Wanting to stay ahead of the fashion curve this season? Can’t find the one item that will give you a pulled together look?

Well my option this season is the trench coat. It is looking very special this season in all kinds of colors and price ranges to make any budget feel comfortable. Every major designer had one in their line for the season and I saw the one that Isaac Mizrahi did for Target for about $50.

The thing is, whether you are a guy or a girl, a great trench makes a great statement, and no matter who designed it, or when for that matter, this classic design will make you look chic.

They come in many lengths but for women this season the quarter length and the jacket are in.

We are not talking about your grandma’s trench either. No tan — get a bright color that is a little flirty and expressive. This style will cinch your waist and the right color will add that over the edge style.

My favorite of all the ones that I saw this season is the one by Topshop. They have one that is two toned and has an empire waisted cut. The top half is one color, then just below the bust line it is a darker shade of the same color and the sleeves are color divided the same way. I love it! It really is updated and super chic.

One look that seems hard to work with this season is the safari look. This look traditionally is very boxy and steals away the shape of the body. This season it has been updated and tailored a bit.

I have seen it cute but be cautious going for this look, it can come off odd. The best thing to do is use the exotic prints sparingly and get a pair of khaki shorts, a cargo or walking short style, and keep it simple. Add some chunky inexpensive beads and keep it easy.

For the guys this look should be all about the print. A printed tee and a great pair of shades will take you through the summer in this style. There are the printed button down shirts, but be careful to get a good safari print. You don’t want to end up looking Hawaiian. Your grandfather’s Tommy Bahama look is not what you are going for here.

Spring is always about the adorable dress and of course this year is no different. A great print is always good in spring, but this season, go for the florals. They are amazing and really awesome.

This year there is not one defining moment in the cut of the spring dress but a defining color. The blue in cornflower and powder and the lavender and soft purples are working the field. But spring is all about color, so take your favorite and run with it.

My tip is to get pieces that are light enough for summer and add a sweater or a jacket and make the items work both seasons. Layering is always a great choice for spring because it gives you great color and styling options while allowing you to stay warm and sexy.

Historically, February has been a time of declaration for many people around the world.

For example, in the US on February 2, Groundhog Day declares that winter’s end is or isn’t less then six weeks away. And in Brazil from February 2 through 5, Carnival declares a commitment of self-denial and commitment to God for the next 40 days. In the US on February 3, the Super Bowl declares the best team in football for the season. Mardi Gras is celebrated in the several countries to mark the end of the Christmas fortnight and the preparation of the Easter season. February 7 declares the Chinese New Year, and February is Black History Month.

Despite all that is declared during these 28 days, or 29 with the declaration of the leap year, they all pale to the declaration of love on February 14.

No matter who you are or if you believe that Valentine’s Day is a holiday made up to sell candy (cynic) or a true holiday of lovers (romantic) you can not deny the seduction and lure of a red heart filled with sweet treats.

This time is a really big time in relationships and how it is handled is (yes to my feminists I apologize but it is true) determined by the male partner. Please afford me a little stereotypical-ness, because I am speaking of traditions and historical behaviors. So if you see that you could be on of these types of guy or you are a woman with this type of man, and you want to make this year different and surprise her, I will include a few tips.

Let me ease the tension and say that you do not have to do this every year. Just like a woman will remember the bad things that you did for a long time, she will remember the good things even longer. So every few years do something great, but each year create a very sweet and romantic declaration that is all yours.

The Romantic Guy: you have a foothold on the sentimental and sensuous. The rose petals and candlelit dinners are all great and wonderful. To add to the phenomena try to find out things about her (by asking her not her friends or family) that you may have overlooked in the past. For example, when she is alone, what does she do? Does she like to read or knit…? Or is there some hobby that she used to have or would like to take up?

Make her a coupon book for twelve 1 hour intervals that she can spend uninterrupted by, kids or you to enjoy her interest or get her a subscription to a magazine that covers her topic. (This has an added bonus of a year long romantic notion that will do well for you in many positions, I mean ways!) If she likes the diamonds and all don’t skip it, just add a little something. It will be worth the effort.

The attire for this couple is all about the deep reds and pink, from lingerie to a formal dress. Dinner should be a slinky dress that emphasizes all of her assets. For him it should be a fitted dress tee and sport coat with slacks that emphasizes the gluts just a bit. (yes guys we are looking at your tushie too.)

