And because I feel as if I’ve been given a day of ‘reprieve’ from the normal rush and insanity of day to day life I’ve decided to dedicate myself to indulge in the pleasures that make this day special- and create a fantasy day with a little colorful and trendy insight, of course.

Finding color cues from the history of Valentine’s Day was a little less romantic then I had hoped ( pagans dying as martyrs is not really putting me in the mood) so I jump ahead a few centuries to the times of knights and maidens ( and all things TUDORS)-when the heart was thought to be the center of emotions and a woman gave a man a ribbon or piece of her lacey handkerchief  to carry into battle to symbolized her love.

runway looks from Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs and Balanciaga from Style.com

In my mind today’s modern day maiden would be dressed as so…in silvery tones of pink and lavenders with jolts of fuschia and orange.  With a lace-y motif print, a bit of sheer armor and a soft, pale scarf ( can’t you image taking off your scarf and wrapping it around your love’s neck after a long kiss good bye )- oh so romantic!

The tradition of presenting notes and tokens of admiration on the actual day of February 14th  finds it’s root in England where the custom was embraced among all social classes through the 17th and 18th centuries. The card became quite ornate and colorful and by the 1840’s the trend moved on to the United States when the first American manufactured Valentine’s Day cards ( even back then we knew how to capitalize on a good idea ) were created by  Esther A. Howland.

The woman known as ‘the mother of Valentines’ was inspired to create her own line of ‘English’ valentine card out of scrapes of lace, ribbons and colorful paper images- ( wow… she was an ETSY kind of girl way before her time!)  Her designs are so intricate and cool… take a closer look at one of the few left in existience on the online museum of Emotion Cards.com.

Your might just be surprised by the brightness of it’s color palette, which I’m sure has faded over time.

I love the idea of making my own homemade cards but being short on time, and well face it motivation I think this modern day version is sure to tickle my love interest’s fancy…

Katis Kreations “Obama Family’ Valentine available through Etsy.com

Giving flowers to symbolize love has been around since the world was ruled by emperors and gods.  Obviously one might first think of Red and Pink roses when thinking of Valentines day. In fact, the color of rose you chose to give may just have all kinds of secret meaning and messages- ( just a heads up so you don’t get yourself in a sticky situation with a platonic co-worker).

But with so many varieties of flowers available just a phone call away, one must no longer be confined to sending just roses.  Since I’m in the ‘dog house’ with my true love today I doubt the FTD man will be ringing my bell today but if he were… all I can say to this Martha Stewart arrangement is “Yes Please!”

If you do send flowers today why not have a hand in the arrangement…according to AboutFlowers.com best color combination for flowers this year include:

• Red combined with orange
• Shades of pink and violet
• Raspberry pinks with oranges and deep purples; accent with lime green
• Shades of plum, pinks and magentas
• Soft shades of pink and lavender accented with the brighter greens
• Light to dark pink shades accented with the brighter greens
• Red and hot pink
• All green
• White
• Purples and reds
• Mango

My sweet tooth will most definitely not be denied today ( exercise bike here I come tomorrow ).  Giving chocolate to the one you love on this day makes total sense since it is believed that chocolate produces the same brain chemistry as one first experiences when falling in love.  Making this scrumptious treat a wise choice whether you’re attempting to seduce or simply attempting to feel seduced ( cue the violins, now).

The darker the chocolate the healthier it is… but before you devour an entire box of Godiva Darks in front of a crackling fire in the name of better health you could instead indulge your taste buds with a trendy  box of Salted Chocolate Caramels… recently named by the NY Times as the trendiest flavor of the year ( who knew?)

And to round out the day ( last but never least ) a lovely bottle of wine…but do I want to taste sensous, glamorous or indulge in a glass that makes me feel wrapped in cashmere?  WineAnswers.com has a lovely round up on the perfect grape for a romantic dinner for 2.

For myself this is one time I must remain a traditionalist… it’s champagne all the way.  So as I pop open a bottle of my personal tried and true fave , Veuve Cilcquot and drink to my little heart’s content I can at least take solace that sometimes following your heart is the best trend around.

