Fashion mavens say brown is the new black, or maybe it's pink this year, who knows? But one thing is always certain: every stylish woman needs at least one versatile little black dress in her wardrobe, a dress that can go anywhere with the right accessories.

Start with a sleeveless black "Samba" dress from Lole. Take it to the office by adding a great jacket, and stay work-focused in Tantra shoes by JUMP in black with stylish cut-outs and a cute little bow. For that essential burst of color, try a doctor bag from Carlos Falchi in orange. If you want to add just a hint of the wild, add an animal bangle watch from Pedre Watch.

Switch into a casual mode by slipping on a yellow tee from Fitzwell Allison under the dress, or not, depending on your mood. But do wear darling red sandals by Annie, comfortable enough for shopping or afternoon tea, and carry the party with you with a fiesta-look South of the Border tote from Betseyville Handbags. For a glint of gold at your ear, add sophisticated large hoop earrings in polished gold from Sheila Faji.

Turn the dress into perfect date wear easily. Dress up with Jelissa2 pumps from GUESS in gold leather. Add more gold with a Franchi pleated clutch with room for the essentials, like keys, wallet, and lipstick, and so much style it might explode. Swap the hoops for something luxurious, like "Just Lilly" fleur de lis gold earrings from Just Cavalli. Wrap it all up with an Italian linen wrap that doubles as a scarf from Love Quotes in confetti; a snazzy name for a snazzy fuchsia shade to make your outfit stand out.

It's amazing what one little black dress can do. Fashionistas, put your mind to it, and I'm sure you can come up with even more looks all by yourselves.

Oversized tote bags are a necessary addition to any summer ensemble, but you can pull off a more pulled-together look with the help of a bucket bag. Bucket bags are the roomy, semi-casual bags designed for the woman-on-the-go, and unlike totes, these bags are usually made with patent leather, thick canvas and supersoft leather that will stand the test of time. You can carry these bags when wearing a casual summer dress or your crops and khakis this season; they're one of the most versatile accessories for the season.

If you're thinking about investing in an oversized bag this summer, consider some of these must-have bucket bags for the season:

1. Coated canvas bag. This Kate Spade Kiawah Bag is a great addition to your weekend ensemble with its large handles and weaved pattern. This eye-catching bag features a platform base with small feet for extra protection when you set it down, and can be used for hauling magazines across the pool deck, rounding up some goods at the Farmer's Market, or just for carrying around on your next shopping trip.

2. Soft leather bag. Trade your hobo or tote for a sensibly-sized bucket bag made with soft leather. Celebrate summer with a bag that's pink, orange, turquoise or green for some extra attention. These bags are just the right size for carrying your novel, wallet, iPod and sunglasses, and for making a fashion statement in the process.

3. Printed shoulder bag. If you're looking for a seasonal tote-style bag for everyday use, stick with the clean and crisp style of a Dooney & Bourke Bag that holds your personal technology device, sunglasses, magazines and wallet with ease. These bags are designed with thick fabric and leather trim, and are great for weekends trekking across town on your errand-run.

Bucket bags are a great way to show off some fresh new styles and colors this season, and balance out your summer wardrobe. These bags are available in both miniature and extra-large sizes, so you can find the perfect match for replacing your tote, shoulder bag or hobo this season.

Whether you're meeting with corporate executives in the boardroom or attending a VIP meeting offsite, you'll need to dress for the occasion. Here are some important tips for putting together your work ensemble for the big day ahead:

1. Head to the tailor. If you plan on wearing an expensive suit or a fancy dress for the meeting, make sure everything fits just right. Head to the tailor to make sure the lengths of the blazer are perfect, and that the dress is of an appropriate length. The small investment will be well worth it, because you'll feel more confident and relaxed in your outfit when it fits you properly.

2. Stick with the basics. Avoid wearing too many colors and flashy prints, even if it's just for accessorizing. Maintain a polished and professional look by sticking with neutrals - preferably black and white. You can always accessorize with a colorful scarf or a bold colored bag, but avoid wearing anything that will attract too much attention.

