Spring is in full force — with 80 degree days tempered by torrential rain tempered further by dry spells and brush fires here in New England. Gotta love the weather.

Spring cleaning is a chance to throw out the old and bring in the new. It is a chance to declutter and demessify your domicile. As a lover of gadgets and cleanliness (not extremely good at the latter) I decided to put out this little guide to gadgets that will not only help you be cleaner, they might axe some of the clutter on your desk and allow you to throw out a few monthly bills in the process. It’s spring, start anew!

IQAir HealthPro Plus

All the hundreds and thousands of dollars that people spend on devices and chemicals designed to eliminate allergens and make their homes smell better — it’s a waste. You need one product to improve the air quality in your home, and it’s the same device that hospitals use to purify air in some operating rooms. It’s the same company that’s been in business for 45 years. It’s not available in the Sharper Image catalog.

The Swiss-made IQAir HealthPro Plus is simply the best air purifier on the market today or ever.

Around 100x more powerful than a traditional HEPA filter, the HealthPro Plus eliminates particles down to 0.003 microns. It strips viruses, pet dander, dust mites, air pollution and harmful cigarette smoke. It allows you to live with a dog or cat despite your allergies.

It’s good for asthma, too.

Depending on where you live, an air purifier is a must-own device. Save yourself money, trouble, and failure. At under $1,000, this is an investment in your health. I’ve used the IQAir HealthPro Plus for months, and it’s the best air purifier you can own.

Altec Lansing inMotion Air — $179

This six-pound, battery or AC powered modern boom box lets you stream any audio wirelessly, up to 300 feet away via Bluetooth or any Apple device via the Apple Remote App.

You can take your iPhone, iPad, or other smartphone and Bluetooth devices and play your music in crystal clear, CD quality excitement with the Altec Lansing inMotion Air.

I’m a big fan of all things Altec Lansing. I’ve been reviewing their products since 1996, and I haven’t found anything to dislike. This is a great way to do spring cleaning, because it can replace a bulky bookshelf unit and all the wires that it brings. You also save energy by blasting you music without having to power up your home theater or PC equipment.

netTALK Duo WiFi

For $60, you get a year of phone service.

The tiny size and free Enhanced 911, 411, visual voicemail, call waiting, conference calling, and fax service make the netTALK Duo WiFi a great way to remove a monthly bill from your stack and ditch your phone company. You clean up by removing outdated equipment from your house and you REALLY clean up with the money you’ll save.

Honeywell with Febreze Freshness Cool & Refresh Fan

Fabreze is all the rage right now, and it’s no surprise that a fan maker finally caught on and incorporated “Fabreze Freshness” into a room fan. Honeywell’s Cool & Refresh Fan does both of what it says — it cools you off and makes a room smell better. It’s not a replacement for the IQAir HealthPro Plus, but if you have a room that the pets tend to stay in or a bedroom that needs a freshness boost, Honeywell has made a very affordable winner for only an astounding $30.

While we’re talking about fans, Honeywell would like to point out that 65 percent of Americans say that they get a better night’s sleep with a fan, while 73 percent use one at night for white noise. I had a fan in my bedroom — it was old, dirty, and didn’t look right in the room. Honeywell cleaned the room up and styled it up at the same time.

iHome iDM11B Wireless Speaker

There are wireless “sound bricks” you can get for your iPad or smartphone in the $99 and $150 range. This one does it for about $70 and sounds amazing. We know the iHome brand. We’ve been reviewing these guys since 2007. We like the quality and love the price.

The iDM11B is a Bluetooth speaker system with a rechargeable battery. No wires. No mess. Sounds great. Clean looking.

The speaker works with tablets, media players, smartphones, laptops, and anything else that works with Bluetooth. Great bass and crisp highs make this one a good value and a good way to clean up your desk.

Swingline Stack-and-Shred 60X

Talk about the ultimate cleaning device for any home, or office, or home office. You need a heavy duty shredder, and the Stack-and-Shred is the one. You can feed a few sheets up top, or you can open it up and toss in up to 60 pieces of paper for mega-massive destruction. It also takes out credit cards.

Everyone needs a reliable shredder in this day and age. The Swingline not only shreds documents but destroys them with cross-cutting blades. Try putting that back together again.

