Hit or Miss?: Leggings as Pants

Along with the resurgence of 80's fashion last year came the re-birth of leggings. Leggings look cute under shirts or dresses that would look whore-ish without them, so thank goodness for that. However, is it a fashion offense to wear those leggings without a shirt to cover your booty?

The answer is yes! Wearing this trend is officially a fashion felony. At first, I was debating this because I figured that skinny people might be able to get away with wearing this look. However, after seeing people on the street wearing tights as pants I realized that nobody needs to be that exposed. Also, the look just isn't flattering - thick, skinny, medium... just no. Especially not $60 pant-leggings (peggings?). Extra especially not velvet, pleather and sequined ones.

The Verdict?

[Ensemble of the Week]: Edgy Brights

This week's ensemble is bright and fun, with a definite dark edge to it. It's perfect for a casual day out on the town, but you can transition it into an evening club look because of the bold accessories. This look definitely makes a statement! It includes a Forever 21 top and Wet Seal jeans with a Chanel bag. It goes to show that you can mix and match super cheap pieces with some splurge-worthy accessories for an overall expensive look!

Rihanna in the bright denim look.

This look includes the bright denim trend that has been hot this season. Celebs like Rihanna, Fergie and Jada Pinkett-Smith have been spotted wearing this trend. However, trends aren't everything so make this look your own by adding unique accessories!

[TB Exclusive]: Backstage @ Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami

On Friday, July 18, 2008, South Beach witnessed one of the first star-studded events during the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim - the Shay Todd 2009 Swim Collection Fashion Show, held at the luxurious Setai Hotel.

It was one of the most humid and steamy nights I have ever experienced in my 21 years in Miami. If I was wearing my glasses, they would have fogged up! However, the Miami heat was extremely appropriate for the blazing hot swimwear that was strutted down the pool-turned-runway.

This event was my first time backstage or anywhere near a real fashion show (I'm not counting college fashion shows). There was that little board that celebs take pics in front of and everything (check out my pic below)!

I was sooo excited, but had to tone it down to keep up appearances and try to blend in as a fashionista who was accustomed to such glamorous events. This was an extremely hard task because it seemed like the glamourous life, which I previously only lived vicariously through The Fabulous Life and America's Next Top Model, was unveiled before my very eyes. I was on a keen alert for things to report back to you!

Read more for the scoop, fashions and celeb sightings at the Shay Todd show!

Shay Todd is an up-and-coming swimwear designer who has shown her work on several runway shows, the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Issue and several other publications. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan and more are fans of her sexy, modern designs.

I got to work with Shay and see her amazing designs up close. Her swimwear and cover-ups are not for the shy and probably not meant for swimming! They are perfect for lounging and looking fab by the pool. It screams Miami. Everything I saw was perfect for the glamourous side of SOBE.

Backstage at the show was a crowded and hectic scene! I stood there like a sponge, taking in everything that was going on, trying to pick up some exclusive backstage info.

Ridiculously tall models, publicists, event staff, hairstylists, Smashbox makeup artists and dressers milled around making final preparations for the event. Cameras from Entertainment show, Extra, were there interviewing the designer herself.

As the fashion show was about to begin, it was very hectic. Final touches were done to hair and makeup and we all helped the models get into their first looks. They rocked long ponytail extensions and glamorous bronze makeup, courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics. As the music began to pulse, the show began. It went by very quickly. It was probably only 20-30 minutes long, but it was worth the wait. I'm sure the audience was wowed by the utter fabulousness of the clothing.

After the show, all kinds of people ran backstage to congratulate Shay. I spotted several celebs, including Richie Rich (of design duo Heatherette), Kristin Cavallari (from Laguna Beach) and Meagan Goode.

Overall, it was a great time! I hope I can go to some more events! Fashion shows are amazing and I can see why they are frequented by celebs! Even the gift bags are awesome. I got one filled with Nivea and Smashbox products! Look out for some reviews on those coming soon!

Since this is the collection for next Resort & Cruise season, I got the heads up on swimwear trends for 2009!

• Cut-outs still rule for one-pieces



• Swimwear with grown-up ruffles are in



• Bikinis with lots of hardware are also in



• Get away from plain beach bags, and look for one that is embellished and glamorous



• Look for cover-ups in sheer, gauzy cotton material with cute details



• Simple rules! - Plain colors such as green, lavender, white and black are classics that are coming back



• Go for big, gold accessories!
  

Look out for exclusive backstage beauty tips coming VERY soon to TB. Also, I'll be adding more pics from the show soon!

[We Set the Trends]: Fall 2008 Outerwear

In the dead heat of summer, I'm sure that the ABSOLUTE last thing on your mind is a sweater. However, it pays to start looking for your Fall wardrobe now. For one, you will save money buying off-season clothing (those always-in-style coats and jackets) in outlet stores. Also, you will be able to spot the hottest pieces before everyone is already wearing them IF you start looking now.

