The doldrums of February are seldom inspiring. I find myself staring at each summer dress in my closet, fingers lingering on the breezy fabrics, yearning for warm weather, before I finally reach for yet another sweater. If you find yourself facing the same sweater-wearing rut as me, why not snazz one of your trusty ones with some embellishment?

I’ve been spying them everywhere: Sweaters with rhinestones, studs, chains, and beads are – dare I say it – popular? The best part about wearing a sweater with edge (other than the fact that you will be on-trend), is that you can do it yourself! There are so many great tutorials, so why not spend an afternoon embellishing a sweater of your own? Be sure to check out P.S. I Made This’s tutorial on embellished gloves or Runway DIY’s screw-studded sweater.

However, if you decide you’re going to shop for one instead, loads of budget retailers are bound to have them. Try Zara, H&M, Forever 21, or Topshop.

Here’s a sample way to style one…

Product Information: Sweater – My Wardrobe, Tights – Shop Ruche, Shorts – Miss Selfridge, Booties – DSW, Bag – Zara, Ring – Modcloth

What are your thoughts?

Leave a comment below and let us know! Do you like embellished sweaters? Which sweater above is your favorite? Of course we want to know how you’d wear it, so describe what you’d rock one with!

If awards season has you yearning to pull out your fanciest dress, you’ll probably love this handbag trend. Box clutches are sturdy evening bags that are popping up all over: From the red carpets to the runways, these tiny, structured bags are everywhere.

While they may not hold all of your unmentionables, they will hold the attention of any trendsetter who sees! An itty-bitty clutch poses certain practicality problems, however it is a small trade for looking like you just stepped off the runway. Who wants to carry a clunky hobo bag out for a night on the town anyway?

Dress it up for a night out to a cocktail party or art gallery opening…

Product Information: Dress – H&M, Tights – Bloomingdales, Shoes – Zara, Clutch – DSW, Earrings – Charm and Chain

What are your thoughts?

Leave a comment below and let us know! Are you entranced by small box clutches, or would you rather tote a carry-all? Do you have a box clutch? How/where would you wear this trend?

A few months ago I attended the launch party of Hello Kitty for Forever 21. The clothing line was full of bright pink tee shirts and kitty-embellished cardigans, but the piece that really caught my eye was the clear trench coat. Since then, I’ve seen several versions from noteworthy brands and on fashion trendsetters; from the Dolce & Gabbana runways to Christina Aguilera and even Topshop’s Spring Equinox lookbook.

On one hand, the see-through coat is a great idea. How many times have you been bummed on rainy days to cover up your outfit? But at the same time, it can be difficult to pull off plastic-y fabrics in real life – this look definitely requires plenty of confidence and an edgy sense of style.

We want to know your thoughts on the clear trench coat!

Is this look creative and unique, or too out there for your tastes? How would you wear this trend?  Do you think the clear trench coat is a fad already on its way out or is it here to stay? Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it!

There may not be a girlier fabric than tulle in existance. After all, memories of the puffy stuff revolve around ballet recitals and Halloween costumes that also involved sequins and tiaras. But this princess fabric has made a serious comeback into our everyday lives.

Don’t believe me? Just put one foot inside a Forever 21 store and you will be bombarded by scratchy dresses that puff out into the aisles. Seen on everyone from feminine stars like Carrie Underwood (pictured above-left) to everyday ladies on the street, it is hard to ignore that tulle is back and here to stay.

Personally, I believe tulle is simply adorable but tough to pull off in a mature way. Adding tulle to a dress will make it more sweet and demure, but can also make it look cheap and childish. It’s a tough balance to strike.

Love tulle? Glam it up for a dressy occasion…

Product Information: Dress – Modcloth, Tights- Modcloth, Shoes – ASOS, Clutch – Dorothy Perkins, Earrings – Topshop

Would you wear a tulle dress?

Now I want to hear your thoughts – would you wear a tulle frock? How would you wear it? Which of the looks above is your favorite?  Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it!

New Year’s Eve may have come and gone, but the shimmer remains. Metallic pumps were seen everywhere on the runways and they happen to be one red carpet trend that’s incredibly wearable for college girls everywhere.

Although our inboxes are bursting with more homework assignments and Groupon deals than invitations to swanky soirees, shiny shoes can still find space in our closets. I tend to reach for my tallest black pumps on nights out, but how fun would it be to wear shimmering heels instead? Any metal tone is up for grabs: We’re talking silver, copper, gold, rosegold, pewter, gunmetal, etc.

Try shiny shoes for a night out…

Product Information: Top – Topshop, Jacket – Miss Selfridge, Bandeau – Journelle, Jeans- Gap, Shoes – Heels, Bag – Dorothy Perkins

What do you think about metallic pumps?

Will you be searching for your own pair? How would you wear them? Which look above is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!

If one of your New Year’s style resolutions was to be more bold with your makeup, the two-tone lip trend may be right up your alley. As seen on models at Emanuel Ungaro, as well as numerous fashion bloggers and stylists, pairing two different shades of lipstick together is an unexpected look that’s perfect for spring.

