Spring 2010 is all about playing with patterns. From bold geometric designs to soft florals, everything goes. Mixing patterns like stripes and florals, and polka dots and zebra prints is welcomed this season. While this style is not for the shy or conservative, it can break up the monotony and bring a smile to your face.

Fab Print Finds:

• Laundry By Shelli Segal Jersey Dress $195.00
• Kate Spade ‘Piper’ Skirt $245.00
• Lucky Brand ‘Corey’ Skirt $69.50
• Boden Uptown Coat $138.00
• Boden Printed Skirt $68.00
• Athena Tank In Black/Poppy Print $95.00
• BR Monogram Printed Full Skirt $79.50
• Pique Open-Front Cardigan $29.50
• Salitre Blouse $78.00
• Betsey Johnson ‘Foster’ Wedge In Blue $82.50
• Lucky Brand Patch Abbey Road Tote $199.00
• Blu Bijoux Turqoise Crystal Studded Enamel Ring $32.00
• Dooney & Bourke ‘Carla’ Bag $135.00
• The Limited Border Print Strapless Dress $89.50

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The highly anticipated 82nd Annual Academy Awards offered fabulous red carpet fashion. Metallics, embellishments and beautiful silhouettes filled the red carpet.  Timeless gowns kept Old Hollywood alive.  There was lots of amazing hair and makeup, too.  There is nothing quite like the combination of Oscars magic and the red carpet.

Perhaps the best celebrity style comment of the evening came from Gabourey Sidibe when she gushed excitedly from the red carpet, “If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot.”  We love a girl who can appreciate fashion.  And, fashion there was.

Top 10 Gowns At The 2010 Oscars:

• Meryl Streep in a white draped gown by Project Runway alum Chris March
• Jennifer Lopez in an Armani Prive iridescent pink silk organza gown
• Sarah Jessica Parker in a pale yellow silk Chanel gown
• Diane Kruger in an embroidered chiffon and lace Chanel gown
• Kate Winslet in a Atelier Yves Saint Laurent metallic gown
• Penelope Cruz in a Donna Karan bordeaux draped gown
• Kristen Stewart in a midnight blue organza gown by Monique Lhuillier
• Helen Mirren in a beaded silver Badgley Mischka gown
• Gabourey Sidibe in a cobalt blue Marchesa gown
• Demi Moore in an Atelier Versace ruffled silk organza gown 

Photo credits: Getty Images

Spring’s hot military trend calls for a little basic training. This year, the style is more soft and refined. It’s all about mixing it up, incorporating layers and touches of  femininity.

You won’t make it through this fashion boot camp by wearing the same style from head to toe.  Instead, mix military pieces with feminine elements like ruffles, sequins, bows, bib necklaces, flirty skirts and heels.  Earn that style stripe by adding a few military-inspired pieces to your wardrobe this season.

Fab Military-Inspired Finds:

• Juicy Couture Skyler Military Shirt Jacket $198.00
• L.A.M.B. Thomson Bag $395.00
• AE Soft Military Vest $39.50
• Romeo & Juliet Couture Ivory Military Jacket $82.00
• West Avenue Jewelry Dog Tag Monogram Silver Necklace $105.00
• Nanette Lepore  Balinese Pant $298.00
• Banana Republic Safari Shirt Jacket $98.00
• Petticoat Scarf $28.00
• Kelsi Dagger Juno Sandal $125.00
• J. Crew Printed Lieutenant Jacket $128.00
• Ben-Amun Olivine Star Bright Earrings $90.00
• Gap New Camo Cargo $64.50
• Vena Cava Omo Dress $375.00

The tribal trend continues into 2010 with earthy tones, animal prints, beads and natural materials. Add subtle touches to be tribal by day and bolder pieces to be wild at night.

Fab Tribal Finds:

• Julie Rofman Vintage Ribbon Bracelet $44.00
• Zanzibar Wide Bangle $560.00
• Vintage Havana Crochet Rope Dress $60.00
• Tory Burch ‘Majorie’ Poplin Dress $295.00
• Max Studio Santal Sandals $139.00
• Soleil Radiating Hoops Pendant $89.00
• ANTIK BATIK Beaded Sandals $98.00
• Lucky Brand Beaded Double Layer Necklace $39.00
• Erica Anenberg Snake Twosome Ring $93.00
• Nanette Lepore Whip It! Top $248.00
• Brio Murano Glass Bead Chandelier Earrings $84.00

This feature uses affiliate links. Read our disclosures for more information.

Women have been weighting for a change for a very long time.  On the heels of Vogue Italia’s debut of the Vogue Curvy section,  Prada took a step in the right direction by using curvy Victoria’s Secret models in its Fall 2010 show in Milan today.

