A Decade of Trends

It is a new year. And if you can believe it, a new decade! It seems like this past decade was filled with so much.... stuff! From 9-11 to the war in Iraq to the boom of social media to the election of the first black American president. It is hard to believe those things and so much more happened in just ten years!

And then you have the fashions of the 00's -- every decade has their claim to fame, and all I can think of for this past decade is leggings. They seem to have taken root mid-decade and never left. But, oh, how I hope their ridiculousness ends soon. Yes, they're comfortable, but only about 1% of the population can really pull them off. Otherwise, they just look silly -- kind of like stirrup pants.

The other trend of the '00s has to be the HUGE bags. You know what I'm talking about ladies -- the kind that could quite possibly hold a toddler in it. I never quite understood why a leggy, pin-thin lady needed a purse she could literally folder herself into. Status symbol? Or, a quick escape? Whatever the reason, unless you need to carry your entire life's necessities around with you all day long, let go of the over-sized handbags... PLEASE!

And, finally, the two trends that will probably be staying around a bit longer -- the skinny jeans and the ankle boots. Okay, I'll admit, I own a pair of both. Not a true pair of skinny jeans, but as close as I will get. Yeah, they can be sexy and cute on some women, but for most, they just don't work. Same with those silly ankle boots. Unless you have legs up to your nose and they're shaped like twigs, ankle boots do absolutely nothing for most women's legs.

We've all be victims to at least one of these trends this decade, and that's fine -- it's fun to experiment with fashion and doing so is really the only way one can find their true style. I think I've finally found my fashion style -- classic pieces with a twist of whimsy and funk. And I hope to play on more of that whimsy and funk this year; to take some risks and think outside the box. And that may mean I'll try some of those trends that won't work, and some that I can add to my collection. But either way, it will be exciting to see what's in store for this new decade.

And to neatly wrap-up this past year's fashions, I've put together a collage of some of the great deals I found in 2009. Enjoy and Happy New Year to all!

Happy Valentine's Day
(posted February 13)

Vogue Dress, LuLu's, $49


Both Sides, Now

(posted March 31)

Classic Cocktail Party Dress, ModCloth, $74.99


My Ruffle Paradox
(posted April 11)

Ruffle Round Toe Flat, GoJane, $12


Short Skirt/Long Jacket
(Posted August 22)

Chinese Laundry Makers, Piperlime, $39.99


Rocker Chic
(posted November 6)

Deux Lux Studded Hobo, Urban Outfitters, $49.99

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays -- I love baking cookies, wrapping presents, spending time with family and, of course, decorating. My place is relatively small, but I always love adding new decorations to my growing collection of holiday ornaments and tchotchkes. Decorating always gets my in the spirit of the holidays, and I wanted to share some of the spirit with you.

Here are some photos of my Christmas decorations. Being a Phoenix girl, we don't really get that wintry Christmas feel (i.e.: cold temps & snow), so my little inside "winter-wonderland" look has helped me get that cozy and festive feeling.

And here are some classic Christmas decor items I found on the Web. I'd say most of them are fairly affordable, but of course after the holidays, they'll be really affordable!

12 Days of Christmas Ornaments, Crate & Barrel, $39.95; Golden Star Christmas Tree, Gump's, $45

Pre-Lit Poinsettias, Brylane Home, $24.99; Elegant Reindeer, Pier 1 Imports, $35 ea.

"Designer" Gifts For Less

I recently had the opportunity to guest blog on Shop It To Me's blog about inexpensive gift ideas for those who love designer items. The blog post is below. And, if you're interested in signing-up for Shop It To Me e-mails click here -- it is a great way to keep up-to-date on the latest apparel sales on the Web. (Shop It To Me sends customized e-mails of clothing sales by brand or retailer you've pre-selected.)

We all know at least one person who emphatically declares like Rachel Zoe, they “die“ for designer items. They covet designer logos, expensive fabrics and haute couture looks like a girl on a diet craves chocolate. And trying to please them is not always easy on a recession-thin wallet. But this year, in particular, with stores trying to reeve up their revenues, you can find plenty of designer-like items out there that ooze the sophistication and luxury of those pricey brands. Here are just a few chic gift items that can satisfy any of your designer-obsessed friends or family members this holiday season:

For that girlfriend smitten by the luxe look of designer handbags, check out Urban Outfitters’ Deux Lux Studded Hobo. It’s stylish, PETA-friendly (its faux leather if you can believe it!) and only costs $68.

Or, for your Sex in the City obsessed sister, pick up a pair of these Carrie-inspired Poetic Licensed pumps from Lori’s Shoes for a mere $88.

How about spicing up your mom’s play-it-safe wardrobe with a biker-inspired leather jacket, like this one from Frenchi for $168.

And, don’t forget about your stylish aunt, who loves one-of-a-kind items like this fancy and oh-so-chic From O’Keeffe Necklace from Anthropologie for $48.

Finally, we mustn’t forget about the men in our lives. Although most of them could care less about designer items, there may be a few fashion-forward fellows who dig those lavish looks. So, to please them, how about a bit of classy cashmere in the form of a scarf or sweater from J.Crew ( $68 and $62 respectively.)

So, the next time your Louboutin-loving friend or Chanel-salivating relative mentions a “too-die-for” extravagance, just know that with a little bit of searching, you can get them that designer-inspired item without that designer price-tag -- and, they’ll love it just the same!