CBTL Americano single cup coffee maker

OK, I’ll say it, if you already have a Keurig coffeemaker, you can skip this section. But if you still have an old, 2006ish Tassimo single-cup coffeemaker, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s CBTL single serve beverage system is a great upgrade and a very interesting alternative to the Keurig.

I first encountered this system in an upscale hotel, and was pleasantly surprised. It makes a fantastic espresso and makes everything from tea to various shades and flavors of traditional coffee. It costs a little more than an entry-level Keurig, and New Englanders won’t be too moved by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand, which is much bigger on the West Coast. But if you still have a Tassimo, toss it and upgrade.

It may technically still be winter, but the unusually warm weather has us putting away our turtlenecks a little early this year. So, what should we break out next, you ask? How about a closet full of Life Savers candy-colored clothes blazing in hues of lemon, lime and citrus? My mouth is already watering!

News

Apple has used the iPhone to make a sneaky entrance into the gaming industry. The swing was confirmed in a recent Flurry report, which stated that while the iPhone’s games only made up 5 percent of portable gaming revenue in 2008, its market share jumped to 19 percent in 2009, to the significant detriment of both the PSP and DS. What makes this meteoric rise even more remarkable is the average price of a game in the app store is $1.36 while most new releases on both PSP and DS are $29.99.

The PSP, which has had its fair share of problems, had the bigger slip of the two, going from 20 percent of the market revenue to 11 percent in just a year. One has to wonder if the PSP’s problems, specifically a high price that ensured that the platform could never really take off, has influenced the iPad’s much lower than expected pricing, especially on the heels of a report on AppleInsider claiming that 44 percent of iPad apps being tested are games.

In addition, if you have spent any time cruising around the app store in the past week, you may have noticed that some apps now have an HD tag. Those apps are exclusively for the iPad, and will far surpass the visual capabilities of both the PSP and DS.

It was a roundabout way to enter the gaming industry, but the iPhone seems to have been the testing medium to see how the public would react to gaming apps on a ubiquitous computing device. Needless to say, the popularity of game apps on the iPhone almost assuredly contributed to what seems like a concerted focus on the gaming experience for iPad users that should make Apple’s newest creation a groundbreaking one in portable gaming.

While I’m not entirely sold on the iPad, if I was in the market for a portable gaming platform and was surveying the market, with the iPad’s functionality and fairly reasonable price, it seems to me like a no-brainer to make a bigger investment for an exponentially greater return. One vertical that Apple will certainly be watching when the iPad is released on Saturday are the gamers, who may ultimately determine whether the tablet is closer to a Macbook Air or an iPhone.

In other news, music streaming subscription site MOG announced at SXSW that they will be rolling out a $10/month mobile app for both iPhone and Android in which music files will live in the cloud, and can be downloaded any time to your smartphone.

If you read the column from two weeks ago, this is only further evidence that streaming media to smartphones is a thing of the past. MOG’s announcement is further reinforcement of the cloud revolution going on in software today. Though unproven, the subscription music model should work, given the amount of quality music that is being produced now that there are virtually no barriers to entry in the music industry. It will be interesting to see who of MOG, Rhapsody, Pandora and Spotify can corner the rapidly growing market, and how the iTunes music store will undoubtedly react.

Apps

Spring means a few things: unnecessarily wearing sandals on slightly warmer than average days, the beginning of another season of Red Sox dominance (fingers crossed), and shopping for the coming months. In the spirit of springtime, Blast gives you three apps for shopping your way towards warmth.

oMoby-Unsure about a product? Want to know more about it before you buy or walk away? oMoby is a free app that uses your phone’s camera to retrieve information, shopping options, and the obligatory Facebook and Twitter connections about the product. Simply take a picture of the item in question, and oMoby will return links pertinent to the product. Slightly gimmicky, but it works well and is a quick way to aggregate information about a product, or to show off at your Memorial Day BBQ.

RedLaser- oMoby’s grown up older brother, this app is the ultimate shopping companion, and really flexs the iPhone’s metaphorical muscle. RedLaser is a scanner that uses the phone’s camera to quickly scan an item’s barcode and return both TheFind Local Product Search and Google results to ensure that you are getting the best price on the item you are scanning. RedLaser’s barcode scanning technology is amazingly accurate so you probably won’t need it, but if you can’t scan an item, you can manually enter the UPC or EAN code and have both local and national pricing results on your phone in seconds. The app also allows you to keep a backlog of all the items you have scanned, and you can email those items to yourself and others. Even though the app is $1.99, if you use it, the app will more than pay for itself.

