As in years past, 2007 delivered a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows in the realm of fashion. Some styles made us laugh, some made us cry - but when all was said and done, it was all fabulous fun (not to mention it was an exceptionally good year for budget fashion lovers everywhere!) We took an informal poll of some friends and family, and here's what they had to say about the best and worst fashion and beauty trends of the past year (scroll down to check out our list)...

The Best Fashion Trends in 2007
1. The Dress
2. Natural looking makeup; Mineral makeup
3. Eco-friendly fashion
4. Purple
5. Great GO Designers for Target
6. The clutch
7. Patent leather
8. Flats
9. Bangs
10. Sequins
11. Return to stylish modesty (ultra-low rise jeans were out, menswear-inspired fashion and higher waist jeans were in)
12. Twelve by Twelve from Forever 21
13. Christian Louboutin knock-offs
14. Oversized handbags
15. Simply Vera for Kohl's
16. The sweaterdress
17. Metallics
18. iPods & accessories
19. Headbands
20. Statement coats

The Worst Fashion Trends in 2007
1. Celebrity fashion lines
2. Celebrities sans underwear
3. Leggings (we like them but we're in the minority)
3. Pajamas as streetwear
4. Writing on the seat of pants
5. Velour tracksuits (when will they go away!?)
6. Crocs (except for kids)
7. Bold head-to-toe prints
8. Imitation UGGs
9. Skulls on EVERYTHING
10. The word "fugly"
11. Skinny jeans on the not-so-skinny
12. Louis Vuitton knock-offs
13. Wide Belts worn tightly under ample bosoms
14. Turbans
15. Small dogs as accesorries
16. Orange fake-n-bake
17. Accessorizing with your Starbucks beverage
18. Flip-flops with legwarmers
19. Designer cellphones
20. Manis and pedis for men

Pantone, Inc., the leading provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected Blue Iris as the color of the year for 2008, saying the purple-blue hue best represents color direction for fashion, cosmetics and home products.

From Pantone.com: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement. … As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays."


From left to right: Spring 2008 looks from Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci, Jil Sander as featured on NYTimes.com

While this press-seeking decision will hardly influence how we dress - or even how designers design - we love the idea of an annual color coronation. Different hues impact each of us in such varied emotional ways. The colors we choose to wear say so much about the person wearing them. And as an artist, colors are undeniably more important than words. While we typically lean towards warmer hues on the color wheel, we embrace this opportunity to reflect on this beautiful, cool shade and see how it plays out in the coming months.


Blue Iris is a dominant hue in one of our favorite paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Irises, Oil on Canvas, 1889

Forever 21 has a new feature on their website called "Find My Look" which shows you how to mix-and-match apparel and accessories to create fresh new outfits. Updated every couple days, this section is sure to become a spot you visit often, especially if you're a loyal Forever 21 customer - it's pretty addictive!


In addition to giving shoppers new ideas about how to style stuff, the section highlights cool pieces that you might have missed while browsing. For example, we're lovin' this Sequin One-Shoulder Tunic (above), a fab look for the holidays (although we probably wouldn't wear a necklace with this silhouette as they've suggested, it might get too busy around the face).

So whaddya think? Is this a cool new addition to Forever21.com or what??

A friend recently invited me to join HauteLook, a free site that offers members access to exclusive on-line designer sales. While it's too soon to tell if this site will prove useful, upcoming sales for December - which include fashions from LaRok, Rock & Republic, and Ya-Ya - look promising.

Here's what they say: "HauteLook is a private club which organizes exclusive 48 - 72 hour on-line private sales for its members. Held only for the top designer brands in the fashion industry, HauteLook provides an exclusive platform where these brands can reach their customers directly. As a result, HauteLook members are able to receive discounts of up to 75% off of retail prices on the latest fashion merchandise from the comfort of their home or office."

Join HauteLook Today!

UPDATE: Victorya's winning designs - both priced under $20 - are now available in Steve and Barry's stores nationwide. This includes the necktie trapeze dress in black or burgundy and a plaid shrunken vest. Click here for more info.

We take a certain amount of pride in going against the grain when it comes to reality TV critiques - and so it was with some reluctance that we found ourselves in full agreement with the judges who picked Victorya and Kevin as the winners of the second challenge in Episode 2 of Project Runway. We, too, thought Victorya's design was the best: simple, modern and feminine - with a twist.

Some more interesting take-aways...

• It's amazing what you can do with $15. Granted, the designers moaned and groaned about the funds they were given, but in the end, didn't they create some amazing looks? Goes to show that great fashion is truly about great design.


• Chris (our fave designer from Episode 1) is such a sweetheart - when Sarah Jessica Parker was introduced as the surprise guest, he actually started crying (with joy). Can't blame him - when we saw Sarah Jessica debut Bitten in person on The Oprah Show, we shrieked like a Beatle-crazed schoolgirl.


• SJP proved she can spot a good design when she sees one, so why is the real Bitten SJP collection such a letdown? Victorya's design will definitely give it a boost when it goes into production, but that line seriously needs a complete overhaul.


• Crazy Elisa and Sweet P actually produced a fabulous outfit despite their creative differences. We loved how it moved on the runway, and the cape would make a welcome addition to any woman's winter wardrobe.