Sunshine Colors, Not Muted
Add a little sunshine to your life with a burst of citrus yellow.
Yellow is not for the timid or fashion weary, but even a dash of citrus
yellow in your wardrobe will brighten a gloomy Monday morning or hump
day commute. A silk scarf with hints of yellow, a citrus yellow
handbag, or a citrus yellow shirt peering though an unbuttoned white
cardigan will delight all who spot you. (Which will be everyone you
pass.)

Hybrids, Not Clunkers
Tread lightly with a pair of hybrid flats.
Trade in clunky low-heeled shoes and last season's flats for a pair of
shoes that combines the soft comfort of a flat and an ankle boot with
the strength of a gladiator style sandal. Flats can be stylish, and
demand as much attention as the next shoe.

Chic Flannel Lounge Wear
Give him back his extra-large t-shirt or his flannel PJ's and get your
own, please. Flannel lounge wear made for women can be feminine in
color and in design, with prints that include cats or floral prints.

Quilted not Puffy
Coats, not toilet paper. Toilet paper can be both. For style in an instant, grab a quilted winter coat
in the morning, and you can be warm and stylish. A quilted coat has
subtle threading, and because of the vertical movements of the lines on
the quilts, the eye is drawn all over the coat, without resting on any
one spot. This visual trick of quilting flatters any figure

Tie Me Up Tie Me Down
Laces are not just just for nighttime. Laced boots, laced ankle boots,
laced pumps and any other shoe which can be adorned with faux or real
laces is primed and ready for some tie me up, tie me down action.
Lacing on shoes, when it exceeds a certain length is instantly
provocative.

Indian Summer Boots, Not Gladiator Sandals
Ease the pain of parting with gladiator sandals this fall with a pair of open-toed, slouchy boots. The ruched details give these flat boots a warrior edge, so you won't feel completely lost without your sandals. Plus, you can still display your pretty pedicure.

Slip-Free!
This is not about your choice of fall undergarments, but about your footwear. Fashion mavens no longer have to choose between being looking good and treading safely. The latest fashion boots provide no-slip protection with tread on the bottom, and all fashion on the top. Fall boots with treads will help you trod over wet leaves without worrying about falling, and you will be prepared for that first surprise snow storm which sneaks up on you.

Seeing Red, Not Pink
Our collective fashion love affair with pink is coming to an end. Warm red replaces pink, on lips, on dresses, purses and shoes. The proliferation of all things 1940s brings us a warm red lipstick color, splashed across the fashion spectrum.

Curvy, Not Square Hobos
The ever-popular Hobo back is getting into a new shape. Seek out half-moon shaped bags with contrasting handles. These new hobos are more defined, less slouchy, smaller and yes, cuter than their larger counterparts.

Not Your Little Girl's Rain Boots
Only some people can pull off wearing the color yellow near their face. If you adore the color yellow and want to wear it in a flattering and grown up way, a pair of heeled yellow rain boots may be for you.

Asymmetrical, Not Balanced
Take the Grecian theme to a new level, with an asymmetrical dress. You may have two great shoulders, but showing only one, while the other is covered is both classical and futuristic. You'll look like a Grecian-infused Goddess with a Star Trek flair in the one-shoulder top. Pair it with a matching pair of leggings and a pair of purple boots.

Streamlined Sweaters, Not Clunky
Forget last year's bulky sweaters with larger-than-life triangle collars and buttons worthy of an elementary school bulletin board. Opt instead for a sleek and streamlined cardigan. Rather than a torso shortening collar, this fall's cardigan lengthens you with long columnar draping in the front, ideal for pairing with your favorite leggings.

Monochromatic, Not Complementary
Make your mornings easier and pick out a monochromatic outfit one or two days this week. Dress from head to toe in one hue, from earrings to shoes, and revel in the accolades and approving nods. The color does not have to be a citron or red, but try something other than black.

Ethnic Prints not Factory Shapes
Get rooted with ethnic prints in your wardrobe. Replace your favorite plaid with prints resembling woven fabric.

