The Rabbit's Out Of The Hat

Even though I'll be traveling to the U.K. soon, I could not resist buying this adorable rabbit T-shirt from the Topshop U.S. site. Their whimsical Wonderland collection with its poufy skirts, harlequin prints, floppy bows, and Alice In Wonderland-inspired graphics still appeals to me as much as it did when I recently wrote about it. I'm excitedly counting down the days until I'll be shopping at

Couture with Heart

Serena Williams' design for Stuart Weitzman.

Joy Bryant, Jada Pinkett and Janet Jackson also designed a pair for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Who knew Hollywood had such untapped fashion talent? Stuart Weitzman annually asks some of the hottest celebrities to design shoes for the Stuart Weitzman Annual Celebrity Shoe Auction. It’s an online auction, so anyone can bid! September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Stuart Weitzman is doing its part to attract publicity in order to raise money to support ovarian cancer research. The celebrity designers include Serena Williams, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Joy Bryant, Eva Longoria Parker, Janet Jackson, and Jessica Alba. The shoes also come with an autographed glossy photo of the star. Head to Stuart Weitzman's special site to start bidding - prices start at a mere $200!

The Floral Phenomenon

My latest cold weather fashion fixation is patterned tights. Having already purchased fishnets, pointelle tights, spider web tights, lace leggings, and red plaid tights, I thought I'd give my new floral tights a try. As I put them on, I had the feeling they might elicit dirty looks, stares, or otherwise unwelcome attention from the less fashion-oriented folks in my casual, flip flop-infested

Trend On The Rise - Tulip Skirts

I've recently developed an affinity (no, make that an obsession) for tulip skirts. So what is it about them that draws me in? I adore the ultra feminine, nipped-in waists contrasted against full volume in the hip and thigh area. While not the most flattering silhouette, it's a practical one for days when body-con is too constricting or revealing. For me, the trick is to make sure the skirt is a

Event Alert - The Vintage Society Trunk Show

For vintage enthusiasts and people like me who adore super stylish Beth and her blog The Vintage Society, I highly recommend attending her trunk show, which is taking place in Los Angeles this Saturday. Given Beth's sharp eye for vintage garments and her wonderful talent for styling them, I am sure there are gems to be found. If you're in the area, you should definitely check it out!Saturday,

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Perlina Croc Wallet, $7.50, www.forever21.com

Check: Reptile-Print Clutches, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com

Charge: Isa Lizard Emboss, $295, www.loreleinyc.com

Croc clutches are all the rave right now but don't be predictible and buy a bright red clutch. Other colors to consider would be sunlight yellow, plum purple or sea aqua (like Selita Ebanks in a recent post). If your on a budget, the "cash" or "check" options are right up your alley but for those of you with a little more money to burn opt for this gorgeous Isa Lizard Emboss clutch. It's perfect with a cocktail dress or jeans!

Take A Peek - Jonathan Saunders for Target Images

My constant checking of Target's website has finally paid off - they have released images of the Jonathan Saunders GO International collection. Having seen several of the images floating around the internet for the past few weeks, it only left me wanting to see the entire collection even more. I unsuccessfully searched the web for photos and reviews of the collection by NYC shoppers who got to

Black Cat Attack

Since today was the official first day of fall, why not mark the occasion with some gloomy Goth-inspired pieces? It seems that all of the dark, austere fall '08 trends reflect my mood perfectly these days. My new spider web tights helped to fend off the cool fall breeze while giving a nod to the dark side, and my houndstooth tee and distressed cutoffs honor recent runway looks by Marc Jacobs

Hair Stories: Rock It Out

Rihanna, Tamyra Gray and Sylvia Rhone punk out their short crops to give them each a new look.

1. Kizzi Stay-Put Hair Pomade, $9.50, www.carolsdaughter.com; 2. Moisturizing Silkening Liquid-Gel by Miznai, $13.96, www.just4beauty.com; 3. Bumble and bumble Sumo Wax, $21.95, www.folica.com; 4. Color Brilliance SilKomb 50, $4.99, www.sallybeauty.com; 5. Tool Science Nano Silver Paddle Brush, $6.99, www.sallybeauty.com; 6. Dirt Texturizing Paste by Jonathan, $14, www.sephora.com; 7. Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment, $15.99, www.culmart.com; 8. L'Oreal Color Rays in Red, $10.99, www.drugstore.com

Long hair is so overrated. Yes, it's versatile but there's nothing more confident than a woman who can wear her hair short with confidence. For those of you already sporting a cropped hairstyle you might consider trying the spiked looks above. Rihanna's hairstlye is especially fabulous - it has a hard edge but is soft enough to wear on an everyday basis. The products above can help you achieve these looks. The most important is hair wax and the stay-put pomade. If you want your style to last all day, carry the pomade/wax with you so you can retouch when needed.

