A bow headband is an easy way to accessorize an otherwise basic outfit or detract from a borderline-bad hair day (you’ll probably want a hat for a full-on one). But bows are also a popular accent on other pieces of clothing, ranging from a bold accent bow on a heel to a more subtle graphic-print bow on a tank. This pretty, feminine detail adds visual interest to otherwise basic pieces. And even if you’re not into the whole “I look like a present all wrapped up” look of actual bows, there are lots of bow prints to choose from, including my personal favorite, the unexpected bow on the tights.

A bow detail is the perfect juxtaposition to the more masculine pieces popular right now. Bows are inherently girly (unless it’s a bow-tie!) and even the smallest one can soften the baggy silhouettes of boyfriend blazers or army jackets.

Still don’t have you sold? Here’s 15 pieces that should change your mind.

Sigh. So cute you just want it all, right?

See? He’s not so bad!

Is Lindsay cutting?

The fashion that defines the decade.

Chris Brown gets scurred.

We’re loving bows right now.

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Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!

There are some trends that last season after season: leggings, floral prints, gladiator sandals, etc. Then there are those that fade away: baby doll tops, harem pants. How are you supposed to know which trends to trash and which to invest in? Luckily, fashion is already way ahead of you. Fall 2009 and Resort 2010 collections have already been released, and Spring/Summer 2010 is in the works. For most designers, Resort is a preview of what’s coming next. Therefore, the collections provide great insight into what will be hot and what will be not for summer 2010.

We scoured the Resort looks of all the top designers – from Stella McCartney to Brian Reyes to Prada – and compiled a list of summer fashion trends that aren’t going anywhere:

One shoulder tops and dresses are chic without being too revealing. Don’t wear too much jewelry with this look as it makes a statement on its own.

(Ella Moss “Odessa” Top, $87 at Nordstrom; Leila Teired Dress, $237 at Bluefly; Juicy Couture Print Ruffle Dress, $180.60 at ShopBop).

Exposed zippers are edgy, but a favorite of designers such as Phillip Lim and Brian Reyes. This trend definitely has a future.

(Mink Pink Kansas Dress, $93 at Chickdowntown; Brian Reyes Sleeveless Dress, $510 at ShopBop; Charlotte Russe Zipper Ruffle Top, $19.99).

Statement necklaces can glam up any basic outfit, from jeans and a tee to a silk dress.

(Kenneth Jay Lane Flat Zebra Pendant, $99 at My-Wardrobe; Banana Republic Party Bib Necklace, $79; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Multi Bead Bib Necklace, $58 at Nordstrom).

Even though Jenny’s first order of business as queen on the TV series Gossip Girl was to nix her clique’s signature headbands, their influence remains. Bow details will still be in for summer 2010.

(French Connection Flash Bow Dress, $89.99; Newport News Bow Necklace, $29; Felix Rey “Emma” Wristlet, $156 at Bluefly; Forever 21 Pamela Satin Bow Headband, $4.80).

Other looks to shop for include both skinny and wide leg pants, cardigans, high-waisted pants and skirts, fitted blazers, belted waists, ruffles, tribal prints, sheer fabrics, and long tunics.

Which short-lived trends should you buy at cheap-chic retailers? There’s no way to be sure, but it doesn’t look like neon brights, fringe details, studs, or harem pants will be hanging around much longer.

I don’t know about you, but after what seemed to be the most grueling. winter. ever. I am excited and eager to dust off my spring wardrobe… and add some new pieces to it. As is always the case with the new season, we have some new trends (along with a few piggy-back trends of season’s past) to spice up our wardrobes.

Here are some of Spring 2009’s hottest trends:

Back to Basics: Black & White

It’s not nearly as versatile as the LBD (little black dress) and won’t be replacing it anytime soon, but the white dress is huge for spring. Contrary to the simplicity of the LBD, the white dress is all about glamour, so look for ruffles, maxi-lengths and sheer fabrics (another uber-trend this season). It’s time to bring out your inner goddess!

Along with the white dress, we’re seeing great dresses, tops and skirts that flaunt graphic black on white prints. This look makes a bold and fresh statement and is a great way to stand out in a sea of LBD.