Over the Knee Not Under
If you were floored by the high knee-grazing boots of seasons past, you will love the new over-the-knee boots. Pull off the look with a pair of warm velvet over-the-knee stockings, or embrace the look with thigh high boots. The key to wearing over-the-knee boots gracefully and with style is choose a pair of flat, neutral colored boots. It's okay to wear with a short skirt or dress, but arms and decolletage should be covered up. Let the attention fall to the boots and your legs.

Squares over Rectangles
Going back to elementary school for a moment, opt for square-shaped, compact handbags over rectangular ones.

Dark Lenses, Not Rose Colored Glasses
You can still look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but only proverbially. For hip eye wear, choose the sunglasses with strong frames, worn by movie fashion icons from Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s to Tom Cruise in the 1980s. Don't worry, though, you can still match them to your outfit thanks to Wayfarer's new colored frames.

Belted Coats not Loose Coats
Your transitional season coat should be belted, buttoned and rest mid-thigh, perfect for wearing with your favorite skirt or leggings and to protect you from cool Autumn breezes.

Black is the New Silver
We all love the little black dress, our black heels and our black skirts, but what color are your accessories? Black is in, from black bangles to beaded black necklaces, black accessories are making the grade this fall.

The appeal of black jewelry is that the shapes and designs can be intricate and heavy, and because they are black and not a bright color, they look chic not gaudy. Necklaces of 20 or more beaded strands or large pendants in black work with office attire, rocker chic club wear and casual tops with jeans.

Pre-Layered Separates
Easy layers are being created on separates, and layering your own is now optional. Skirts and dresses, in shell, ivory and silvery grays are layers of chiffon or tulle, and flower petal-like shapes, giving outfits volume without adding the bulky layer of separates. Even handbags are being designed with bold and layered flaps and thick and visible seams.

Vertical, Not Horizontal
It would be a dream if designers would abandon the horizontal stripe altogether, but for now fashionable women can continue to embrace the vertical lines created by draped fabric on tops, heavily pleated skirts, and column-like dresses.

Loosen Up with a Long Tank
A low scoop shirt with a racer back creates a subtle vertical line. A loose, light gray tank with a comfortable, airy fit is a must for the end of summer and fall. You don't have to worry about anyone trying to count your ab muscles in these comfortable tops, and you will forgive yourself for the morning croissant and skipped workout. Wear these tops as is, sleeveless, with jeans or dress it up with a skirt.

Emphasize feminine hips with a flattering tapering on the bottom of the shirt. Or wear a low belt on a long tank top, and add a white top underneath, with long sleeves, for a casual work outfit. For a day of shopping, wear the long tank with a pair of tights and some comfortable shoes.

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.

Airport Frump to Airport Trump
Be comfortable and chic while flying this summer. Trade in sneakers for comfortable and stylish sandals that let your feet breathe. Save the sweatpants for the gym and don a pair of shiny leggings and over-sized t-shirt. Wear a blazer or cardigan to keep you warm in flight, or to roll up and use as a pillow.

Watercolors, Not Waterproof
Trade in the day's bathing suit for a watercolor print dress, to go frolicking on the town with your sun glow. Watercolor print dresses look like they were lifted from Claude Monet, Matisse and Georgia O'Keeffe. This whimsical swirl of a dress could have been lifted from a Raoul Dufy canvas. Iris blues, fuchsias and teal flower print dresses and and skirts make a flirty statement.

Overdone to Undone
The best looks right now and going into fall are simple. A crisp white shirt, denim bottoms and a pair of black shoes is all you need. Consider an over-sized men's shirt and denim shorts.

Pre-Fall, Not Summer

Leg Warmers
You just got comfy in your shorts and sandals, but are you ready for the pre-fall season? Legs are your best accessory for the pre-fall season and leg warmers, tight, like leggings, will help you transition from summer to fall this year.

Hand-less Gloves
Cover arms in the same way with wrist to elbow gloves, and consider Kim Kardashian's one-glove wearing ensemble a tribute to the late Michael Jackson, and not the start of a trend. Stick with the same color as the leg warmers, although a different fabric and texture is encouraged. Wear the leg warmers and hand-less gloves together with your favorite short skirt outfit.

One Awesome Pair of Jeans, not Five
One pair of awesome jeans can get you through the rest of summer and into fall. Want the cropped look but love your boot leg or slightly flared jeans? Cuff them up the same way Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba do. When the weather cools, roll those cuffs back down.

