2 New Videos

Cecilia from Barracuda Film & TV just sent me the links to these two brief videos that I had to share. The first video explores fashion trends for Autumn/Winter 2009, with interviews and footage. If you're a fan of glitzy glamour, strong shoulder silhouettes, and bold color, then you'll love what's in store next season. There will many influences from the '80s, with sharp silhouettes and squared

BB Dakota Giveaway

If you're looking for a fabulous new summer dress, I've got great news for you. I've teamed up with Chick Downtown once again for another exciting contest. One lucky Fashion Trend Guide reader will win this BB Dakota dress from Chick Downtown.BB Dakota has been one of my favorite labels for a while now. They entered the fashion scene in 2005. Glorida Brandes, founder of BB Dakota, adds her French

Trend On The Rise - Floral Bustier Tops

As we progress into summer, I've taken a new liking to cotton floral bustier tops. When you hear the word bustier, satin and lace might be the some of first words that come to mind, but this sexy new crop of tops is just as fitting for the boardroom or the beach as for the boudoir. Paired with some distressed jeans or cuffed dress shorts and flat embellished sandals, they're perfect for warm

Mesmerized By Motel

An intense online browsing session for floral dresses at Asos last week led me to a U.K. brand I'd never heard of called Motel. Heavy on bold florals and flirty frocks, it was just what I was craving for my summer wardrobe. I knew I'd hit the online shopping jackpot, especially when I saw that they delivered to the U.S. My new vintage-inspired 'Kate' dress perfectly satisfies everything I want in

L.A. Sample Sale Alert

Janet from Marked was kind enough to send me this info on their upcoming sample sale in downtown L.A.There will be fantastic deals on Myne, Nanushka, Use/Unused and Found Denim at Marked Showroom's downtown sample sale on June 25th-26th. Snag overstock and samples for $50 or less. Cash only.Located at 860 South Los Angeles Street Suite 410Los Angeles, CA 90014Thursday 6/25 and Friday 6/26: 10am

Prints Charming

Now that summer is offcially here, I've caught a case of floral fever. From dainty ditsy florals to large, graphic prints and floral-themed jewelry, I am currently obsessed with all things that pay homage to the flower. Gorgeous A-line skirts and prim floral dresses and tops conjure up daydreams of having tea in a rose garden, while floral print combat boots intriguingly offer both feminine and

Closet Cleanout

In an effort to save the overstuffed rod in my closet from breaking, I'm going to be offering readers the opportunity to shop my closet. While it's probably inevitable that I'll have to call in a contractor to remodel it at some point, this will temporarily enable me to make some more space and give readers a chance to do some shopping. So if you: have a Paypal account, are in the U.S., wear a

Random Things

Looking back at my activities this week, I:watched a crazy dog fightbiked and walked an estimated 40 miles, and drove an estimated 6 milesspent way too much money while shopping onlinediscovered Need Supply Co.and their selection of stylish, affordable dressestook a peek at Forever 21's new blog, and hoped they took a peek at minewatched entertaining video clips on My Wardrobefinally found a much

One Piece Wonder

Lately I've been on a manhunt for almost anything floral - especially boxy blazers, vintage playsuits, Motel leggings, printed sunglasses, strapless dresses, and cotton corsets. My discovery of a yet-unexplored thrift store in town yielded this $2 floral playsuit and a navy blue1940s-esque one complete with pleated bodice and lapels. Despite the difficulty that playsuits offer when going to the

Giveaway #2

I've got great news for denim fans. Fashion Trend Guide is teaming up with YMI Jeans, a leader in the junior's denim industry, to offer one lucky reader a pair of jeans. Want to keep up with the brand? YMI, available at better department stores and specialty stores, has a new blog that features fashion tips, celebrity gossip, and clothes from up-and-coming designers. YMI also has a Facebook page

Shoppers Delight!

Solange Knowles on a recent trip to Barcelona

Left to right: ASOS Rose Print Full Skirt, $46.34, www.asos.com; Bold Floral Pleated Skirt, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Diesel Hibiscus Print Wrap Mini Skirt, $107.84, www.asos.com; Kimchi Blue Lady Bug Skirt, $58, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Left to right: Blurred Pansy Print Egg Skirt, $70, www.topshop.com; Short Floral Skirt by See by Chloe, $332.50, www.shopbop.com; Pleated Flip Skirt, $16.90, www.wetseal.com; Floral Print Bubble Skirt, $40 approx., www.missselfridge.co.uk

Summer is here and it's the only time of year when women over the age of 18 can get away with wearing a mini-skirt. Don't be conventional and wear just denim. Floral prints are in and oh-so-pretty. Take a cue from Solange Knowles (pictured above). She's paired a simple, white wife-beater with a playful, bright skirt to create summer's ultimate laid back 'n' chic look. Gladiator sandals and the perfect pedicure will complete the look.