For all of my life, there has been a push to be thin. Really thin. I remember my mother lying down to zip her skinny jeans and wearing painfully high heels. Then it was my turn, thanks to a waifish, fresh-faced Kate Moss, who was discovered at the age of 14. My peers and I were at the unfortunate age of 13, already feeling awkward and insecure with our bodies.

So my generation has grown up looking at images that are quite unattainable and unhealthy.  While some of us are experiencing graying and fine lines, many of us still feel that drive to be thin.  Really thin.  It’s old news and we’re tired of it.  We’re tired of being hungry.  We’re tired of being angry.  We’re tired of loathing ourselves because we ate those fries.

I am hopeful for the upcoming generation after today’s bold statement on the runway.  Sure, we have a lot of work to do to convince ourselves that we do not have to be a size 0 to be beautiful, but this is a start.  Modelinia has spoken with some fashion insiders that assure us that the industry is working on making changes, to include the current sample size.

While I wish that Vogue Italia’s Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy just flowed throughout the website and didn’t require separate tabs, I appreciate that it is a start.  My hope is that the media will show women that beauty comes in all sizes, colors and ages.  Every woman deserves the liberty to love who she is without being expected to be someone she is not.

Great things have happened for Gail Schneider since we last spoke in 2007. Gail is an inspiration to women who want to follow their dreams. This time, she’s back to talk about career changes, beauty and brows!

What inspired you to change careers?

I’ve always been obsessed with designing eyebrows, and when I moved to New York City in 2008, I had to make a decision:  “Do I continue with my fashion line, Gail Schneider Designer tops, or do I pursue my other passion, brow shaping?”  I knew my tops had reached a pivotal point that year when Miss USA contestants modeled them in fashion Rocks the Universe in Las Vegas.  I was watching my tops on that stage, with so much excitement.  But, when I arrived in New York, I knew in my heart that it was time to take advantage of other dreams I wanted to make come true, which included opening Wow Brows studio.  I went back to school for a year to obtain my New York state license. I put age aside,  following my passion.  I quickly realized that “when there is a will, there’s a way.”

What is your favorite part about owning Wow Brows?

I enjoy working with people who place an emphasis on their looks and maintain their highest self image.  I feel it’s an honor to be able to contribute in meeting their expectations and exceeding them.  I get to meet the most wonderful people who put their trust in my hands.  I always take before and after photos, and when I show the clients the end result, I love it when they say, “WOW!”

What is in demand the most in your shop?

Men and women come to me on many occasions faced with past mistakes, such as over tweezed or uneven brows.  I find that much of my attention is directed to repairing these issues by creating maximum balance. As an artist, I shape their brows to match their facial features using organic wax, tweezing, and trimming.  I go through the client’s concerns and discuss the areas that need work.   I do; however, tend to be subtle, as I like to keep brows as natural as possible.  I believe that eyebrows should always be classy and never a trend.

Could you offer a few tips on brow shaping?

Be careful not to over do the tweezing of eyebrows for fear that it could result in wide set or bald spots, which in most cases cannot be resolved.  Besides, brows that are too thin can add years to your appearance and usually will not grow back.

Where can our New York and jet setting readers find you so they can set up an appointment?

My studio is located in Park Slope, Brooklyn (about 15 minutes from Manhattan).  Appointments can be made by emailing wowbrowstudio@yahoo.com or by calling (617) 763-7405.  I am at the studio on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00  a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

We’re all mad here. Mad about Alice in Wonderland inspired accessories, that is. With Tim Burton’s spin on Alice in Wonderland due to be released on March 5, 2010, Alice in Wonderland inspired products are in the spotlight again.

Lewis Carroll’s original story about a girl who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a fantasy world full of peculiar creatures has captivated readers since 1865.  Clothing and accessories celebrating Carroll’s magical story have been cropping up ever since.

Picking up a few Alice in Wonderland inspired pieces will add a bit of magic to your wardrobe.  From lines dedicated to the story to subtle symbolic pieces, there are many ways to incorporate a little fantasy into your reality.