There is nothing I hate more than when I have been eye-ing a piece that I think is unique, only to find that a few months later everyone and their MOM (literally) is wearing it! I know you can relate. However, shopping ahead of season, YOU can be recognized as the trendsetter that you are. Read more for some hot looks to hop on that will keep you warm in the winter (when it comes).





1. The classic coat REMIXED






Diane Von Furstenburg Fall 2008 RTW








Milly (Nordstrom)




















Coffee Shop, on sale now for $64.90 at Nordstrom for their Anniversary Sale


A nice coat can really jazz up anything that you wear. You could wear a garbage bag, but if you had on a fab coat, I bet you'd probably look like you were trying to make a statement rather than just looking crazy. Well, maybe not quite, but coats definitely up your style points. The classic coat remixed for 2008 has a spin - texture. Textured and patterned coats automatically give you a richer look.


2. Bomber Jackets



















Bebe, $259




















Hotkiss, $44.90 at Nordstrom


Bomber jackets are awesome because they give you an automatic edge when you wear them. They keep you warm, but also give you a bad-ass, Angelina Jolie in Wanted persona, even if only for a couple of days!


3. Not Your Grandma's Sweaters



















Kensie, $64.90 at Nordstrom






















L.A.M.B., $245 at Nordstrom





















Jack BB Dakota, $35.90 at Nordstrom

I don't know about you, but I have a mild obsession with sweaters in all styles and colors. The latest sweaters are not the typical sweaters or cardigans that you're used to wearing. The new silhouette is one that is longer, patterned or chunky. You can wear a different style for every different mood you're in!



Take these looks and use them as inspiration the next time you go to the mall. Look out for these new styles and silhouettes because they are guaranteed fire for the upcoming fall season! Happy trendsetting!

[Product Junkie]: Neon-Bright Nails

'Tis the season to wear bold, bright colors! All of the new summer nail polish collections from OPI, Essie, Chanel and more feature the latest trend - neon brights. Rihanna was the first celebrity to start wearing daring nail colors such as bright orange, green, blue, yellow and fuchsia. However, now the entire world is catching on.

The other day, I was browsing through my new favorite haunt - Ulta - and I stopped at the nail polish section. I needed sunglasses, those polishes were so bright! I love bright colors, but I just can't see myself with bright yellow nails...

I was, however, drawn to fuchsia and the other hot pink shades. Fuchsia nail polish looks great on all skin tones, and will still give you the look that's hot this summer.

These are some of my favorite shades of pink/fuchsia that I saw and tried on in the store. From left to right, they are: Essie, "Bachelorette Bash"; Essie, "Short Shorts"; OPI, "Dutch Tulips"; OPI, "La Paz-itively Hot"; OPI, "Fuschia Fever"; OPI, "I'm Indi-a Mood for Love"; and Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in "Cherry Nice."

TIP: When you wear bright nail polish, make sure to wear a base coat and a topcoat to keep your manicure looking fresh. There is nothing worse than neon nail polish that's chipped up! There is definitely no hiding that...

What are your favorite nail polish shades?

[Ensemble of The Week]: Sass & the City

I call this look... Mix & Match: "Sass & the City"

I put together a mash up of designer accessories and a Forever XXI dress, with a dash of Claire's Accessories jewelry. Click on the picture for more details about where to buy everything.

Trend Watch: "Tuxedo" dresses (when the bodice is white and the skirt is black, or another color) are the latest silhouette that top designers are using. There is a very similar style that is new to Nordstrom, by Shoshanna, that looks exactly like this dress, but is WAY more expensive!)

[Ensemble of the Week]: ATTENTION Shop-a-Holics!

TB has a new feature!

Ensemble of the Week=
This is where I put together outfits that are a mix of cheap and chic. Prices range anywhere from $5 to a couple hundred for these pieces. However, I'm going to try to find things that are affordable yet stylish. Basically, I put together fab, unique outfits and tell you where to buy everything! These aren't celebrity inspired. They just come from the style whims of moi. Enjoy!

TREND ALERT:

• Bright colors
• Bold patterns

Where to Buy:

[1] Geometric Chiffon Dress by Forever XXI, $24.80, [2] Martinez Valero 'Camila' Sandal, $126.95, [3] Juicy Couture Classic Leather 'Free Style' Shoulder Bag , $395, [4] Color Trimmed Bangles, $7.90 by Forever XXI, [5] Heart Leaf Earrings by Forever XXI, $5.80, [6] Ray Aviators, $7.90 by Forever XXI

I would love to know...

Where would you wear an outfit like this?

[Shoe Fiend]: The Shoes of Summer V.1

The long, cold days of Winter are dwindling and transforming into sunny, yet cool Spring afternoons (where I live at least). It's time to start putting those boots back in your closet and wearing some sandals. I have loved gladiator sandals for years, and it turns out that they are now one of the biggest trends of Summer 2008. I found several options with many different styles. Enjoy!





Nine West, $79


Sam Edelman, $84 (Nordstrom)



Lanvin, $545



Tory Burch, $275 (Nordstrom)



All of these options are not the most affordable, but a girl can dream, can't she?