Bring Back Bohemian

A dress from Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2008 Couture Collection

Nicole Richie, Chanel Iman and Angela Simmons bring Boho-chic back!

The 70's were a liberating time. We just don't see that kind of freedom of expression anymore. That is until this summer! Jean Paul Gaultier, ever the free thinker, was ahead of the game on the runway. His Spring 2008 Couture collection was filled with tributes to the decade of debauchery. Think flowing chiffon, busy prints and oversized clothing. Even Victoria's Secret is getting in on the act. Check out this Printed Caftan Dress on sale for $79 available at www.victoriassecret.com. If this trend is feeling far too retro for you, at least consider wrapping a scarf around your forehead like Ms. Simmons above. Paired with this summer's must-have long dress, the look is both deliciously modern and delightfully vintage.

High Drama!

A look from Bill Blass’ Fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection

Chanel Iman (in 3.1 Philip Lim), Eve (in Emanuel Ungaro) and Eva Longoria (in Marchesa) stop traffic in their dramatic outfits.

It’s not enough to just walk into a room looking fabulous. Nowadays your outfit has to shout it from the rooftops! The classic black dress is all good and well but when you really want to make a show, opt for something theatrical. Many of the Fall/Winter 2008 collections during New York Fashion Week were filled with high-neck collars, fanciful frills and dreamy chiffon ruffles. Bill Blass’ collection, for example, is the epitome of dramatic flair though if you’re not too sure you can get away with such an exuberant entrance look to Victoria Beckham and Charlize Theron who took this look to the streets. Try this Sheer Ruffle top by Wetseal.com. For those of you who love the attention, take a leaf out of Chanel Iman, Eva Longoria and Eve’s style books. They definitely know how to put on a show.

Gingham Anyone?

Ashanti at a recent appearance at 106 & Park.

Veronica Webb, Genevieve Jones and Amerie pose in their gingham frocks.

This summer go things a little different. While most will seek out floral and print summer dresses, opt for bold gingham instead. At first glance it can seem like an awkward fabric choice but if you get the right dress, the pattern really lends itself to the perfect summer frock. If you're worried you'll end up looking like a picnic table cloth, go for a smaller gingham print like Ashanti. Either way you're sure to stand out from the crowd. Don't believe me? Well, check out this picture of Veronica Webb during Fashion Week in New York. Tres chic!

Frills and All...

Dress: "Black Halo" Cami Dress in Black/White, $345, www.PinkMascara.com (Also available at Shop Intuition)

Jennifer Hudson, Kevin Liles’ guest Robin and Tocarra of ANTM arrive in style.

Trend Alert: What do you get when you mix one high-waisted pencil skirt, one frilly white shirt and a killer belt? How about a hot red carpet look that doesn’t require flashing inches of skin. Though the pencil skirt has been around since the beginning of time, teaming it with a crisp, frilly shirt gives it a distinct, new edge. The rigid, straight lines of the skirt look amazing against the soft ruffles of the shirt. The item I picked above is by the designer “Black Halo.” Since a full-sleeved shirt can allude to office wear, this sleeves option can transition seamlessly from the work day to evening cocktails! Add either a thin or thick statement belt and your ready for a red carpet worthy entrance of your own.

Note: Check out the same "Black Halo" dress in grey - Gorgeous!

Waist Deep

Grey Ant’s Fall 2007 collection featured plenty of high-waisted pants.

Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Kelis are already on to this trend. Not sure what Kelis was thinking though with those Aladdin pants :(

Trend Alert: Forget high-waisted jeans, trousers are the victim of this latest trend. Perfect for the office, the high-waist teamed with a tucked in white wifebeater or crisp shirt make this trend classic and simple. Now if you have no waist this look isn’t best for you. The contrast between the nipped in waist and hips is what makes this look really pop. Never fear, regular waisted pants are still in fashion and I think no one should dare wear high-waisted pants that aren’t flared. Check out Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez for inspiration… Kelis is in a world of her own. Only she could get away with those pants!

Fuchsia Baby!

Bow Bandeau Taffeta Dress, $130, www.oasis-stores.com

Left to right: Margherita Missoni wearing Giambattista Valli, Dita von Teese and a model wearing Giambattista Valli, Spring 2007.

U.K. ladies I urge you to take of your stiletto heels and run to Oasis. When you get there buy this bright pink, taffeta number. Perfect for spring/summer, this color will make you the belle of any ball. Gianbattista Valli showed vibrant, silk organza dresses in his Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection. I also adore the strapless dress Dita von Teese wore over a simple black t-shirt during fashion week. I’m looking for a U.S. equivalent so if you see one shoot me an email!

