the celebs whose looks left us awe-struck.
1-
Reese Witherspoon absolutely KILLED IT in this striking yellow strapless dress at the Golden Globe awards, a look which landed her at the top of everyone’s best dressed list and had us all wondering how Ryan Phillipe ever could have been stupid enough to let her go!
Get The Look:
Edressme Strapless Dress, $198

2-
Red was the clear winner of the color competition at this year’s Oscars, and it’s no wonder why- it’s pretty much impossible NOT to look smashing in this striking shade. So get heads turning and tongues wagging in a dress almost identical to the one little ms. Miley Cyrus wore.
Get The Look: Faviana Red Gown, $248

3-
Ugly Betty star America Ferrera was anything but when she showed up at the Emmy’s in this absolutely striking electric blue Monique Lhullier gown.

Get The Look:Edressme Strapless Evening Gown, $328

4-
Look feminine and chic in a beautiful cascading gown just like the Chanel one Penelope Cruz wore at the 2007 Golden Globes.

Get The Look: Faviana Cascade Gown, $238

5-

Blaze a trail at your prom by donning a stunning sequin number like the always on point Eva Longoria.

Jovani Gold Sequined Short Dress, $500

by What2Wear

apr 16th

You’ve all heard the saying, women dress for other women. It’s kind of true…how else do you justify buying designer jeans or vintage Chanel? If you think most men will notice the difference between Louboutin heels and Nine West pumps, think again.

But do you ever wonder what guys think about women’s fashion? I do, so I decided to ask a few of my guy pals and (gulp) my boyfriend, to find out. But before we find out, a little disclaimer…it doesn’t really matter what guys think about women’s clothes…after all, it’s not them wearing it. Here’s what they said…

Piankhi Z…Laid Back in Cali

What types of clothing do you find most attractive on women?

I like when women dress classy. I find it attractive when women wear something that doesn’t show too much, like a dress that doesn’t show a whole lot of cleavage, yet still complements the women’s figure. If a woman shows too much cleavage, it’s basically saying to a man, “look at my chest” and it’s like an open invitation for any man to look or proposition a woman in an ungentlemanly-like way…it’s a desperate invitation.

A good look: Soft, feminine dresses, like seventies style hippy floral dresses.

I like this look because women who dress like this seem confident and feminine. They’re dressing out of their own self-confidence. They are able to express their beauty without being too provocative. To me, women who wear something that shows a lot of skin are the ones looking for a lot of extra male attention and may be insecure.

What types of clothing do you find least attractive on women?

I hate high heels. They are uncomfortable for women, and it annoys me that they go so far to do something to please men, when it isn’t really that appealing to men. Wear shoes that are comfortable—guys don’t look at your feet unless they have a foot fetish or they like to watch women walk in heels. You don’t need to fit model beauty standards to be beautiful, you just need to show self-confidence and expand on your physical assets that you have without overdoing it.

What is a trend many women follow that you can’t stand?

A truly attractive woman will be able to call attention to herself without looking like she’s calling attention to herself.

What celebrity follows your style advice the best?

Alicia Keyes.

What celebrity follows your style advice the least?

“New York” from Flavor of Love”.

Eric W…Men’s Fashion Muse

What types of clothing do you find most attractive on women?

I like the trendy professional look. For example, a pencil skirt or regular skirt that goes just below the knee, and a button-up blouse that forms a V-shape around the neck. I think it looks nice—it shows that you are ambitious, a career woman, and at the same time it shows that you care about your appearance.

A good look: Pumps. A woman looks sexy in them, and many women say it makes them feel good to wear pumps. But I don’t like women who cant walk in pumps. Accessories, like a nice necklace or earrings, add to your trendiness factor.

What types of clothing do you find least attractive on women?

Clothes that are too tight, no matter what kind of figure you have. If you have gaps between buttons when wearing a shirt, or fabric gathered up in front of your skirt, it’s not good. Just get a size that fits…guys have no concept of your size, so wear what fits you.

What is a trend many women follow that you can’t stand?

High-waisted pants. I feel like it’s not flattering. It just doesn’t look good on anyone. Even if you are skinny, it still might look like you have a pouch in the front, even if you have a flat stomach.

Flat shoes. It just looks dumb, women tend to shuffle their feet around when they wear flats, and it’s almost like walking barefoot, because the shoes are so cheaply made.

Heavy makeup. Some people can get away with it, and some can’t, but I like the natural look. And don’t wear foundation if you don’t need it. You’re wearing too much makeup when you take a picture and you have that caked on look, like a monster… I feel like I can look at you and peel something off.

Words of wisdom: Don’t dress for someone else, dress for yourself. The confidence you exude with what you have on makes you attractive.