Sale Price- Speaking from experience, those that work in your average retail store aren’t going out of their way to make sure you get the best sales price possible on that marked down item you are about to buy. Sales Price quickly calculates the final price of your item using sliders depending on what kind of discount the retailer is offering. Bargain hunters will love the app, though with increasingly advanced retail software, who knows how long this app will be useful for. Still, for free, it’s better to have it than not.

Looking for more iPhone and iPad updates? Follow Matt on Twitter by clicking here.

Spring is coming. It is inevitable. The second the temperature hits 50 degrees I’m over the snow, the sweaters and the coats, and I’m ready for the crocuses and Easter eggs and warmth, oh precious, precious warmth.

Warmth means all of the plants in my mom’s gardens come back to life.  Rhubarb battles the crocuses for first plant creeping over the muddy March ground.  It’s only a matter of time before the strawberries start spreading and dreams of strawberry rhubarb pie begin to fill my sleep.

Since it is only March and the strawberries are further than a dream away, this sour cream rhubarb crumb cake might spread the feelings of spring and cause it to come a little faster. It is fresh with just a touch of sweet.

Sour Cream Rhubarb Crumb Cake

Cake:

½ cup of butter

1 and ½ cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

1 and ½ cup rhubarb — diced

Cream the butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and beat until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients alternatively with sour cream to the creamed mixture. Fold diced rhubarb into batter. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 pan.

Topping:

½ cup of sugar

½ cup of walnuts (optional)

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix the sugar, cinnamon, walnuts and melted butter. Sprinkle topping on cake batter. Bake at 350 F for 40 — 50 minutes. Be sure to share your taste of spring with other people in your life. They will definitely be more than grateful.

If you’re chomping at the bit for more Modern Warfare 2 action, fear not, as Infinity Ward today said the studio is nearing a release date for the upcoming downloadable content.

More of this soon

Infinity Ward’s community man Robert “FourZeroTwo” Bowling had a bunch of MW2 DLC meetings today and said information about the coveted content is in the works and will soon be unveiled.

He Tweeted about it just minutes ago on Twitter:

Lots of #MW2 DLC related meetings today, which is a good thing. Means we’re oh so close to nailing down a date and locking down details!!

There we have it ladies and gents. Information concerning the game’s first DLC is nearly here. What do you expect it to be? More maps? More unlockables? Something completely and entirely new?

Easter really is the holiday that welcomes spring. Whether you are religious or not, Easter gives everyone a chance to celebrate with family and friends. What’s not to love?

Especially after a winter where the National Weather Service reported average temperatures of 30 degrees or lower across the states for about three months, anything that insinuates warmth is welcome. In the spirit of welcoming spring we dedicated our April cover and Culture section to the beautiful fashions of spring and the trends for Summer 2009.

Thanks to fashion connoisseurs like Sara Campbell, whose flowy and feminine dresses are perfect additions to any woman’s wardrobe, Nicole Deponte, with avant-garde statement cravats, Storey Hieronymus Hauck, owner of the eclectic Turtle Boston, and shoe additions from Missoni to Modern Vintage our photo shoot outfits were set.

The last detail that made the shoot a success was the setting. Bobby from Boston, a unique vintage store and a true jewel in the South End of Boston, provided the best background. There, we could mix the fresh styles that you will see everywhere these coming months with the richness and history of retro fashion.

So, what to look for as you prepare your own warm weather outfits? As you browse through our galleries notice one common aspect, color. Color, color, color. In the details of accessories, the shade of a clothing item or even the hue of a shoe. At every store from Nordstrom to H&M warm weather fashions include colorful additions.

Not only that, there is also a resurgence of tribal print and ethnic themes. Best seen, for example, in shoes like Jimmy Choo’s Cora Fringe Sandals. Granted, these are the extreme option and one of the most expensive, but the idea is the same. Target, Nine West and even Payless Shoes are including ethnic inspired styles that are easier on the wallet.‚  Swing by Old Navy or Banana Republic to find tops, skirts or dresses with this design as well. Statement bangles and earrings will complete the look, or look through your jewelry and find chunky, jewel infused, necklaces to add.

