top five

Happy New Year! I am officially back from my mini-vacation, and ready to dive into 2011 with style.  There are sure to be some new and awesome trends hitting store fronts this year... but there are some overarching themes that we should definitely keep in our wardrobes into the new year!

Here are my top 5 awesome style trends from 2010:

1.  Lacy Luxury

While some designers decided to make underware outerware (thank heaven THAT trend didn't stick), we still have added a heavy amount of lace and sheer fabric to our closets.  A chic lace skirt paired with a dress shirt, or a sheer top with some jeans for a night out give us some options that are both chic and classy!

[NYmag.com; Lace at Catherine Holstein, Verrier, and Diane von Furstenberg]

2.  Atten-tion!

With subtle olive and khaki tones, military-inspired pieces have become a necessity in any closet.  Cargo pants, jackets and shirts offer both style and versatility, while offering a nice change up to jeans.

[Vogue Military Issue, 2010]

3.  Like a red rag to a bull...

Remember True Romance? That speaks to the overarching color of 2010: Red.  Whether it was on your lips, your nails or your dress, this color was red-hot on the runway, at all the award shows, and on the streets.  This trend will continue through the winter and into spring, adding a pop of color to any outfit.

[Penelope Cruz, photo courtesy of stylesthatworkforyou.blogspot.com]

4.  Rawr!

One of my favorites, animal print was BIG for 2010.  Dressed down with denim, or up with silk or velvet, many new designers jumped at the opportunity to feature primal prints.  A must have for any chic closet!

[Roberto Cavalli: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

5.  Flower Power

Florals look great on pretty much everyone, and I cannot wait for this trend to hit center stage once again this spring.  Look for them not only in blouses and tanks, but also in headbands and jewelry to add the perfect amount of whimsical fantasy to your outfit.

[NYMag.com; Tuleh, Tracy Rose, and Peter Som]

Agree with my top five? What are your favorite trends from 2010?

give back, get gap

Seen any of those awesome Gap commercials on TV lately? You probably haven't, considering Gap Inc. has decided against any television campaigns this holiday season, stepping away from their high energy choreographed dance numbers.  They have decided to instead invest their marketing dollars online, posting videos, and in print magazines with high quality layouts.  As usual, we will continue to see celebrities as models in their advertising, but with a friendly twist for their campaign this season.

Gap's "Want" Holiday Campaign is focusing on giving back as well as giving discounts.  The campaign is centered around their online videos... which answer a wonderful holiday question: If you could give anything in the world, what would it be? For each person that 'likes' one of the videos on the Gap Inc. facebook site, one where the celebrity discusses a cause that they support, Gap will donate $1 to that charity.  You can find True Blood favorite Ryan Kwanten, Lauren Bush, Isabel Lucas, Yaya DaCosta, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, Boyd Holbrook, Alisa Leonard, Reeve Carney, Daisuke Ueda, and Donald Glover starring in the thoughtful campaign.  As a favor for watching the videos, Gap gives back. The 'liker' will receive a 30% discount on their next purchase!

[Ryan Kwanten and Donald Glover]

[Joan Smalls]

[Alisa Leonard]

[Gap 'WANT' Campaign, Photos courtesy of au.lifestyle.yahoo.com]

So get out there and give with style.  Gap is the place to give AND get during your holiday shopping season.  Happy Thanksgiving Week!  And try not to run anybody over this Friday :)

enchanted in holywood

Kate, Sophia, Gweneth and Hillary are leading the pack on Hollywood fashion for 2010.  These women have become icons in the ever changing celebrity landscape, bringing a timeless look that surpasses the changing trends.

Their beautiful photo shoot for Elle showcases their beauty- as women, fashion icons, and talented actresses.  Kate's sweet spring look may seem out of season for the chilly weather outside, but the bright colors of her blouse/skirt combo bring life to any outfit this fall.  My favorite part of this portrait is her bright candy apple red color on her nails.  Her next goal: to show her edgy side on the silver screen, taking darker roles. Fearless!

