My Style

Throughout my life, I have redefined my image dozens of times. I’ve been through the “preppy” Hollister stage, rocked out in Hot Topic during my punk years, and spent far too much money in Urban Outfitters trying to imitate the “hipster” look. Now, at the age of 19, I have found a niche in the fashion world, but my style isn’t always so easy to put into words. Sometimes, it is...

BOHEMIAN

I love paisley prints, flowy blouses, and gladiator sandals in the summertime.

In the winter, my boho style takes the form of long cardigans and knee-length boots.

FLASHY AND A LITTLE EDGY

Large earrings are my favorite accessory, as well as high-waisted belts and the red and black color combination.

ECCENTRIC

Well, it was Halloween after all, but one of the most exciting aspects of fashion is to create new and innovative trends, even if they appear unusual to the average shopper. 

To sum up my style, it is eclectic and bold. Accessories, bright colors, and wild prints are the three main ingredients to my wardrobe. My fashion philosophy is to always take risks and wear clothing with confidence.

The good, the bad, and the ugly: 2010 fashion in review

With 2011 right around the corner, it's time to say goodbye to the old trends of the year and look to fashion runway shows to get a glimpse of what will be stylish in spring. Before we do that, though, let's reminisce about the styles that 2010 offered, including all the hot looks, as well as the fads you'll wish you hadn't followed while browsing through an old photo album 10 years down the road.

The Good 

    Lace
   

Lace is always elegant and feminine, whether it is classic white lace or, or for a bolder look, colored lace.

Sheer tops

This year, the rule "never let your bra show through your shirt" was thrown out the window. What once was a tacky fashion faux pas has now been reinvented into a stylish trend. Dark, sheer patterned tops were complemented with dark bras for an edgy look.

Cut-out dresses

Cut-out dresses hit the fashion scene in a big way in 2010. Dresses with unique, cut-out geometric patterns of all shapes and sizes created an artistic twist to the typical style of dress.

 

Cropped tops

Cropped tops are fun, a little edgy, and très stylish. A pair of skinny jeans and pumps complete the look.

Military-inspired apparel

Beyonce, Rihanna, and Nicole Richie were just three of the many celebrities sporting a military jacket this year. These jackets paired with dark skinny jeans and knee-high boots create a head-turning rocker glam look.

Oversized "grandma" sweaters

For this look, a trip to the mall is unnecessary - only a trip to grandma's closet. Fashion trends work in cycles, as the experts say, and in 2010, vintage sweaters in a variety of prints and patterns came back into style. These sweaters are chic, trendy, and not to mention, cozy.  

The Bad

One-shoulder top flops

The one-shoulder look was everywhere this year, and nearly every store had a bare-shouldered mannequin revealing this latest trend. At first glance, one-shouldered tops appear to be trendy and unique, but after this trend became so overexposed, it began to look like what it truly is: an unfinished garment. Overrated? You decide.

Furry friend caps

Don't get me wrong, animal hats are rather adorable ... for the 2-10 age group. There is just something a little odd about seeing antlers and ears protruding from an adult head. Just stick with the beanies and fedoras, hipsters.

Miniature hat headbands

Unless you're the mad hatter, it's difficult to pull of this top hat trend without looking absurd. This would be a fantastic accessory for a costume, but for everyday wear, it might be a little over the top.

 Jeggings

Jeggings: the horrible spawn of leggings and jeans. Even the name itself sounds tacky, but what else can be expected of spandex with fake pockets? Although some people pull off jeggings better than Conan, this trend is still one to avoid.

The Ugly

 

Ankle Socks

Although grandma sweaters are quite popular, it isn't necessary to replicate her outfit entirely, especially when it comes to footwear. It doesn't matter how cute the dress you're wearing is. If you're revealing your fluorescent-colored ankle socks, it ruins the entire outfit.

Pan collar dresses

This trend had potential to be cute. If the dresses were colorful with lively prints, it would have completely transformed this trend into a fashionably vintage style. But instead, most of the pan collar dresses appearing online and in stores have been drab and dreary, and many resemble pilgrim dresses. This is perfect for a Thanksgiving play, but not for a trendy ensemble.

 

Borderline trends

Oxford shoes

 

Oxford shoes were a huge sensation this year, but not everyone favored this classic look. Oxfords truly are a "love it or hate it" fad, and I can understand why. Unless you are performing a tap dance routine to "Putting on the Ritz," the black and white oxfords are tacky and difficult to incorporate into a trendy outfit.  

But on the other hand, oxford heels and oxfords in solid colors are much more trendy and are sure to stand out in a positive way. It's all about finding the right color and style.