The Got You Already Guy: you are clueless and need the most help of all. You think that because at some point you caught some unsuspecting woman off guard does not mean that your job is done for the rest of the relationship. Relationships require that what you do to get a girl is what you must do to keep her. So Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show her that you value her in some way. Just showing up everyday is not enough. Take the sentimental journey and buy her the same type of flowers that you bought on your first date or take her to the restaurant that you met at or something like that. Then give her an affordable piece of jewelry that she can wear daily. This will remind her of that one time that you were so sweet to her and she will forgive you for being "stupid" and "taking her for granted again."

This date night should be as dressy or as casual as the date that you are reincarnating. Keep the surprise intact (important for the best impact) just say we are going out on Valentine’s and you should dress like — then pick an outfit that you have seen her wear. Try to be vague and don’t have her in raggedy jean and a tee when she needs to have on great jeans and a hot top. She is going to want to feel beautiful to you that night so no wondering eyes!

Mr. Forgetful: you are very sweet indeed but forget the most important times to a woman. To avoid missing that important date plan ahead by pre-buying gifts for each occasion. There are stores that you can order from select a ship date that will have it to her on time. The big thing is do it while you are thinking about it. Forgetting is a very hurtful thing. The woman will believe that she is not important to you and that is why you just forgot!

Send her notes weeks in advance if you want to go out. Tell her how to dress and to call you with a sexy message before she starts to get ready for the date. This will serve as a reminder for you and get the romance started before you two even see each other for the date. One thing that Mr. Forgetful never forgets is how much he loves his woman and it always shows and this will be the best accessory for your date. She will start to feel as special to you as you know that she is. It will be magical!

Mr. It Is Just Another Day: you need a reality check. Yes everyday is just another day. But some days are special and even if she agrees with you (with her mouth) that it is just another day: she does not feel that way. If your woman likes to look nice then she wants to feel special. She wants that big bouquet of flowers to show up and something special at home waiting. Woman like everyone to know that they are loved and special and this is the day that you can make that happen. Sending flowers on non special occasions sends the wrong message (like, I’m sorry or I’m in the dog house).

You are not sticking it to the man, you are sticking it to you woman. To make both of you comfortable make it a casual date night. See a movie in or out in jeans or pajamas. If you don’t wear pajamas make a cute tee shirt for her and boxer briefs for you in the appropriate themed attire. Just make it special. She will never forget it.

Mr. Selfish: you are good hearted but going to a football game or hanging out with you and the boys at a sports bar is not a good Valentine’s date. Your relationship is about you and your woman not her and all of you all. Hanging out is great and the fact that she does not mind the gang is awesome and she is truly a rare find.

If Valentine’s fall out on hang out night, take her to an early dinner and do something romantic and give her the gifts that you have selected for her and then you both go hang out with the gang. She will have something to brag to her girls about and she will feel special the entire night. No matter how out of control you and the night may get, she will have that loving look in her eye.

Dress casual for this date. Jeans are perfect with a printed tee and a sweater. This will make her feel that you dressed up a little for the date but you will still feel great and not have to sacrifice a great night that you both enjoy anyway!

Remember this is a time to declare something. You are going to declare, she is mine or she is not. Whichever you decide do it in style.

I know that every January, all the articles on fashion are always about getting fit and ready for the new year or what to expect from the spring fashions. That is just not what is on my mind this year.

Yes I will go over it, but I find that what is on everyone’s minds, from elementary school children to grandparents, have been the effects that the war is having on our daily lives. Everything from gas to fashion is affected and we just are ready for the end to arrive.

No one likes to have war, but too many people enjoy the spoils of war at the expense of other peoples’ lives on many levels, from the ultimate casualty to the slow draining death of the citizens of each country that is involved. Then there is the factor that we are all connected in some way or another so that makes the entire world part of a war that only some people are benefiting from in the first place.

You can see in fashion, more in 2008 than in 2007, the exasperation that is occurring with the fatigue of a 5-6 year war (depending on when "war" has been acknowledged) that is eating away at the fabric of the world or at the very least my world.

The holidays were not as bright this year because so many of us know young people that are not with us anymore due to the war. Some are more fortunate in the sense that they have to struggle to find a new life, be they wounded physically or mentally, but they are still here. Some of us have loved ones that are just still out fighting or training to fight and we just wanted them home so that we could hold them close.

So many children are saying things like, I don’t want anything for Christmas or Hanukkah, I just want my mommy and/or daddy or uncle or auntie to come home to be with me. That was just so heartfelt to me. So I have pondered over and over how not to include the gray in my commentary of the fashion scene for this article but it just came off fake.