Sofia Coppola wowed audiences with her female perspective in directing Marie Antionette.  Her stunning down to earth look in the Elle portrait showcases her level-headed approach to her work.  As one of only a handful of female directors in Hollywood, Sofia is rewriting Hollywood history and paving a path for female directors worldwide.

I love Gweneth's look in this portrait, she seems to attract the sunlight! Her stunning beauty has become the poster girl for the smart, risk taking actress.  Her presentation has earned her many respectable roles, most popular her role in the Iron Man movies.  Her beauty and fashion sense both in front and behind the camera has made her a go-to model for a classy, sophisticated look.

Hillary's talent has taken her high in the ranks in the Hollywood hierarchy.  Two time oscar winner, she has mastered the art of blurring the gender lines in the theatre. But there is no fooling when it comes to her awe inspiring beauty.  She has been known to be a muse for designers worldwide, who love her classic look.

These women have taken Hollywood by storm- inspiring designers who flock to their beauty- and changing the rules of the game in an arena ruled by men.  I look at these women and see inspiration- both for my own life, my wardrobe, and aspire to someday carry myself with as much sophistication as these trendsetters do.  Make magic girls!

knitorious

This crazy California weather has me itching for my sweaters.  Stowed deep in the dark pit that is the storage area under my bed is my sweater box, containing all things cozy and warm, with the scent of dust and dirt that always reminds me of Holiday Season.  Must be the years of mud football that bring such a unique scent to jog my memory.

This Holiday Season is just like any other, and calls for your favorite knits for daytime or evening outfits.  Wrapping up in a cardigan for work, or sporting a chic and shiny black sweater for drinks with friends, knits this season are more popular than ever.

Designers, most notably Tommy Hilfiger, have jumped on the bandwagon and used knits in almost every aspect of their fall line.  Whether it is hats, scarves, sweaters, socks or cardigans, Tommy has you covered.

My advice: Ditch the trend and do what the weather is telling you to do- cozy up! The knit look is all about throwing pieces together that inspire warmth and comfort.  Don't be afraid to rock those cozy socks with a chunky sweater- the cozier the better!

[Tommy Hilfiger]

[Tommy Hilfiger: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010]

[Tommy Hilfiger: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010]

[Tommy Hilfiger: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010]

Can't get enough Tommy? Catch the 2010 Fall/Winter Fashion Show here:

animal house

Feeling a little feisty? Maybe your instincts are telling you that animal print is IN. Yes, I said it.  Animal print is one of the latest fashion trends to hit the racks this fall, making for a wild look that is trendy and fun.  The inspiration behind the look is quite primal, thanks to our friends in the forest: leopard print, zebra stripes, and all kinds of croc and snake prints.

The best way to add this to your wardrobe is in accent pieces: gloves, scarves, belts, shoes, etc.  It also seems to parallel the current 'safari' trend, which focuses on beiges and tans, with a hint of cargo- adding lots of storage pockets to your outfit (I guess that means no need for a purse).

Fashion week in Milan capitalized on this new trend as designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and Blumarine took animal prints to a new level on the runway.   My favorite style is the mix of animal prints with other prints: polka dots, floral, stripes- whatever kind of mood you are in!

On or off the runway, animal print is chic and fun, and can add a wild flare to your outfit- day or night. Don't be afraid to use this as an excuse to head to the nearest mall for a safari to find some cute animal print accessories!

[Roberto Cavalli: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[Blumarine: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[Dolce & Gabbana: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[All images from Harpers Bazaar]

true romance

This weekend's screening of True Romance (we love you christian slater) got me going on an idea: patricia arquette's mastery of the color red. Red is one of those colors that, while Alabama flawlessly pulls it off on the silver screen, can sometimes be tricky to incorporate into your own style.

[Jean Paul Gaultier]

While some of you might find this 'riding hood' trend a little much, designers in Paris this week found it to be one of the best go-to-bolds for this season.

