Trends Fall/Winter 2008

Colored tights have been popular for a few seasons now, and I think it's safe to say this trend is here to stay. For Fall 2008, designers like Anna Sui, Just Cavalli and Chloe mixed patterned tights with dresses and heels, a perfectly chic—and inexpensive—way to add warmth when temperatures drop. As spring approaches (eek, I said the "S" word!), you can continue to pair those boldly colored tights with skirts, frocks and sandals. I'll admit this isn't the easiest look to pull off, so let's look for some inspiration off the runway...


Representing the west coast, Cupcakes and Cashmere (left) rocks her bright red tights as only a California girl could—with a relaxed shirtdress, gray suede boots and Foley + Corinna handbag, all in neutral shades to temper the eye-catching hue on her legs.

New York City's retrogurl aka nitro:licious (middle) shows off her floral Forever 21 tights by pairing them with a black dress and towering black booties. With it's reserved exuberance, this look can go from day to night.

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (not a blogger but oh well) does a nice job pairing purple tights with a monochromatic black outfit. This is probably the approach I would take since it's a cute, cheap way to update an LBD.


Where to shop for colored tights:

• MyTights.com: Features every pattern and color imaginable, from plaid checks to Pucci swirls.
  
• Lovecolour-Lovetights.com: Lets you shop by color, type and pattern so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
  
• FreePeople.com: A carefully edited selection of colored, patterned and textured tights that will inspire and awe.
  
• Anthropologie.com: These essential opaque tights, available in 7 colors, cost just $12.50.
  
• Forever21.com: It's hard to beat F21's wide selection (floral, stripes, solids) and low prices (all tights are under $10).
  
• Target: You can always count on Tar-zhay for inexpensive accessories (like tights) that will help you update your wardrobe for less.

What do you think of colored tights?

Step inside any major department store (or even any off-price retailer) these days, and you can't help but notice the plethora of bejeweled, brightly colored and otherwise blinged out Betsey Johnson or Betseyville brand products. From handbags sewn from boldly patterned fabrics, or animal prints, splashed with hot pink details and adorned with shiny metallic trinkets, to heavy metal and rhinestone necklaces, bracelets, and earrings dripping with gems and charms, the Betsey Johnson label seems to have exploded in recent months—and it's edgy, cute, rock 'n' roll vibe is attracting throngs of followers.

Or is it? Well, I happen to know at least one Betsey addict who seeks out her duds on sale at places like Lord and Taylor or Bloomingdales. If you're patient, shop often, and get coupons to department stores, she says, you can score a $100 Betsey Johnson necklace for as little as $20. Sometimes even less. If you're willing to sift through racks at TJ Maxx, you can get a leather Betsey Johnson purse, perhaps something with studs and gold cherries hanging from the hardware, marked down from $249 to $49 on clearance. So while this isn't a budget brand, there's so much of it right now that you can wait and get it at a discounted price.

I can't deny the lure of the Betsey brand. I love the designer herself and her wild-child attitude. The costume jewelry is a little to over-the-top for my personal style, but I can certainly see it's appeal. A lot of it is very creative, inventive, and it seems like no two pieces are alike. If you have a young fashionable woman on your holiday gift list, chances are she's pining for some Betsey Johnson. My only fear is that BJ will oversaturate the market and go the way of Juicy, which is becoming less and less "cool" these days. So it's a definite "yea" for design and other girls who can rock this look—but a prudent "nay" when it comes to incorporating this look into my personal wardrobe.

Betsey Johnson: Yea or Nay?

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I checked out the Patricia Field for Payless Fall/Winter 2008-09 Collection, which includes a gladiator platform sandal, a modern/medieval ankle boot, a tall fringe boot, an over-the-knee suede boot, and an oversized black handbag. I call these "wear when it's dark" shoes because the poor quality in terms of construction was visibly noticeable from afar in the daylight hours. But if you wore them to a club, no one would know they cost you less than $60. However, the prices--even on sale--are a little steep for Payless. And the staggering 4.75-inch heels on these things prevented me from trying them on, so I can't attest to the comfort factor. Shop most of the collection here. And get more real-life pics after the jump...

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Harem pants and sequin shrugs may not seem like a match made in heaven, but actress Diane Kruger is rocking both of these trends with the greatest of ease. She keeps the color palette simple, and adds leg-lengthening Christian Dior gladiator heels to balance out her voluminous 3.1 Phillip Lim harem slacks. Think you could pull of this look too? Well, my friend, you are in luck: A lot of stores are stocking fashions inspired by Kruger's designer duds, and we've rounded up the ones you'll need to get the look for less...

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It seemed like we had been happily cruising through the fall accompanied by mostly mild weather, but yesterday it got COLD, and let me tell you, when the temperatures drop, you feel that freezing New England chill in every fiber of your being. But it doesn't have to be that way: With the right cold weather accessories, you can stay warm and look stylish during the long winter months. Grab a cup of hot tea and read on for some budget-wise ways to winterize your wardrobe.

[Above: Fingerless gloves keep my wrists and hands warm while I type. I practically live in mine all winter long, which is why I'm lusting after these cashmere gloves from Nordstrom ($48). They'd also make a great gift, hint hint!]

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