… though funny enough the color of the label does happen to look very much like Mimosa, Pantone’s color of the year.

All my fashion icons have been bedazzled, jeweled, and embellished. Ginger from Gilligan’s Island had a shimmering dress for many occasions (a perfect choice for a 3 hr cruise). Marilyn Monroe sung Happy Birthday Mr. President in a see through rhinestone dress (again, very appropriate choice).

Liberace was a man after my own heart….he has many outfits that display his love of the light reflective powers of gems and rhinestones.

And of course, my number one pick of all….my 4th cousin once removed (according to my very Southern Grandma Yeatts, also a huge fan)  Elvis Presley. He opted for a practical suit (that of the jump variety) and expressed his artistic vision with shiny stones. Check out Viktor Viktoria’s Elvis onesie….I am going to buy these in every size.

But alas, the new “jeweled” trend is a shy , distant relative of the adornment of my youth. Is that a good thing ?

Chunky stone and glass ornaments are popping up on every fashion item, of late. And just in time for holiday parties. On the red carpet, fancy and over the top are commonplace. You don’t have to be a country idol, a spicy star dancer, or gorgeous Rhianna to sparkle in sparkles.

Strut into your office holiday party or ring in the new year with these glamorous looks, that could easily transition from day to night.

Dresses top left clockwise: DKNY, Temperley London, Tibi, Behnaz Sarafpour

Trip the light fantastic in these glittering additions to your shoe wardrobe.

Shoes top left clockwise: Louis Vuitton Istanbul pumps, Sergio Rossi, Sigerson Morrison for Target , Guiseppe Zanotti flats

Designers have a treasure trove of gem adorned bags for you to stash your valuables.

Top row of satin clutches: Devi Kroell, Prada, Lieber

Black Spiegel tote & Blue patent tote Gustto Costella

What better display of gems than rocking some bling with jewelry. This is the obvious choice, as current designs are truly innovative with their use of large craggy stones.

Erickson Beamon quartz ring, Hayden Harnett cuff, Isharya Orbit Agate necklace, and Missoni multi gem necklace .

Add a jewel to a simple dress with Kenneth Jay Lane’s jeweled belt . Got a catering fashion dilemma ? Try Donna Karan offers a solution with her gem cummerbund. Now all you need is a bedazzled crumber.

They say eyes are the windows to the soul…take a cue from recent runways and show your sparkling soul ! Shu Uemura offers diamante false eyelashes for your entire make up needs. Or opt for Christian Dior’s recent look of mod turned dazzle eyeliner and gems look.

Not feeling so over the top ? Satisfy your need for razzle dazzle with Prada’s headband , without looking like a drag queen (nothing against drag queens, ladies).

With so many options, we have no excuse to not wear a piece of chunky or sparkly something. Life’s too short…make today shine with beauty and possibility.

Which new item will be your wardrobe jewel?

Cork soled shoes have been popular since Carmen Miranda starting shaking her fruity hat but designers have updated the style by adding interesting patterns, metallics, and used cork as material on vamps (not just soles). Finally, a stylish shoe that is inherently comfy. Christian Louboutin offers a pair of heel, while Chadwick’s offers a d’Orsay pump.

Take fashion to new heights with these towering treats: Fendi, Pucci, Prada, (or as I call them…the trinity) and Chanel offer lofty aspirations of wedges and platforms.

Philosphy di Alberta Ferretti offers 2 pairs of stunning metallic…one laminated peep toe pump and one multi colored wedge. Molto bene! Marc Jacobs offers a more earthly height in his flats of slides. You can always count on Mr. Jacobs!

And for all you closeted hippies, or bohemians, dig these Birkenstock alternatives from Phillip Lim (sandals) and Pedro Garcia (suede sling backs). Far out, man.

If you’re going boating this summer, it’s a smart move to carry your goods in a cork bag (cork floats). So if it falls over, just jump in and recover your purse and its contents.

My top choice is either of Fendi’s bags, although I’m edging towards the metallic. Gucci offers a vintage faux cork tote (rent it and save your money for a Hampton’s share). Ebay is a great place to look for vintage cork…the 70s weren’t that long ago.

