New Year-Old Trends

It's 2010 and there are always new trends to love and there are always some we need to forget. One of them is Ed Hardy-Unless you idolize Jon Gosselin, stop wearing this tired designer. Another overdone trend that has hit it's expiration, anything that looks tatooed, you know these shirts they have wings and such and image prints all over- This motor chic look is done let it go (I'm not talking about studded bags and such that are very IN). The rhinestone blinged out trend needs a rest as well, you know the rhinestone belts and such that were all the rage for the California glam look, well it's time to say goodbye. Trends are fun for a reason embrace them and let them go when their time has passed and you'll always stay stylish and classy!

2010 Hit the Closet!

Well another year has gone by and it's the perfect time to clear our your closet and say goodbye to the old and shop for the new! The rule for going through your closet is if you haven't worn it in a year get rid of it! Try on all your clothes and check for fit and wear. Check your whites-Every year I always buy new tanks, long sleeve, and short sleeve basics in this must have shade due to spills and stains. Buy cheap basics that way you don't feel bad throwing them out when they go bad. If something doesn't fit quite right, assess whether or not it's worth getting it altered if not say goodbye because you won't wear it if it doesn't fit right. Since we are still getting through the recession, while you go through your clothes try to mix and match and come up with new outfit ideas to make your wardrobe new again! Get organized! Take the time to carefully refold and organize your closet once you've gone through it and you'll be ready for 2010!

I am loving these new bib necklaces, they're perfect for the holidays!

Stock up on one or two to wear to any festive celebration or even a date! Pair with a plain white tee and black blazer with skinny jeans and heels for date night or a casual holiday celebration. Wear with a simple sheath dress to add that extra sparkle. The only rule is don't wear it on an open neck, they're meant to be worn on top of clothing so make sure the neckline is higher.

Happy Shopping!

(From left: Necklace, Fredflare.com; Necklace;Ann Taylor; Necklace; Juicy Couture)

How to do the "Red Lips" look right!

What looks more glamorous than red lipstick! Especially around the holidays this look is a very popular hit. To get the look right takes skill, it really bugs me when people get it wrong so here's the rules:

1) When wearing red lips, eyes are simple! There will be absolutely NO bright or dark colors on the eye.

2) To get the simple eye look you want to play up lashes! Simply apply your eyeshadow base (a must always) then apply a shimmery champagne to the the lid with a very light vanilla matte on the brow bone. If desired follow with a matte or shimmery light brown or gold in the crease or light brown matte in the corner of the eye. Line the eyes with black liner, you can make the top liner thicker and even cat eye. Again, you want to play up the lashes. Apply mascara or false lashes for an awesome look.

3) For blush apply a neutral tone blush or (bronzer without glitter) DO NOT use a bright hot pink!

4) For the lips first start by applying the lipstick very carefully, follow with liner (the reason I have liner second and not first is that the liner will wear off with the lipstick so you don't have a liner line.) Follow with a gloss on top!

5) Very very few people can pull off the smokey eye in conjunction with a red lip like the Bond girl from "Casino Royale" pictured middle. Don't attempt unless you look like her: ) It's just too much makeup and it will come off that way.

6) Inspiration: Look like Sienna Miller or Taylor Swift pictured above.

Holiday Dressing!

It's that time of year when Holiday parties abound, so now what do you wear!

My recommendations start with sequin sparkles, what better time of year and probably only time you have an excuse to wear sequins (except in Vegas of course) so go out and get a glam gold or black dress (please no other colors). The dress pictured middle is from Phillip Lim and absolutely a gorgeous cut, I like a flowy cut with sequins it updates the look a little. If you can't afford Phillip Lim, Arden B makes the great gold dress with a flowy bow. You can get the little black sequin dress at Dillards, I like this dress because it is fitted and cut short but covers you up top. That's the key, if you go short you don't go low cut. As I've recommended before, one shoulders are a beautiful option for any formal occasion, try a dress in a jewel tone for a perfect holiday look like the Blue dress pictured by Adrianna Papell at Nordstroms. I love the one shoulder with a long sleeve too! So sophisticated! Try this one in black from Lucca Couture available at Nordstroms. For shoes to go with sequined dresses wear coordinating gold strappy sandal or a plum or red satin pump. For black sequin try a nude patent pump. Keep accessories simple when wearing a sequin dress.

More to come on Holiday Dressing!

Rent a Look!

What girl hasn't dreamed of wearing Herve Leger or Diane Von Furstenberg...unfortunately it's not a reality for many of us, but now weartodaygonetomorrow.com is making that dream a reality! For 5-10% of the retail price you can borrow designer tops, dresses, skirts, or jackets. I love this idea because I always want to wear a new dress anytime I have an event to go to and this way you can actually make that happen without breaking the bank! You just pay a small fee to clean the dress and you usually return your item within a week. This Holiday season can be a lot more stylish with these designers at your fingertips! Check it out!

Make a Statement!

This holiday season is the perfect time to wear the "statement necklace"

trend. These over-the-top accessories can really punch up an outfit.

Try wearing one with a basic sheath dress and sassy heels, keep the

rest of the look simple so the necklace really stands out. I recommend

wearing simple earrings or just a cocktail ring with the necklace because

you don't want to look gaudy. A statement necklace can also be the answer

to putting a new spin on an old dress for all you recessionistas! Happy Shopping!

(From top left:Ranjana Kahn available at Saks, Bib necklace available at French Connection, Multi-pearl strands available at Chico's).