3. Bring out the skinny heels or pumps. Avoid wearing any open-toed shoes or fashion-forward styles with embellishments, fringe or anything that doesn't fit the 'classic' mold. Your best bet for an important meeting is a pair of skinny heels or pumps with a thin heel (no platforms) in black or dark brown, depending on your outfit.

4. Wear a blazer. If you're not wearing a suit, you should still wear some type of jacket or blazer over your blouse or top to create a more professional look. Make sure this matches perfectly with your skirt or pants, and have it tailored (see #1) to achieve the perfect fit.

5. Accessorize with simple jewelry. A set of pearls, small silver or gold stud earrings, diamond or cubic zirconia bracelets, and other classic pieces of jewelry are the most appropriate selections for the polished, professional business look. Even if you're used to wearing flashy, oversized and trendy jewelry with your office attire during the week, the VIP meeting calls for something a little more simple and elegant. When in doubt, stick with the basics!

Dressing appropriately for the VIP meeting is just as important as being on time and delivering your best presentation. Take the time to put together the right outfit so you can make a lasting impression!

When you start seeing back to school sales, you know that fall is not far behind. If you have started shopping for your fall wardrobe and you want to be in with the runway fashion trends you definitely need to look for items that are hot pink. Now, you may be questioning, hot pink for fall? When you usually think of fall, you think of more subtle and neutral colors, but for whatever reason the runways were full of hot pink colors for the fall 2009 season.

You should not be afraid of the hot pink fashion trend. You really can wear hot pink and pull it off, as it can look good on all skin tones. When you think of hot pink, you may be thinking of the 80's neon pink shirts and leggings that you used to have. That is your first problem, the hot pink colors of today are much more sophisticated and glamorous than the neon pink of the 80's. If you are still hesitant about wearing hot pink, then try out the trend with smaller accessories first. A hot pink accented bracelet may be your first item and then you can work your way up to a pink handbag or hot pink shoes. A hot pink handbag and shoes go awesome with a little black dress for the fall.

If you are more daring and really want to get into this fall fashion trend, then try a pink jacket, dress, or a blouse. Celebrities are already getting into the hot pink trend as Heidi Klum was seen wearing a hot pink suit (before she was pregnant) and Blake Lively just recently wore a hot pink strapless dress to an award event this month.

When you do wear a hot pink dress or even a coat, remember to keep the rest of your look simple. This means your makeup should be simple and natural and your jewelry should be classic and not clash with your outfit.

Go for bold this fall and think pink when shopping!

Hot summer days call for loose fitting clothing with minimal coverage, which is why one of this season's hottest trends is the "boyfriend short." Denim is often avoided when temperatures are hot and humidity is high, but thankfully this summer's must-have is comfortable enough to keep you feeling (and looking) cool.

Offered in a variety of different washes, boyfriend shorts have the same distinct look. The look is ripped, torn, and often vintage-washed and can be detailed with rolled cuffs (although they can be rolled down to your liking). And although the fit is slightly oversized and much looser than your typical pair of denim, these destroyed shorts have a casual laid back look that's still sexy and strangely appealing.

The Hurley 51 YC Boyfriend Denim Short is the perfect pair; they have a great wash and are cut to a great length while being reasonably priced at $60. However, if you're willing to spend a little more on a pair of shorts that look like they've been purchased in a consignment shop, then splurge on AG Adriano Goldschmied's Ex-Boyfriend Short for $187. They're the closest thing to vintage authenticity with a new wash process that guarantees no two pairs will be alike.

The greatest thing about boyfriend shorts is their versatility to dress down or dress up. On a lazy day, they're perfect bottoms to a t-shirt and a cute pair of gladiator sandals. Then take your shorts from day to night by throwing on some trendy accessories, a fitted jacket and a pair of sexy stilettos.

However you plan to wear your boyfriend shorts you can rest assure you'll feel stylish and fabulous. You can choose to purchase a pair that's already been distressed or get the creative urge to purchase denim shorts and freely rip, tear and bleach them yourself; just make sure your not borrowing your boyfriend's actual shorts!