Donald Pliner has a hefty bowler’s bag trimmed in black patent leather – this is a perfect bag for weekends. Hobo international has a stylish bag with metallic trim. The handle looks very comfy for shopping and cork is naturally lightweight.

For a sleeker silhouette, clutches in cork abound. It’s like they grow on trees….get it, cork is tree bark. Chadwick’s offers a simple sleek clutch while Cammie Hill, Lorelei, and Glorinha Paranagua all use metallic accents for an evening look.

Donna Karan offers a lovely skirt with cork trim. Newport News has a figure flattering cork corset belt – the perfect update.

Cork is being used as jewelry and being praised as a green material, as it’s recycled. Also, the cork harvested as bark, is a renewable resource. So you can be fashionable and attend your favorite earth day celebration with a clear conscious and cute outfit!

Maison Martin Margiela’s cork necklace, with silver chain, is cute. But if you spend your evenings like I spend mine (I’m very happy with my bottle of wine), you could make this yourself in an evening.

I love both of these pairs of these earrings from clickdesignthatfits, one in silver and one in vermeil. The 100 % recycled cuff by Donna Piacenza would look terrific on a suntanned arm.

If all this shopping has tired you out, take a well deserved rest in this cork and bamboo chair by Trevor O’Neil design. Or this rice crispy treat looking chair by Daniel Michalik.

If you need some light to read by, try this stacked cork table lamp or the rubber wood with cork shade, by Kenneth Wingard.

If you’re still a little shy about this whole trend, then dare to add a vanity accessory made from cork. It’s perfect for the bathroom because cork resists mold and mildew.

So spend this spring either buying cork accessories or toasting to your friends and the beautiful weather. I suggest both !

Alligator and crocodile have always been considered luxuries (there are only a few differences b/w the two including their snout shape and what water they live in) . Expensive bags and accessories are readily available. The red Coach crocodile bag is rich looking , even in pictures (this will take a $7000 bite out of you). I am absolutely coveting the Zagalini puffy croc satchel. If I win the lottery this week (because I don’t have an extra $11,800) – this bag is mine.

If you don’t win the lottery or just don’t want real gator, then you too can carry a luxurious gator looking bag. Keywords “printed” , “embossed” , and “textured” are crafty words meaning- leather made to look like something else. This words are tools of the trade …you can save money by going ‘faux” and save the life of an endangered species. Who says fashion can’t save the world?

The beautiful plum Lockheart soft croc ‘textured’ satchel is $725 . Etro’s manlier messenger croc embossed bag is $1000.

The Prada Coco flats feature a black alligator cap on the toe (lovely for $950) or Jessica Simpson has her own offering for under $60 in gunmetal.

Guiseppe Zanott’s preppy pink & green real croc thong is $550 while the ‘textured’ Lambertson Truex orange thong is $595.

*Warning:Only someone with a foot fetish (and in depth knowledge of skins) would notice the difference . Creep!

If thongs aren’t your things…Max Studio has graced us with a refined pair of beige croc print mary janes for $153. But Pucci’s $500 get up and dance criss cross wedges will certainly put a spring in your step…croc texture and all. These look really comfy. If there’s any truth to the whole “secret” then I will be wearing these to my next ” girls’ night out dance party”. (I’ll keep you updated).

Caiman is the lesser known but more available cousin to the alligator. Carlos Falchi is a designer known for his designs using all sorts of skins. But this caiman hobo is truly a modern silhouette and must have (for the must haves that have $3500).

Python is another huge trend right now. Gucci’s $4000 Pelham hobo is made in natural python …and I love it. Kara Ross has decorated her clutch with quartz bobbles atop python. Certainly not your mother’s evening bag.

For a really special evening out…why not show up to the party in this $2000 Armani silver python print dress. And dare to pair it with Bulgari’s silver python bag. No need to buy the Bulgari, as it’s available from bagborrowsteal.com

Not feeling your inner tinman ? Then just drape a pair of Wendy Nichol’s python hoops on your lobes for $165. Or the budget conscious girl can wave her arm with a 9 West snake print bangle on it for $50 (6 fun , springy colors to choose from).