Overall, 2010 was a great year for fashion, and I will be excited to see what 2011 has to offer. What do you think were the best and worst trends of 2010?

My personal favorite...

Designers

Dior

Jean Paul Gaultier

Christian Lacroix

Anna Sui

Stylists

Rachel Zoe

Monica Rose 

Kim Kardashian, one of Monica's top clients, poses for a photoshoot.

Nicole Chavez

Mary Kate Olsen wears an ensemble designed by Nicole.

 

Photographers

Nigel Barker

James Nader

Zena Holloway

Tim Walker

Dazzling Dresses to ring in the New Year

Everyone knows New Year's Eve is an extravagant holiday. It's the one night of the year to sip on champagne while watching the luminous ball dropping in New York City, even if it is only from a television screen in the living room. The attire that the evening calls for is no exception, either. Whether you are going for a night out on the town or simply staying in with friends and family, it's always a necessity to dress up for this holiday. The true fashionista must always look her best to welcome the new year and 12 more months of new trends, styles, and shopping sprees. Here are a few dresses, fit for every New Year's Eve occasion, that are trendy and, sticking to the holiday spirit, a little extravagant.

A Romantic Evening

From: simplydresses.com
Price: $69

There is nothing that captures the eye better than a red cocktail dress. Red is the color of romance and passion, and according to some studies, men are more drawn to women wearing red. This dress is very sexy, yet still classy. This ruched dress adds a lovely touch with the flowers and silver accents on the right shoulder. Dress it up with silver shoes, earrings, and bracelet, but avoid wearing a necklace because it will clash with the flower detail. 

Fine Wine and Dine

From: Charlotte Russe
Price: $44.50

If you will be spending your New Year's evening at an upscale restaurant drinking Chardonnay, an elegant dress is a necessity. Although this particular dress is under $50, the lovely silvery lilac fabric gives it an expensive appearance. The bow and silver detail on the waist capture the eye, and the feathers are classy and not overdone. Accessorize with silver shoes, bracelet, earrings, and a small necklace, if desired.

 Holiday Casual

From: Urban Outfitters
Price: $68

Sweater dresses are perfect for family get-togethers or stay-at-home celebrations. The forest green and burgundy colors are a great holiday combination, because they are festive, yet not overwhelming like the bright red and green color combination that Santa Claus is fond of. This dress has a very detailed, intricate pattern and can be accessorized in many different ways. Wear it with gray or black tights, a belt around the waist, a long necklace, heels, or knee-length boots - whichever fits your mood! 

Little Black Dress

                                    

From: topshop.com
Price: $90

You can never go wrong with a classic black dress. Always sleek and sophisticated, black dresses are the one staple for every woman's closet. If the little black dress is too plain for your taste, try a different style of dress like the one above. The design on the neckline is very stylish and flattering to the chest, and the back is also revealed for a gorgeous, jaw-dropping effect. Dress it up with either silver, gold, or black heels, earrings, and bracelet.

Bold and Beautiful

From: modcloth.com
Price: $89.99

Calling all trendsetters: This dress is bound to make you stand out. This confetti-like dress is upbeat and perfectly illustrates the theme of New Year's. Celebrate 2011 and rock this dress by accessorizing in a big way. Don't be afraid to be daring: yellow heels would look stunning with this dress, and top it off with a chunky bracelet or layered necklaces.
 

Glam and Glitz

                               

                            Left                           
From: topshop.com
Price: $150

Right
From: Victoria's Secret
Price: $148

Sequined and glittery dresses are the most popular category of holiday dresses right now. Nothing screams "Happy New Year" better than a little sparkle and shine. The dress on the left has stunning colors, and the long sleeves give a trendy appeal to a dress that would have looked tacky with spaghetti straps. Accessorize with dazzling earrings and gray or dark blue heels. The Victoria's Secret dress is very sexy, and has a flattering bustline and form-fitting bodice. Wear this with black accessories and heels, or red heels if you're feeling edgy.    

Feminine Chic

 

Left
From: topshop.com
Price: $40

 Right
From: Alloy
 Price: $44.90

Mocha, olive, and light gray are three winter colors that always look feminine and elegant. The ruched dress on the left is the perfect length, accentuates the curves, and has flattering sleeves and a v-neck cut. Accesorize with mocha-colored jewelry and black heels. The dress from Alloy is very flowy, but not slouchy. The ribbon draws in the waist, and the long sleeves create a bohemian feel. Wear with black or gray tights, heels or knee-length boots, and silver accessories.

Whichever style you choose for your New Year's celebration, make sure you wear your dress with confidence and add your own personal flair, and you will be sure to dazzle your way into 2011. Bonne Année!