A Suit-able Choice: Pantsuits and Short-suits (AKA jumpers/rompers)

We’ve seen the short-suits for the last couple of seasons, and they’re big again this year, but we are also seeing the pantsuit make a comeback. Don’t worry; it’s got a lot more style. If you are brave enough to rock this trend,  be sure to go for a drapey look and not a super tight number. If done right, this style can be incredibly chic. If done wrong, however, it can be incredibly Jazzercise.

Color Me Bad: Color, Color, Color!!!

As is always the case, color is extremely popular this season. Bright colors like neon oranges and bright blues were prominent on the runways, but the two main color staples for this season are hot pink/magenta and yellow. You can brighten up any outfit with pops of these colors and they’re wonderfully versatile hues that can be matched with pretty much every skin tone.

If you’re not wanting something quite so in-your-face, muted brights like mint-green, coral and pastels are also a great way to add some zing. Another color trend we’re seeing pop up this season are flashes of neon; shoes or the lining on a coat are great ways to play up this 90′s trend without busting out the Hypercolor shirts and biker shorts.

Detail-Oriented: From Ruffles to Leopard Print and Everything In Between

This season puts a lot of emphasis on details, especially the epitome of feminine detailing: ruffles and bows. Look for them at the shoulder and on the hip. You’ll also see leopard print (picking up where giraffe print left off last year); sequins and glitter; big, bold prints (floral, graphic and even tribal inspired); and lace. Finding pieces with fun & interesting details are sure to make you stand out.

Take a Chill Pill: Relaxed Fit Pants

This cut is similar to the boyfriend jeans style that emerged in the fall; it is loose and easy at the hips, then tapers delicately above the ankle. This looks to be spring’s most popular silhouette and it also wins for this season’s most comfortable trend, as you can give your thighs a break from those super skinny jeans.

The Royal Treatment: Cleopatra-Inspired Looks

Asymmetrical tops and dresses, harem pants (one of this season’s most unexpected looks) and jeweled necklines all pay homage to the queen herself. If you’re going for the asymmetrical look, long, flowy dresses are a newer take on this trend. If you’re brave enough to try out the harem pants, be sure to pair these with belts, chunky heels and drapey tops to get the right look. You are going for modern, not MC Hammer.

There are other trends you’ll spot this season such as boho/hippie chic and excessive accessories, but these 6 are bound to be the biggest ones out there. Find your favorites and make ‘em your own; you’ll not only be basking in the warmer weather, but you’ll look lovely doin’ it, too.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with roses?

At Chanel’s spring 2009 couture show, models walked the runway adorned with paper roses in their hair. At Valentino and Moschino, dresses and accessories featured oversized origami-like roses. Looks like Carrie Bradshaw’s flower obsession is back…and bigger than ever.

If you don’t have a real bouquet to flaunt this weekend, throw on a rose embellished headband or pair of heels. Or pick up some rose-inspired fashion; you can add a little Spring to your wardrobe and stay one fashionable step ahead of your friends who are still trying to pull off the whole bow trend.

Here are some affordable, sophisticated and cute rose accessories:

Topshop

mark.

Forever 21

Or, if you want to take the trend all the way, here are some cute tops and a dress. If you decide to wear something with the rose embellishment, be sure to pair it with something classic and simple, like dark jeans and a simple pump.  You don’t want to overdo the look. And, please, do not go rose crazy. A dozen roses from your Valentine may be great, but you don’t need a dozen on your on your outfit.

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading! In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Headbands of all kinds are really in right now, thanks to Leighton Meester’s character Blair Waldorf on “Gossip Girl.” Headbands are simple accessories which can make you look instantly 10x cuter. Plus, they can hide those greasy roots you have from living in the library this week sans showers.

Headbands with bows are really girly and youthful. While they can look a little childish, worn with the right things they can make your outfit look polished. Blair Waldorf (above), for example, pairs her headband with a sophisticated blazer and collared shirt. This is definitely not something a little girl would wear. Usually something simple, like a sweater or solid color dress, would also work well.

When rocking the headband, make sure not to go too matchy-matchy, or too over the top. Yes, Blair can pull it all off, but she is not real. You are.

Here are some great bow headband options. Click to learn more:

Headbands with a little glam are a great way to add something extra to your look. And there are so many ways to do it: you can pair them with something simple, like a black dress, or add even more glitz to an already awesome ensemble. You can wear one with your hair down, or throw it on over a messy-chic bun.