Now, if you’ve been a good girl…you deserve this pair of Miss Dior python peeptoe pumps (try saying that 3 times). Yikes these are gorge ! I couldn’t make it to a cab in these but they might look nice on a shelf. For $560 ….maybe I should just buy another book (for my shelf ). Is it better to look cute or be literate ? Let the debate begin.

Just as glamorous , but far more healthy (sorry, podiatrists) is Cole Haan’s gold python ballet flat for $500. These shoes remind me of Audrey Hepburn . I’ve seen the cutest picture of her , on a bike, riding around a movie studio (wearing flats like these) . I picture myself strolling the piazzas in Rome (with a talk , dark, & handsome Roman;of course ). London Sole can offer a similar pink pair for $65 and just as cute. But instead of roaming in Rome, I’m brunching in Soho. Bring on the crepes !

Michael Kors offers both real python and print for a very reasonable price. The natural python belt, with decorative buckle, is $59 while his Tiara python print flat is $153.

Ostrich has long been a fashion favorite. Not only for its unique skin pattern but also for its durability. My Dad told me the reason cowboy boots are made with ostrich (either on toes or entire boot) is because of its eternal durability. I can just picture a group of cowboys on the range comparing their exotic boots. Sounds like a steamy scene from Brokeback Mountain (RIP Heath…we miss ya). Louis Vuitton featured spry male models with velveteen pants tucked into English style ostrich boots.

The ladies can tote along this Nuti hobo for $3400 or its cheaper “printed ” doppleganger by Adamis for $72 . Both are equally lovely to me.

Everyone needs something a little exotic in their life. So whether you choose to have a Morroccan tagine for dinner or go searching for some exotic skin – let your inner huntress loose ! Diana would be proud.

Products available from the following sites:

jcrew.com, zappos.com , bagborrowsteal.com, coach.com , colehaan.com, saks.com , bluefly.com, 9west.com, ravinstyle.com

“Our gal Jane”- civilized explorer

They all began with a beautiful Jane dressed to a tee in full on adventure apparel- usually a stylish khaki pant suit paired with a cute little matching explorer hat. She was the “smart girl” stylishly camouflaged in a foreign land…

Jane-just a few days later… My how she’s changed!

…and then by the end of the movie she’s swinging on a vine, swathed in animal skins, bone necklace around her neck- at one with the jungle and animals around her!

That’s how I can best describe the next trend coming our way this Spring–

Explorer Turned Native

Like Jane, your story begins in an ensemble of lovely light khaki in a modern twist on safari…

…and ends with you in a caftan of ikat, a huge statement necklace around your neck, drinking yerba mate tea, at one with the beauty of the nature and respectful of the new culture that surrounds you.

The Expressive Explorer

World travelers like Jane will find inspiration this spring from the runways of (from top to bottom) D.V.F., Behanz Sarafpour, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Rag&Bone, Proenzs Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim

The smart traveler always packs stylishly light, with well chosen pieces in a refined palette that easily coordinate. Great accessories are always key…Marc Jacobs, Globetrotters, Dolce & Gabanna, Zac Posen and Christian Loubitan

Neutral texture adds subtle interest and personality to an otherwise monochromatic ensemble

The makeup is equally refined…like on the lovely Proenza Schouler model shown here, mineral makeup from Laura Mercier and Lip color from the new CK makeup line complete the look.

The Nouveau Native

Next thing you know you’re dressed as the newest member of the tribe….(top to bottom) D.V.F., Emilo Pucci, Matthew Williamson, Duro Olowu, Marni, Alexander McQueen, Just Cavalli, D&G, Oscar de la Renta, Etro

Everything about this look, from shoes to bags to jewelery makes a statement….walk on the wild side in shoes from Proenza Schouler, Dries Von Norten and Balenciaga. Bags from Bally, Fendi, Moschino, Coach and Prada appear as if you stitched them together yourself, while larger than life necklaces from Louis Vuitton and Emilo Pucci complete the attitude.

