5 SPRING BEAUTY TRENDS

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but behold the new trends in beauty for Spring 2010. From lips to eyes and skin, we've got you covered. Gone are the days of dark, moody as we welcome the days of color explosion and glowing skin.

1. PAINT ME PASTEL. Understated hues that are eye-popping in shades- lavender, turquoise, pink, and sage green- in matte to shimmer are capturing the lids this season.

How to achieve this look: Start slow, one color at a time. Limit your shade below the crease of your lids. Fresh and clean is the name of the game. Have no fear, pastels work on all skin shades, from porcelain white to olive, these universal hues make the whites of your eyes brighter. Stick to a lil eyeliner to create the drama and a nude lipgloss to complete the look. (Our favorites: Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Bambou, Lancome Color Design Eye Shadow in Personal Style, Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow in Frost Blossom.)

2. ORANGE you RED-Y for SPRING. Vibrant red adds a jolt of color and panache to your lips. Jump into Spring full throttle and embrace this fabulous hue. Toss out the dark purples from the past, this is RED HOT!

How to achieve this look: Start with a lip liner that matches the color of your natural lip. Mix a red-orange lipstick with a lil lip balm and apply with a brush. Make sure to keep the rest of your face fairly neutral and then kick it up a notch in the evening with a lil liner on the upper lids. Remember this color transitions from day to night! (Our favorites: Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Fire, Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Balm in Paramour, and Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick  in A Go-Go.)

3. TOUSLE ME TENDER. Slightly effortless and a whole lot of sexy, tousled, romantic curls are in. Get a modern, yet edgy look that looks like you just rolled out of bed.

How to achieve this look: Blow dry your hair with your hands and not your typical round brush. Once dry, add a texture spray (we love Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Liquid Fabric Mineral Texture Spray). Then section hair into 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch pieces and curl with a 1.25" barrel. After your whole head is curled, gently run your fingers it to give movement.

4. NATURAL BEAUTY. Go for glow. Luminous skin is IN. Gone are the days of the matte skin, radiant complexions are all the rage!

How to achieve this look: Remember that you should illuminate or accentuate your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Select a color of foundation that has a luminizer in it to make your life easier. Apply with a foundation brush and blend into your own skin. Dust with a translucent powder to seal the look. (Our favorites: Nars Orgasm Illuminator liquid luminizer, Laura Mercier Radiant Creme Colour, and Dior Poudrier Dentelle Illuminating Lace Effect Powder in Rose Dentelle.)

5. LIKE PUTTY "ON" YOUR HANDS. Nail polish is one of the best accessories to top off an outfit, so with that said, say goodbye to the blacks and navy blues, but definitely try Putty, which is a brown/grey tone.

How to achieve this look: A lighter color can replace a french manicure lovers typical fare, where as, olive skin and darker tones can definitely make a statement with this subtle taupe color. (Our favorites: RGB in Toast, OPI in You Don't Know Jacques, and Deborah Lippmann in Waking Up in Vegas)

2010 SPRING ACCESSORIES ARE A CROC

New year, new life? There are always exceptions to the rule, especially if we talk about fashion. One might think that every year the stakes are renewed and designers involved in setting trends with innovative products that have not seen in the market so far. But the truth is that while there is some of that in the world of the catwalk also see these perennial classics that even if they return again and again they are still interesting.

We talk about the ins and classic designs are always in place, products that never go out of fashion, perhaps because its quality, materials that are designed or simply because they set their own style. This applies to the designs of crocodile skin, a trend that we see both in bags and accessories and many shoes.

Despite the history, brands are betting big on the reptile skin and success seem to be guaranteed with high quality products, often priced too high for some budgets.
What can we find this season?

Fendi encourages a "clutch" that combines different textures of crocodile and has a very strong stone while Donna Karan is played by some very distinguished abotinados shoes:

MUST HAVE HANDBAGS- A/W 2009

SNAKESKIN. An edgy neutral? Believe it. Dangerously stylish exotic skins blend with virtually any look. Jessica Alba (left) shouldered a buckle-bedecked Tod's tote while Rihanna (right) carried a Devi Kroell hobo.

RUFFLED. Add texture to an unfussy outfit with a ruched or tiered leather tote. Julia Roberts (left) gave her all-black suiting separates a feminine spin with a gathered calfskin design, while Katherine Heigl (right) chose a purse with soft vertical ruffles.