Halloween Shopping

Although it may seem a bit early to be shopping for Halloween, I discovered that Halloween pop-up shops are the best place to shop for hard-to-find fall trends at low price points. For example, I've been looking for some Luella-esque cat eye glasses without any luck. I recently found a funky pair at my local Halloween shop for $8, and then I came upon a cat mask for $10. Thanks to Miucca, lace is

French Dressing

As an avid browser of international street style blogs, I have often admired the simple and effortless style of Parisian women. They expertly layer heavy coats, scarves, and tights to create minimalist, streamlined looks. Subtle details such as texture and embellishment take center stage. Below is my homage to those stylish ladies who continually inspire me. The look consists of a black tee

Online Shopping At Lulus.com

One of the benefits (or curses) of being a fashion blogger is receiving loads of emails from press and marketing folks every day. While some of the emails I receive simply don't interest me or pertain to the content of Fashion Trend Guide, others intrigue me much more and have the potential to become the topic of blog posts. Case in point - Jess from Lulus.com emailed me recently to inform me

On The Bridge To SLO

Every now and then I like to embark on a short road trip to one of my favorite central California towns - San Luis Obispo. Home to a well-known university and historic mission district, SLO (as it's known) is a refreshing antidote to hometown boredom. Its charming downtown area, small boutiques, and friendly small town atmosphere have long made it an appealing getaway for day trips. Since my last

What Say We?... Yay or Nay?!

Solange arrives at the "Late Show with David Letterman" at the Ed Sullivan Theatre on August 25, 2008 in New York City.

How hard must it be to have an older sister who's considered by most to be more talented, beautiful and stylish than you? Gotta suck, huh? Well, Ms. Solange Knowles doesn't think so. She's finally making a name for herself on the music scene and the red carpet. While some my call her style somewhat 'contrived', I think her eclectic taste is refreshing and endearing. She's not afraid to take risks and puts her own twist on the latest trends. You can review some of her recent looks below, but what do you think of her outfit above worn at a recent appearance at the Late Show with David Letterman. I'm going to say 'yay'! Whilst most of us would look mentally unstable in such an ensemble, Sol-Angel and her glamorous lifestyle pull it off. All hail the underdog!

Scarves And Stripes

Slightly cooler temperatures, fewer hours of daylight, and a crisp sea breeze offered the perfect opportunity for me to adorn myself with one of my favorite accessories - a scarf. Part of the appeal of scarves is the many ways in which they can be worn. In fact, I counted no less than half a dozen young women wearing scarves in different ways while walking in downtown Santa Barbara yesterday.

Kerry Washington Covers Page Six

On the cover of this week’s Page Six Magazine, actress Kerry Washington opens up about her new job as a director, leaving a three-year engagement and the first time she met Barack Obama.

Kerry spent her 31st birthday in January watching a Clinton-Obama debate at LA’s Kodak Theater. She gets giddy recalling their backstage introduction, saying when the Illinois Senator said he recognized her, she remembered, “It was a great moment.”

Back in Tinseltown, Kerry is awaiting the September 19th release of her latest flick, Lakeview Terrace, where she stars opposite Patrick Wilson as a couple terrorized by police officer-neighbor Samuel L. Jackson. Having already helped former co-stars Jamie Foxx (Ray) and Forrest Whittaker (Last Kind of Scotland) land their own Academy Awards, Kerry jokes about her lucky charm status: “It’s just been my ploy to get more work in this town. I tell men, ‘If you hire me, you might get an Oscar!’”

The 31-year-old Bronx-bred actress is all about taking on a new craft. “When Spike Lee found out I was directing Common’s latest music video, he called me and said, ‘So, you’re transitioning?’ And I said, ‘No. I’m not leaving acting for directing. I’m just expanding!’”

