Facing the Fear

I want to dedicate this post to a non-fashion topic. Although this is a fashion blog, there is something else that I love just as much (and that I spend a lot of time doing) and that's cycling. I spend several hours per week on the scenic bike trail pictured above, and have been doing do for almost two years. In that time, I've probably pedaled over a thousand miles. On today's bike ride I

Vacation in Style... Is there any other way?!

Beyonce vacationing in style!
Left to right: Geometric Print Kaftan Dress by Supertrash $205.13, www.asos.com; Flirt Kaftan, $71.20, www.chicos.com; Cheesecloth Embroidered, $85.50, French Connection; Bold Flower Paradise Poncho, $63.20, www.chicos.com

Left to right: V Neck Kaftan Cover Up, $40, www.topshop.com; Aurora silk kaftan by Emamo, $650, www.net-a-porter.com; Marlin Print Kaftan, $110, www.monsoon.co.uk; Davina Kaftan, $100, www.monsoon.co.uk

Planning a trip away soon and have no idea what to wear? No problem. Take a leaf out of Beyonce's holiday wardrobe and pack your suitcase full of vibrant kaftans and tunics for lazy days on the beach. Truth be told you don't even need to be vacationing on an island to copy this look. Wear these tops with shorts, skinny jeans or flowing linen pants for instant "sunshine chic."

Trend on the Rise - Tropical Temptation

It's almost May and I can't wait for warm summer weather. Despite not being outdoorsy, I can still appreciate a bright and sunny day at the beach (as long as it involves some form of biking or walking). Hence my recent affinity for tropical prints. They're getting me in the mood for summer, and right now, they're the perfect antidote to this breezy, cloudy weather that's making me want to stay

A Review of Zac Posen for Target

I spent a few minutes at Target this afternoon inspecting the Zac Posen for Target collection a day before the April 25th release date. I found the racks to be thoroughly picked through, with the tuxedo jacket, tie dye tank dress, and black prom dress being the most scarce. A handful of interested young female shoppers admired the goods, and one even made a call to inform her friend that "Zac

On Your Feet

As I write this, it feels like the dead of winter, complete with unusually chilly temperatures and wind gusts over 30 mph. Quite an abnormality for April in southern California, but that doesn't mean that I can't daydream about spring footwear. This past weekend, I spotted a few lustworthy styles on State St. in Santa Barbara. From studded combat boots and animal print wedges to boyish oxfords

Two New Shoes

I went a little shoe crazy this week, and purchased four pairs - three pairs from Topshop and one pair from the Cynthia Vincent for Target collection, which was released a few days early. Luckily, the first Topshop pair I ordered was shipped before the volcanic ash halted flights from England, and I received them much earlier than expected. (The other two pairs will likely be delayed, thereby

On My Radar - Spring Florals

Although I prefer not to label my personal style as girlie or romantic, I clearly have an affinity for floral prints. A quick glance at my closet and some of my recent purchases (floral challis shorts, a strapless rose print dress, a floral wrap headband, and floral print booties) are evidence of my desire to adorn myself with flowers. Fortunately, floral prints and motifs are always blooming

Five Picks for April

1. Tropical print blousant dress, Arden B., $59, 2. Four Leaves head piece, Free People, $118, 3. Flower cup corset, Topshop, $60, 4. Jeffrey Campbell Exam, Solestruck, $179.95, 5. Motel rose garden bowtastic dress, Asos, $67.64.images from ardenb.com, freepeople.com, topshop.com, solestruck.com, & asos.com

Photo Diary - The Past Ten Days

1. a dog on a motorcycle (photo taken through a dirty car window at a red light on Topanga Canyon Blvd.)2. butterfly display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History3. starfish at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History4. the Santa Barbara mission5. an unknown species of bird at the beach6. my dog taking a nap on the contents of his stuffed bear© 2010 Fashion Trend Guide

Introducing Boxing Kitten

Designer Maya Lake in one of her dresses.

In keeping with the African and vintage-inspired theme, I thought I should highlight designer, Maya Lake who is the brain-child behind Boxing Kitten. You may recognize her designs from Beyonce and Alicia Key's upcoming video "Put It In A Love Song" and Rihanna's video for "Rude Boy." Other celebrity fans include Fatima Robinson, Solange Knowles, Fergie and Erykah Badu. I love the uniqueness their pieces but be prepared to pay between $50 - $270. You can view the entire line at www.boxingkitten.com.

Kardashians by Bebe Part 2

Given how quickly the first Kardashians by Bebe pieces sold, there are probably some of you still looking to get your hands on the line. Here's a sneak peek at the second installment of the Kardashians by Bebe collection, scheduled to launch on April 20. Expect to see more sexy separates and slinky dresses, pefect for warm summer nights.images courtesy of bebe

Five Trends To Watch for Spring 2010

As I sort through hundreds of trend spotting photos that I've collected in March and April, some predominant retail trends have risen to my attention. Here are the five that I'm currently seeing everywhere from Angl and Urban Outfitters to Forever 21, Guess, and Zara.1. Embellished necklines are popping up on knit tops and dresses. Opt for one if you want to draw attention to this area or you'd

ASOS Launches Africa Line

ASOS AFRICA Printed Tie Waist Shorts, $68.38

ASOS AFRICA Printed Jumpsuit, $128.21

My favorite U.K. online store for about 9 yrs now recently launched an African inspired line. I've been shopping at ASOS since it was pretty basic but I love how they've evolved over the years and become a force to be reckoned with. This latest line mixes ethnic prints and vivid colors with contemporary shapes. Now I must admit, you could probably get and African relative to buy the fabric pretty cheap and have these styles made for half the price, but if you don't have that "African connection" then ASOS is ideal for you. Click here to see the full collection.

The Spring Transition

With spring in full swing, it's time to transition to lightweight layers, peep-toe footwear, and embellished sandals. Recent shopping trips have offered me plenty of inspiration to trade my faux fur jackets for lighter knits, my beanies for floral headbands, and my beloved boots for lace-up sandals. Below are six of my most recent spring picks from various retailers in the L.A. area.