There are bedazzled headbands all over the place with everything from rhinestones to pearls to sparkles and so much more. These are some of my favorites:

For more cute headbands, check out Head Games Online – they have a ton of them, plus other super cute hair accessories.

Unfortunately for me, bows seems to be everywhere this season. On shoes, on headbands, on sweaters, on jackets…on everything but gifts for me. It is like the bow has become the Carrie Bradshaw flower of 4 years ago, but not nearly as cute.

I have a feeling this look was inspired by the one and only Blair Waldorf; her looks are constantly adorned with perfectly tied bows. But for those of us who just don’t happen to have the Blair Waldorf looks or budget, bows tend to look a little…well, cheesy.

I mean, no one over the age of 3 should have a bow on their headband. And a chic suede booty should not have a messily tied bow on the side of it; that just takes away from the fierceness.

WTF is up with all these bows!? What do you think?

Bows: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

[Photo courtesy of ivillage.com]

Fall is just around the corner, and soon we’ll have crisper weather, changing leaves and new fashion trends. The upcoming season is an interesting mix of sexy, classy and manly (yes, manly!) and the main color to watch for is purple.

As always, the trends come from the designers on the runway, but there are plenty of options out there for less expensive pieces that give you a similar look.H&M, Forever 21, Target and other regional mall stores (Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, etc.) all carry up-to-date trends for inexpensive prices. Express, Nordstrom and Macy’s are other, slightly more expensive, stores to check out, and I’m a huge fan of discount stores (Loehmann’s, Filene’s Basement, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, etc.).

Without further ado, here’s a list of what to grab up this season…

Fall Trend #1: Dress You Up In My Love

Fall dresses are making a huge comeback this year and the waist has returned. (Yay!) You want sexy and classy, and whether you’re sporting a curvy dress, pencil skirt or a belted swing coat, it’s important to emphasize the waist. The trapeze shapes of summer are fading and the fitted shift style, which is sexier and edgier but not skin tight, is the way to go. Dress lines are styled to enhance the curves, and hemlines are both up and down. Pair one of these with patterned tights/hose (see Fall Trend #6) for the perfect fall outfit.

Fall Trend #2: She’s the Man

As we’ve seen in recent seasons, menswear-inspired looks are big this year. Vests, wide-leg trousers, spectator/oxford shoes, and tailored jackets are popping up all over the place. If you wanna rock the man-look, be sure to focus on your feminine assets/curves so as not to appear TOO masculine, but have fun “cross-dressing.” And for those of you starting the job hunt, new jobs, or the interview process, this is a great fashionable look that screams confidence.

Fall Trend #3: Buckle Up!

Yes, belts are being seen everywhere once again, so invest in a few great ones this season. The variety is huge – wide, skinny, different materials, colors, buckle sizes – and they’re all over the place -on coats, sweaters, tunic tops and dresses. They can be used to add some flair to your ensemble while accentuating that waist of yours, so have a little fun with it and venture out of the box with some interesting new colors and patterns.

Fall Trend #4: The Color Purple

Jewel tones are huge this fall, as are the usual grey and black, but the stand-out color of the season is purple. Some of the other rich colors we can be on the look out for are sapphire blue, maroon, deep golds, rusts, reds, chocolate brown and eggplant. These are rich, beautiful colors that look good on any skin tone, so there is no excuse not to rock ‘em.

Fall Trend #5: Ruffle It Up

Blouses – especially those with soft and feminine details – are a huge trend this season. The blouse to have is the ruffle blouse. These can look fantastic with skinny jeans and boots, or tucked into a pencil skirt with some oxford heels. Bows and oversized raw heavy silk blouses belted at the waist are also popping up everywhere. If you want to incorporate the menswear trend with this one, you can take a classic tailor fitted man’s shirt with long sleeves and belt it with one of those great belts you’ve invested in. The main key is to keep the look girlie!

Fall Trend #6: Hose Me Down

Patterned tights and hose add a ton of texture and spunk to an outfit and are a must-have this fall. Mix and match with different colors (including those aforementioned jewel tones) and pair them with some of those hot dresses and pencil skirts you’ll be sporting.

Fall Trend #7: Material Girl

There are a few different material trends to follow this season: plaid, florals, lace and exotic skins. Look around and you’ll find them on everything ranging from tops to shoes, bags to dresses. And don’t be afraid of mixing up the prints; as you can see below, it works.