Yes, this picture of Jessica Biel is from awhile back. And, yes, I’m sure the fact that her undergarments were showing was some sort of brilliantly calculated designer choice. She looks lovely, why wouldn’t she want to show off her granny panties? Actually – it looks more like she is wearing some sort of control-top, Spanx-like underwear. You know, the kind that sucks in your tummy too. Stars! They’re just like us!
Here’s the thing: Sometimes we try on dresses in fitting rooms or even at home and we don’t realize the transparency of the dress until we are out in less forgiving lighting. Maybe that is what happened to Jessica. But even if she knew her dress was sheer that doesn’t mean that we all want to wear sheer dresses. In fact, I would argue that most of the dresses we wear these days could use a little help….hence the title of this post, Ode to the Slip.
I love wearing dresses and skirts. And these days I can really stock up on them because most of the dresses I get are from trendy, affordable stores – like Forever 21 or H&M or Old Navy. Which is great BUT there is a reason these garments are so wallet-friendly: Usually, they are cheaply made. I don’t buy a dress from one of these places and think it’s going to last forever. In fact, I usually buy dresses from there so I can embrace a current trend without investing too much money in a look that might be fleeting in the fickle world of fashion. But herein lies the problem: they are cheaply made and most likely don’t have the right lining.
Not to sound like a crotchety old lady….but I don’t want you to see my crotch. And I most certainly don’t want to see yours. And chances are, you don’t want me to either. Which is why I consider this to be a public service announcement:
INVEST IN A SLIP
Invest in a couple. Buy a few half-slips in a few different colors – nude, black, white. They are affordable at places like Target and if you want to get fancy you can pick one up at a lingerie store. It is kind of amazing what this thin piece of fabric can do to camouflage what’s under your thin piece of fabric dress. With so many of us embracing dress-wearing by buying them from affordable places, it makes sense to kick it old school and wear a slip. It is just a little tool that goes a long way.
Fall fashions are in full swing at the stores right now, and just in time for the back to school season, Forever 21 has unveiled their “I LOVE NERDS” collection. Although the styling for the website really drives home the nerdiness of the colleciton, most of the individual pieces are actually schoolgirl-sexy, from button-front miniskirts to knee highs to a more body-conscious take on the classic letterman jacket. All in all, this collection skews a little young for me, but I think the whole nerd chic thing is a pretty cute idea – albeit one that can probably be achieved for even less money than you would spend at Forever21 if you’re willing to spend a weekend combing the thrift stores. What do you think – are you a nerd lover or do you prefer fashion that’s a little less…awkward?
If cheapie fashion retailer Forever 21’s website is any indication, you can get ready to see a whole lot of embroidery this summer. Sometimes embroidered clothes can look a little stuffy or old-fashioned, but when done well, it’s an airy, delicate, feminine look that’s perfect for summer. F21 has a pretty good selection of tops, tunics, dresses and rompers to choose from that all make great use of embroidered detailing, but my favorite is this lovely skirt - only $12.50! Is this a trend you can see yourself getting behind, or are you planning to sit the embroidery craze out for now?
I honestly can’t decide whether or not I think this is a good idea, so help me out here: How do you feel about wearing socks…with your heels? This photo of Leighton Meester rocking a painterly print black dress cinched with a belt, accented by a pair of bad-American-tourist-on-vacation black socks and charcoal platforms puzzles me. The outfit shouldn’t work, right? And yet, I find myself liking it. Especially the socks and heels combo. But would I actually wear it? That, my friends, is the question. I suppose the answer depends largely on the sock/shoe combo itself. First, you’ll have to invest in a good pair of lightweight, mid-calf socks - no gold-toed athletic socks bunching up in your sandals! Egads. I like these Ananda Bamboo Turnwelt Crew socks from Sock Dreams ($9). Next, look for a strappy platform sandal, like this Stefanie Caged Heel from Forever 21 ($20.80). You could try to match your socks to your shoes for a more subtle effect, or you could decide to go all out with socks and shoes in contrasting colors…or you could straddle the line between the two and pick socks and shoes in slightly different shades (like Leighton did with her black and charcoal combo here). On one hand, this is a great way to transition from spring to summer, since it lets you break out your pretty hot weather heels while at the same time protecting your tootsies from spring’s cooler temperatures. On the other hand, it does look kind of bizarre. What do you think? Fun & playful or weird & wrong?
