Seven ChiChi Styles for Winter

1. Extra Long Scarf:  Whether it’s a knit or a silk scarf, I’ve always been a fan of this simple accessory which adds an instant glam factor.

2. Blazer over a cocktail Dress:  While we associate cocktail dresses with femininity, why not switch it up by adding a masculine touch?  A black tuxedo blazer matches just about every color in the rainbow.  I suggest a cropped style, rather than a waist length blazer.

3. Dip Dyed Tops/Dresses:  This is in no way associated with the typical hippie tie dyed look.  I’m seeing a lot of dipped inspired styles which are quite subtle and simple.

4. Knee length dress + skinny belt: Last year it was all about the fat leather belt.  This season we’re seeing a lot of skinny belts synching the waist and adding a great shape to the female form.  A popular material for this winter is the patented look.

5. Nude Heels: Whether you opt for the peep-toe or a typical pump, nude is the “it” color.  Not only is it a great everyday shoe, it also helps elongate the leg.

6. Plaid Pants:  I suggest if you’re a bit heavier on the legs you not attempt this trend.  The plaid will only make you legs look larger.  However if you are like 5% of the skinny women on the earth, then this trend will add a rock & roll chic to your wardrobe.

7. Jeweled Necklines:  A great way to add sparkle to any outfit.  There is no need for a necklace as your neck is already crested with bling.  We’re seeing many stars wearing the long sleeved Alice + Olivia dress with a sequined neckline and cuff.

Grey! Grey! Grey!

Grey Sweater + skinny jean + grey knee highs = Loves it!  Who would have thought grey would be an “it” colour?  After a relaxing stroll through Winners today, all I saw was grey.  There were cable knits, long tees and even dresses.  Eva, Kate and Jessica funk it out with this combo.  Another popular grey combo is – grey sweater dress + grey leggings + dark mustard knee high.  Either way, grey is in. 

Trend Alert: The Orange Leather Tote

I think orange is a great color to accessorize dark denim.  Lauren Conrad is often seen carrying her Linea Pelle Tote, “Piper Speedy”.  It’s a great bag for running errands or just as an everyday bag.  Orange is also an excellent color to go with a sporty look.  Whether you’re wearing runners or a white Lululemon zip up, you’ll look trendy and stylish.

LPD!!! the new LBD

This season’s new LBD (little black dress) is the LPD? (little purple dress)  I would go for the shiny materials rather than the matte shades.  With jeweled tones all the rage, shiny is better.  Purple has always been associated with royalty, so think of yourself as a princess in this slimming color.  .  Your Purple dress should be the main attraction, so try not to accessorize with the same shade. You don’t want to look like Barney the Dinosaur.   Black is your best bet for shoes or a clutch to go with the dress.  I wouldn’t match purple with green either… reminds me of the Joker from Batman.  K-I-S-S (keep it simple stupid) Black + Purple = fab combo for winter.

How to fold a scarf-Duh?!?!

A scarf adds that punch of color to an everyday look.  Stylists are either tying the scarf very close to the neck or leaning it open so it layers over your top or dress.  Here’s a step by step guide on how to get that skinny scarf effect.  I know, duh! But, seriously- this technique allows a nice clean look with a bit of a flare at each end of the scarf.

Paige Denim – the ultimate fit!

Why is it that most jeans are targeted for women who are a size zero?  Paige Adams-Geller had an idea to create a line of jeans that actually fit women.  I thought it was so clever of her to create an online interactive fit guide.  You go through a series of questions which then lead you to several jeans that would suit your body type.  Paige jeans are the new Seven’s or R&R’s, they are getting popular with celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Kristen Cavallari (Laguna Beach) and Christina Applegate.  Your best bet is to purchase the jeans online: http://www.paigepremiumdenim.com/ Click here to try the interactive FIT GUIDE: http://www.paigepremiumdenim.com/fit_guide/index.html

Trend Alert: The Sequined Dress

A must have for this winter is the sequined dress.  At this point I’m not rushing to the stores to purchase this particular look.  If you’ve been to the mall lately you’ll notice that almost every section has a sequined –something- There’s nothing worse than showing up at a Christmas party to find out another person is wearing your same exact dress!!! No thanks! Regardless, they are all the rage right now.  I suggest that because the dress is so “look-at-me” you keep your accessories low key.  Avoid metallic or other sequined things.  Make your dress the focal point.

Trend Alert: Cropped Leather Jacket

A funky way to accessorize a long tee this fall would be with a cropped jacket.  A popular style since spring ’07 was the cropped leather jacket.  Cameron Diaz was first spotted wearing a Mike and Chris creation.  I love the cropped jacket with a hood.  With winter coming soon, most crops are veering toward a tee or wool fabric which works great over long sweaters or long sleeved dresses.

The Posh Bob

The new fall do is the Asymmetrical Bob.  Popularized by Victoria Beckham and Rihanna, this funky style has a glam yet rock & roll feel.  If your hair is straight and thin, then this trend would be perfect on you.  But if your hair is like mine (Ronald McDonald-ish?!?!) then don’t even bother.  Paris Hilton is the latest star to jump on the flapper-do bandwagon, like her “natural” looking extensions weren’t stylish enough.  

Fashion Designer: Lauren Conrad

My devotion to The Hills and its main character Lauren Conrad is sad, very, very sad.  I’ve watched her since season one of Laguna Beach.  Deep down inside I believe that she is one of my closest friends!  I know, sad.  So, you can just imagine how excited I was to find out she came out with her own line.  While her collection only has 11 pieces, they are without doubt stylish and fresh.  Her style is tres California Chic, and the prices are comparable to that of banana republic or Tristan.  My personal fave is the Audrina Dress.  A White, short, draped panel sided dress.  She named pieces after her friends which is clever as many fans may flock to certain items because they’re named after Audrina or Lo.

see Lauren’s Collection: http://laurenconrad.seenon.com/