It was the best of times, it was the...well, you know the rest. Here's a look back at some of the best and worst fashion trends of 2008. What would you add to (or subtract from) the list?

Worst

• Ridiculously high heels: Shoe heels soared to unreasonable heights in 2008 (I blame SATC, the movie). They look fabulous in theory but are impossible to wear.
  
• Voluminous tops: Tops that make you look pregnant just aren't flattering. Sorry.
  
• Leggings: On the wrong figure, leggings can look just awful, and 2008 saw plenty of unfortunate souls squeezed into these non-pants. Same goes for liquid leggings (even though I kinda liked them...)
  
• Wild wellies: Wacky colored rainboots were all over the place in 2008. Are they meant to be footwear or just a sick joke?
  
• Tacky knock-offs and hyper-monogrammed handbags: Enough with the faux Lous Vuitton handbags already. And while you're at it, lose the real deal Coach and/or Dooney & Bourke purses covered in "Cs" and "DBs." Yeesh!
  

Best

• Ruffles: Feminine, flirty and downright fashion-forward, ruffles made a big splash in 2008.
  
• Sequins: Far from igniting a disco-inferno, sequin's shined on runways and racks with wondrous results this year.
  
• Patent: It's leather, it's shiny. It's perfect for accessories that make a statement.
  
• Belts: Be they skinny or wide, belts helped accentuate curves and create waistlines on ladies everywhere in 2008.
  
• Skinny jeans: Tucked into boots or worn with ladylike pumps, skinny jeans reigned supreme this year as the bottom of choice.
  

Have a fun and safe New Year's everyone!!

Yesterday, the new Thakoon for Target collection hit stores, and yours truly was there to check it out. I wasn't too excited about this collection when I first saw the preview pics, but I gotta say, after trying these pieces on, I am totally sold! Thakoon makes me want, nay, yearn to wear bright colors and bold prints. Somehow, he keeps them fresh and classy and sorta understated even though there's a lot going on. I guess this is accomplished in part by simple silhouettes and colors that harmonize more than clash.

Anyways, the quality was comparable to earlier GO lines (decent for the money), and I was pleased to see plenty of 100% cotton. Pieces seemed to fit true to size, however, I should mention that some of the styles that suited my square boyish figure didn't sit well on my younger sister's curves (and we're the exact same size, she's just shaped differently if that makes any sense.) The lone little black dress in this collection (not shown) looked like a hot mess on both of us, and didn't seem to belong in the collection at all.

The 3/4 sleeve shirtdresses, on the other hand, looked fab on both of us, as did a brilliant frog green windbreaker, contrast trim cardigan and those lovely full skirts. My sister and I both agreed that the trench coat was beautiful but would have looked better if it was more fitted and tailored like a classic trench. Still, it was cool and had a nice lining. I'd consider getting it on sale.

There were many other items we wanted to see that weren't in (including those cute cyberfloral shorts), so I'll probably check out another Target or two for a wider selection. Overall, Thakoon for Target exceeded my expectations and put a big smile on my face. Have you seen it? What did you think?

Update: Thakoon for Target is back! Shop select Thakoon re-release dresses at Target.com beginning March 13, 2011.

Nothing's sexier than a red satin strapless dress topped with a luscious bow, but at $755, Moschino Cheap and Chic's pricey number is sugar daddy material at best. For just under 30 dollars, you can pay your own way and still turn heads thanks to Forever 21. I saw their version of this dress in stores styled with a black leather jacket, lace tights and a vintage rhinestone brooch, and thought it would make a stellar look for New Year's Eve!

Luxe on left: Moschino Cheap and Chic Strapless Dress with Bow Detail, $755.00 at Shopbop.com
Less on right: Bow Front Strapless Dress, $29.80 at Forever21.com

Betsey Johnson denies any plans of a diffusion line, which makes sense since isn't that what Betseyville is for? [via The Cut]

Thakoon for Target and Hayden-Harnett for Target hit stores today. (Check back here tomorrow for full coverage of the collections.)

College Candy gives us Gwyneth Paltrow's celebrity-chic-for-cheap New Year's outfit.

Nitro:licious has the H&M Spring 2009 collection preview.

Get step-by-step instructions for 5 party worthy updos at RealSimple.com

Day-after-Christmas shopping falls short, but Amazon reports "best ever" season. [via The Chicago Tribune]

Cupcakes and Cashmere shows us how to rock a black lace skirt from Forever 21.

Curious to try cleansing your skin with oil? The Budget Beauty Babe says new St. Ives Elements olive scrub and cleanser are a good place to start. —BB




by The Budget Beauty Babe
Harsh winter weather and going in and out of heated buildings will really take a toll on your complexion, so I decided to pick up two olive oil-based products from St. Ives' new Elements product line: St. Ives Elements Olive Face Scrub and St. Ives Elements Olive Face Cleanser.

Hydrating from the inside is important (and eating healthy fats like olive oil), but ensuring your facial cleanser won't strip your skin of its protective oils is essential as well. Olive oil has been used for centuries as a beauty treatment, and although many balk at the idea of putting oil onto their faces it makes sense; like removes like, without being drying.

These two products do just the trick. After using my skin felt clean and fresh, but remained supple, soft and moisturized. Continued use showed no signs of irritation or breaking out, and my skin seemed more resilient against the elements. Both products work equally well in my opinion, however, I favor the scrub since I enjoy exfoliating on a regular basis. It has a nice creamy texture and a fresh clean scent (don't worry, you won't smell like a salad!).

The best part is that the scrub and cleanser cost $7.99 each at your local drugstore or grocery store. So the next time you need a break from winter skin, think olive oil, inside and out.

Shop it: St. Ives Elements Olive Cleanser, $7.99 at Drugstore.com
St. Ives Elements Olive Scrub, $7.99 at Drugstore.com