Tim Burton’s fanciful 3D take on Alice in Wonderland has inspired a ton of fashion and beauty-related tie-ins, from nail polish to eye shadow to jewelry. The latest offering to come to my attention is Forever 21’s brand new Twisted Wonderland collection, which has Alice-inspired dresses, skirts, tops, shoes, headbands and more. Take, for instance, this Timepiece Striped Sweater Top ($19.80), which features a hot pink clock on a black and white striped tank - very White Rabbit. There is also a Cheshire Kitty Knit Top, Rose Garden Romper, satin peep-toe heels, and a headband with an enormous black bow on it for that Alice-meets-Mad-Hatter look. What do you think of the collection? Are you ready to follow F21 down the rabbit hole, or are you going to take a pass on this playful look?
There are only 10 days left until 2009 disappears into the ether of history and 2010 is upon us, so without any further ado, here is the final installment in my series of posts on the biggest trends of the year. Today, we will cover the most notable nail fad of ‘09, the wild hair trend sparked by a certain Gossip Girl, and the fashion trick that’s fit for a First Lady.
BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?
HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last Latest Trends post, in which Lindsay Lohan is shown rocking the look.) I would describe it as Brigitte Bardot meets a serious case of bedhead. The New York Times even likens it to “the ‘Rachel’” of the ’00s - in other words, the defining women’s hairstyle of the decade, just as Jennifer Aniston’s updated Friends shag was the ‘do of the ’90s. And if you lack the natural length necessary, don’t fret - there’s always extensions!
FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!
It was announced this month that THE color of 2010 is Turquoise. Pantone, the global authority on color, has made the call and they explain their reasoning behind this decision, saying,
Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.
Well, sign me up! I have always been a big fan of turquoise and I think it is one of those rare colors that is bold but also flattering on most skin tones and colorings. With turquoise being the latest and greatest color to look forward to in the new year, I decided to get a head start and pick out a few turquoise pieces that can take you throughout the year….
This turquoise coat from Love21 (Forever21’s contemporary line) is sophisticated and stylish. I love the collar and the texture of the trim. Perfect for getting you through the beginning months of 2010.
And I am crushing majorly on this chunky statement necklace from Banana Republic. How amazing would it look with a crisp white tee in the spring? The combination of the turquoise and the gold chains is totally on trend.
Once summer rolls around, show your playful side with these turquoise sandals from Steve Madden. Think of turquoise as your new neutral and wear it with any color combination.
Welcome to the latest entry in my retrospective on the fashion, beauty and hair trends that have been making waves in 2009! Today I’m focusing on a recession-friendly way to keep your hair looking gorgeous, the comfy/sexy fashion sensation that just won’t die, and one of the two biggest nail trends of the year.
HAIR: Coloring your hair at home. Okay, so home hair dye has always been an option - but the big news now is that it doesn’t have to be your “last resort” anymore. More women are opting to save the money they would spend on a trip to the salon by stopping by the drugstore and picking up a box of their favorite shade instead. Personally, I’ve had good experiences with Clairol’s Natural Instincts, which can freshen up or slightly change your existing color for about a month or two, but you can find products that are perfect for everything from highlighting your hair to touching up your roots. Instructions are easy to follow and virtually foolproof, and the kits are very affordable. Does anyone have a favorite at-home hair color to recommend?
FASHION: Leggings. After several years in the fashion spotlight, it’s beginning to feel like a bit of an understatement to refer to leggings as a mere “trend.” Celebrities - including unofficial poster child Lindsay Lohan, who even designed her own leggings line - swear by them, as do non-famous ladies everywhere. They’re so widespread that it seems clear that they may soon be taking their place in the fashion canon, right next to jeans, as an indelible staple of the American wardrobe. Why? Because they’re form-fitting and sexy yet comfortable and flattering, and they can be styled in so many different ways, depending on the rest of your outfit and accessories. (Plus, they’re perfect for layering!) They’ve really come a long way from their workout wear/80s origins.