STUDDED. Add instant edge to an autumnal outfit with a punked-out purse. Heidi Klum (left) rocked an oversize fringed tote, while Lauren Conrad (right) chose a pyramid-studded shoulder bag from Rebecca Minkoff.

SATCHELS. Classic equestrian-inspired bags transcend the stable when added to vintage-inspired print dresses. Both Claudia Schiffer (left) and Keira Knightley (right, carrying Prada) went the town-and-country route with their hardware-bedecked satchels.

OVERSIZED CLUTCH. No need to cut down on your evening must-haves when you're carrying a bag this large and in charge. Blake Lively (left) held on to a zipper-accented design, while Rachelle Lefevre (right) accented her red-carpet look with a suede envelope clutch.

 SILVER. Brighten up your fall wardrobe with mirror-bright metallic purses. Camilla Belle (left) carried a high-shine pocket-front tote while Beyonce (right) flashed a Dolce & Gabbana carryall.

CHAIN. Classic and tough, a heavy-link strap gives weight to day and evening looks. Diane Kruger (left) selected an artsy-craftsy embellished Chanel bag, while Kate Bosworth (right) carried a biker-inspired all-black design.

RICH. TAPESTRY. Rich tapestry, embroidery and old-world detailing give a faraway feel to a standout shoulder bag. Whitney Port (left) carried an ornate carpet bag from Gucci, while Rachel Bilson (right) upgraded her jeans and T-shirt with Jimmy Choo's patchwork of exotic skins.

LEOPARD. ake a walk on the wild side this fall with hot spots. Halle Berry (left) held on to a metallic clutch from Louis Vuitton, while Jennifer Lopez (right) got fierce with a Jimmy Choo hobo.


(Source: InStyle)

BRIGHT IDEAS

This summer get playful with color! Pour out your favorite memories of your primary hues- RED, YELLOW, and BLUE! Here are a few easy, breezy summer Must Have's for you color enthusiasts! I mean Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Custo Barcelona are doing it, so why not you? Don't worry your pretty little pocketbook, I promise this list will brighten your closet in a budget-friendly way!

1. IN A CLUTCH. Add some nautical fun by accessorizing with this blue and white canvas clutch by Felix Rey for Target. (available at target.com) Clutch this find for only $20!

2. ITSY BITSY TEENY WEENY YELLOW POLKA DOT BIKINI. You remember the tune, but did you ever find a sweet & sexy yellow polka dot bikini like this? Get beach sexy in no time at all. This sunny bikini is available at Victoria Secret (victoriasecret.com) for $30 ($15 for the top and $15 for the bottom)- you can't get any better than this!

*Oh and if your body isn't as insane as Marisa Miller (which is 98% of us, it's ok we all can't be biologically blessed with that bod), fear not this print comes in different styles, from string to halter, emphasize your best assets!

3. TIE DYE ONE ON. Rock this red and white tie-dye tank to boost your summer wardrobe. This far-out find is from GAP for $19.50 (and if red isn't the shade for you, this tank comes in a lot of other colors- be BRAVE!)

4. WHEN IN DOUBT, BELT IT OUT. Not sure how to add a pop of color to a basic cotton dress, opt for a BOLD belt. This wide ribbed belt is from H&M for $14.90.

5. RED HOT. Beat the heat this summer by protecting those baby blues with a radical red over-sized shades. This plastic pair is perfect for cruisin' the shore or relaxin' on the boat. No Boundaries Compass Sunglasses (available at Walmart.com) for $4 (yes, you read that right, $4!) Guilt-free sunglasses, can summer get much better?

6. RHYTHM & BLUE. Sun-filled days and how else to track how much fun you are having--- this watch will not have you sad at all. Cool off any outfit with this Blue Paisley Bangle Watch (available at coldwatercreek.com) for only $39.50.

7. FOLLOW THE BRICKROAD. Step out in style in your cute yellow strappy sandal. These festive flats will have you in smiles, with the price tag alone- only $9.99!!! Try Rue21 for savvy and smart accessories! (these sandals are guaranteed to not break the bank- available at rue21.com)

8. LITTLE RED RUFFLED DRESS. Pin-tucked to perfection, this little dress was made for summer-time fun. Whether you are shopping on the boardwalk or a family BBQ, always look ravishing in this red number. Forever 21 has this lil red darling dress for $39.80 (forever21.com).

