Hot Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Trend Forecast!!

POPULAR PRINTS

Many designers incorporated animal print, especially leopard print, into their Spring/Summer 2010 lines such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson and Dolce & Gabbana.

A lot of designers also referenced the 80s and 90s in regards to colors and patterns. In particular, tie dye looks like it is coming back.

HOT TRENDS

You know how plaid/flannel shirts were popular in 2009? Well "this year's flannel" is definitely DENIM. If you have to buy only one item this season, it has to be a denim jacket. Denim jackets or denim shirts are must-haves for 2010. On the runway, I saw a more "natural", all-American type looks and denim really pulls that type of look together. You can pair denim jackets with a cute summer dress, shorts, and rompers. So chic.

Blame Lady Gaga for bringing this trend mainstream, but the "no pants" look is definitely "in" for Spring/Summer. I like the way Kate Moss styled the "hot pants". I'm not sure if this is the most flattering look for the average female, but I do see this being a popular trend when the weather gets warmer. H&M and TopShop will be carrying this look. Teeny tiny miniskirts, which are in the same vein as this hot pants look, will also be a great alternative.

Probably because of the rising hem-lines, over the knee socks are great ways to accessorize short shorts or teenie minis. I've seen lots of celebrities like Nicole Ritchie and Vanessa Hudgens already sporting this look.

Sheer tops will be very popular this summer, as will ripped jeans (on Vanessa Hudgens).

I don't think harem pants caught on in 2009 as much as they were hyped, but I saw a lot more FLATTERING harem pants on the runway for 2010, especially cropped ones. I think this Juicy Couture outfit would be perfect for a casual, athletic look.

Diane Von Furstenberg and Burberry both showcased oversized bracelets on the runway. This is a really easy way to spice up an outfit and very cheap to find duplicates at Forever 21!

SOME 2009 TRENDS CONTINUING ON INTO 2010

Because of the sluggish economy, I also have noticed that a lot of designers are re-using some ideas from 2009 in their 2010 collections.

Leather jackets were a big hit in 2009 and even in summer 2010, this will continue to be a very fashionable look. Personally, I love this look and I am glad a lot of designers are continuing with this motorcycle, leather jacket trend.

Skinny jeans and skinny pants have been popular for a while and will continue to be popular this year.

When shopping for Spring/Summer, find a top with great shoulder details. This has been a very popular look with Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and the Olsen Twins.

Rompers are still popular. There are some really cute ones out there now and I think these will look amazing paired with the leather jacket or denim jacket trend.

Fashion Re-Cap of the Golden Globes - The Gorgeous, The Good, and The Ugly

THE GORGEOUS

Christina Aguilera in Versace

Christina has a new album coming out this year, and she is coming back with a vengence. She has toned down her signature clown make-up and looks great. And for having had a baby recently, her body is on point.

Fergie in Elie Saab

Usually I'm not a fan of Fergie's crazy styles, but she looks like a Grecian goddess here. The dress is very flattering on her.

Chloe Sevigny in Valentino

Chloe Sevigny always looks like a model. Not many women could pull off this dress the way she does. She is also sporting purple, which was a popular color this night.

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

Damn! Look at those legs. Jen Aniston looks sexy and classy at the same time.

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

She looks polished and clean.

Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano

This woman's body is ridiculous; she is all curves. I think the color of this dress really flatters Christina's hair and skin color (and of course her body). I also love that she is wearing a Project Runway contestant's design.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Roland Mouret

Maggie shines in this mermaid dress.

Dianna Agron in Badgley Mischka

I don't watch Glee, but after I saw Dianna Agron in this dress I definitely learned who she is. This dress is absolutely gorgeous and her make-up is perfect too.

Anna Kendrick in Marchesa

This girl is too cute. The picture doesn't do the dress justice. The beading and details on this dress are gorgeous.

THE GOOD

Calista Flockhart in Alberta Ferretti

Calista shines in this sparkly number.

Penelope Cruz in Atelier Versace

Penelope always looks great. She looks a little TOO tan tonight, but the dress has a really pretty sillhouette.

Kate Hudson in Marchesa

A lot of people do not like this Kate Hudson dress, but I think its really high fashion and futuristic. It reminds me of a toned down Lady Gaga outfit.

Jennifer Garner in Atelier Versace

Jennifer Garner really cleans up for the Oscars. I think the color on this dress is a lot better in person. I love the sparkly details.

Heidi Klum in Roberto Cavalli

Heidi Klum is wearing a beautiful dress! I wish it fit her better in the bodice though.