BEAUTY: Glitter nail polish. With so many different brands to choose from and the increasing popularity of nail polish blogs (yes, there is a subset of the beauty blogging world devoted solely to swatching and reviewing the latest polish collections!), nails are really coming into their own - and one of the biggest trends for tips this year was intensely glittery polish. Rescue Beauty Lounge came out with this amazing trio of glitter polishes early in ‘09, and pretty much everyone followed suit, from Zoya to OPI to Sally Hansen - and, most notably, China Glaze, who unveiled a collection of fifty gloriously glittery shades. There’s only one polish trend that eclipsed glitter this year…which I’ll talk about in next Monday’s Latest Trends! Stay tuned…
Anyone who lives in L.A. will tell you that “mobile cuisine” is all the rage right now. It all started with taco trucks and hot dog carts, and before long you could find basically any type of food under the sun being sold from a vehicle of some sort somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area - everything from sushi and ice cream to Indian dosas and Korean BBQ. (Check out this article on the phenomenon for a detailed rundown on the trend.) Of course, this led me to wonder whether anyone has had the brilliant idea of putting beauty services on wheels, and a quick online search indicated that, indeed, they have! Call a number and you can have a mobile spa roll right up to your house (or office!) to give you a quick massage, facial, or mani/pedi on your lunch break. Pretty awesome, right? It’s not quite the same as a food truck - you make your appointment in advance and tell them where to go, as opposed to finding out their latest location via the Web. Still, it’s the same concept: Can’t make it to the spa or salon? Then make it come to you! You can even hire these mobile beauty gurus for your next party. Here are a few to check out in the L.A. area:
GreenBliss EcoSpa - combines “green lifestyle and wellness trends with authentic spa rituals”
Serve the Goddess - “offers pure indulgence and exquisite pampering with massage and a wide selection of spa treatments”
SQ Nails Mobile Manicures & Pedicures - lets you sit “in the comfort of your own home or office and [have] a professional manicure or pedicure done”
Spa-Go’s - “a luxury mobile day spa and lifestyle company” founded by a massage expert
Has anyone ever used the services of a mobile beauty expert? I would love to hear how it went!
Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a great Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday! We’re edging closer to the end of the year here, so I’d like to take this opportunity to observe a few of the latest trends that have been popping up in fashion, beauty and hair. Here are three of my favorites:
FASHION: The statement necklace. The beauty of this showstopper is that it does all of the work for you. Throw on an enormous, eye-catching necklace and what you’re wearing is really of secondary concern. In fact, since your necklace is so bold, your best bet is to keep things simple. For formal occasions, choose a strapless gown or a basic sheath in a solid color; if you’re going casual, try a plain white T-shirt, skinny jeans and boots. And, of course, the rest of your accessories will need to stay understated - or completely non-existent. For a quick primer on how to do this right, check out Amy Adams in this sparkling emerald, sapphire and ruby bib necklace at last year’s Oscars. Gorgeous! If you don’t have a movie star budget, there are much more affordable takes on the trend available at stores like Old Navy and Forever 21.
HAIR: Shampooing less often. In the December issue of Glamour magazine, hair guru Oscar Blandi recommends shampooing no more than twice a week. Apparently, this practice “keeps hair healthy” - not to mention the fact that your scalp’s natural oils will make your hair much easier to style. If you’re concerned about smelling like, well, unwashed hair, rest assured that your locks will adapt over time as you start to shampoo them less - and in the meantime, why not try a dry shampoo? They come in a wide range of prices and scents, and you can buy them in a powder that you shake on or a simple spray for convenience and portability. Professional hairdressers seem to swear by dry shampoo - and you can even make your own low-budget version with cornstarch if you’re watching your wallet!
BEAUTY: Lining the inner rims of your eyes. As modeled by the lovely Olivia Wilde, lining the inner rims of your eyes (i.e., the “waterline”) with a soft pencil will throw the whites of your eyes into sharp relief, really making them “pop.” Several companies are making super skinny eyeliner pencils just for this purpose, but it’s easy to do with any eyeliner as long as you take the time to sharpen and then soften the point beforehand. (Try running the tip on your hand or on a Kleenex before beginning.) Line slowly to avoid poking yourself in the eye, and stop immediately if you feel any irritation. Unfortunately, this look probably won’t work for contact lens wearers or ladies with especially sensitive eyes. But it sure looks pretty, doesn’t it?
New Moon is opening on Friday and the Twilight kids have been transversing the globe doing the press tour and getting us all excited for what’s to come. I was just looking through a gallery of the New Moon press tour and admiring Kristen Stewart’s quirky style. I know she wore this look about two weeks ago when they started things off in Mexico City but I thought it was worth bringing up again.
