LOOKS I LOVE...eccentric nails!

    
     Back in the day (a few years ago), the basic french manicure was IN IN IN with the occasional red, pink, or berry colored lacquer. Paying more money than you would to apply a color to nails with the french was the trend that few dared to stray away from...until the world was introduced to three of my many new favorite nail shades-neon yellow, grey steel, and black. No, you do not (and should not) have to wear them together. No need to worry about looking like a bumblebee. That look is not in style (yet), thank goodness!
     Your fingernails are an extra accessory that should always be done up! Lost your million-dollar diamond collection? No problem (only with regards to this of course ;))! Bring the bling by slapping some Chanel Le Vernis Steel lacquer onto your nails. This and Chanel's Le Vernis Black Satin lacquer will emphasize any colors in your outfit that you would like to bring out. China Glaze's Celtic Sun lacquer looks INCREDIBLE when contrasted with a black outfit or black accessories. Opposites bring out the best in each other (I learned that in english class with foils!) and these gorgeous nail colors should be used to electrify any woman's nail experience!

Looking back...

       I know Spring 2011 lines are out but I just would love to give myself the opportunity to obsess (maybe just a few more times) over yet ANOTHER exceptionally done Fall 2010 line-Derek Lam's. He gives basic a whole new definition and defies the laws of simplistic design with this collection. The variation he provides with just a few textures and fabrics is to an unbelievable extent! Another aspect of this line I love is how he incorporated the use of leathers and suedes into skirts and tops as opposed to its more common application to jackets, shoes, and SOMETIMES pants (hello Versace Fall 2010!). I realize that actually wearing the full image of an animal is coming into style now, but for my taste, I believe that if you choose to wear any animal at all this season, THIS should be the way you do it!

What ever happened to...BACKlaces?

       Whatever happened to backlaces, anyways? We saw them on the red carpet a few times and then they apparently slid off of shoulder blades everywhere and down into the dust! With all the low back dress cuts on the market, I see no reason why these guys can't find a comfortable place on a woman's back. I think necklaces that hang on both sides would be a popular trend, but we need someone to make them first to see if my speculation has some truth to it!
       You think backlaces are a little uncomfortable? Well, I'm sure necklaces were just as uncomfortable when they first made their debut on the backs of some cromagons (I think that's about right ;))! Though this trend may take a little getting used to, I say bring out the backlaces!

LOOKS LIKE...we're headed for the return of the Oompa Loompas...but this time in color!

Notice the eyebrows? How could you not!  Out the ordinary, pastel-colored eyebrows are apparently "in" this season and are sported by these Balenciaga models at his Spring 2011 runway show (willingly??). 

ATTENTION OOMPA LOOMPAS...your trend has officially been ripped off. Your oddly miscolored eyebrows are no longer safe; copyright your orange skin before someone steals that as well! Whacky eyebrows have jumped out of Willy Wonka's magical world and into another ridiculously quirky universe-the fashion world. These fellas just might have a place in Balenciaga's Spring 2011 runway shows (Unemployment after the chocolate factory closed? Taken care of.).

I believe hair should remain a neutral accessory to any outfit. Sometimes, outfits need a bit of grounding to be pulled of in a classy way. Rule of thumb-keep the detail to items NOT naturally being grown on your body.

LOOKS I LIKE...half moon manicures (yes, they do have a name!)

Though I haven't been able to try this look on myself, I LOVE this wildly popular runway nail trend. It is a chic alternative to the more conservative french manicure and has proven to be much more versatile. Instead of just one color or a neutral shade being used, these half moon manicures sometimes incorporate two colors to add a modern spice to an outfit. In this specific look, black and white were used to emphasize the color pop accessory worn. Looks like your nails are on the wrong end, you say? Well, as crazy as runway designers are, maybe backwards nails are exactly what we need right now!

I WANT...studded heels

Just as studs and hardware are "in" on clothing, they are even "inner" on shoes and accessories! These two shoes are favorites of mine that I have gotten the oh-so-sought-after opportunity to witness IN PERSON. Sam Edelman makes gorgeously daring AND publicly accessible shoes that give every fashionista a chance to wear runway trends. BCBG has these subtly studded babies marked down to just over a hundred dollars (not bad considering what they were before!). Either of these pairs would load any goin' out girl with extra confidence and also provide her with necessary equipment for defense in case of a date that might have gone TERRIBLY haywire (comes with a matching pepper spray). Wear any all black or multicolored ensemble with these kicks and you've got yourself a killer outfit...literally and figuratively of course!

LOOKS I LOVE...body-con craziness!

I've been sketching designs since I was in middle school and finally discovered TODAY that there was one aspect  I ALWAYS included and took special consideration to-making body-con, curve conscious everything! The silhouettes of my designs were always form fitting-my detail came into the fabrics, patterns, cutouts, and stitching of the clothing. In the Herve Leger Fall 2010 line, my sketches came to life without Hervé L. Leroux himself even asking me (just kidding, of course!)! The intricacy in these dresses is unbelievable-geometry, in its absolute best, was used to make these creations  come to life. I believe dresses such as the ones above are empowering and command a positive energy. They are extraordinarily flattering and outline the natural shape of WOMAN. Many other designers focus on unique silhouettes and layering to make their line absolutely distinct but one thing I love about Hervé L. Leroux is that he is all about the detail layered on top of a beautiful, body-con anything!