Once you get a chance to review the fashion for 2008 you will see the directional change that I spoke of previously with the hip hop bling bling fading away. All that flash and opulence can’t continue when we are paying over $3 a gallon for gas.

The spring for 2008 is all about a re-emerging of the 1960s. The flower child influence is definitely there. The bright colors and beautiful fabric crafted in patchwork styling is channeling a message of antidisestablishmentarianism.

The overall movement in fashion is about modesty and classic elegance. The classic 1940′s through 1950′s house dress has come back in an amazing way. They are fitted in the bodice area but flow in a slight A-line that gives the body of a woman its greatest appeal. A very come hither look that is not scandalous.

Knits are hot for the entire year. In the spring they start off small and tight and as we move into fall they get bigger and chunkier. This year the styles are all about comfort and finding a swaddling delight in what you wear.

The name of the game for fall 2008 is secretary chic. That means that some button down shirts and classic sweaters can be added to the wardrobe that you already have to create the lines that will define the season.

This year, the fashion gods have created the proverbial chicken soup, the ultimate comfort food in clothes. So get out your favorite pieces and add a little new and make a statement that sticks it to the man and you will be ready to take on the fashion world and be groovy-hip-fly-phat-chic all of 2008.

Keep your heads up and stay fashionable!

Fall has finally arrived, and we are so ready to get into all that was displayed on the runway.

I know that I am always talking about following your own sense of style. I am a designer and I know that my designs will not appeal to everyone. No matter how hard I try, I can not hit every little nook and fashion fetish that may exist out there. Even if it is nothing but pure ignorance of that underground Ukapatamian grunge club look.

But I know that no matter who you are, there are a few things that have to have to complete the look that you are hunting and this year in the ready to wear arena you will be able to find it.

No matter what the fashion guru’s say, the fashion compass is all over the place when it comes to style types. There are sweet designs for girly girls and sleek 80′s punk designs for the more adventurous and some of everything else in between. As we make the transition from the hip hop bling dominated style era to the rock n roll influence, there is a wide range of style choices that bridge the gap.

The colors that are looming are purple haze shades, black and bold popping colors in the mid range in hue. Don’t mistake bold for bright because you will miss the mark in that something is just not quite right about her look today kind of way. No one will be able to put their finger on it, but it will be a distraction from your look.

Due to the economics in the US, cheap chic has now hit the road and the more substantial buys are becoming more prominent. Even Walmart is upgrading because of it. So as the "it bag" becomes more and more of an obvious accessory (it is getting bigger and bigger and more expensive) take the time to select wisely. Yes Juicy Couture is hot right now and some of their designs are cute as all get out but will the hundreds that you spend for one of them be worth anything to you next year. So get an "it bag" that is appealing to you in more than a fad sort of way. Price is one thing; cost and value are completely different creatures.

Speaking of economics and cost versus value versus price, one of the most appealing thins to have is a good credit rating and an unadulterated identity. Make sure that you are protecting these assets while you are shopping online and in person and don’t let what happened to me happen to you.

Stolen identity is something that is terrible and the ramifications are so devastating that it makes it almost impossible to have normal transactions that we generally take for granted (i.e., buying groceries). Other than the things that they tell you on the site and write ups about protecting your identity let me give you some real word advice.

First, get to know the people in your bank. They are a symbiotic part of your financial health. They can be a first defense if someone comes into the bank posing as you. If they know you and recognize you than they can have the person arrested right there as they try to pose as you. Then there is some thief off the street and their attempt to get you is over. Drive through is convenient but not the best.

The thing is that most times the thieves do not even know who you are nor do they care. They just think of you like an old junker car that they are going to ride into the ground until they can find another to dismiss you for. Then leave you high and dry to pay for their recklessness and trying to pull all your pieces back together.

Don’t sign the back of credit cards. Write ask for ID on the signature line. Forgery can look just as real as the real thing. Don’t give them a heads up on what it should look like.

For goodness sake, don’t have "friends" and friends of friends over for a party and not extra secure your extra checks and other important things. Don’t leave your purse or wallet in your room unsecured, put it in a cabinet or drawer in the main room of the party. People will not steal in the presence of others. It is definitely a behind the scenes type of deal.

Even though you may feel that no one would steal your identity because in your opinion you don’t have enough for them to take anything from you. You are so wrong! They find shady people in organizations to allow them to use your information to get you into new debt and get involved in some very shady deals that you would never even consider doing for yourself.