Beaded, braided and wrapped… the details look like they are styled by the local markets

There is nothing subtle here, your spirit is strong and so is the make-up. Almost cat-like at Christian Dior and surreal at Alexander McQueen, the artist at Creative Nail Design even give your manicure something tribal to aspire to.

The best part of your adventure- you return home with a new global outlook and some great exotic souvenirs that will have your friends asking each other “when did she get so worldly?”

Even if an adventure this big is pure fantasy… it’s easy to add a little intrigue and worldliness to your home- these accessories from Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Oly Studio, Target and Global Table.com are great places to start.

So which Jane do find most inspirational for Spring? Will you be the wide-eyed explorer dreaming of adventure or the uninhibited native dancing to the beat of your own drummer?

Photo credits: Runway photos from style.com and accessory photos from elle.com

The business woman in me thinks it was a smart decision, and the mom in me is happy to not be feeling quilty about being away yet again but the creative soul in me doesn’t want to hear from those two…she just wants to at the show absorbing every ounce of insight and inspiration.

So rather than miss it completely I decided to sneak a peak into what was going on at the show, get inspired from afar and and share a highlight of the day.

“An encounter with designer Pierre Paulin”

For sixty years Pierre Paulin has been creating world renowned furniture, products, and interiors and even if you don’t recognize his name you’d recognize his work whether from the screen of a James Bond movie, a display at the Museum of Modern Art or in seating area at the Louvre.

The Mushroom chair is a part of the permanent collection of MOMA

The Mushroom chair was the first design Paulin constructed using covered foam over a wire frame and its unique form was considered revolutionary at the time.

The shape and colors of the Tongue chair instantly make me smile

This chair was just the first of many sculptural chairs designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60s and the one that I instantly associate with his name is the Tongue chair.

Paulin is one of the most significant French designers of the 20th century that came to notarity in the U.S. in the mid-60s.

The New York Times first reviewed this marriage of cutting-edge design and material innovation in 1967. It was love at first sight for critic Rita Reif when she wrote, “the wedding of the sinuous, brilliantly colored prints with the sculptured furniture is so successful that it is hard to imagine one without the other” (New York Times, December 6, 1967). **

This brought back thoughts of design icon Jack Lenor Larsen (who’s work I have loved since college) because many of Paulin’s pieces were covered in funky fabrics which he designed. Larsen’s collection of innovative, stretch-woven upholstery fabrics were designed to work on the curvilinear designsand set a new standard in textile design.

Artifort re-introduced Le Chat, with a slight modification in JLL’s fabric “Momentum“

These two were quite the force in the 60s and I think Artifort sums it up best, “These great designers definitively changed the way the world looks at furniture design. Angles became curved. In shape, material and textiles. Organic. Colourful. And, most of all, surprising. Challenging.”

Just thinking about them has inspired me to get back to a little creative design project of my own but I’ll be back tomorrow to give you another glimpse into my inspiration from Maison&Objet.

Resources:

More about Pierre Paulin and Jack Lenor Larsen at Artifort

From “Happy Birthday Pierre Paulin” at frenchculture.org**

See furniture at Surroundings and Architonic

So cozy up with me by taking a quick, colorful peek into a few of my favorites issues….

“Soft hues of Gray and Beige are making a comeback this season”…notice how Harper’s Bazaar used these “new neutrals” for their cover shoot of Uma.

Lucky has a really great spread about mixing “rich, bright colors into your winter wardrobe”…”a peek of baby pink sweetens the vibrant tomato red of this jacket; gray pants an a cream turtleneck make everything that much more refined.” I absolutely love tomato red… I never would have thought about combining it with a soft pink… I will definitely be trying this!

Wouldn’t Elsa Schraparelli be proud “They Went Magenta-Way”. According to InStyle all you lilting-lilac girls, antique-rose sweeties, blush babies and cotton candy cuties get-outta-da-way because here comes a powerhouse pink that takes on all comers when it’s a match and takes no prisoners when it’s not. You’re either meant for magenta or your not.

