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Trends!

Some of the "newest"trends -- and by that I mean...haven't we seen these styles before??

Ethnic

For an update on the ethnic/safari look, add a shot of bright color like with this Miu Miu cape. However, if you do so, remember to keep all accessories and clothes in neutral tones.

From left to right: Miu Miu silk gazar cape, $1,540, net-a-porter.com; Elesi silk dress, $80, bohemiancloset.com; Ethnic carved plastic bangle, $6.02, missselfridge.com; Kenneth Jay Lane striped wood bangle, $45, vivre.com; Multiple wood and ethnic bangle bracelets, $6.50, wetseal.com; Oscar de la Renta African print bangle, SOLD OUT, net-a-porter.com; Bottega Veneta women leather platforms, net-a-porter.com.

Flowers

For an update on the flower trend, pick a print that is a little more abstract. Keep your accessories in the same color scheme as the print. If your outfit is generally bright, try some nude strappy heels (by nude, I really mean whatever color is closest to your skintone).

BKE plastic circle necklace, $7.65, buckle.com; T-Bags flower print mini dress, $120, net-a-porter.com; Glitter bangle in Aqua, $4.99, girlprops.com; Hexagon wide bangle, $4.01, missselfridge.com; Gianvito Rossi gladiator sandals, $795, saksfifthavenue.com; Flower-shaped parasol, $7, hapaculture.com.


Neon

With this outfit, I was going for a "sophisticated former club kid" look. A bright pink trench coat keeps you looking put-together yet fun, and the patent skinny pants (which can be worn like more substantial leggings) and bag add some shine while the studded heels add texture.

Juicy Couture belted trench coat, $348, net-a-porter.com; Bubble tunic, $18, forever21.com; Maxx New York "Sonata" faux patent satchel, nordstrom.com; Shiny PVC skinny trouser, $80.25, topshop.com; Tata-Naka The Branch chunky chain necklace, $469.36, brittique.com; Burberry studded strappy shoes, $995, net-a-porter.com; Diesel model 0054 color D28VK, $115.99, decormyeyes.com.

Hippie

I believe the hippie look can be pulled off without looking cartoonish or like a fashion victim. Go for flowing fabrics, but try to keep skirts relatively short -- very few people can pull of floor length skirts, and they tend to be 6 feet tall and weigh about as much as a baguette. Keep your look distinctive with a denim corset belt and a suede fringe bag (this one's from Prada, but I'm sure you can find other bags "inspired" by this one...).

Denise Betesh sapphire star stud earring, $685, clay-pot.com; Temperley London Gatsby blouson shirt, net-a-porter.com; Necklace, moondancejewelry.com; Double Wing pendant necklace, $12.03, asos.com; Denim corset belt, asos.com; MaxStudio printed cotton silk voile panel skirt, $68, maxstudio.com; Prada Fringe tote bag, $899, 247moda.com; Xhilaration head scarf, $7.99, target.com; Chunky canvas tote, $18.95, bagladies.com.au.

Menswear

Probably one of my favorite trends in general. I think the reason that menswear looks so good on women is that it's usually tailored and form-fitting, while still accentuating a woman's curves. Here, the idea is to borrow from the boys -- figuratively, not literally. That means no oversize clothing! Also, try something new -- here, I found a tie clip, but thought it could be used as a hair clip (you know, the kind you use to keep your bangs out of your face, or whatever).

Lambskin gloves, uggaustralia.com; Victor Osbourne porkpie hat, $250, oaknyc.com; iWood Style 4A2R sunglasses, $350, thegreenloop.com; Twill waistcoat, $14.03, missselfridge.com; Heavy duty work suspenders, $9.99, hand-tools.hardwarestore.com; Pussy-bow shirt, missselfridge.com; Biker jacket, $260.52, warehouse.co.uk; Tahitian pearl earrings with diamond dangle design, $5,000, lussori.com; S.T. Dupont Tie clip - Palladium, $279, raffaelo-network.com; L.A.M.B. enamel tile bracelet watch, SOLD OUT, shop.nordstrom.com; Plaid gauze square scarf, $20, urbanoutfitters.com; Hayden-Harnett Loupe belt, $140, haydenharnett.com; Truck Jeans straight leg twill pant, $14.99, store.alloy.com; Nubuck and leather shoe, stevemadden.com.