Brighten up your style with a bold mini, studs, new booties and combination of metallics for a new look.

Bright Bottoms not Neutral Skirts
There is a certain sports drink company known for its black and white commercials featuring the products in color. This same look, featuring a brightly colored miniskirt and neutral top and accessories is au courant. Pair a cute and colorful mini, in a solid color or a pattern with gray, black, white or tan shoes, top and bag. Keep jewelry neutral rather than using colors from the skirt.

Sculptured Shoulders not Bare
A more sculptured shoulder padding is back from the past, specifically the 1980s. More emphasis will be on shoulder and upper arm portion of jackets and tops, with less design at the midsection than has been seen in recent fashion seasons.

Get Your Booties On
A pair of booties will balance out the boulder shoulder look, giving women a new reason to buy this season's bootie styles. New booties come in faux animal materials. Faux booties are also being seen on pumps with bootie-like backs.

Studs on Clothes, Not on Arms
Gals, leave the boy toys at home and wear studs on your clothes instead. Studded clothing brings a rocker edge to any look. Studs are popping up on jeans, jackets, purses and shoes. Studded shoes are available in heels for an extra burst of attitude, or opt for a more subtle edge with studded flats.

Silver and Gold Together
Rather than fret over the silver vs. gold as an accessory choice, the new choice to make is both. Find accessories made with both gold and silver colors. Metallics are not out yet, but it is time to mix them up in new ways. Try bronze with silver, or pewter and gold. Remember, all that shines is not real gold, it could be faux and you will look just as fashionable.

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.
silk_pants
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.

"Stacking" is a re-emerging fashion trend in jewelry. Every other decade, it becomes popular again. What is it? Stacking is the layering of bracelets. If done right, stacking can liven up an otherwise dull outfit. If done wrong, stacking can make the wearer look like a bag lady. So, what are the rules surrounding this trend?
The rules for stacking jewelry are simple. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do them. They are:

Rule #1: Stay in the same color family.
Don't mix and match colors if plan on layering your bracelets. Even if it seems like a good idea, too many colored bracelets will overpower an outfit. So, instead of looking chic, you'll look cheap.

Rule #2: Wear ethnic materials together.
Many ethnic bracelets are created with wood. Because of the texture and pattern, they don't mix well with gold or silver. Therefore, you should stack them together. Be sure your earrings match them as well.

Rule #3: Treat pearl bracelets as neutrals.
Pearl bracelets can be used as neutrals when you stack gold or even silver bracelets. Here's how to do it. Layer on two or three pairs of gold (or silver) bracelets and then slide on a pearl bracelet. (Be sure they match in size.) The pearl bracelet will help accentuate all of the other ones (bracelets) you are wearing.

Rule #4: Mix bangles with chains.
By mixing bangles with chain bracelets, you will add texture to your stacked jewelry. The contrast of a smooth bangle with a linked bangle will add more sophistication to your look.

Rule #5: Stack bracelets with watches.
You've seen (and admired) this look before, but nine times out of ten haven't tried it. To liven up a bland watch, add a similar bracelet to it. This mix works best with "skinny" gold or silver watches. Stack bracelets behind the watch or on either sides as bookends.

Follow these stacking rules and you'll brighten up your wardrobe. You will also be able to take advantage of a fashion trend that is cross-generational.

Have you picked out your Easter bonnet yet? Okay. Quit laughing. I know you're too old to wear one of those. Yet, you probably already are starting to fret over what you'll wear on Easter Sunday. Don't worry. Your feelings are natural. Easter elicits one of the biggest turnouts at church, almost like a fashion show.

To say that people try to dress their best on Easter Sunday is an understatement. Most people will pull out their best duds whether it's a pair of Levis or a three-piece suit. Sometimes it's a hit. Other times it's a miss. So what are the rules? What shouldn't you wear on Easter Sunday?

The rules for Easter Sunday are simple. You should dress in clothing that suits your pocket book, crowd and you. Here's what I mean. Don't wear:

• Expensive clothing you'll be paying off for the next two years. Remember, your reason for attending an Easter Sunday service is spiritual - not fleshly. So you don't have to treat it like a fashion show.