What celebrity follows your style advice the best?

Kerry Washington.

What celebrity follows your style advice the least?

Kim Kardashian.

Michael V…Boston Classic

What types of clothing do you find most attractive on women?

I like the preppy look. It shows that you spent time on your outfit; it wasn’t thrown together. It shows a level of sophistication.

A good look: Argyle sweater with a collared button-down shirt under. Or a polo shirt with a popped collar, with a sweater tied at the neck and worn over your shoulders.

What types of clothing do you find least attractive on women?

Uggs. I think they look bulky.

Colored makeup, like blue and purple eye shadow or eyeliner…makeup women wear to match their outfits. I think makeup should be more naturally toned to match your skin tone. No red lipstick.

What is a trend many women follow that you can’t stand?

High-waisted pants. I think they are ugly, and it’s an old style. When I see high-waisted pants it reminds me of an old style, kind of like how Afros make you think of the seventies. It reminds me of when I was five years old, and mothers were wearing those kinds of pants.

Words of wisdom: “No one should know you are wearing makeup.” –Rebecca Katsopolis (“Aunt Becky”), in speaking to D.J. Tanner, an episode of Full House.

What celebrity follows your style advice the best?

Sanaa Lathan.

What celebrity follows your style advice the least?

Carmen Electra.

by Couturable

apr 13th

All right, so you’ve managed to not spill anything onto your dress at dinner, not reveal any extra body parts while dancing even if your dress was strapless, and not rip or tear any seams while getting out of the limo—hopefully. Now, the dress that you fretted over for weeks (or months if you’re like me) is sitting in your closet, quite possibly to be forgotten until you’ve realized you don’t fit into the dress anymore.

Instead of wasting your special dress on one night, you can choose from a variety of alternatives that can benefit others or just benefit yourself:

1. Donate your dress. There are millions of girls across the country that do not have the opportunity and financial resources to purchase a gown of their own for their special night; a plethora of local dress drive organizations have sprang up in every nook and cranny in order to help these girls have a wonderful prom. Hearst Corporation teamed up with these organizations in order to create donatemydress.org, where students like you can search for the dress drive organization in your area and easily drop off your dress. For example, The Princess Project in my area (San Francisco bay) holds dress drives at local high-schools throughout the school-year. These organizations give these dresses for free to girls who would otherwise not be able to afford an outfit for prom, and usually provide shoes and accessories too! If you don’t mind parting with your dress, donating your dress could truly make another girl’s prom special.
2. Use your dress as part of a future Halloween costume. If it’s a fantastic ball gown, you could easily dress up as classy pageant queen by adding a satin sash and a sparkling tiara. If it’s a strapless cocktail dress, you could dress up as a character from Hairspray by adding a spray-heavy hair updo, formal evening gloves, and a strand of pearls.
3. Transform your dress into a day dress. If the dress is so gorgeous, why not wear it as much as you can? Cocktail dresses can easily be transformed into everyday wear for class or work with a classic oxford shirt underneath and a blazer on top. Over-the-top ball gowns can be cut down into slinky mini-dresses that can be worn day or night, to work or to parties. My philosophy when it comes to wearing dresses? Never be afraid to overdress! We could always add more glamour to our everyday lives in small doses such as wearing bombshell dresses to calculus class.
4. Trade dresses with your girl friends. If you and your friends are around the same size, why not share your dresses with one another? You may be surprised at how your best friend wears the same dress, and be inspired into trying a few new daring styles!

While many girls prefer to keep their dresses in their closet for memory’s sake, there are so many fun and useful ways to use your dress after prom. One of my best friends reminded me of this fact in the midst of the prom dress and prom date search frenzy: Ten years from now, you won’t remember how many shades of pink were on your dress—but you will remember kicking off those uncomfortable stiletto pumps and singing cheesy love songs at the top of your lungs with your best friends!

by xoxTheSocialitexox

apr 11th

One of my favorite style stars is Kerry Washington. Since her entrance in to the spotlight with “Save the Last Dance”, she has been a fixture of the party circuit. From premieres and awards shows to store openings and product launches, Kerry has exhibited a personal style that is very feminine, soft, and sexy. Every girl can take a few pointers from this shining star because she keeps it real: no indecent exposure here! Now that we are in PROM season, Ms. Washington is the perfect muse for you ladies to get inspired as you begin to think about…what to wear!!! Here are a few looks that will keep you looking fresh and FIERCE for prom. Here are some tips for prom dress shopping as inspired by Kerry Washington.

Tip #1: Short and Sweet is IN!

Don’t be afraid to go against the grain with a dress that is short and flirty. There is no better way to get your dance on, than with a hot little number that is not only sweet and sexy, but sets you apart from everyone else! Just make sure to choose a dress that is not inappropriately short, ladies! Do NOT pull a Britney!