Here’s what I like about Kristen: She may not always looked “polished” but she looks comfortable and she takes risks. So many of today’s starlets look great when they are on the red carpet but they all seem to have the same style…probably because they have the same stylist! Kristen definitely stands out with her devil-may-care approach to fashion. Which, I realize, may be part of the manufacturing of her image but it doesn’t detract from how refreshing she is. Whether you love this look or you hate it, you have to give her credit for rocking suspenders.
Me? I’m particularly fond of her glittery oxford shoes. If Kristen was playing a new-school version of Dorothy, no doubt these would get her “home.” I bet you could get a pair of oxfords on the cheap at a thrift store and then dip them in some glitter to get the same look - if you were feeling crafty. Just get some fabric glue, paint the shoe with it and literally dip into the glitter. How very Martha Stewart.
My “Favorite Red Carpet Look of the Week” award goes to Diane Kruger, who attended a benefit for the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC in this stunning midnight blue Chanel Haute Couture sparkler. I love the full skirt, the demure yet pretty neckline and the cap sleeves. Plus, duh - it’s sparkly! I think this would be absolutely perfect for a holiday party. If you do go for sequins this winter, take a cue from Diane and keep the rest of your look elegant and understated. I think her eye-catching yet simple silver pendant and strappy black sandals are the ideal accessories, and her pulled-back hair and minimal makeup let the dress take center stage. Do you have a little sequined dress in your evening wear arsenal yet, or do you prefer to stick with basic black?
They are versatile, comfortable and make a pair of jeans and a sweater look chic. They are my go-to choice for weekend apparel. Before I have to start living in my boots because it is too cold outside, I am going to take full advantage of this in-between-extreme weather time called autumn. It is important to have a full array of your basics, which is why I am loving the “Kinky” suede flats at Steve Madden:
Simple without being boring, the Kinky flat has the rounded pointy toe which is so hot for fall and the suede gives it a touch of toughness. And lest you think you can do without another pair of black flats, you should check out all of the colors that they have in this style. There is nothing subtle about their electric yellow suede pair and the green pair look fresh enough to take you into spring. The best part? They are on sale: $47, down from $69. I can swing that!
Tomorrow is Halloween and chances are you’ve been invited to a costume shindig. But, if you’re anything like me, you might be scrambling for a last minute costume idea. Or if you are like my friend and you are having a “recessionista” Halloween, you might be shopping your own closet. Either way, you can still throw together a clever costume and be the hit of your Halloween bash!
Deviled Egg
Finding a pair of devil horns is pretty ubiquitous this time of year. You can visit most drugstores and score a pair on the cheap. You may even have a pair stuffed in the closet from Halloweens past. Well dig them out and you can have one of the easiest and most fun costumes at your party. What you’ll need to be a deviled egg:
1. A white t-shirt and white pants
2. A yellow oval that you can affix to your shirt
3. Your devil horns
When I did this last year, I just printed out a yellow oval shape off of my computer. I cut out the oval, safety-pinned it to my shirt and threw on my devil horns. And then I made people guess what I was. It was pretty funny to hear all the theories and once they figured it out, it made a lasting impression!
Bubblegum on the Bottom of a Shoe
CVS has cheap wigs for less than $5 right now. I bought myself a pink wig and I’m going as “bubblegum on the bottom of a shoe.” I’ll wear my wig, throw on a cute pink dress and attach a lightweight flip flop to my wig. Voila! Bubblegum.
Vampire
There is nothing hotter than being a vampire these days. From Twilight to True Blood to Vampire Diaries, our idea of what a vampire looks like is shifting. You don’t necessarily need fangs to pull off the vampire look. Vampires are generally still sexy though, so pull out that outfit you feel hottest in. Do you have some foundation that is too light for your complexion? That will help with your “undead” look. Apply it to your face and neck, define your eyes with some smoky eyeliner and put on some red lipstick for good measure. Classic!