Kerry doesn’t stop there. She is the current spokesmodel for L’Oreal and Movado watches and has testified before Congress on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts. But being lauded for her looks still surprises her. “I have not always thought of myself as beautiful. Growing up, I never felt like the pretty one, which is good because I felt it was important to become the smart one. I wouldn’t say I was an ugly duckling but I never felt like I had an exceptional physical appearance that was going to make life any easier.”

Engaged for three years to actor David Moscow (most famous for playing Josh, the kid portrayed by an adult Tom Hanks in Big), Kerry walked away. “Weddings are like red carpets for normal people. I do so many gowns and events in my work. I have that. Coming out of an engagement, I don’t even try to guess what my life is going to look like in the future anymore. No one has to feel sorry for me. I'm not lonely. I have my dog.”

For more on Kerry Washington, check out this week’s issue of Page Six Magazine, free inside the Sunday edition of the New York Post and online on Monday at www.pagesixmag.com. For a preview of this week’s magazine, click on www.nypost.com/pagesixmag/upcoming.

Lunch & Shopping In Santa Barbara

I recently had lunch at a charming Danish bakery and eatery in Santa Barbara called Andersen's. My original intent upon going there was to have the low tea, as I'm a tea lover at heart. Luckily, they serve breakfast past 11am, so I sampled an omelette along with my tea. They have a wonderful bakery (which serves kringles) in addition to two dining rooms, which are tastefully decorated in

A Nu Lookbook

It's not too often that I find a style site or blog that inspires me or impresses me enough to gush about it here on Fashion Trend Guide. Tonight, however, is an exception. I was literally wide-eyed while browsing Lookbook.nu and immediately drawn to the beautiful and compelling images. Think of it as a street style blog-meets-lookbook of some of the world's most gorgeous and stylish young adults

SOAPnet Covers New York Fashion Week

Don't have front row passes to the shows at New York Fashion Week? If you're like me, then you've been glued to your computer checking out the lastest online coverage. This season SOAPnet has extensive coverage of all the action in New York, including exclusive videos in which Rebecca Budig of All My Children gives us a peek into what people are wearing to the shows. Browsing through the photo

Bold In Blue

Last night I finally felt it - the cool breeze that signifies the onset of southern California's fall weather. Having lived and traveled to places in the world where they have distinct climate patterns and truly severe weather, I know how spoiled I am. Occasionally I miss witnessing the leaves turn amber and bracing myself against the brisk breeze on a cold fall morning. That's when I reach into

Style Inspiration: Floral Delights

Iman attends the 7th Annual Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair Party at the State Supreme Courthouse on April 22, 2008 in New York City.

Ashanti and Zoe Kravitz flourish in their floral print garments at recent red carpet appearances.

Black Floral Dress: Rosalie Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Sandals: Børn Begonia Sandal, $84.95, www.nordstrom.com; Earrings: Green Anamel Disc Earring, $8.10, www.alltherageonline.com; Corsage: Cabbage Rose Corsage, $20, www.topshop.com; Pink Shirt: Crossover Chiffon Top, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Halter Dress: Fray and Flowers Chiffon Dress, $42.99, www.shoprcuhe.com; Yellow Shirt: Rosette Raceback Shell, $128, www.maxstudio.com; Scarf: Floral Print Pashmina by Roberto Cavalli, $990, www.net-a-porter.com; Necklace: Flower Medallion Necklace, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Ring: Enamel Lily Flower Rings, $9.50, www.oldnavy.com; Skirt: Floral Satin Pleated Skirt, $20, www.oldnavy.com; Pink Dress: Jasley Strapless Floral Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Clutch: Whiting and Davis Leather Flowers Clutch, $185, www.endless.com; Hairband: Silk Flower Headband, $3.80, www.forever21.com; Heels: Adele I Flower Sandal by Ralph Lauren Collection, $574.95, www.endless.com

The last days of summer are upon us so it's only fitting that we say goodbye to the season donning floral pieces that conjure up memories of days gone by. If you really want to make a statement, choose bigger more defined floral prints in bright colors such as neon pink, bright yellow and metallic blues (like Ashanti and Zoe Kravitz). If you just don't have the heart, pick pieces with smaller floral prints in demure colors like red, white, beige and pink. These classics that will last long after the season has gone. Prepare to blossom.