Tip #2: Spice Up a Traditional Gown with FLOWERS!!

If you have opened any magazine in the last month or so, you know the biggest trend is FLORAL prints. Show your fellow prom-goers how fashionable you are with this winning trend. Go bold with this strapless fully printed gown or add a little pow with a floral detail like the yellow Oscar de la Renta dress Kerry wore.

Tip #3: Studio 54, Anyone?

I love anything that sparkles, safe to say, all girls love sparkly things. So why not choose a dress that will definitely keep the party going with ever fun sequins?!? Kerry wore two great dresses that exemplified perfect execution of the sparkle. It is not easy to pull a dress off that is this loud, so make sure to wear it with confidence! Be careful though, some dresses may look cheap with the sequins, so make sure you choose a quality dress.

Tip #4: Hollywood Glamour Never Dies!

If you are of the more traditional style, make sure it is not your typical pink organza princess puff gown. Update the typical prom look with some old school Hollywood glamour. Either a really fun fabric like this grey ambre dress Kerry wore to an event, or a beautiful jewel tone with simple and elegant details. There is nothing wrong with sticking to tradition, just make sure to bring that tradition to the 21st century.

I hope these tips make the daunting task of finding a prom dress a little bit less stressful for you ladies. It could be a good idea to print this and take it along with you when you are out and about. Remember, there is nothing wrong with going against tradition, and nothing wrong with sticking with tradition- just make it yours by adding your favorite trends and details. And above all, be confident with your choice!

by AnnieChin

apr 8th

Spring has arrived and prom season is in full swing! My guess is that a lot of you dtls people have been invited to more than one prom this year (it’s hard being fabulous). Despite the excitement, the thought of finding not one but two amazing gowns creates an overwhelming sensation as you sift through magazines, stores and sales racks. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Keep it Classic

Purchase a simple style with minimal designs to allow a significant transformation when accessorizing with different elements. Search for solid colors but stay away from bright colors — the goal is to let vibrant and printed additions make clear variations.

And most importantly, aim for a classic look all around, so you won’t cringe when looking back on photos years from now! Interestingly, even Nigel Barker’s “Top 10 Prom Dress Picks” have sophisticated and classic styles.

• Foley + Corinna Shirred Corset Dress from Shop Bop, $361.
• ABS by Allen Schwartz Strapless Satin Gown in black from Bloomingdales, $420.
• Shoshanna Metallic Sweetheart Strapless Dress from Shop Bop, $340.
• JS Boutique Strapless Ruched Satin Gown in navy, black, red, teal from Nordstrom, $98.

Change the Details

Switch around the details of your dress and alter the elements. Moving bows, changing the color of accenting fabrics or removing them altogether are simple ways to revamp any style.

For a complete transformation, tailors and even do-it-yourself seamstresses can shorten hems, gather fabrics, create pleats, add beads, and remove or add straps and sleeves. This is a great way to re-use dresses from weddings, sweet 16’s, and clothes from thrift stores.

Mix and Match

If your fingers aren’t needle-friendly, or you’re simply crunched for time, David’s Bridal has “Bridesmaid Make a Match Separates.” Pick two tops and a bottom or vice versa in the colors of your choice. For simple styles, complete your look from the retailer’s accessory options.

This user-friendly feature puts your creation on a virtual model and also saves your styles for future reference.

Extra Details

Accessories are inexpensive, easy to borrow from others, and change the whole vibe of your look effortlessly. Different hairstyles, jewelry, shoes, bags and shawls can change your dress without lifting a needle.

While the options are endless, the following accessories have classic appeal, pops of color, and texture. Take a look for inspiration, or use the list as starting point in your search:

Glass Slippers

• rsvp Belle in black and red from Zappos, $65.
• Max Studio Sidewinder in green and black, $98.
• Nine West Luxious Pink Satin shoe in seven solid colors and two prints from Zappos, $93.
• Steve Madden Bragg Silver Leather in black and silver from Jildor Shoes, $60.

Accents

• Juicy Couture ‘Wish’ Necklace from Nordstrom, $48.
• Anthropologie Great Falls Strand Necklace in pink and yellow, $48.
• Betsey Johnson ‘Girlie Charms’ Two Black Hearts Necklace from Nordstrom, $40.
• Banana Republic faceted cocktail ring, $38.
• Gara Danielle Multi Bangles with Chain from Shop Bop, $127.
• Gorjana Dusk Teardrop Earrings from Shop Bop, $60.