Aside from the tribal an ethnic prints, flowers and block prints are also making an appearance in different places. Whether you choose a shift, empire or belted dress to show off those legs, consider print accents for it with a cardigan, scarf or shawl. If flowers aren’t your thing metallic shades are all the rave too.

Try to find a large metallic bag that could become your everyday tote.‚  And for evenings, definitely look into clutches. The prints and colors in style are so bold; you don’t need an overhaul bag that makes a look cluttered. Structured bottoms, that look clean but have pockets, rolled up hems, zippers and buttons provide that “Bam!” needed for the office or the after party so you don’t have to rely only on dresses.

Also consider sheer fabrics and 80s inspired tops. Either option paired with boot cut, wide leg jeans or mid thigh length pants will look good. And, if you really want to follow the trends, get yourself a pantsuit. They are popping up everywhere in silk or cotton and work wonders with heels, add accessories and you have the summer “it” outfit.

We can try to wrap up with shoes, although this topic could easily make for another 600 word Op-Ed. What women should consider for the coming warm weather months is at least one pair of sky-high heels with a cool design. A bold pattern, a detailed heel or a mixture of fabrics will ensure that your shoes get noticed and that the outfit you wear them with is easy to assemble. Essentially the shoes will be the focal point. For the rest of summer days, flats are still popular.‚ 

Try to search for bargains, not because you have to get that one hot pair of heels for the season does it mean you need to spend $200 plus. A brand new website launched by Kim Kardashian is a good solution to getting great shoes every month at affordable prices. Nationwide shoe dealers like DSW and Off Broadway Shoes are starting summer their sales shortly after the Easter bunny visits.

And guys, please don’t feel left out. Blast reporter Kristin Lambert has taken the task of telling you how to look good for the warm weather months too. In general, everyone please go to your closets and see what you have that may fit into a trend mentioned. After seeing what you have, and getting those coats in storage, prepare to bargain hunt and find accent pieces that will refresh your wardrobe.

Who said looking fashionable had to continue being expensive? We are still in a recession so don’t be afraid to ask for the sale section in a store or invest in one great piece. Like the Boston Globe‚ reported, more and more shoppers are asking for discounts and getting them so join the revolution! Just remember to pray to the higher beings for the warmth to stay as log as possible.

Oh yes my friends, I can smell it, the scent of spring in the air! And for men, that means getting outdoors and showing off a new look that is fitting for a recession. Free football game in the park anyone?

Spring fashion must haves for men will have you feeling loose and free to just chill and hang with the guys, (or an easy going girl in your life) while you look for free concerts in the park, re-visit a childhood basketball court or even a throw cozy spring picnic in the park with pals.

What I think is the cream of the crop in men’s fashion this season is the more relaxed fitting jeans, shorts and pants. If you are more casual and cried over last season’s calf hugging pantsuits, not to worry. The designers this season know you are looking to chill out while leaving the more up-tight look for a special occasion.

One of my favorites for this season is a collection by Michael Bastian. There’s something about a sporty guy with a little muscle and a tan to top it off that seems sexier than ever.

Men can easily sport the wider leg pants or shorts with a little leg room to move around in. Even the hemline is a more easy fit, but not too baggy, which could have easily made this look appear “bummy.” Plus, it’s nice to see a man show a little “leg” for once, we women are tired of doing all the work! WINK WINK!

Another really cool trend with many designers this spring, including Michael Bastian, is the ability to dress up shorts or those torn up jeans with a sport coat. Have you ever seen pictures of 4-year-old boys from the 70′s wearing the short suit outfits with the socks pulled up high? Ok, well we don’t need to see your two striped knee socks now, but the look is oh so cool for a night out at your local hangout.

Designers like William Rast really hit the nail on the head with this cool, yet sophisticated look. But if you don’t have the cash you can easily make your own with an old pair of jeans you can cut down, and pair it with a suit coat you have stashed in your closet. Come on, metro sexual was a great look but for you men who are more rugged you can now be metro-hipstural! Who said you only had to wear a suit coat for weddings or funerals?

