New Accessory Trends

Bigger is better when it comes to jewelry right now. Bib necklaces are all the rage. I especially like fiber art jewelry because it's warm and comfortable. Metal jewelry is so cold in the winter! brrrr

Street Chic

I'm loving the ways all of these outfits were pieced together. What's hot? mixed prints, funky stockings, larges scarves, vests

Don't forget to have fun with fashion. If you're not having fun, then what's the point? :)

Images from Elle

What do I want for Christmas?

The BOYFRIEND Blazer, of course!

I didn't pay much attention when i first heard the phrase "boyfriend blazer." I've been noticing it with a new 80s twist with rolled up sleeves. I absolutely adore it! The blazer has always been a must have in my closet. I love layering it with dresses, jeans and a shirt, etc. It adds a polished, yet carefree finish to any outfit.

NOTE: Macy's has a fairly inexpensive version $49.50 by Style & Co.

St. Lucia Day

December 13 was St. Lucia Day. I first heard of this day when I was a child reading my American Girl Kirsten books. It's a Swedish custom, the first born daughter puts on a white gown, wears a wreath with candles on her head and wakes her family with a tray of sweets before dawn. This tradition came about because December is the darkest time of the year and it is thought that Lucifer will come and get you on this night. So people celebrate St. Lucia by throwing parties and people sing and dance all night long. Another essential part of this day is baking St. Lucia buns! These buns have been on my mind for years. I always wanted to make them, so finally this year my mother and I baked them! The buns were so adorable (I never thought I'd describe a baked good this way, but they were!). It felt like Kirsten's story was coming to life in my kitchen. They were quite delicious too. Since you might have missed celebrating St. Lucia day I recommend baking the buns for Christmas.

Designing for the Changing Seasons

This was the first ad I designed to focus on a few different specials.

I designed some black friday ads. It was a challenge trying to get in the Christmas mode in early November, but I rose to the occasion. Thinking ahead seasonally is essential as a designer, so I'm getting used to it. Once you start thinking ahead it becomes exciting...looking forward to next season's events (ie: Right now I'm thinking spring and it's really helping me get through the winter). For inspiration I looked at trends in black friday ads, then I blasted some rockin' Christmas music. I thought about my favorite Christmas movies like the Polar Express. My favorite part about Christmas movies are how people come together as a community during this magical time. My design has a Disney-esque whimsical quality.

Can humans change?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” - Albert Einstein

Think about this quote for a moment. Do we really learn from our mistakes? or do we just imagine this is true until the same temptation looks us straight in the face and we buckle once again. How do you move on from mistakes and really learn from them? When I think about this quote I imagine Homer Simpson when he would step on the rake and it would hit his head, then he would continue to step on it. Doh! Doh! Doh! When do we ignolidge that hurt? How many times does it take? 5? 10? 20? 100? Why do we think it will be better this time? This time is different. We are all guilty of this with one thing or another.
Can we change?

Are the trends this winter for YOU?

***Fashion Trends for Autumn 2009 - Winter 2010*** thigh high boots, capes & cloaks, see-through clothing, leather, ripped jeans and military fashion

Trends of course are not meant for everybody. Trends, like art are supposed to be extreme and push the boundaries of how we think about the world around us. Trends pave the way of tomorrow.

When you're a teenager it's more acceptable to try all the trends...sometimes even in one outfit! oh my! As you get older you develop your own style; you have likes and dislikes from years of following trends (or avoiding trends). The key is analyzing the trends, understanding them and adding one element to your wardrobe to freshen things up.

Every woman should dress to compliment her own body shape and skin tone. I recommend the book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson. Yes, it's from the 80's, but its lessons are timeless. The most important thing about personal fashion is it should make you feel good. What makes one woman feel confident and strong may make another woman feel miserable. Don't forget the phrase, "look good feel better." Take trends as a mere suggestion and follow your instincts.