Heart(s) of Gold

Wanting a slightly sweeter take on the whole rock n' roll trend? Wrap your wrist in this studded leather bracelet brimming with charming little 18K gold hearts for a dash of flash without too much out-of-control fierceness.



From the Emily Elizabeth Holiday 'Golden Girl' collection. www.EmilyElizabethJewelry.com.

Hideously Ugly Trends

Who's with me on this? Add a fashion DON'T of your own!

Just Say No

Harem pants, gypsy pants, MC Hammer pants...whatever you want to call them...are (unfortunately) making a big statement this spring.







Plenty of boutiques are pushing these ridiculous pants as a must-have this season, but before you fall victim to a passing trend (and trust me, folks, this one will pass!), take one hot second and consider why/how/if ever saggy billowing fabric around the thighs/derriere will do you any favors?

That's what I thought.

Daisy Dukes: Do or Don't?

Southern belles Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears have been paying homage to their roots by wearing distressed cut-off denim shorts to no end lately, and I'm here to report that this is also a major spring fashion trend.





Plenty of boutiques are stocking the style right this second, but that doesn't necessarily warrant just anyone running out and grabbing a pair. If you do want to test the waters, though, I'd size up for a bit more comfort and coverage, as it's certainly not the classiest look; and obviously looks best with some killer toned legs and a more modest top.

P.S. Britney's shorts are by True Religion, Jessica's are from William Rast.

For the Bold...

If you're not shy when it comes to skirt trends (and adding volume to your figure), take a look at Amy Claire's Modern Gallica Skirt.



Plenty of bustles, folds, tucks and gathers to keep everyone's eyes on you. I'd keep the rest of the outfit as simple and clean as possible.

$198 at Anthropologie.com

Ankle Emphasis

Take a peek at this spring's most fashion-forward footwear, and you'll notice an obvious trend: ankle emphasis.










Leather or suede wraps, cuffs, straps and extraneous embellishments highlight the ankle area--creating sandal, heel and wedge styles that are far more eye-catching than years past.

I'm personally a big fan of this trend and have been for awhile, but it should be noted that it takes some obvious finesse, pretty killer legs (ankle straps will visually cut the leg, making them appear shorter) and strategic styling to make these styles work within your wardrobe.

Questions? Comments?

Hit me up.

Color of the Moment: Cobalt Blue

I'm typically a girly girl in all aspects of life, but lately, I can't help but be fond of anything in brilliant cobalt blue.

The jewel tone is ultra-flattering to several skin tones, and seems positively perky in the middle of winter, without being obnoxious.


Kate Hudson brightens up the red carpet in this eye-catching frock by Lanvin.

More blue buys:

Mini Me

Before we jump ahead to 2009, I have to reflect a bit: Which trends jumped out at you in 2008? Plaid? Fetish footwear? Hair braids?

For me, I embraced high-waisted skirts and belts like there was no tomorrow, and rediscovered my love for mini skirts of the bubble and tulip shape variety.



This cute mini from BCBG is on super sale online, and would serve me well way into the New Year! Cheers!

Introducing...Hime Nails!

My little sister, trend-setter that she is, is just a little smitten with all things revolving around Japanese style. And by a little, I mean a lot.

She devours Japanese fashion magazines because of their funky fashions and unabashedly bold standards of beauty (lightened hair, colored contacts, long lashes, ornate nails, etc.) and has managed to transform herself into a mirror image of some of the models in the magazines.

Interesting, right? It's a cultural study for both of us, actually: she absorbs Japanese culture like there's no tomorrow; and I curiously observe her undying devotion to assimilate to another culture's standards...despite all that is available and accepted here in the U.S.

Though we clearly have our differences when it comes to quality content in fashion magazines, my sis and I do agree that Japanese nail art (known as 'Hime') is pretty freakin' amazing. She's been getting her nails gussied up for a few years now, and today I caved and went with her and got mine done, too.

The designs are glam, ostentatious and all-out girly (if that's your thing...which it is ours!), despite the fact that the process takes hours and can be a little pricey. On the upside, your nails will definitely stand out in a crowd, and they last for about four weeks.

Check out what I'm talking about:












(images compliments of HimeNail.com.)

Fun, right?

The Look for Less

Want some fab footwear on the cheap? Get a lookalike pair of Rachel Bilson's ankle strap mary jane heels at Forever21 for less than $30!



Shelby Pump $28.80 at Forever21.com

Pink Ladies

Bright pink lipstick isn't for everyone--but in my book, it's a surefire fix to brighten the complexion and prettify your pucker. Take your cue from these sassy ladies who love them some lipstick:








To swipe on a girly shade of your own, might I recommend Shu Uemura's Rouge Unlimited lipstick.


The texture is perfection (just matte enough, so it's not sliding all over your mouth, but still perfectly glossed with high impact color)--shades to try? Vivid Magenta, Sparkling Cream Fuschia or Medium Rose.

3 Fall Footwear Trends You've Got to Try

Fetish
Super seductive straps and bold hardware make for a not-so-subtle bondage bad girl look--without losing an ounce of class. Pair with skinny jeans to balance out your vixen vibe.





Architectural
Sculpted heels, luxe color combinations and rich textures transform basic footwear into eye-catching miniature works of art.






Menswear

Let's hear it for the boys! Tie-up oxfords may seem masculine, but towering platform heels and sexy peep-toes suggest you're a woman to be reckoned with.