If you thought vibrating mascara sounded weird, get ready for something even stranger: Next month, Lancome is unveiling its Oscillation Powerfoundation in the United States. (The product is due to hit stores in Canada in November; no word yet on further international distribution.) This foundation combines a mineral powder foundation with a unique pillowy applicator that vibrates 7,000 times per minute. Why? In order to “break down” the product and give your skin a smooth, seamless finish. In addition, using the Powerfoundation vibrating applicator may actually improve the look and feel of your skin over time, minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles. What say you? Are you into this idea, or do you think the whole “vibrating trend” has run its course?
In light of yesterday’s post, thought these two images were interesting:
Shakira has a SheWolf in the closet and a leopard print scarf around her neck. The ever-impeccable Kate Moss opted for a leopard print jacket. Just a few more examples of how you can work animal print into your wardrobe this fall!
Since today is the first day of fall, let’s explore one of the major trends of this season: Animal Print!
Emily Blunt was out at the Toronto Film Festival yesterday looking on trend and fabulous in her Dior animal print dress. The key to making this trend work is to choose prints that are subtle and muted. If you want to create a similar look, here are a few choices:
I hope you like vampires, because the Twilight media juggernaut is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down; in fact, every time I turn around it seems like there’s a new line or product affiliated with Stephenie Meyer’s hugely popular series of books and the blockbuster movies they’ve spawned. Case in point: Cristina Bartolucci of DuWop Cosmetics is creating an entire line of cosmetics to tie in with the November release of New Moon, the second film in “the Twilight Saga.” Called, naturally, Twilight Beauty, there will actually be two different lines to choose from: Luna and Volturi. The Luna line focuses on the major female characters of the series, including Bella, Alice, Rosalie and Victoria, while the Volturi line evokes the dangerous and preternaturally beautiful Italian vampire coven from which it takes its name. Offerings will include mascara, blush, body shimmer, color palettes and - of course - a sumptuous, blood red lipstick. Visit the website to enter your email for updates. Are you looking forward to Twilight Beauty or do you think the entire series…sucks? (Har har.)
I don’t mean to alarm you, but The Cut is reporting on a disturbing new trend in men’s fashion: Leggings for men, or - are you ready for this? - “meggings.” Apparently men’s leggings have been on the runways for a while now, and they finally seem to be trickling out onto the streets in certain fashion-forward cities like New York, Paris and Tokyo. Fortunately, men seem to be embracing these as more of a layering element than a stand-alone piece, wearing them under shorts - still a silly look, in my opinion, but at least it sidesteps the potential for, uh, obscenity. Still, I’m of the mind that only the following men should wear tights in public: Dancers, when necessary, and…um…superheros? But enough about me - what do you think of meggings?
Blake Lively looked preppy and sexy in a striped buttoned down shirt and white mini skirt over the weekend. What I love about this color blue is that it looks good on most every skin tone and works with every hair color. Adding a long belly-button-grazing necklace adds a dressed-up touch while still looking laid back.
Want to get a similar look? Check out Ralph Lauren’s Hayley Striped Poplin shirt. It is a bit pricey, but this is one of those shirts that you could wear forever. I can totally picture a hip grandma wearing this shirt, with some crisp white pants (instead of the mini!). If you took care of it, this shirt and style could last you into your golden years….
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If cheapie fashion retailer Forever 21’s website is any indication, you can get ready to see a whole lot of 
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I honestly can’t decide whether or not I think this is a good idea, so help me out here: How do you feel about wearing socks…with your heels? This photo of Leighton Meester rocking a painterly print black dress cinched with a belt, accented by a pair of bad-American-tourist-on-vacation black socks and charcoal platforms puzzles me. The outfit shouldn’t work, right? And yet, I find myself liking it. Especially the socks and heels combo. But would I actually wear it? That, my friends, is the question. I suppose the answer depends largely on the sock/shoe combo itself. First, you’ll have to invest in a good pair of lightweight, mid-calf socks - no gold-toed athletic socks bunching up in your sandals! Egads. I like these 
Tim Burton’s fanciful 3D take on Alice in Wonderland has inspired a ton of fashion and beauty-related tie-ins, from nail polish to eye shadow to jewelry. The latest offering to come to my attention is Forever 21’s brand new 
BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?
HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last 
FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!
It was announced this month that THE color of 2010 is Turquoise. 