9. BERMUDA, BAHAMA, . . . Sunny-day style meets resort chic. Try pairing this yellow bermuda shorts with a white cami or soft cotton t-shirt for a casual feel. Add a red cardigan for a lil more sophisticated fun. These bermuda shorts by Lee Alexis make your vacation wardrobe complete and for a mere $17.99, your pockets will be bursting at the seam with joy!

10. BATHING "BLUE"TY. Blue straw floppy hat is both fashionable and practical when catching some rays. Variations of this hue make this hat fun and playful for any beach ensemble. Merona makes great find for Target for $12.99.

RECESSIONISTA: WOMEN- BASIC BLACK BLAZER

Every recessionista needs to learn about "trans-fashion". Trans-fashion is the ability to take one standard piece that is typically found in every woman's closet and transition it into more than one outfit. Let's start with the ladies, . . .Suit, Suit, riot? Hardly. The basic black blazer can be transformed easier than you think. The fitted blazer is an important piece of the "Boyfriend" trend, where women are influenced by men's fashion. This little jacket doesn't have to always be paired with a black slack, unless you are a stubborn New Yorker going to an important interview. But for the "laid back, hip" west coasters take note. Dust off the basic black blazer and try these 5 different outfit options.

Below are 5 outfit options, all of them when paired under a fitted blazer come to together beautifully, so go ahead and experiment! These looks can flatter any age range. Fashion is meant to be fun, so if you are brave enough, I challenge you to try all 5 options, your friends will wonder where you had the funds to get 5 new outfits, but it will be our lil secret that you just needed a stylist's help and your own confidence to rock a whole new you!




1. THE SEX KITTEN. Take a note from actress Amanda Bynes, pair a blazer over a sexy dress to make any outfit a lil more polished and adds just the right amount of sophistication. Don't be afraid to try an animal print or a silky chiffon sundress. Blazers definitely help to transition from winter to spring. Think date night or red carpet, because you will definitely have heads turning. If you have gorgeous gams like Ms. Bynes, try going high fashion, by rockin' ankle booties with this look. Young Hollywood has embraced this trend with open arms and it has suited them quite well. Celebs who love this look: Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Aniston, and Heather Locklear

2. GEO-METRY GODDESS. Try a bold print or geometric pattern over black opaque tights. The contrast is pure genius. Keep the accessories in a pewter shade, keys being: large shades, textured belt, and flat suede boots. The dark colored tights give the illusion of length and a knee-high boot draws the eyes down to the floor. The cardigan keeps the femininity and by adding the blazer, creates the perfect symmetry of structure! Celebs who love this look: Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, and Jessica Alba

3. ROCK 'N ROLLER. Inside every good girl is an inner bad girl, this outfit lets you expose that Joan Jett, Pat Benetar that is dying to be unleashed! The best part of this look--- its sooo simple and chic that you have these items in your closet!! Black cami/tank, lighter denim (even a faded grey works) To vamp up this vixen-look, add patent leather kitten heels if you are to shopping on Robertson, but if you have a date at the House of Blues later, opt for a sensational studded stiletto. The blazer need not be boring ladies, try a leather blazer that is fitted to your sexy shape! Add some pizazz with a fun handbag.

Celebs who love this look: Duffy, Rachel Bilson, and Miley Cyrus

4. UPTOWN GIRL. What happens when you take your favorite blue tunic and your favorite dark skinny jeans and pair it with a blazer? You get the new uptown girl. East or west-- this can work for you! Turn up the color in the tunic- try primary colors-- red, yellow, and blue! Spice up the look by incorporating a key trend in

'09- FRINGE. The fringe should always be subtle and in an accessory, so why not a fringed handbag? To bring an urban flavor, add a beanie cap for those chilly spring days shopping in SoHo or running errands in the Village. Keep the boot basic to tie the look together. Celebs who love this look: Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Audrina Patridge

5. DELIGHTFUL DARLING. Sweet meets chic. Basic t-shirt,

comfy cardigan, your favorite jean, plus a tailored blazer equals delightful darling. Its great for day to day, from office to play date. Even mommy's need a re-charge in their wardrobe and this playful ensemble is a perfect combination. Remember, accessories can make or break an outfit. Sometimes you can base a whole outfit on just the floral headband or colored sweater. It's about being creative, this outfit can even be Boho with the right scarf and statement jewelry--- big colorful beads or a few strainds of thin gold chains. Celebs that love this look: Katherine Heigl, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift