Trends Fall/Winter 2007

The black leather bomber jacket is an undeniably cool piece of outerwear (La Lohan recently wore hers during a jaunt to Capri, Italy; Tori Spelling sported one during an outing with her fam; while Miley Cyrus donned the look for a day of shopping in NYC). It speaks to the rugged independence of biker-chic duds and invokes the hard-edge sex appeal of rock 'n roll. But if you don't actually ride a hog and your Ramones LPs are gathering dust (which would be a shame, btw), then why spend hundreds just to get the look? Find out if the style suits you (and we think it will!) with this affordable version by Forever 21 (below).


SSGT Bomber Jacket, $119.00 at Forever 21. Genuine military inspired leather jacket with shoulder epaulettes, zippered and flap pockets, and rib knit trim.

The onslaught of UGGs in the fashion world is showing no signs of letting up this winter season - with Christmas just days away, many UGG styles are sold out or on backorder. Some retailers have even imposed a 4 or 5 pair household limit for the sheepskin footwear due to the incredibly high demand.

As the proud owners of a pair of UGG Uptown boots, we understand the UGG appeal (fortunately, we received ours as a gift): They are incredibly warm, comfortable and comforting in cold climates. Slip them on, and you feel ready to take on any weather in style. What can we say, we don't think UGGS are ugly - they're cute, like so many odd-looking yet adorable creatures endemic to Australia - the platypus or wombat, for example.

However, if you took away the UGG's warmth and cozy lining, well, we don't think they could fall back on looks alone. Which is why we have to say "lump it" (as the Aussies say) to the imitations. If you want to try the look before investing in the real thing, by all means go for it. But if you're looking for a high-quality warm boot - and you like the look of UGGs - go for the real thing, as you won't be disappointed.


LEFT: Xhilaration Electra Suede Boots at Target, $19.99
RIGHT: UGG Australia Classic Short Boot at Nordstrom, $119.95

Black and gold join forces to create one of winter's top trends, especially for holiday attire. Give it a try with your accessories, or make a bold statement with a black and gold dress.

Left: Betsey Johnson employs the glamorous and sophisticated color combination of black and gold on the Fall 2007 runway.
Right: For just $39, you can achieve a similar look with this striking French Corset Bubble Dress from Forever 21.

>> Black & Gold - Top Holiday Accessory Trend <<

Feather Earrings, $5.80 | Elephant Necklace, $7.80 | Pumps, $18.80 | Tote, $30.80 | Mod Ring, $4.80

Vests are versatile, figure-flattering (you don't always have to button them), and perfect for layering in any season—and yet, somehow, they still manage to baffle, bewilder and befuddle even the shrewdest of fashionistas. Perhaps this is because wearing a vest conjures up bad memories of vest-trends past (crochet, denim and brocade vests from the 80s and early 90s come to mind). Or maybe it's because wearing a vest can make you look like you're, well, trying too hard. But let's put those fears aside and take a look at the vest of today: It's simple, feminine, and utterly unfussy. Clean cuts and neutral hues make vests blend into your look, rather than steal your spotlight. You can handle that, can't you? Here are a few ways to wear a vest right now:

[1] If you think vests are too stuffy, think again - paired with a breezy short-sleeve blouse and delicate chain necklace, the unbuttoned vest becomes a boho girl's best friend. (That's Mischa in the pic, btw.)
[2] Psyche, the author of Economy of Style, rocks a school-boy chic look made possible by a Banana Republic vest, Gap white shirt and Tommy Hilfiger tie. Brilliant!
[3] The other Hilton looks adorable in a close-fitting vest that's cool and casual over a white tank, with black skinnies and flats. You can wear this look in warmer months or during the winter for a night out.
[4] Katie looks so self-assured and chic with her new cropped 'do that she's convinced us we could wear a vest solo, too. Ok, maybe not, but it's a head-turning twist on the vest nonetheless.
[5] Rock a vest a la Kate if you're feeling like one of the guys but want to prove you're all woman.


More ways to wear a vest from Halle, J. Lo and Fergie

Until now, we've avoided commenting on the high-waisted trend in pants because we just don't see how they could possibly be flattering for our body type. And honestly, we're still not sure if they'd work for us or not, but the only way to know for sure is to experiment - and these high-waisted jeans from Forever 21 are calling our name! Are they not the hottest things you've ever seen? We'd pair them with a white button-down blouse and some kickass pumps for maximum va-va-va-voomage!

Here's Kate and Gwen rockin' the highwaisted look...


Couple questions to consider with this trend: To tuck or not to tuck? Belt or no belt? Will these pants hold in your tummy - or just end up drawing unwanted attention to the area?

Let us know what you think: Love it or leave it??

>> High Waisted Skinny Jean, $32.80 at Forever 21

Fashionistas who adore bright, summery hues won't have to give them up this winter season. Designer boutiques and fast fashion retailers have filled their outerwear racks with chic coats in just about every color of the rainbow, from juicy reds, oranges, and yellows, to rich blues, purples and pinks. You don't need a pot of gold to get in on this trend - find your own amazing technicolor dreamcoat at budget-lovely shops like Target, H&M and Forever 21.

[1] Annabel coat, $44.80
[2] Murray 3Q swingcoat, $34.80
[3] Jacqueline peacoat, also in pink, $49.80
[4] Canary Coat, $49.80
[5] Brooklyn lady coat, also in mustard, $44.80
[6] Sateen jacket, $24.80
[7] LS Paris coat, $49.80
[8] Faux fur wool coat, $54.80
[9] Katie coat, $44.80

We checked out the Abaeté for Payless Holiday 07 Collection and it's actually not ugly. Not gorgeous, but not ugly. The description on Payless.com reads, "Laura Poretzky’s limited edition Abaeté for Payless Vintage Holiday 07 Collection honors the glitz and glam of ’50s American film."

We think that any of these items could pass for "pricey" under the dim lights of a posh bar or swanky nightclub. And if you get caught in a nor'easter on your way home, you won't cry buckets over your ruined shoes. (Click the pics for details...)

Abaeté for Payless Kaye Pleated Boot, $48.00


Abaeté for Payless Camelia Watch, $22.00


Abaeté for Payless Rose Ruffle Pump, $35.00


Abaeté for Payless Chantal Cuff Watch, $22.00


Abaeté for Payless Bing Clutch, $25.00