On Trend: Hardware

Okay, everyone, I'm really excited about this one. The rockstar vibe is slowly making a comeback into fashion with each passing season, and with it an extra addition of metal and leather details to all of our favorite products. In my personal opinion, this can either be overdone (too dominatrix-y) or just right, adding a bit of structure and visual interest to everything from handbags to apparel (and yes, even swimwear).

Now as far as handbags are concerned, the more grommets, studs, and buckles, the better. The following are just a few of my favorite new designs.

This great clutch by Botkier is perfect for a night out. Just add skinny jeans and a fun top and you've got all the rockstar cred you need!

Botkier Studio Clutch, $395, Tobi

Another favorite from Botkier, this is definitely a daytime version of the hardware trend. An otherwise simple bag spiced up with a belt and some buckles. Nice!

Botkier Stevie Hobo Bag, $475, Tobi

This cute clutch by Gustto in a great statement color- yellow- with some extra metal details to set it off.

Gustto Ciosa Clutch Bag, $220, Tobi

As far as apparel, GoJane has a great day-to-night dress with that certain rockstar quality.

Large Stud Tube Dress, $30, GoJane

And in the world of high-end, Pencey delivers these very versatile pants with a little hardware added in the form of front zippers in a contrasting color.

Pencey Detention Pant, $248, shopbop

[I've gotta find a less expensive alternative to those pants. They are to DIE for!! Any suggestions?]

By the way, loyal readers, I've been having some issues getting these postings scheduled, so this one's a bit late. sorry!

On Trend: Asymmetrical

It looks like the new twist for '09 on everything from casual tops to cocktail dresses to swim wear is the asymmetrical. And I'm talking about everything, from simple one-shoulder tops to drastic hemlines to wacky prints. Fortunately, no matter what your style, you can find some little piece of this trend to spice up your wardrobe.

For day, there are some great printed tops at all price ranges.

Parker Print One Shoulder Top, $141, shopbop

And if one-shoulder isn't your thing, Urban Outfitters has a funky printed tank with an asymmetrical hemline that would go great over skinny jeans.

Printed Exaggerated Hi/Low Hem Tank, $32, Urban Outfitters

If it's still a little chilly where you are, this cardigan by Pencey has an on-trend asymmetrical hem and is great for layering over just about anything.

Pencey Poverty Wrap Cardigan, $379, shopbop

For evening, Shopbop has a few different options. First, Black Halo's on-trend take on the LBD.

Black Halo Split Shoulder Mini Dress, $345, shopbop

There's also a great Grecian-style number by LaROK,

LaROK Layered Borderline Mini Dress, $248, shopbop

and my personal favorite, a draped jersey one-shoulder dress by Robert Rodriguez.

Robert Rodriguez Draped Asymmetrical Dress, $374, shopbop

Swim wear isn't even immune to the one-shoulder trend.

Zimmermann Honey Rider Tarzan Bikini, $220, shopbop

Now, my advice to you is to pick one or two of these items and work them in as staples for everyday. The printed tops can easily be worn under a slick blazer to tone them down and at the same time add just a pop of color to your office wardrobe.

Since this post was a long one, you might not hear from me for a couple days. I want to see a lot of comments on here when i get back!

The Perfect Swimsuit: Get 'em before they're gone!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted in over a week! Am I slacking or what?

Well, as many of you are aware, it's spring break for us college kids, and unfortunately for me, Kansas has been battered with rain all week, which pretty much killed my lake plans. But, my pain can be your gain, because this unfortunate circumstance has made me look forward even more to summer, and you know what that means! The quest for the perfect swimsuit.

As with most seasonal merchandise, swimsuits appear in stores waaay before they naturally should (late winter for most major retailers), and oftentimes we can get lulled into a false sense of security and think we have plenty of time to shop. However, my experience has shown that if you start shopping now, in early- to mid-spring, more of the season's hottest merchandise will be readily available to you.

And already there are a few basic trends emerging for Summer '07 swimwear. Bandeau tops and one-pieces are becoming increasingly popular this season, and now more than ever the biggest trends for spring are reflecting themselves in this summer's swimwear.

The updated one-piece is no longer for old ladies. It's getting a sexy makeover with cutout details and embellishments, such as nautical themed one from Tommy Hilfiger:

Tommy Hilfiger Nautic Suit, $95, www.shoptommy.com

Bandeau tops are reflecting this season's colorblock trend, giving them a bit more edge. My favorite? This beach-ready number from Brette Sandler:

photo: shopbop

The two hottest swimsuit design themes this summer by far are stripes and nautical, or ocean-inspired prints.

Salinas Wide Stripe Halter Top, $55, Urban Outfitters; and Wet Seal Solid Anchor Triangle Top, $19.50, Wet Seal

Victoria's Secret is taking it up a notch and incorporating this spring's revival of large florals with this sexy halter swimsuit. (I'm actually thinking about buying this one!)

Beach Sexy Floral Halter Top and String Bottom, $42 and $38, VictoriasSecret.com

And there you have it. I may do a follow-up to this a bit closer to summer, but this will definitely give you something to think about as we embrace the warmer wearther and you start envisioning yourself doing your favorite summer activities. (and of course you'll be doing them in style in these hot new swimsuits!)