And as usual, the cool v-neck tees with retro prints are great for any style you decide to sport. One of the key components to this season’s style is wearability. If you can’t run, relax or be rugged in it, it doesn’t belong on you men this spring. Even if you are not into nature there is something very appealing about stomping through a pond if you so choose to. What man doesn’t want to enlighten his old boyish ways?

There are lots of ways to broaden your wardrobe this season, even if you mock some of the designers runway looks with your own personal touch. But most stores carry items that are similar in style, like American Eagle Outfitters who has the up to date spring must haves like t-shirts, cargo shorts and low loose jeans. Now let’s head outside and play a little flag football.

Oh, and you can take the suit coat off for that.

In every season what is seemingly old becomes new again. ‚ However for Spring 2009, this is especially true.‚  As if designers anticipated the hard times ahead, the clothes seem to have regressed to times of the American cultural stimulus.‚  The Regan-esque working woman silhouette of the 1980′s has returned with a more structured modern fitting.‚  Even day-glo, splatter painting, acid wash, and ruffled blouses have made multiple appearances by an array of designers. ‚ We’re in a fashion era of true sobriety where clothes seem to have lost that air of fantasy, and purpose is of the most importance.‚ 

This spring is a season of contrasts that reflect the change taking place within our nation.‚  Designs range from organic and flowy to rigid and architectural, romantic to athletic, wild and patterned, to chic color-blocked and sensible. ‚ Some fashion houses have even gone green. ‚ Designers such as Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson are not only just downsizing their shows and events this season due to the declining economic climate, but are also incorporating eco-conscious prints and material.‚ 

Patterns and textures are slowly gravitating back towards our truest roots.‚  Some designs focusing on tribal prints, animal patterns, and colors both vivid and natural.‚  Materials include organic cottons created using fair priced foreign labor. ‚ Altogether, trends this spring are challenging and exciting, but don’t fret, always feel the confidence to try anything at least once.‚  Invest in affordable pieces at stores such as H&M, J. Crew and Banana Republic.‚  When you think spring trends, don’t shy away,and ‚ in the words of Obama say, “Yes we can!”

Let’s break this down slow and steady, top to bottom, so that no one is to be left behind. We can start simple with the dresses of spring, which, in this season, come in all shapes and sizes. ‚ Designers play with geometry and fun new patterns.‚  Polka dots, stripes, checks or crisscross details run rampant through the collections of Oscar De La Renta, Philip Lim and Michael Kor, among others. ‚ The shift dress is always classic, however if you try out some strong futuristic cuts, via Calvin Klein, you are sure to be ahead of the fashion curve, for these looks are daring and not for any commoner.‚ 

Usually in the spring seasons we see an array of florals, lace, ruffles, and bows; all things bright, sparkly, young and pretty. ‚ Well, designers have shied away from the predictable use of these accents and kept the bows and flowers grounded to adorn your feet. A contrasting image is seen in this season’s trend for outerwear too.

Whether it is fitted, bulky, oversized, structured, military or draped, futuristic fits and sculpted sleeves are all the rage.‚  Several years ago the soldier style jackets were back in action, now thanks to designers such as Alexander McQueen, whose ode to her royal highness weighed heavy in every collection, they’re back with young punky twists.‚  Think metallic’s, beading and lots and lots of sequins.‚  If you want to stay on trend without breaking the bank, stick to fitted preppy cut jackets that can be dressed up or down with the properly added accessories.‚  Jackets can be paired with blouses. Whether they have ruffled details, are loose and draped, made out of transparent silks or are covered in ethnic prints, this wardrobe staple will soften any look.

For accessories, everything from bags to shoes comes in an array of metals, studs, fringe, leather, raffia, silk, jewels, crystals and even the always classic, stripper lucite. ‚ If you’re investing in one bag this season, make it a clutch, what do you need to lug around all summer anyway?‚  Lip-gloss, keys, cell-phone and you’re good to go. ‚ 

Unlike most fashion this season, the shoes are less than practical.‚  The fabulous creations of Dior, Prada, Gucci, YSL and far too many more to name, mix all sorts of metals, animal skins and small adornments that will leave you in awe.‚  However, the click-clacking down the Nina Ricci runway was even wilder than something Dr. Suess could imagine, so ladies, please don’t go there.‚  In sticking to sensible, salacious footwear, think of strappy sky-high wedges and stilettos.‚  Nine West has made some especially affordable and sensuous sling-backs that will sexify any outfit.‚  Hopefully we won’t see the models teetering off the runway as an omen for the state of the economy.‚  Happy spring cleaning and deal hunting ladies.