House Beautiful asked top designers: Which paint color do you always come back to?…Keith Irvine listed Benjamin Moore’s Dark Royal Blue 2065-20 “I’m mad about this dark inky blue, as it gives great vibrancy and depth to a wall- especially if you put a topcoat of good varnish over it. That’s what we did in Rex Harrison’s Manhattan apartment in this fabulous little dining alcove.” Read more….

In a really fun issue O at Home showcases talented readers/decorators… “Winter White…It may be cold outside, but the design climate right now is warmer than ever-welcoming a slew of styles, from modern to rustic to downright baroque. So how to tie last year’s woodland craze into this season’s rococo revivial? A unifying dose of the ultimate neutral.”

Hmm, Elle Decor was on a similar wave-length… “Winter White…As crisp as a fresh snowfall, the color of the moment strikes an elegant pose, from an alabaster lamp to plush fabrics to a wintry ensemble.”

The “Color you need to now” according to Southern Accents… “peacock blue... One of those old-school colors that makes you think of grand hotels and beautifully appointed dining cars, peacock blue covers the wall of libraries, butler’s pantries and other spaces where intimacy and a little intensity seem appropriate.”

Metropolitan Home looks to brighter side with a “colorways” report on “Unmellow Yellow…. The color forecast this winter calls for a bright sunshine with a twist of lemon” I love those little stoneware hot/cold drinking cups!… they would brighten up my daily teatime, for sure.

Home’s latest is chock full of great color knowledge and ideas… This was a spread on a East Hampton house by designer Jamie Drake. I love Jamie Drake so much that whatever color advice he’s giving… I’m listening! “Drakes recipe: first choose a main color you love, then add a complementary shade, and finish with two dollops of an accent color. Voila!

New kid on the block, Vogue Living’s winter issue, featured these cool colorful rugs by Miami designer Gene Meyer. “I’ve been able to lose myself in color,” enthuses Meyer, : I’ve always loved it. I am a child of the sixties. Color then wasn’t the exotic thing it has become today.”

The cover of Martha Stewart Living features cool, sunshine yellow kitchen accents, but it was this article about houseplants that caught my eye… “The upright, linear effect of the snake plant, is emphasized by tall windows, while planters echo their verdigris colors.” I love what a color statement a common house plants can make in the right planter.

Coastal Living’s “Island Hopping… to chase away the winter chill, head somewhere tropical. Dress the part with accessories in warm tones of faux tortoiseshell and shades of golden sunshine.”… good idea, let’s pack our bags right now!!!

Read any fun color advice or discovered a new color trend you love this month?…. Let me know!

That’s because the trend of transparency, in the form of see-through layers, sheer fabrics, frosted glass, clear pvc and lucite will be making waves in the world of fashion and home design for Spring 2008.

Unlike the fashion “see-through” trends of days gone by (think Madonna circa 1990), today’s transparencies are not about being overtly sensual, but instead about adding a layer of mystery to an already interesting ensemble. A sheer top layer can be a viewed as either a peek at what lays beneath or a thin shield from what lays ahead. It all depends on the attitude of the wearer.

Marc Jacob’s infamous sheer plastic dressed nurses first appeared on the catwalk in Paris and then later reappeared at the Guggenheim Museum for the launch of Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with artist Richard Prince. .

At Jil Sanders designer Raf Simone enveloped a bevy of his runway models in a cocoon-like poncho made of sheer organza.

Prada, always sure to surprise, showcased a collection of sheer chiffon pieces covered in whimsical drawings and finished with bold piping.

While Adidas by Stella McCartney showed that a transparent silhouette isn’t just a high fashion statement but can add an interesting layer to the way we dress in everyday life.

A translucent glow seemed to come across the faces at both Givency’s Fall 2007 show and Zac Posen’s Spring 2008 runway showing. Style.com takes a backstage look at why the designers decided to forgo color for sheer textures.

House Beautiful named this Umbra clock as one of the most exciting products in their January issue. The clock which measures 2 feet wide is made of frosted glass and in their words “fogs the Victorian style hands and conjures up the mist of time”.