Halle Berry in Kaufman Franco

She is a red carpet favorite. This is a really sexy dress but I think the bottom could be finished better.

Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta

This purple color is TO DIE FOR. However, it would look a million times more flattering if it was more fitted at the waist.

Kristen Bell in Jasmine di Milo

I adore the short dress look especially on a young girl. Cute and fun! Kristen Bell is all win.

Cameron Diaz in Alexander McQueen

The red is so vibrant and Cameron can pull off almost anything with her statuesque frame.

THE UGLY

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

Lea Michele should take tips from her co-star, Dianna Agron. This dress is just too poofy; she could hide Ryan Seacrest under that huge skirt.

Tina Fey in Zac Posen

This looks sloppy and poofy. This dress is WAY too young looking. She looks like a a student in jr. high going to the school dance.

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci

This dress would look better if it was simpler and didn't have all the bows. The shine does not look good either. I think dress looks cheap.

Mariah Carey in Herve Leger for Max Azria

Insert joke here.

Avoid Purchasing Fake MAC Makeup Products Off eBay

While not everything on eBay is fake, it is important to know that there IS a lot of counterfeit items up for sale! People are aware about fake bags, but are often surprised to discover that there is fake make-up as well! Personally, after all I know now, I refuse to purchase ANY makeup off eBay. I ESTIMATE THAT OVER 50% OF MAC ITEMS FOR SALE ON EBAY ARE F-A-K-E. I would rather pay a little more to know that I am getting the real deal.

Brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Nars have a lot of wannabes. There are manufacturers in China who create BULK FAKE MAC makeup products.
I'm going to focus on tips for identifying fake MAC makeup in particular.

1. Every other MAC BRUSH on eBay is fake. I can't even begin to explain this one in detail - but if it comes in a "set" or with a "bag", it is probably a fake. These are extremely popular fake items.

2. If your MAC eyeshadow comes with any sort of applicator - IT IS A FAKE. Mac does not sell their eyeshadows with compartments for a sponge applicator (it's only in their foundation and powder).

(fake eyshadow palette with fake sponge applicator)

3. You can tell if a lot of MAC eyeshadows are fake is if they are too big. However, it is really difficult to tell unless you have a side by side comparison with the actual eyeshadow. This is one reason I do not buy makeup on eBay.

(without the side-by-side comparison, it would be near impossible to tell the difference by a picture)

4. Pay attention to packaging. This one is a little difficult to tell, but the box style gives it away. The box is slightly cheap looking. Really tough call on this one.

(fake eyeshadow)

5. Similar to brushes, 88+ palettes are also really popular on eBay and the majority of these are fake. The "MAC" wording on this palette gives it away.

(fake palette)

6. One of the easiest ways to tell if an item is fake is to look at the seller's other listings. If he/she is selling tons of MAC products, there is a strong chance that ALL of those are fake. As a consumer, you need to question where they are getting their supplies. MAC does not sell their products wholesale to re-sellers - they have their own stores to do that. So where exactly are these people getting all these products from? The answer, unfortunately, is from China, where they mass produce these fakes.

7. Even with positive ratings, do not trust just any seller. Lots of times, people do not know the difference between products and will give that seller a good rating. Some people do not mind purchasing fakes and will give the seller a good rating as well. Some people do not want to give a seller a bad rating because they fear getting a bad rating in return. There are many reasons why a seller's rating could be high, but he/she could still be selling fakes.
*** I also want to update you all about the fact that pigments are gaining popularity on eBay but a majority of these are also fake. ***

Have you ever purchased a fake item on eBay besides make-up? If not eBay, do any of you have suggestions where we can find AUTHENTIC make-up products for a cheaper price?

3 Tips to Wearing Dark Nail Polish Colors

This trend has been popular for a while now. You've seen many celebrities sport dark nail polish such as Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Hudgens. However, I can never get dark nail polish, specifically BLACK polish, to look right on my fingers. So I did some research and have come up with some tips to help you pull of this look.

1. The biggest tip I have is that dark polish looks much better on SHORT, SQUARE shaped nails. Oval nails are going to make you look a little goth or a little like the wicked witch.

2. Try a different shade of black or dark, especially if you have dark skin. OPI has come out with a great collections of purpley black and reddish black colors.

(From left to right: Lincoln Park at Midnight, Midnight in Moscow, and Black Cherry Chutney.)