Sporty and fashion-forward Gwen Stefani and classic fashion experimenter Gwyneth Paltrow offer women two distinctive fashion models to emulate. Both Gwen and Gwyneth are fashion risk-takers, and their personal choices pay off for them, on the red carpet, or while enjoying casual family time.

Breaking the Rules
Gwen and Gwyneth can break the rules and wear bone white shoes anytime of the year. Both of these fashion icons could wear the same shoes and build an outfit around them that would be uniquely their own. Gwen Stefani could choose her favorite black and white combination, or a patriotic red, white and blue outfit. She's also known to go glam, and these shoes would add the right amount of Hollywood femininity to her harder-edged outfits.

Travel in Style
You know Gwen Stefani isn't trying to shove all her make up and accessories in some boring purse or overnight bag, so why should you? You don't have to be a rock star to appreciate a cute rocking Hurley Top Forty Make Up/Train Case to store your overnight accessories, ideal for a sleepover or weekend getaway.

Gwyneth Rocks the Dress
Nobody rocks dresses with more elegance and class than Gwyneth Paltrow. Even when she pushes the fashion envelope, in a white dress with black lacy trim resembling lingerie, or opts for an electric blue and silver number, she always looks completely confident and happening.

Staples for Gwen and Gwyneth
Both women are equally comfortable-looking and chic in leather coats or cozy cardigans. These fashionable moms layer their cardigans with dresses or casual wear when taking their little ones out and about. They both also know how to jazz up an outfit with one bright color piece, from a bag to a pair of boots.

Rock your own wardrobe staples, like Gwen and Gwyneth.

Before you know it, fall will be upon us, so I figured we should start looking at some of the fall runway fashion trends. For the fall 2009 season it appears that there is no shortage of prints for clothing and accessories. We are talking about just about every print imaginable for fall clothing.

The fall runways consisted of geometric, plaid, floral, paisley, and animal prints. This fall season should be anything but boring when it comes to your clothing. Everything from shoes to blouses can have some sort of print or pattern on them. Now, this doesn't mean that you would wear a plaid shirt with a floral skirt, but the runways did see prints intermixed and used together in the same outfit. If you do choose to mix prints, remember to keep one piece of the outfit a subtle print that is almost like a neutral and the other piece could be a louder print, giving the outfit a flare.

Some people avoid printed and patterned clothes like the plague, but that does not have to be the case. It is possible to wear a print and for it to be flattering on you. There are plenty of clothing pieces for the fall that are white and black printed or brown and cream printed. If you want to be more subtle in your clothing and flatter your figure, you can easily stick to these more neutral and less loud prints. They draw less attention to your body, which many women tend to want to do.

Printed clothing can also be flattering in that it can draw the eye away from trouble spots on your body. If you don't your stomach, you can easily use a print to draw attention away from your stomach and to a feature that you do like such as your face or even your legs. The key to this is to find a dress or shirt that does not have a print around the stomach area but has some sort of print or design at the neckline or the bottom of the dress. This draws a person's attention away from your stomach to the areas where the pattern is.

If you are interested in following the runway fashion trends, then you definitely want to add printed blouses, shoes, dresses, skirts and even handbags to your fall collection.

If you work in an office that adheres to a business casual or professional dress code, selecting the right types of shoes for every ensemble can be a bit of a challenge. How do you find the perfect balance between heel height, comfort and style? While some office mavens can get away with platform pumps and stiletto heels, your feet and legs may not be in prime shape to tackle the stairs and long trek across the building in a pair of skinny heels. However, there are some ways to stay comfortable in high heels, like with Mary Janes and kitten heels for those long days that you're on your feet.

If you choose to wear stiletto pumps or another style of skinny heel, consider adding a few gel pads for extra support on the ball of your foot. The balls of your feet absorb most of the pressure from wearing those extra-high heels, and if you plan on trotting around on them for over an hour, the extra support will prevent foot pain and soreness.