So in your quest to be fashionable and styled to the nines make sure that you are truly being an aware consumer and protecting what you have taken for granted more than anything else in your life. The fact that you are you and no one else could be that.

In this case, imitation is not in any sense of the word flattery! Shop well and stay financially happy!

Late summer is the hottest part of the year–weather wise–for most of us. It definitely isn’t the social peak of the year.

Let’s face it, 4th of July means the start of the off season.

There is certainly time to plan for the new school year or the coming fall season. A club or party here and there perhaps?

But how are we going to get through the heat and humidity and look great doing it? The answer is not what to wear really, but what color?

White clothing in light fabrics is going to make you look sharp and feel comfortable at the same time.

The key to white, other than not to spill anything on it, is to wear sweat collecting under-gear.

I know that it sounds odd to add more clothes in the summer, but try it. Get some of that sports lycra gear that keeps the perspiration away from your body. You can find it in tanks, tees and under garments in many of the sporting goods stores, in many colors.

Once you are out and about and having a great time, your clothes won’t be soaked with sweat, and you won’t look like you just ran a marathon while everyone else does.

You will be pleased that you took my advice.

This tip especially works if you are a dancer/clubber or just a profuse sweater.

For women if you add a straw hat, straw bag and some espadrilles or other cute sandals, you might as well have brought the tropics with you.

If you wear a hat, do a big sun hat that has style and attitude. (Big is relative. Make sure that you are wearing the hat, and it is not wearing you.)

For men, summer and white slacks are okay for some. It depends on you social clique. But khakis or a pair of great jeans and a white shirt will look smashing. There are plenty of options that will do the trick in this instance.

A white polo shirt or a crisp white tee will make every woman swoon in the post-solstice heat.

The optical impression that white makes in the heat is worth the extra care that you have to do to take to keep it clean. Be the cool, non-sweating one, and watch you social status climb a few notches around the office, the club or on the street.

One thing: white shoes at night for guys is generally a no, no. Sometimes even for women. The reason is that white is noticeable in the dark when there is barely any light, like in a club. You don’t want people watching your feet as you meander through the crowd, you want them trying to see what you face looks like in the shadows.

Smooches for now! Try white. See how it works. Let me know. We can chat.

Bikinis are hot; there’s no way around it. This year, the bikini is going to take over the beaches, the pools and the runways.

The first thing to get is a bikini that’s full of vibrant color. No one will be able to miss you, even if you’re off at a distance.

To pump up the sex appeal, add animal print and you have the start of a fire. The prints are fun, and they really add that animal attraction into the mix. To send your look into temperatures that rival the sun’s, add a to-die-for cut.

Many of the suits for this season have plunging neck lines, cute clasps, belts and other details that will make everyone turn and look at you. When you step out of the building in which you got dressed, the walls will talk about how hot you made the room. The boy cut bottom is the most popular for the season, but the thong is still holding on.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give you the necessary facts for proper bathing suit selection.

A good bathing suit should be lined. If you really plan on getting wet, make sure that the material is not so thin that you show all too well what the bathing suit is supposed to cover. Light colors are more likely to reveal your goods when they’re soaked.

The right cut and fit are more important than anything. If the bottom is sagging, and you’ve got a grandma butt, there is nothing that you can do to fix it (you may also lose it if you get in the water anyway). Getting a cut that’s sexy is fine, but just make sure that falling out of the top is not in your future.

If water or activity is in the future for your suit, get something that is secure. Sexy is nice, but if the suit comes off before you’re ready, it will be very embarrassing. There are several products that are available to make clothing more secure–like bikini tape–but they are not guaranteed. Make sure that you and your suit are sure.

Having more than one bathing suit is always a good choice. Something that’s good for the water may not be your first choice to lay around in. The truth is, being prepared and being aware of your options are truly the keys to always looking your best.

Tankinis are worth taking a look at if you’re really getting into the water and exposing yourself to the weather and the sun. Protect yourself; if something unexpected happens, your suit will be a little more substantive and can protect you just a little more.

The tankinis are really hot this year, as well. They emit a more sophisticated look than a bikini does, but it’s still sexy. This is a great choice if you are staying at a hotel that may be work-related. You’ll want to enjoy the pool, but want to keep it somewhat professional. This is the perfect option.

So this season, think about what you really plan to use that suit for, and make a wise choice that will not leave you embarrassed and naked. Happy Sunning!