Not sure how to rock this? Bright pink and coral seem to be the two most popular colors of choice, but the trend would work with any colors you have in your beauty drawer. Given that the two-tone lip is a statement, keeping the rest of your makeup neutral will ensure your look stays in balance.

Personally, I think multi-colored lipstick is an eye-catching beauty look, even though it doesn’t look nearly as dramatic from a distance as it does in the up-close shots (see the models for Irena Krajina, below-right). If this look isn’t enough to make your lips pucker up, don’t fret: This is one beauty trend that we don’t see sticking around for too long!

Photo Credit: 1, 2 & 3

What do you think of two-tone lipstick?

Leave a comment below and let us know! Is this edgy look something you’re excited to try or is it a bit too colorful for your taste? How would you make this work with your outfit?

Behold… the sneaker wedge. Luxury designers and celebrities have taken a liking to kicks with height, so we must begin to ponder if these shoes will be hitting the mainstream anytime soon. This trend can partially be credited to Isabel Marant: Her versions, with concealed wedges, seem to be the most popular – Beyonce wore them in her “Love on Top” music video, as did Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr on the streets.

I would have written this trend off as an obscure, passing fad until I noticed Topshop had fashioned its own version (pictured below). Topshop is known for being a trendsetting shop, so I’m keeping my eyes open for now.

In my opinion, these sneaks are simply statement pieces. After all, they pose no functional benefit; let’s hope no one chooses these shoes for squat jumps or marathon running! But there are some benefits to having sneakers with height: They are probably considerably more comfortable than normal heels, and are a great low-key way to give yourself a few extra inches.

The popular Isabel Marant “Willow” version, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Topshop.

These wedges aren’t popular enough yet to have spawned cheaper knockoff versions, so right now, the only way to get this look is to spend some serious money. But if the trend takes off, we anticipate seeing inexpensive versions everywhere – only time will tell.

Will you be rocking sneaker wedges?

Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it!  What are your thoughts? Is this a passing trend or could you see yourself wearing these shoes? How would you wear them? Where would you wear them? We want to know!

Just a few days ago, I had one of those gut-wrenching encounters with a chair, where I swung my legs the wrong way and snagged my hosiery on a sharp edge.  As my favorite pair of tights ripped, I felt them transform from chic to Ke$ha in a second flat. It may be my classically feminine sense of style, but I’m personally not a fan of laddered tights (the professional term for ripped tights).

But Alexander Wang and Rodarte, top designers of our generation, beg to differ. They are not strangers to sending ripped hosiery down the runways. Other stylish trendsetters like Erin Wasson and Kate Moss have been rocking them for years. And the look is trendier than ever for winter 2011.

So who’s right? It all comes down to your personal style. As a girl who wears hosiery at least three times a week, I wouldn’t go through nearly as many pairs if I rocked ripped tights. But at the end of the day, I just think they’re too Taylor Momsen for my sense of style.

Ke$ha, LiLo, and Miley Cyrus all wearing laddered tights. Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Would You Wear Laddered Tights?

Do you wear torn stockings, or do you opt for unsnagged? Would you buy them pre-torn or rip them yourself? Does this trend look trashy or stylish to you? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!

Whenever the holiday season rolls around, I stare at my closet waiting for something to inspire my party outfit. My normal dresses never seem festive enough for holiday party attire, so I always end up adding sparkly fingernails or a pair of shiny pumps. But velvet party dresses are absolutely perfect for holiday parties, and this year you’ll find them everywhere.

While velvet party dresses are fun, they do have a downside: they’re not versatile and are tricky to wear in other seasons. However, with plenty of cheap options available – like the one below from American Apparel, and more at Forever 21, Topshop, and H&M – it isn’t like a velvet dress is an investment piece.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Will you be wearing a velvet party dress to your holiday events?

Leave a comment below and let us know! Do you think this material is appropriate for party dresses, or do you think it looks to heavy?  Which look above is your favorite?  How do you wear your own?

I have always been a firm believer in the basic rules of fashion proportion: “Tight on top, flowy on bottom; tight on the bottom, flowy on the top.” Similarly, I follow the rule of “If you cover your legs, go sleeveless; if you’re wearing long sleeves, wear a shorter skirt.” So, of course, here comes the long-sleeve maxi dress, which is just an endless puzzle for me. It goes against all my long-held beliefs about proportions and silhouettes, yet it somehow still works.

A long-sleeve maxi dress is a fantastic way to transition floor-sweeping lengths into winter months. It’s comfortable, casual, and easy to layer over – a total wardrobe basic.

I think they key to rocking this look is to make sure your dress is form-fitted so your body doesn’t drown in fabric. The street style look above is unquestionably adorable, and the pieces from American Apparel and Free People are great staples. Not sure how to wear one? Here’s an idea:

Throw it on with a messy bun and utility vest…

Product Information: Dress – American Apparel, Vest – Old Navy, Shoes – Zara, Earrings – Nordstrom, Rings – Debenhams & Debenhams, Nail Polish – Amazon

I can’t decide whether to pass on these dresses or grab one immediately!  What do you think?

Leave a comment below and let’s chat about it! Are you in love with this trend or not feeling it? Do you think it would work with your personal style? How would you wear it?