When you're wearing kitten heels, consider wearing a thin no-show sock so that your feet aren't slipping out of the shoe easily. Kitten heels are a great, classy alternative to the standard pump for the office, but they can feel like a pair of sandals if they're not cut very high. Wearing a thin pair of socks with these shoes can make the shoe much more comfortable and will prevent your foot from slipping out.

If you decide to wear a pair of booties with a high heel for the day, make sure you've practiced walking up stairs and on elevated floors with them. Booties and boots will constrict your ankles, which means you can't climb very easily. If you know you're going to be tackling escalators or flights of stairs during the day, make sure you're comfortable making the climb in these constrictive shoes.

Mary Jane pumps are great for the office, but even a platform shoe or a thick heel can put some pressure on the balls of your feet and calves. Wear some padded insoles or gel support cushions if you plan on wearing tight leather shoes for several hours so you can get the support you need.

Finding the shoe that fits for your office ensembles can take time. Make sure the heels you choose can provide the comfort and support you need to get through those long days that you'll be on your feet.

Here's a peak at tomorrow's fashion trends, today.

Cropping the Shirt
The long-waisted shirt may be seeing its end as cropped shirts make their way back onto the fashion scene. The waist will be emphasized again, with cute cropped tops and waist-emphasizing wraps and shrugs.

Meet the Browns
Move over gray, the brown family is here. Earth hues continue to dominate all aspects of color in our lives, from couches Coaches (yes, Coach bags), from carpeting to peep toe boots. Brown is also the color of the day for make up. Neutral eye shadows, natural to nude lips, with un-fussy eyebrows and center parts add to the natural look for Fall 2009. Non-chalance, carefree hair will soften the more harder-edge look of biker chic clothing.

1920s to 1950s
The Depression-era and 1920s vintage touches recently found in clothing will give way to more 1950s, Hitchcockian styles. The 1920s are still being used by some designers, in a modern way, including Alberta Ferretti, the more optimistic yet restrained clothing of the 1950s, are also making the scene.

On the Fringe
Fringe will continue to shake its way around women's fashion. Fringe is reminiscent of the 1920s and the 1960s.

Sweet Petite
There's no reason to be swimming in his jeans or to wear jeans that are not the right length. Expect to see more petite jeans made for women under 5'4" that fit a petite woman's figure.

Hats off to Hats, Not Scarves
Those long layers of scarves we've been wearing, even in the heat and humidity may have to go. Fun and bright hats are preferable, and add a sense of whimsy to an otherwise serious world.

Warming up to Red
The must-have fashion accessory right now is warm red. Warm red is cropping up in designer handbags, shoes and women's ready-to-wear clothing. The red is empowering enough for women, yet subtle enough for the boardroom.

This summer there are trends galore. One new fashion trend that has recently emerged amidst the jumpers and neon pieces of the Spring 2009 runway is beaded tops and dresses. Drew Barrymore, Mischa Barton and Iman all wore gowns with beading to recent red carpet events. Beading can provide a wonderful and personalized look for formal or casual occasions. Beading can be of any color, heavily or lightly interwoven into many types of fabric, in one place or in several different spots. In many cases, it also saves you the need to overload on accessories since the beading of the piece is an accessory in itself!

If you're looking to wear this trend in a more casual way, paired with denim capris or white summer pants, try a beautifully beaded top. A wide variety of beading styles can be found in beaded tops. Sometimes, if you're lucky, designers will combine trends. For instance, a bright coral shade is combined perfectly with defined "choker" style beading on the Ella Moss Caribbean Top in Flamingo ($183). Choker-style beading on a top or gown draws attention to the face and diminishes the need for other jewelry (although, in some cases, it may still be appropriate). A beaded halter with similar styling is the Type Z Kate's Halter in Mustard ($71.10). This top has smaller beads followed by larger wooden beads at the base of the neckline, creating the illusion that the top and accessory are fused.

Beaded gowns can also range from casual to formal, and everywhere in between. Dresses like the Roxy Famous Dress in White ($50.50) with beading at the straps and waist, can be worn to a barbeque, a beach party or even to the mall. A formal but exquisitely beautiful dress that combines the beaded and brilliantly colored trends is the Robert Rodriguez Twist Neck Embroidered Dress ($435). Bright pink in color, this dress has flowing floral beading down the front.