This 
And I am crushing majorly on this 
Once summer rolls around, show your playful side with these 
HAIR: Coloring your hair at home. Okay, so home hair dye has always been an option - but the big news now is that it doesn’t have to be your “last resort” anymore. More women are opting to save the money they would spend on a trip to the salon by stopping by the drugstore and picking up a box of their favorite shade instead. Personally, I’ve had good experiences with Clairol’s 
FASHION: Leggings. After several years in the fashion spotlight, it’s beginning to feel like a bit of an understatement to refer to leggings as a mere “trend.” Celebrities - including unofficial poster child Lindsay Lohan, who even designed her own leggings line - swear by them, as do non-famous ladies everywhere. They’re so widespread that it seems clear that they may soon be taking their place in the fashion canon, right next to jeans, as an indelible staple of the American wardrobe. Why? Because they’re form-fitting and sexy yet comfortable and flattering, and they can be styled in so many different ways, depending on the rest of your outfit and accessories. (Plus, they’re perfect for layering!) They’ve really come a long way from their workout wear/80s origins.
BEAUTY: Glitter nail polish. With so many different brands to choose from and the increasing popularity of nail polish blogs (yes, there is a subset of the beauty blogging world devoted solely to swatching and reviewing the latest polish collections!), nails are really coming into their own - and one of the biggest trends for tips this year was intensely glittery polish. Rescue Beauty Lounge came out with this amazing trio of glitter polishes early in ‘09, and pretty much everyone followed suit, from Zoya to OPI to Sally Hansen - and, most notably, China Glaze, who unveiled a collection of fifty gloriously glittery shades. There’s only one polish trend that eclipsed glitter this year…which I’ll talk about in next Monday’s Latest Trends! Stay tuned…
Anyone who lives in L.A. will tell you that “mobile cuisine” is all the rage right now. It all started with taco trucks and hot dog carts, and before long you could find basically any type of food under the sun being sold from a vehicle of some sort somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area - everything from sushi and ice cream to Indian dosas and Korean BBQ. (Check out 
FASHION: The statement necklace. The beauty of this showstopper is that it does all of the work for you. Throw on an enormous, eye-catching necklace and what you’re wearing is really of secondary concern. In fact, since your necklace is so bold, your best bet is to keep things simple. For formal occasions, choose a strapless gown or a basic sheath in a solid color; if you’re going casual, try a plain white T-shirt, skinny jeans and boots. And, of course, the rest of your accessories will need to stay understated - or completely non-existent. For a quick primer on how to do this right, check out Amy Adams in this sparkling emerald, sapphire and ruby bib necklace at last year’s Oscars. Gorgeous! If you don’t have a movie star budget, there are much more affordable takes on the trend available at stores like Old Navy and Forever 21. 
New Moon is opening on Friday and the Twilight kids have been transversing the globe doing the press tour and getting us all excited for what’s to come. I was just looking through 
If you thought vibrating mascara sounded weird, get ready for something even stranger: Next month, Lancome is unveiling its Oscillation Powerfoundation in the United States. (The product is due to hit stores in Canada in November; no word yet on further international distribution.) This foundation combines a mineral powder foundation with a unique pillowy applicator that vibrates 7,000 times per minute. Why? In order to “break down” the product and give your skin a smooth, seamless finish. In addition, using the Powerfoundation vibrating applicator may actually improve the look and feel of your skin over time, minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles. What say you? Are you into this idea, or do you think the whole “vibrating trend” has run its course?
Shakira has a SheWolf in the closet and a leopard print scarf around her neck. The ever-impeccable Kate Moss opted for a leopard print jacket. Just a few more examples of how you can work animal print into your wardrobe this fall!
I hope you like vampires, because the Twilight media juggernaut is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down; in fact, every time I turn around it seems like there’s a new line or product affiliated with Stephenie Meyer’s hugely popular series of books and the blockbuster movies they’ve spawned. Case in point: Cristina Bartolucci of DuWop Cosmetics is creating an entire line of cosmetics to tie in with the November release of New Moon, the second film in “the Twilight Saga.” Called, naturally, 
I don’t mean to alarm you, but The Cut is reporting on a disturbing new trend in men’s fashion: 
Blake Lively looked preppy and sexy in a striped buttoned down shirt and white mini skirt over the weekend. What I love about this color blue is that it looks good on most every skin tone and works with every hair color. Adding a long belly-button-grazing necklace adds a dressed-up touch while still looking laid back.
Want to get a similar look? Check out 