Leather & Lace

A visit to an upmarket Orange County thrift and consignment store this weekend produced a few amazing finds, including the vintage Italian leather skirt pictured below. Since the skirt is slightly big in the waist and hip area, I pulled it up higher and belted it to keep it in place. I seem to be doing that with quite a few of my skirts this season. The lace tights I bought recently act as a

Trend On The Rise - Studded Boots

I love a simple DIY project every now and then. So after unsuccessfully searching high and low for Louboutin or Gucci-inspired studded ankle boots, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Armed with fabric glue, double-sided tape, some inexpensive new boots, and iron-on studs from Michael's, I created my own version. I'm not sure how long the studs will adhere, so I won't be kicking up my

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan arrives at Verizon Wireless' exclusive launch party for the Blackberry 8330 Pink Curve at Intermix on August 27, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Who says beauty is pain? Well, rarely does dressing sexy evoke feelings of comfort. Between the 4 inch heels, tight skirts that won't stop riding up and double-sided tape that fails to adhere, your night can quickly turn into a test of the wills. That's why I adore this look! Sanaa Lathan looks sophisticated and confident and I'm loving the fact that she doesn't kill this outfit with too many accessories. Full-length jumpsuits are all the rage right now (see Victoria Beckham). Scroll down to see how to duplicate Sanaa's style.

Steal Sanaa's Style...

Jumpsuit: Strapless Stretch Wool Jumpsuit, $450, www.intermixonline.com

Heels: Martiny, $149.95, www.stevemadden.com

Clutch: Prezzo Metallic Snake Clutch, $49, www.endless.com

Earrings: Gold and Black Fringe Earrings, $25, www.shop.guess.com

This jumpsuit from Intermix is the actual jumpsuit Sanaa wore. Note how the waist of this jumpsuit is nipped-in but the hips have a little bit of volume to create the illusion of shape (not that Ms. Lathan needs it). Jumpsuits are meant to be extra long so you can actually get away with wearing comfy and perhaps not so elegant heels underneath. A trendy clutch and statement earrings complete the look but I would have probably opted to wear my hear slicked back into a perfect ponytail - hair off you face gives the look a sharper edge.

Best of the Rest...

Left to right: Karen Millen Jumpsuit, $320, www.asos.com; One Shoulder Jersey Jumpsuit, $60, www.asos.com; Halter Jumpsuit by Alice Olivia, $440, www.shopbop.com/

Left to right: Bandeau Jumpsuit, $90, www.topshop.com; Wide Leg V-Neck Jumpsuit, $29.80, www.forever21.com; Sea Pleated Front Jump Suit, $197, www.pinkmascara.com

Jumpsuits for every budget! Just be sure to pick a pair that's long enough for you and tight in the appropiate places.

Another Round - Target's GO International Private Label 3

As promised, I'm going to share my thoughts on Target's latest GO International Private Label Collection 3. These days, the GO collections seem to be churned out faster than I can catch my breath, and there are still racks and racks of Richard Chai merchandise (and it's not even on sale) at the Targets nearest me. Perhaps some shoppers in my area can't keep up, aren't interested, or simply don't

From The Lake To The Sea

Although the warm southern California weather in September is worthy of attire such as floaty sundresses and casual sandals, I was feeling dark and moody when I got dressed today in a monochromatic palette of gray and black. Sometimes a simple and casual look gets the job done. I've been trying my best to wear my summer skirts and dresses before the temperatures dip, but today I relied upon on my

Borrowing From The Boys Again

After experimenting with pegged boyfriend jeans a few weeks ago, I've found them to be perfect for long, leisurely weekends such as this one. A visit to the boy's department of a local thrift store unearthed a Superman tee in great condition, and later, a brief trip to Goodwill resulted in my most beloved boyfriend jeans of all. Behold my perfectly faded, baggy Levis (purchased for less than $5)

Summer Wonderland

In my idea of the perfect online source of fashion inspiration, there would be one go-to website with magazine and catalog-like images/photoshoots, runway photos, and online shopping all in one place. The website would be updated daily, the models would be everyday girls instead of impossibly tall and rail-thin models, the clothing would be affordable, and the images would be nothing short of