Beading has always been popular, but it has become more mainstream with its recent resurgence as a trend, allowing more and more women to enjoy its beauty and fashion benefits.

Staying in style all the time is nearly impossible to do since fashion changes on a seasonal basis. However, if you create your own style you won't be such a slave to fashion trends. If you are interested in creating a look that is uniquely you, then all you have to do is add a few signature pieces to your basic wardrobe. These purchases will add color, patterns and style to your wardrobe that will turn a basic outfit into a stylish outfit that is so "you."

Adding Color to Your Wardrobe
The first way that you can enhance your wardrobe and create your own style is to select signature colors. For example, if you enjoy the color turquoise then you can select accent clothing pieces and accessories that are made in this color. The goal here is to select a color that is complimentary to your skin and hair tones and that will make basic outfits pop. You will also want to select seasonal clothing items in your signature color so that you can be "you" all year round.

Adding Patterns to Your Wardrobe
Another simple way to enhance the style of your wardrobe is to add clothing items that have unique patterns. You can select a floral pattern or a geometrical pattern. A few of these pattern pieces can be used to enhance the interest of the outfits that you put together. For example, you can enhance the visual appeal of a basic black suite by adding a patterned camisole or a patterned shirt under the jacket. You can also use patterned leggings or socks to add a touch of interest to an all business outfit.

Vintage, Contemporary or Futuristic
The third way you can enhance the look of your wardrobe is to select a style that you enjoy. This style can be vintage, contemporary or futuristic. After selecting a style that you like and that looks good on your body you will find a few pieces from that style to weave into your wardrobe. These pieces can be mixed and matched with your basic wardrobe items to create all new stylish outfits.

This year the spring trends are all about the throwback to 1980's pop culture and fashion, when stylish clothes were bright and fun. Along with the bright colors and fun jumpers, shirts and dresses in brightly colored, funky patterns are making a comeback of their own. Whether it's a tee, tank, halter or simple summer dress, the bolder and more individual the pattern the better. Here are a few great examples to get you started on your 80's inspired look.

For those of you who are new to this trend, it's a good idea to start wherever you feel comfortable. You can test this trend out for yourself with a funky pattern on a favorite standby: the summer tank top. One perfect piece is the Custo Barcelona Sveta Turquoise Tank ($171). This tank is incredibly gorgeous and features beautiful black, blue, purple and turquoise hyacinth-like blooms in a bright and beguiling pattern. Another super-trendy top that is sure to get you noticed is the Apple Bottoms Printed Strapped Back Keyhole Fashion Top ($51), in eye-catching tropical shades of red, green, blue, yellow, orange and black. If you're a little more rock'n'roll and you want to test the waters with a funky, rock-inspired tee, you'll definitely want to check out the Custo Barcelona Hokie Berge ($81), a seemingly dichotomous mix of a purple and black rock print with a central pattern of orange, red and white.

This trend is easy for anyone to incorporate into their spring and summer wardrobes, and it's oh-so-easy as the brightly colored piece does all of the work for you! Just throw on your favorite pair of shorts or jeans, a cute pair of shoes, some funky jewelry and you're at the top of your game for the beach, the pool or anywhere else this season takes you.

Fringe Boots not Snow Boots
The practice of wearing winter accessories trends -- think scarves, winter hats -- in any weather continues, as knee-high fringe boots stomp onto the fashion scene. Winter hats and scarves have become fashion staples, even in warm climates. Fringe boots can be worn with shorts or skirts. These are not fringe boots with a line of fringe down the back of a Western-style boot a la Sloan in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. These are full-fringe, suede boots covered with layers of fringe.

Soft Shorts, not Hot Shorts
Put away the snug shorts and opt for a pair of softer shorts with fabric that drapes gently and does not constrict. Pair these with your favorite dressy tanks tucked into the shorts. Or wear a fitted shirt belted around the waist. The comfortable and dressy shorts help you be chic and maintain modesty at the next outdoor cocktail party, where you may find yourself sitting on low lawn chairs.