• Don't over dress for your crowd. If you attend a church where people dress casually, you'll stand out like a beacon in a couture dress and big hat. Keep it simple and focus more on attending service with a clean heart.

• Select Easter colors that flatter you. Let's face it. Everyone doesn't look good in pink or pastels. So, there's nothing wrong with wearing navy blue if it makes you look good. Also, if you're not used to wearing dresses, don't do it on Easter. Go for a pants suit or even a skirt. It'll help you be more comfortable and attentive during service.

These three tidbits are what you need to know about dressing for success on Easter Sunday. Just remember the day really isn't about clothes.

In life, I am sure of only a few things. One, the line at the Department of Motor Vehicles will always be long. Two, taxes are as inescapable as death. And three, what you wear to court really makes a difference in your sentencing. How am I sure of the last point? I know it from watching Judge Judy.

For those of you living under a rock, Judge Judy is a television show about people who've filed law suits against each other because of an actual (or perceived) wrongdoing. If you watch it for only a short period of time, you know that certain people automatically set themselves up to lose by the way they dress. Judge Judy rarely sees past a poorly dressed plaintiff. Therefore, it's important to know what NOT to wear to court so you can possibly win your case. Below is a handy list for those of you who like to stay in trouble.

When Headed to Court, Don't Wear:

1. Dirty clothing - even the dirtiest people know how to clean themselves up for a special event. You should consider going to court as one and dress up in clean clothing as a sign of respect.
2. Bright suits - Easter is one of the few days that a bright suit is appropriate. So, when selecting a suit for court, go dark. Navy blues and blacks give you a somber appearance, which help build your credibility.
3. Seductive clothing - court is not the place to show the world how grown and sexy you are. Therefore, leave your hot pants, mini-skirts and tight jeans in the closet. Instead, wear the most conservative outfit you own to court and show the judge you are serious.
4. T-shirts with statements - t-shirts with statements about rapper Tupac or Elvis aren't appropriate for any court room. So, if you plan on wearing a t-shirt, wear a plain one. Remember, the only statement you want to make when you stand before the judge is that you are innocent.

By following these four suggestions, you should give yourself a fighting chance in court. Then, as a free man or woman, you'll be able to work with the rest of us on shortening the line at the DMV.

We see it every year - celebrities - walking the red carpet and wearing the wrong thing. What was the latest fiasco? It was the Grammy Awards. John Mayer wore a black Kung Fu suit. Lisa Rinna showed up looking like a Las Vegas show girl. And singer Duffy wore an ill-fitted, dowdy black dress that looked like her grandmother made it. With all of the money these celebs make, you'd think they'd be able to dress appropriately for a gala affair. Yet, the reason why they ALL can't do it is because they are just like us; they don't know what not to wear at a red carpet event because they rarely dress up.

Unless you are born in some obscure area as a prince or princess, you probably rarely dress up in formal attire. As a result, you don't have a clue about what NOT to wear at a red carpet event. Just like a celebrity, only a poorly received outfit will alert you to you to your fashion faux pas. Of course, then, it's too late. So, in order to avoid an embarrassing situation, here is some help. Below are 3 things you shouldn't wear to a red carpet event:

• Outfits that haven't been custom fitted

Whether you have a body shaped like a duck or a bathing suit model, formal clothing needs to be fitted to your form. Take any outfit you plan on wearing to a seamstress.

• Large, overpowering accessories

Don't use a red carpet event as a way to wear all of your garish jewelry. Keep it simple and elegant. Wear only one signature piece. If you go further than that, you'll look over accessorized.

• Tennis shoes and other oddities

Only Jerry Seinfeld and a few popular rappers can get away with wearing tennis shoes and other odd things to a red carpet event. The rest of us have to take it more seriously and wear formal attire. Keep this in mind and go for classic attire, colors and cuts.

Follow these three suggestions and you'll walk any red carpet event with style.

If being neutral was a crime, some of you'd be in prison for life. Yes, I am talking about you. You are the person who buys everything in tan, cream or brown so you ALWAYS fit in and match. You probably are ecstatic now because you found out through that neutral is the new trend. However, before you start doing flips, learn the rules.