See my related post on Twitter! - www.twitter.com/ILIKEHERSTYLE

Style Flashback: Phylicia Rashād

Every one's favorite TV mom has probably one of the most accomp- lished yet under- appreciated careers in Hollywood. She more than deserves a "Style Flashback" spotlight. Phylicia Rashād, aka Claire Huxtable, was born in Houston, Texas in 1948. She graduated from Howard University, where she later went back to teach drama. Rashād first became notable on the stage with a string of Broadway credits, including Deena Jones in Dreamgirls (she was Sheryl Lee Ralph's understudy until she left the show in 1982 after Rashad was passed over as Ralph's full-time replacement). Of course, Rashād is best known for her role as attorney Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. She played the no-nonsense mother of five for eight years then later returned to TV comedy in 1996 with CBS's Cosby. Her role in The Cosby Show earned her two Emmy Award nominations. In 2003, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Harvard Black Men's Forum. In 2005, Rashād received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.) degree from Brown University. Most recently, Rashād became the first African-American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, for her role in the revival of A Raisin in the Sun. I saw this play on opening night and the scene where she discovers that Walter Lee has lost all the father's money brought me to tears. Nowadays you can catch Rashād plugging Jenny Craig diets during commercial breaks, but I personally love watching re-runs of her keeping the Huxtables in check. No one could keep 'em in line like Mrs. Huxtable!

Day and Night

A family member remarked to me today that I seem to buy a lot of dressier, "going out" clothing. Without hesitation, I replied that it's true. I love the idea of getting dressed up for a night out. For some reason, I gravitate towards flirty dresses, high heels, and embellished tops, which don't always serve my casual, active lifestyle in the most practical way. When I bought this strapless

My Top 25

Despite its somewhat thin size, the July issue of Lucky is my favorite one to date. It seems that the recession may have taken its toll and the editors have decided to respond by featuring items that are much more affordable than things typically found in the magazine. Hallelulah! (I hope to see more low-price features from Lucky in the future.) With everything in the issue under the $100 price

In A Nude Mood

Sometimes the soothing, hushed tones of natural hues are the perfect antidote to summer's saturated brights. Below, some of my favorite cheap chic picks:1. Crochet stretch belt, alloy.com, $16.50, 2. mesh back bodysuit, forever21.com, $12.80, 3. enamel flower necklace, agacistore.com, $6.50, 4. Urban Expressions clutch, baghaus.com, $23.96, 5. taupe peep-toe boots, amiclubwear.com, $30.99.images

Fashion Features

I've never been a big fan of reading the newspaper, as I prefer to get my news online like most Gen Xers. The exception is each Sunday morning, when I can't wait to get my hands on the Image section of the L.A. Times as I sit down with a bowl of oatmeal. From Melissa Magsaysay's sensible style tips to Booth Moore's thorough runway rundowns, it's always an enjoyable read. This morning was

High Street Hits

After an extensive online browsing and shopping session last night, I realized two things: 1.) I'm much less likely to make purchases online than in brick and mortar stores, even if browsing for over half an hour, and 2.) much of Topshop's online offerings sell out in less than two weeks. Take, for example, my beloved chain slingbacks which were purchased from the SoHo store in early May. Upon

Kid's Kicks

The return of the crop top this season didn't exactly get me jumping for joy, as I prefer not to bare my midriff, however, being open to many a fashion trend, I had to at least give it a try. Rather than purchasing American Apparel's respectable version, I opted for an inexpensive and simple DIY version with a men's Fruit of the Loom tee. That way I could make the top the length I desired given

Preoccupied With Pink

Apparently hot pink blazers are not obscure finds in my local thrift shops. I found several possible options before scoping out one made of linen that still had tags attached. Complete with retro shoulder pads, huge patch pockets (perfect for burying my hands), and an oversize construction, I knew I'd hit the thrift store jackpot. It was just what I'd been looking for. While getting dressed, my