Look for shorts with pleats, of a similar length to a mini-skirt, fabricated in cotton blends or silk. These soft shorts are loose around the thigh.

Men's Silk PJ Pants, not Leggings
Let your skin breathe with a pair of loose, pajama-inspired silky pants. Women's fashions are borrowing from his wardrobe, again. Men's silk pajama tops can be worn with embellished skirts, or tailored shorts. This is not the peek-a-boo lingerie top style of the 90s. This look is about comfort and leisure. Wear a pair of satin pants, your favorite sandals and a fitted t-shirt or tank for shopping, a trip to the salon or a leisurely day of sipping iced tea on the sun porch with friends.
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Safari
The animal print trend expands into full-fledged safari gear. Animal prints become more subtle and quieter. Neutral safari colors including taupe and moss green become chic when paired with a black and white leopard blouse or thin zebra belt.

Nothing is more annoying than commuting in the rain or snow. Trying to balance your cellphone, handbag and morning coffee is bad enough - add an umbrella into the mix and it's absolute torture. Spending a whole work day in soaking wet clothes or shoes is never fun, and it's also really terrible for your wardrobe. A thorough soaking can ruin delicate shoes, stain pant cuffs and shrink wool sweaters. Even if your shoes aren't destroyed by the rain or snow, you definitely run the risk of creating a smelly situation that renders good shoes unwearable.

The solution? Well, everyone knows not to wear nice shoes in wet weather - so the conventional wisdom is to carry your nice shoes for work and wear an ugly old pair instead. However, no fashionista wants to spend half her day in hideous footwear. So, smart designers have found an alternative solution to the problem that is not only practical but totally fashionable as well: funky, fabulous rubber rain boots.

These protective boots can be found in a variety of price ranges but tend to be quite inexpensive - I picked up a pair recently for under $20. They are available in literally hundreds of colors, patterns and styles, so you can express yourself to your heart's content without breaking the bank. Most styles are wide enough at the top to allow you to stuff your pant legs inside the boot, giving extra protection against salty or muddy sidewalks (this is also a boon for gals with wider-than-average calves).

Invest in a pair of rain boots and umbrella that match both your winter coats and spring/fall jackets, and you're fashionably set for any type of weather. Rain boots are also a great item to borrow and lend if you want to change up your look for a day. Because these boots are somewhat oversized anyway, exact fit isn't really that important, so you can swap with your girlfriends even if they're a half size smaller or larger than you.

There are a couple of classic celebrity fashion trends that seem to never go out of style. In fact, these fashion trends are classic looks for just about anybody.

The first classic celebrity fashion trend is the black pencil skirt. There is no way that you can go wrong with a black pencil skirt. You can go for the professional look and pair it with a fitted blouse that you tuck in like Jessica Alba did. Or you can go a little bit sexier and pair it with a low-cut top like Lindsay Lohan did. A variation on this classic fashion trend is to choose a pencil skirt that has a really high waist, tuck in the shirt and put a wide belt around the waist. This is the most popular way celebrities are wearing this fashion trend now.

Another classic celebrity fashion trend is tweed trousers. Some people may think of tweed trousers for older woman, but that is not the case. Tweed trousers can be sophisticated but also add some style to a boring outfit. Celebrities such as Katie Holmes and Liv Tyler have been spotted a couple of times wearing tweed trousers, and they are not old. They make the pants look stylish yet put together. They key to wearing tweed trousers is to keep the look young. Make sure the trousers fit well and pair them with a stylish top or jacket. Add some funky jewelry to glam up the outfit.

Lastly, printed blouses are another classic celebrity fashion trend. The print on the blouse can be anything from floral to polka dots, like this one from Just Cavalli. The main thing to remember with this fashion trend is to only wear the print on the blouse and pair it with something simple on the bottom like black dress pants or jeans. Choose a feminine blouse that adds some charm to your outfit. Celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Vanessa Hudgens and Nicole Kidman are big supporters of printed blouses.