Curiouser and curiouser finds:

• Betsey Johnson ‘Iconic Collection’ Crystal Key Necklace $50.00
• Juicy Couture Teacup Charm $48.00
• 3 Sisters White Rabbit Domino Necklace $35.00
• Tom Binns Alice’s Adventures Tangled Chains Necklace $155.00
• Meredith Leigh Key Necklace $119.98
• Cara Accessories ‘Edgy Bow’ Headband $26.00
• Disney Couture We’re All Mad Resin Heart Necklace $75.00
• Kirks Folly Choice of Through the Looking GlassCuff Bracelet $75.00
• Sterling Silver Queen of Hearts CZ Enamel Ring $49.00
• Swarovski Disney Red Queen Cards Earrings $85.00
• Sterling Silver Mushroom Charm $19.09
• Swarovski Disney Flower Garden Ring $90.00
• Tarina Tarantino Queen Alice Mod Ring $63.00
  

Naomi Watts looked gorgeous in a t-shirt dress at the Calvin Klein Collection runway show in New York City last week. It’s easy to see that one of the most stylish forms of the classic t-shirt is the t-shirt dress. It is a versatile piece which can be layered,  dressed up and down. Whether you fab up your comfy t-shirt dress with a belt, jewelry and fabulous heels or pair it with jeans, a blazer or leggings, you will be fashion-forward this season.

Fab T-Shirt Dress Finds:

• Splendid Modal Jersey Pocket T-Shirt Dress $110.00
• Banana Republic Pocket T-shirt Dress $98.00
• V Neck Tee Dresses by Toggery $84.00
• T By Alexander Wang Black T-Shirt Dress $85.00
• Alternative Apparel “Slummy Tee” Dress $29.00
• Alternative Apparel Tiffany T-Shirt Dress $29.00
• Calvin Klein Silky T-Shirt Dress $98.00
• James Perse Twill Taped T-Shirt Dress $85.00
• American Apparel Fine Jersey T-Shirt Dress $30.00
• MM6 Maison Martin Margiela T-Shirt DressM $175.00
• Black Halo “Ally” Cotton T-Shirt Dress $140.00

Photo credit: Splash News Online
This feature uses some affiliate links. Read our disclosures for more information.

Dear Fashion Trends,

Thank you for your inspiration. I’ve enjoyed following you religiously, incorporating you into every aspect of my life…when I loved you.  I apologize for ignoring you at times, turning to fashions that were more seasoned, comfortable, and understanding.

Part of me cannot believe it’s true.  Your time has come and gone.  We’ve come full circle.  I’ve known it in my heart for awhile, but hearing the words out loud (or rather, reading them in print) made me realize that it is time to move on…

Love Always,

Krista xoxo

This farewell letter was inspired by a style epiphany of sorts.  Macala of FashionablyMarketing.Me turned me on to this Wall Street Journal article today.   It reports that a few short weeks ago, David Wolfe, who has been analyzing style trends for 41 years, announced: “There are no more trends. Everything is in style.”

You know it.  I know it.  Anyone looking around for the past few years has noticed that everything seems in vogue.  Dita Von Teese with her retro 1940s style could sit next to flower child Kate Hudson without anyone batting an eye.

With New York Fashion Week in full swing, I thought to myself how stressful and challenging it must be to be a designer, constantly looking for inspiration while creating looks that are fresh and new.  “How many times can they reinvent the wheel?” I wondered.

After reading Wolfe’s expert take on fashion trends, it clicked.  Designers have been reinventing themselves for quite some time.  Most “new” trends are really old ones which have completed their turn on the fashion axis and are enjoying the sun on their faces once again.

While I cannot believe fashion trends are dead all together (there has to be another McQueen capable of catching things on fire with genuinely new ideas), I can see the good in the announcement.  Wear what you love and that which portrays who you are.  Own it.

No need to worry about whether your hemline is just right, whether you should wear white in the winter, or whether neons make you look dated.  How freeing is that?

Do take care in dressing your body.  While you want to be comfortable and express yourself through fashion, you also want to look your personal best.  Continue finding inspiration all around you, and enjoy the power of picking and choosing. Since anything goes, enjoy your fashion liberation.

Kristen Bell looked radiant in an ensemble that had a romantic country air at the Rebecca Taylor show during New York Fashion Week.  Mixing classics and trends with pastels and brights resulted in Bell’s effortlessly beautiful style.

Bell’s soft look is feminine without being over-the-top sweet.  Bell updated her pastel small-print floral dress with accents that added interest to her overall look.  A classic white cardigan kept Bell warm while adding depth to her ensemble.  A bright orange belt added edge.  Bell’s chocolate brown tights and knee-high boots offered contrast and boosted the outfit’s sexy-factor.

Give your floral prints a breath of fresh air by incorporating layers, fabulous boots and a skinny belt.  Borrowing Bell’s romantic meets uptown style will allow you to experience the best of both worlds.

Get The Look For Less:

• Shoshanna Orange Floral Chiffon Halter Dress $152.14
• Women’s Boyfriend V-Neck Cardigan In White $24.99
• B-Low The Belt Emerald Patent In Orange $77.00
• DKNY Opaque Coverage Tights In Chocolate Brown $13.50
• Enzo Angiolini  Arzaga Boot $99.99

Photo credit: Amanda Schwab