Yes, there are rules that apply to dressing in neutral. These rules are designed to help you use all of the colors that fit in this category to your advantage. They will help you avoid looking bland and washed out. So, ready to learn them? Here they are:

Mix Up Your Neutrals
Forget about buying tan in the same color and mixing it all together. This look will guarantee that no one ever notices you. Who are these no ones? They are your boss, significant other and any store clerk at Macy's. So mix it up! Wear creams with tans and make each neutral color stand out.

Add Splashes of Color
Add bright colors accessories or tops or bottoms with your neutrals. It will help bring out their color and liven up your outfit. Which colors should you go for? Think of orange, pink, yellow and blue. With a neutral offset, you can get away with wearing almost any color.

Go for Crisp Material
One of the worst things in the world to see is a pair of wrinkled, tan pants. The dullness of the color alone makes the outfit look worse. So, don't do this. Iron out your neutral clothing or buy material that doesn't wrinkle. This way you'll avoid looking like a haphazard professor.

If you follow these rules, the neutral you wear will work for you. You will look smart and stylish.

His name was David and I was intrigued by him. Why? Everything about David was perfect to me from his mind, style and swagger. As a result, when Valentine's Day rolled around, I wanted everything to be perfect. The only problem was I didn't know what to wear.

Not knowing what to wear on Valentine's Day is a common problem for most women. Even the most fashion savvy woman can get confused on this holiday. It has a lot to do with jitters and not knowing what the night holds. What should a gal do in order to look good on one of the most romantic days of the year? Here are a few tips:

Tip #1: Go with a splash of red
Forget about looking like a big red apple unless red is TRULY your color. Wear a red blouse, red rose or pair of red pumps. Then, mix it all in with other less bright colors. The red you wear should only accentuate your look - not overpower it.

Tip #2: Stay true to your dating style
If you and your beau go bowling every Saturday night, don't dress up in a ballroom gown on Valentine's Day. Unless you both plan on going out to a fancy dinner, stick to your usual dating style. Make whatever you wear special by spraying on a bit of perfume or wearing a red heart pin.

Tip #3: Keep it simple if you do dress up
Ever heard of the expression "too much of a good thing"? Meditate on it as you pick out your outfit for Valentine's Day. Outfits that include lots of hearts or red polka dots coupled with matching earrings and shoes look ridiculous. Therefore, select one signature piece to honor the day and keep everything else low key.

If you use these three tips, you will look fabulous on Valentine's Day. As for me, my Valentine's Day dilemma was solved with a snappy jean outfit and red t-shirt. It looked great together. Plus, David really loved it, which is all that really mattered anyway.

We used to call him "Mr. 1980's." Who? Me and the other folks at my old job. "Mr. 1980's" was our boss and from head to toe, he emulated everything that was fashionable in the year 1980. (Bill Cosby sweaters and all.) The only problem with this was that it was 2003!

It's been a while since I've seen my old boss, but one thing is for sure - he isn't the only person in America trapped in a fashion time warp. This trap is a common one that many people fall into, which keeps them looking old and out of step. If you're in a similar trap, you are sporting clothes that make you look like a perfect candidate for the TV show "What NOT to Wear." So, it's time for a change. Check out the following statements and rethink your wardrobe if you say any of them on a regular basis.

"Purple is my favorite color."
Yes. Purple is your favorite color, which is why people call you "Barney" and "Grape Ape" behind your back. It's time to expand the colors in your closet and break up the monotony. Understand that every color in a rainbow is beautiful and it's okay to wear more than one of them on your back.

"I can't find anything to wear in the store."
Really? Today, there are stores that cater to every size, shape and budget. So, there really isn't any excuse for you to walk around looking like a mess. If you hate to shop, get online and buy your clothes. You can kill two birds with one stone. You can find the clothes you like to wear with just the push of a button and avoid the crowds in the mall at the same time.

"I'm still the same size I was in high school."
No you're not. You are two sizes bigger, and you know it. Be honest with yourself and buy larger clothes. Your clothes will hang better, and you will finally be able to get rid of the elastic lines across your stomach. Also, clothes that fit tend to make you look smaller - and we all know you're the kind of person who doesn't want to look fat.

Did you see yourself in any of these statements? If so, change your words and clothes and then step into a more fashionable future.