3. Go for quality. OPI is price-y but it is by far my favorite brand, especially with dark colors. I tried Sally Hansen's black polish, but it was a water-y black color -- not solid black the way I wanted; I needed to put a second coat on it which I do not like to do. I think quality is definitely important. It does not have to be OPI as there are other great brands out there too.



Anyways, dark nail polishes are a big hit. Light colors WILL be coming back this Spring, but darks are not going away anytime soon.

What are YOUR favorite nail polish colors and nail polish brands?

My January 2010 Beauty/Fashion Wishlist

Banana Republic Reverse-Stripe Draped Vest, $79.50

I have been eyeing this piece for weeks now! If you work in an office like me and wear suits, button up shirts, etc. you know that it can get quite drab. I think this piece is a great way to make a work outfit more interesting and fashionable. However, the $80 pricetag is keeping me from purchasing this. I'm going to wait for it to go on sale and hopefully they will have it in my size.

Mango Madness Soap in a Jar by Dennis Anderson, $5.75

This is HAND-MADE SOAP! It looks sooo delicious! LOL. I learned about this guy while I was browsing Etsy. I do not think its a bad deal at all for handmade soap. If you get dry skin during the winter like me, this creamy soap sounds like heaven! I think this is a great alternative to Lush and a lot more exciting than your normal drugstore brands.

American Eagle Skinny Jean, $59.50

I love American Eagle Jeans (the quality and the affordability), and I have always loved the ripped jeans trend. I saw this picture of Kim Kardashian pairing similar jeans with her over-the-knee boots and she looks really chic. I love ripped jeans because they are just understated and "cool". You can pair them with a t-shirt for hanging out around the house or you can even dress 'em up like Kim.





So these, things are on my wish-list for January 2010. I think my next post is going to be on Spring 2010 trends. I'd love to get some input: what is on YOUR wishlist? What will you be wearing this Spring?

Favorite Fashion/Beauty Blogs and Vlogs!

I would like to dedicate my first post to my inspirations on the internet. These are women (and men) who have an interest in fashion and beauty and have been very successful in showcasing the art of fashion and beauty.

1. Fashion Toast

Her name is Rumi and she started her blog fashiontoast back in November 2007 on blogspot.com. I would describe her style as "urban chic", but she has also been known to throw in a bit of bohemian inspried looks as well. If you like Mary-Kate and Ashley's Elizabeth and James line, the Balenciaga motorcycle trend, or American Apparel, you will love this girl's styles. It doesn't hurt either that she is gorgeous to boot.

I believe her boyfriend takes many of her photos which have 'cool' angles and shadows which really help draw blog-lovers into Rumi's fashion world.

2. The Sartorialist

What fashion blog list would be complete without The Sartorialist!? This website is the "go-to" website on the internet when it comes to fashion blogging. The Sartorialist is the future of fashion photography.

The Sartorialist has very "expensive" taste in my opinion but the people he snaps always look so effortless, yet sophisticated and regal. He travels all over the world, and truly gets a glimpse of people who look alive.

Since The Sartorialist has been around for around 4-5 years now, it has gotten its fair share of critics. However, regardless of the critics, you can't deny The Sartorialist's eye for all-around well-dressed people who truly represent and embody the beautiful cities where they are "discovered". Beautiful concept, amazingly simple website. Haters to the left.

3. Juicy Star 07

This is a new favorite of mine. I have been recently introduced to an even more interactive type of internet blogging - VLOGGING!

I never thought I would listen (slash) admire a 16 year olds beauty advice so much. Okay, some people find "Blair's" southern accent and voice a little grating, but I think she is adorable, cheerful and full of life. Not only that, but she really seems to have a passion that goes beyond self-promotion. She is bursting with energy when it comes to her favorite subject: make-up! I recommend her eyeshadow tutorials any day.

This girl is too cute and I think she is definitely worth a looksie. Her make-up collections (and nail polish collections too!) are to die for.

4. The Fashion Spot

So this is not exactly a blog, but this is the ultimate fashion website on the internet hands-down. This is a messageboard community for those interested in fashion and it is invite only. You have many people here who work in the fashion industry, or aspire to work in the industry. This website is useful for not only fashionistas, but also fashion-oriented businesses that want to forecast trends and find some inspiration. Nothing can be more inspring that a group of fashionistas. This website introduced me to fashiontoast.com and has also provided me with FREE access to celebrity "style" photos - which are truly determine and predict trends!

So these are just some of the blogs and websites I frequent daily. Let me know what you think. What are your favorite fashion/beauty websites? Do you have a blog?