Spring 2007 is all about feminine charm that is energetic and bold in color and sinuosity. The shape of the season is a 60′s silhouette with the return of the miniskirt. The emphasis is on the leg this season. Don’t be alarmed, but a hot pant or two may be seen here and there.

The feeling this spring is going to be fun and cheery as we look for distractions from politics and world events. Fashion is always an escape for that reason and possibly why it is always a hot topic.

What we experience on the runway is always an extreme version of what will hit the streets. Women will see clothes that accentuate the leg in a sensuous yet tasteful manner in the ready to wear arena. To update your look for the season, identify your sense of style and take a look at the designers that hit your mark.

If you have a classic sense of style, a skirt right at or slightly above the knee will update your look and not make you feel uncomfortable. Carolina Herrera did a wonderful job for the classic minded woman.

The elegant woman can turn to Salvatore Ferragamo for inspiration with their 3 inch above the knee lengths and the hot pant that is not too skimpy.

Gucci is the right pick for the glamor girl because the mini is updated with details that flatter and give youthful flair to the body.

No designer does Urban Chic better than Versace this season with the mini and the flowing long hemlines that create a goddess like statement that is perfect for the woman on the go.

Pucci takes the cake for the Sophisticate woman this season. This season was a walk of true perfection with the lengths that are short to long and well proportioned. You will feel like a million bucks and always look perfect.

The proper way to wear a mini skirt is with a top that covers. The focus of the outfit should be the leg. Two uncovered areas will be too much and sends the wrong message.

As the mini skirt is a flashback to the 60′s, our color scheme is the traditional dichotomy of a flashback that pushes thoughts of the future. Metallics are still popular in bright silver and gold in everything from shoes, hats and purses to makeup. If you look back the inspiration is the 80′s but the future was the inspiration for that. So no matter the direction of your gaze, silicone, metal, bright blues and yellows with splashes of medium toned lavenders and peaches and of course black and white will dominate the season.

Blast’s fashionista, Elle Bowman, guides you through the hardest part of dating for some, getting dressed.

The Valentine’s Date Outfit Guide for Her

For an upscale affair, the little black dress is always a winner. Want a spicy, jaw-dropping look that will make that special someone notice you? Make it caliente with red, which is commonly looked upon as the color of love and passion. You will stand out in a room swarming with little black dresses. For this type of affair, keep the outfit traditional but add accessories to give it a special touch. For example, turn a hot necklace into a belt, wear appropriate but awesome shoes and carry an over-the-top purse. Make it your outfit, not the designer’s.

A casual chic affair, like a club or classy restaurant has much fewer restrictions, but let the jeans stay home tonight. Step it up a bit by wearing form-fitting fabrics that bring out your feminine charm. This date is about him being the man and you being the woman. The right clothes will give you a really flirty approach to the evening and you’ll have a great time. Love comes when you least expect it, so just enjoy the evening and let the chips fall where they may.

On a casual date, pair a sexy low-cut top of a soft, feminine color with the most flattering jeans you can find. Finish the look with amazing black pumps. The silhouette that you create will give you a taller, slimmer look. No one will be able to resist staring at this fabulous you. Couple it with a fashionable handbag and a pair of sunglasses.

The Valentine’s Date Outfit Guide for Him

Upscale, black-tie events for a man require a suit or tux. There is no way around it! Make yourself stand out with red accessories. If you have the personality to pull off wearing red shoes, it might get you the girl that likes that sort of thing. Select a cologne that smells great on you, this will definitely give you added sex appeal.

A man on a casual/chic date should wear dress slacks, a crew neck shirt and leather slip-on shoes as a foundation. A button-down shirt on top of the crew neck creates the boy next door look. A blazer for a power look, and a leather jacket makes for a bad boy look. Prefer a more urban feel? Add a ¾ length jacket. This creates a place to start that has endless possibilities. The tailored jeans are still in, and a nice jacket will complete the look.

The accessories that you select makes all the difference in the world: choose a Tag Heuer or Fossil watch, a platinum ring and a belt and shoe color that match and you’re good to go.

Casual date attire begins with jeans and a white t-shirt, and you build from there. This is a great foundation to achieve a variety of looks. Adding a button-down shirt with just the bottom few closed will get you a preppy look. Add an oversized button-down to get a street look. You can go with a black leather jacket and black square toe slip-on shoes for a more manly look.

Decide what look that you want to have and add the accessories that make the grade. Eyewear/sunglasses can add a certain level, if that’s what you’re going for. She’ll be trying hard to impress you, so try to match the effort.