Elle Decor’s “What’s Hot” for Jan/Feb 2008, features these clear plastic side tables from White Webb inspired by Chinese garden stools and Indian architecture.

Metropolitan Home was so inspired by the sheer and cut-out trend in today’s newest home fabrics- it featured them on their Jan/Feb 2008 cover.

Bringing the trend home

White shoes tend to get a bad rap, but how can you not love any pair of Christian Louboutins! The peep-toes are very “of the moment”…. I can just image how sexy the sheer shoe would look on the right foot.

The lucite- inspired Micheal Kors sandals are to me the perfect choice for a tropical getaway- they’re super chic , could be worn from poolside to party and would absolutely “go” with everything you packed.

Everything feels retro about Tom Ford’s Chase sunglasses from their vintage shape to their cool black and white illustrated ad. You would definitely be channeling old Hollywood glamour when wearing these- a time when lucite first came into fashion.

Phillip Stark designed the Louis Ghost chair for Kartell in 2002 and it became an instant classic. Loved by designers and hip homeowners alike, it’s the perfect piece to update any decor.

My friends and family are probably ready to shake me and say “enough zebra motifs in your house, already!”, but I’m obsessed. When I saw these Zebra print burnout sheers in the new West Elm catalog it was love at first sight!

If you want to add a little boost to your hair color without fear of roots, Clairol’s Natural Instinct’s “Shine Happy” promises to add a clear sheen of coverage to give your hair super shine… my stylist told me it may also help blend in those pesky little grays.

Fellow Color Maven Picks (I just had to ask)

Kimberlin Brown spotted this Marina and Sussana Sent’s Bubble Necklace at a recent visit to the MoMA and thinks the translucent piece would look great paired with one of Spring’s super bright colors.

Kate Smith said she’s been dying to try Ralph Lauren’s Candlelight top coat. Said to cast a warm “candlelight effect” over your walls- she thinks this translucent treatment would work wonders in a dining room.

April Clark, my handbag connection and world traveler extraordinaire, brought this little Chanel gem to my attention…. sure we might not be able to afford to purchase it, but maybe we might be able to split the rent on it for a month at Bag, Borrow and Steal.

Found a great way to bring “sheer style” into your life?… Let me know.

A Valentino runway stunner – Fall 2007 couture from Style.com

In fact I would say it’s been the month- and perhaps even the holiday weekend- of the LGD ( little gold dress ). From starlets to fashion spreads to fashion opinions, the little gold dress it seems, is the trendiest sheath of the season.

So if your looking to add a little timely sparkle to your year end/beginning traditions, perhaps a little gold number is all you need…

In Style’s website suggest two different LGDs as the perfect party dress for the holidays.

Vogue gave gold dresses an entire spread in it’s December issue.

Baazar spotlighted gold sequined and embellished dresses in their December and January issues.

Both December covers of Lucky and Bazaar feature starlets in a LGDs.

Elle.com choose a photo of Kate Moss in a one of a kind Top Shop LGD for their look at the 25 best dressed of 2007.

Coincidentally Style.com choose the same pix of Kate Moss for there look at what to wear this New Year’s Eve. Wow, fashionistas sure love Miss Moss in this dress!

Today’s “Fashion Faceoff” on People.com just happens to feature Carrie Underwood and Kim Kardashian wearing the same Jovani gold sequin dress.

While Us magazine picked this metallic gold Alexander Wang Dress to as their “Who Wore It Best?“ for this holiday weekend.

People.com takes a look at the trend with images of Eve, Hilary Duff and Vanessa Hudgens all wearing LGDs on the red carpet.

And what will I be wearing this New Year’s Eve?… Will I partake in this trend…

Well- no doubt I’d love to show up wearing this 3.1 Phillip Lim dress on Monday night, but with a $625 price tag ( and a very tired post-holiday credit card ), this little gold number from Forever 21 is more of a reality!…. I love the idea of pairing it with dark grayish/blue tights…. I may just try this look at home ( minus the hair crimping, of course.)

Trendstop.com is a fashion trend forecasting book available exclusively online.

Showing the latest trends from across the globe at the click of a mouse.