Sheer and Clear

I'm pretty sure that this is the most original trend for spring. I don't really remember having seen sheer overlays being so popular... This look could be tricky, but with some careful choices, you could look great! Make a dress with a sheer overlay the main focus of your outfit, but keep the graphic feel by including accessories in punchy colors. Here, the shoes and the belt are different colors, but everything else is in shades of gray so as not to overwhelm those accessories.

Alice + Olivia silk dres, $297, saksfifthavenue.com; Burberry Prorsum silk taffeta trench coat, $1,100, net-a-porter.com; 14k white gold 2.5mm plain half round band, $69.99, amazon.com; Clear PVC belt, $20.05, topman.com; Cupid's Hearts ring, $25, szeaccessories.com; Devi Kroell satin frame clutch, $1,290, net-a-porter.com; BKE rhinestone stud earring, $6, buckle.com; Blue rhinestone strappy open heel sandal, $17.99, amiclubwear.com; Oscar de la Renta clear lucite bangle, $180, vivre.com.

I hope you liked this entry... I'd love to do more like this! Let me know what you think, yeah?

All photos from polyvore.com via member-uploaders.

Spring styles

It's no secret that I love French Connection. Their clothes are relatively inexpensive, while never sacrificing style. You can always count on finding something superbly stylish there.

So this shirt is a little "Tyrone Power in The Mark of Zorro," but I think this would make a strong look for the office, or a nicer night out -- the kind where you don't dance on tables.



$98, at frenchconnection.com. Also comes in black, honeypie (a yellowish cream color) and malibu pink (fuchsia).


When I was last at Forever 21, I noticed that a lot of the dresses and shirts were in beautiful creams, blushes, and rosy pinks, which are all great colors if you're going for a softer look this spring.

All from Forever21.com.

I know I focus on a lot of shirts and tops, but I feel like there's more to do there... there are only so many types of pants, unless if you get into patterns. Know what I mean? However, if you'd like to see more about other types of clothings, just leave me a comment and let me know!

Photos: www.forever21.com, www.frenchconnection.com.

Paris Fashion Week, Part 2

Balenciagia - Nicolas Ghesquiere continues his obsession with weird rounded shapes.



Dior - Barbarella, is that you??



Paris Fashion Week, Part 1

Chanel - I really, really, really tried to find something I liked in the FW 08/09 collection ... and pretty much failed miserably. Their image just doesn't jive with my tastes, but I won't knock those who like the clothes and accessories. I did, however, appreciate Lagerfeld's efforts to move away from the Chanel "cliches," like the chain bag and quilted leather, the interlocked C's.

Giambattista Valli - Though I can't quite understand the silhouette of the collection, there were a few very interesting outfits.



I really love this dress. I'm not the biggest fan of ruffles, but for some reason, this dress really stuck out. It's what I imagine a stylish 20-something young professional would wear (in an office with a more relaxed dress code).


Stella McCartney - Once again, Stella didn't let me down. I love, love, LOVE the winter dresses (though, honestly, you'd freeze to death if you didn't wear anything over them)! My only complaint is that the color palette, as usual for most designers, is really drab and colorless.



These shoes are gorgeous!



Givenchy - Classy, classy, classy. Mixed with a little pirate.

The Oscars Post I Promised

All in all, I have to say I was not impressed by celebs' gowns at this year's Oscars.

Renee Zellweger looked...sadly disheveled.



I really liked Hilary Swank's and Penelope Cruz's dresses: I guess you can't go wrong with black and feathers!


Ellen Page looked absolutely beautiful and youthful, but her dress made her look as broad-shouldered as a linebacker, and we all know that she's certainly NOT.


And to be true to my own self, as the saying goes, I just have to include a little "drool-worthy" section:

Josh Brolin - I never really thought he was good-looking until I saw No Country, but now I am officially jealous of Diane Lane (like I wasn't already for her roles in Unfaithful and Under the Tuscan Sun).


And Javier Bardem...mmm. Let's just leave that topic alone now -- gotta keep it PG here.


Marion Cotillard's fish-like dress was certainly interesting, but her acceptance speech was sweetly endearing.