BALTIMORE — It’s March and that means that Easter eggs are soon on their way and that pints o’ beer and allergies are here! We all love spring, St. Patrick’s Day and holiday feasts, and one of the best places to celebrate all three is the Baltimore-Annapolis, Maryland area on the Chesapeake Bay. Rich in Irish history, early spring flowers and fresh crab, your senses will come alive exploring all that the area offers.

Baltimore is the sin-city of the ages, originally established from the tobacco and sugar trades with the Caribbean, but when the potatoes in Ireland disappeared a massive exodus of settlers flooded the area leaving their mark on the city. The name Baltimore is from the Irish city in County Cork, Anglicized from “Baile an Tƒ­ Mhƒ³ir” meaning “Town of the Big House”.

Since St. Patty’s Day falls mid-week, that leaves you with only one option — celebrate the weekend before AND after. It’s only fair. With only one weekend to explore Baltimore, do three things: pub crawl the bay, pub-crawl Fell’s Point, and slink over to the cemetery — preferably the one where Edgar Allen Poe is buried. (Just be careful not to drunkenly stumble into a crypt.)

The downtown area of Baltimore is centered on the bay, and houses ships of today and yesterday. A fine example of fleeting American craftsmanship is the USS Constellation permanently docked here. If you’re a sports fan the Boston Red Sox (another fine strappin’ young Irish lad of a team) are playing spring training games the weekend before, and there are games all week long. Ah, the Great American Pastime — bringing Irishmen and beer together for a century, and now you too.

A bit uptown from downtown, but a fun stumble over is the little church cemetery that houses the grave of Edgar Allen Poe, who resided in Boston and Baltimore. The graves here date back to the late 1700s and the grounds are well kept and classically spooky. ‚ Also in the city is the earliest surviving home in which Poe lived, and now operates as the Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum.‚  If you’re looking to go ghost hunting, wander on over to a little place in Fell’s Point (said to be Poe’s final drinking hole) called The Horse You Came In On. It is rumored that an upstairs room is occupied by a spirit named “Edgar”.

Fell’s Point, once popular with the sailors has been refurbished and is the new hip spot. There are more than 120 pubs to whet your whistle, cobblestone streets, music, shopping and great local eats.‚  With a rich maritime influence left behind from St. Patty’s Days gone by, some of the infamous naval beauties were built in Fell’s Point yards, epitomizing the clipper-ship with the area. The aforementioned USS Constellation calls Fell’s Point home, as well as many Civil War ships, and privateers.

Speaking of navy

Not so far from Baltimore is Annapolis, home of the US Naval Academy, the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, and one of the original capitols of the United States. In Annapolis, the history seems to seep from the cobblestones.‚  Walk down the same streets that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson tread, and were once a hot-bed of patriotic action. There are several homesteads on the main street that have been transformed into quaint inns dating back to the mid-18^th century, including the Maryland Inn, whose tavern hosted the likes of Ben Franklin and John Adams.

Host to the two largest in-water boat shows each year in October, and year round races, there is a constant stream in and out of Annapolis ‚ year round of sea-worthy vessels coming in to port, to eat the fresh crab-legs and drink stout pints as in the days of old.

Annapolis is another small-in-square-footage-big-in-possibilities charmer. Theater thrives there, premium yachting abounds, and there are plenty of historical pubs and shopping to keep you entertained for the weekend.

While this may be the cleanest debauchery you’ve ever partaken in, the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis are picturesque, sports-worthy, pub-alicious, and just their streets are waiting for you to dance down. Don’t forget to wear green. I’ll be watching for you, pint in hand.

For more information on the historical Inns in Annapolis visit Http://www.historicinnsofannapolis.com. For more information on The Horse you Came In On visit http://www.myspace.com/thehorselive . And lastly the Poe House/Museum is here: http://www.eapoe.org/balt/poehse.htm.

Carly Erin O’Neil, our favorite lass, reported from Baltimore and Annapolis.

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.

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.