Cover Up

• Daybreak Scarf from Anthropologie, $48.
• Sophie Ombre Scarf available in five colors from Forever 21, $7.80.
• Love Quotes Scarves available in eight colors from Shop Intuition, $85.
• Mica Metallic Scarf in emerald, indigo and hot watermelon from Free People, $38.
• Glimmering Sea Scarf in white and silver from White House, Black Market, $48.

A Little Something

• Nordstrom Pleated Silk Frame Clutch in black, silver and champagne, $88.
• Nine West Purple “Satin Girl” Clutch from Macy’s, $24.50.
• La Regale Gathered Clutch from eBags.com, $25.60.
• Adrienne Vittadini Straw Bead Clutch from Bloomingdales, $148.
• Ted Baker Satin Chain Bag from ASOS in mocha and smoke, £40.
• Merona Framed Satin Handbag from Target, $5.99.
• Inge Christopher Snake-Frame Beaded Evening Bag in black, pewter or pearl from Nordstrom, $110.

by Sab023

feb 24th

A new year is upon us, and in the fast-paced world of fashion that means it’s time to bid adieu to the old and make way for the new. While Spring is still a few months away (sadly), spring fashions are beginning to trickle in, which is every fashion-forward fashionista’s cue to start picking and choosing the trends she wants to incorporate into her wardrobe. So check out my roundup of all the hot fashions we’ll be buzzing about in ’08.

I do NOT endorse buying anything just because of its trend-factor nor do I encourage any of you to deck yourself out in a trend from head to toe. Rather, find what speaks to you – what fits well with your vibe, your looks, and your personal style. If you do that, your purchases will be exempt from having a fashion shelf-life, and will serve as timeless staples for years to come.

Trend 1 — Go Bold

From left to right- 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tracy Reese, Malandrino.

Bright colors were EVERYWHERE on the spring runways- a nice way to spice up the pale pastel palettes we usually see for spring/summer collections. We saw eye-popping shades of sapphire, emerald, radiant red, canary yellow, fuchsia and pretty much every color out there that makes you go ‘wow.’ Sometimes a single bright hue was enough, sometimes a bunch of bright colors melded together for art deco inspired pieces. We also saw lots of brush-stroke patterns, tie-dies, and ombre, for a truly colorful concoction of colors. Be careful when opting for the brights though – you want to look confident in your choices, not as if you’re trying to pull something off. I can’t reach how to wear bright items because I truly believe it’s a matter of taste, preference, and individual personality, so have fun!

Trend 2 — Belt It Up

From left to right- Reem Acra, Abaete, BCBG.

In fashion, every action has an opposite reaction. On the spring runways, gone were the loose, billowy, blousy silhouettes we have all become so fond of – almost every look was topped off with a waist-cinching belt. Bright belts, bold belts, big belts, brown belts, fat belts, skinny belts, muted tones, metallic shades – everything goes. Belting up your outfit is perhaps the easiest way to take your first step towards spring, as we learned on this season’s runways, everything and anything can be belted – tops, cami’s, jackets, blazers, sweaters, and even evening gowns. Since bright colors are also on our trend radar, why not kill two birds with one stone and start incorporating bright belts into your tired winter look?

Trend 3 — Flower Power

From left to right- Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, D&G.

Good thing Miranda Priestly is only a fictional character, because the domineering fashion maven that terrorized Anne Hathaway’s character in the hit film The Devil Wears Prada would NOT be pleased with the latest trend on the horizon – FLORALS. True, florals for spring isn’t exactly the most revolutionary fashion idea, however it’s so predictable that it almost becomes unpredictable. Make sense? Florals are inherently flirty. Girls, when trying out this look, spice it up a little by incorporating unexpected elements, like biker boots, or spiky patent heels. Yes, I know it’s only January and the trees don’t even have flowers, so why should your wardrobe, but getting in on the flower-power action now will totally put you ahead of the curve, and earn you major fashion trend-setting points. Why not try a floral tunic (belted, of course), with a pair of jeans, smoking hot boots, a long and loose cardigan, and a skinny scarf for a fun, funky, cutting edge take on what would normally be viewed as a saccharin look. However you rock the florals, make sure you do it in a way that reflects your personality. Doing so is the first and most important step to cultivating your own personal style.

Trend 4 — Light and Airy

From left to right- BCBG, Rebecca Taylor.

On the flip side of the bright and bold trend is the soft and ethereal one – a nice alternative for times when you don’t want your look to pack quite so much punch. This season was clearly about embracing all that is feminine and flirty. We saw a lot of light, sheer, airy fabrics that had a very goddess-like feel to them. To get the ball rolling with this trend, throw a chunky wrap sweater over a light as air dress, or a thin cardigan over a barely there cami. Contrasting fabrics are a great way to play up fall’s androgynous feel while embracing spring’s more feminine one.