Whether it comes in a bold pair of kicks, or a great tagalong bag, this month's red hot color is taking designers by storm.  Go with either a true red, arquette-style, or opt for a more muted red, a favorite for autumn.


No matter how you wear it, you'll be sure to steal some glances in your own wardrobe with this go-to color.  But beware: you don't want to get caught looking like santa (we'll save that trend for december).

[valentino, paris fashion week 2010]

[mchevas photography]

[louis vuitton- paris fashion week 2010]

think pink

We are officially one week into 2010's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Of course, one of the best ways to support the cause is to donate directly to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  However, if you're looking to shop in support, I've tracked down my favorite buys that will not only add a flare of pink to your wardrobe, but also donate a percentage of the proceeds to helping the cause.

Smashbox has been one of my favorite brands to wear, and I have been caught shamelessly trying on their lipsticks at any makeup counter in the local mall.  To show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they have released a pretty pink lip gloss, complete with limited-edition packaging (which I am sure you will keep forever and ever).  The best part is that ALL proceeds from buying the Limitless Long Wear Lipgloss now through October will go to the BCRF.

Bobbi Brown, the accredited makeup artist out of NYC, has created a Pink Ribbon Collection in honor of Breast Cancer awareness month.  The collection features this limited edition Pink Shimmer Brick compact, perfect for adding a sweet and soft pink glow to your cheeks.  The site also contains a link to donate $10 or more to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Hollywood stars, including Rachel Bilson and Angelina Jolie have been spotted supporting the cause in Tkees sandals.  These trendy shoes have become a staple of the trendy wardrobe, and are using their popularity to contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month.  During October, Tkees will donate 15% of their sales of the popular Pink Lemonade flip-flops to benefit breast cancer research.


There are many ways to show your support this month, although you might feel like you're wearing pink-tinted sunglasses.  Do your part to help the campaign, and remember, a good cause is always trendy!

falling for the weather

Falling into the weather? Time to take out all your favorite sweaters, cardis, jackets, and scarves, and wrap up in your coziest clothing.  But which ones do you bring out from the back of your closet, and which ones should you leave to the perils of unorganized boxes due for donation?  This fall, runway designers are all about the natural neutrals, everything from camel to olive.  Take these colors to work by matching them with charcoal or black, and make casual cute by adding denim to your style.  One thing that should definitely stay at the back of your closet are your bright colors- the natural colors look chicest when mixed with a sophisticated black pant, or worn with other neutrals.

[Christian Dior Fall 2010, courtesy of elle.com]

[Gucci Fall Selection 2010]

brands of choice

Anthropologie
This brand seems to keep a consistent "pretty" feel to all of their designs.  Their pieces are one of a kind, seeming to appreciate artfulness, innovation and design into not just their clothing, but their lifestyle pieces as well.  One of my favorite places to shop, Anthropologie has nailed a look that is attractive to every shape and size.

Gap
I had not been the biggest fan of Gap stores until this last spring, when I cashed in on a gift card.  I was delightfully surprised with their spring line, and happily spent my entire budget that day in the store.  Gap tends to have some awesome sale racks if you catch them at the right time, and provide a classic look that can be taken to work, or dressed up for a night on the town.

Urban Outfitters
UO contains an eclectic wardrobe of clothing and accessories, anything from chic to backwoods.  My favorite part is their store design, and how their lifestyle pieces are on display alongside the socks.  UO is a great place to hit up if you are looking for a unique style, and interested in finding a piece that you won't see on the street.  Trying to go easy on the wallet? UO is also a fantastic place to catch some great deals and sales.

J. Crew
J. Crew is one of my favorite places to shop.  After my stay in Washington, DC, I gained an entirely new appreciation for the classic polo look.  Collared shirts, sweet cardis, cozy scarves are all part of the look of a Georgetown student.  This is my go to store for a high class look, with a hint of student style.