The Midas Touch

A dress from MaxMara’s Spring 2007 Ready-to-Wear.

Thandie Newton, Sienna Miller (in Burberry Prorsum) and Kelly Rowland shine on the red carpet.

Trend Alert: Gold-plated dresses. MaxMara’s Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection was all about the metallic, sack dress and while I felt the designers over stated their point, celebrities have taken a style cue from the fashion house and sprinkled a little gold dust into their lives. Admittedly a luxurious gold dress similar to Thandie, Sienna or Kelly’s will set you back a couple of hundred (or even thousand dollars) but you can look equally glam with a great bag or pair of shoes.

Note: See previous ‘Trend Alert.’

Mellow Yellow

A dress from the Versace Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection.
Trend Prediction: Yellow dresses. I know it’s a little early to be yearning for Spring but when it arrives be a bright young thing and invest in a stunning yellow dress. I usually don’t like Paris Hilton’s style but I adore the dress she wore to Fox’s TCA party last year – it makes me feel like shift dresses were made for the color yellow. Reese’s gorgeous, strapless dress is by Nina Ricci. Pairing it with red heels was genius. Most fashion sites are naming Reese as their best dressed woman at Monday night's Golden Globes. I think half the fun of wearing canary yellow is finding the right accessories, they are so many possibilities! And as if you needed any more encouragement notice how great yellow looks on darker skin tones (see Garcelle).

Note: See the last Trend Alert: Tight Fix.

To Bang or Not to Bang?!

Kelly working the hell outta those bangs front row at the Luca Luca runway show during New York Fashion week.
Are Mya and Rihanna taking this trend too far? Nelly Furtado on the other hand looks great and knows it!

Trend Alert: Ridiculously long bangs. I’m talking eyeball skimming bangs. Bangs that hang so low you’re forced to ask for assistance when crossing the street… Are we feeling them? I personally think they look great, but I’m guessing they are awfully uncomfortable. Kelly Rowland has this style down pat, they’re not too thick or long, but Alicia Keys’ bangs in the “Yay or Nay” post below are completely impractical. I think I’ll definitely try wearing this style at least once in by life, but I’ll avoid wearing them so thick like Rihanna and Mya’s… They took it too far!

Note: Check out the last hairstyle trend here.

Tight Fix...

Etro's runway show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007.
Stella McCartney, Joy Bryant and Golden Brooks all jump on the tights bandwagon.

Trend Alert: Opaque black tights under dresses. I think we may be on to something. Milan Fashion Week has seen many-a-designer send their models down the runway wearing thick black tights; it was a staple at Etro’s show, however I personally haven’t donned a pair since high school! A great advantage about this look is that you can continue to wear your favorite short skirts and dresses through the winter months and the tights add a more modest and sophisticated edge to your look. One piece of advice… carry an extra pair with you, a run in your stockings is NEVER a good look. ;)

Scissor Happy?!

Cheri Dennis at her Album Listening Party in April of this year
Rihanna, Kelis and Victoria Beckham all recently told their stylist's to go wild!

Can someone explain to me what's up with this new asymmetric hair style I keep seeing?... It's very odd! I think only Rihanna gets away with it and Kelis is just being, well Kelis! Victoria has since reverted back to her long 'weave' and Cheri Dennis you're really taking it too far... It looks like your hair stylist was MAD about something! What do you all think?...

Update: I just saw a pic of Fefe Dobson with this cut... Yikes! What happened to her anyway?

I Think I'll Pass!...

Malinda Williams arriving at the premiere of "Get Rich Or Die Tryin''
Jessica Simpson, Gabrielle Union and Nicole Richie are all channeling 'Alice in Wonderland' with this look

I haven't worn a headband since I was six! Behind my ears would always ache after wearing one for an hour, but I digress... It seems i'm the last one to catch on to this trend and even though I don't think i'll purchase one myself, I thought i'd spotlight the trend for those of you out there who are feeling them :) Shout-outs to Malinda Williams who is such a cutie!

It's a Wrap!

Singer Joy Denalane loving her look for the day!
Tracee Ellis Ross, Meagan Good and Alicia Keys all dress up their look with scarves

People always ask me where I buy my scarves from (I have over 20!), but i've stopped splashing out on silk scarves that cost $25. Instead I go to my local fabric store and buy remnants of fabric for dirt cheap or you can go to stores such as Wal-mart, Walgreens and Target and rummage through their sales bins!! Scarves change your whole look and are low-maintenance; so those days when I really can't be bothered to do anything with my hair I wrap it up!! See the ladies above for inspiration... :)