2008 was an interesting year for fashion. Gone (thankfully) were the maternity tops of 2007, replaced by blasts from the past inspirations from the 20s through the days of our best pals on Beverly Hills 90210. We saw everything from the mom-jean to the 90s flannel button down. Some of it was fab, and some of it… not so much. So, let’s take a look at this year’s fashion highs and fashion oh-hell-no’s.

Because without the crap we can’t appreciate the couture.

Here are my top 5 fashion must-haves from 2008:

The High Waist

Sure we spent years trying to get people to stop wearing them only to bring them right back in, but let’s face it: we should be thankful that we don’t have to look at butt cracks and muffin tops a day longer. These pants look good on just about everyone… as long as they aren’t acid washed…or paired with a denim jacket.

The Vintage Scarf

There is something about Hollywood starting trends of cold-weather wear in warm weather regions that seems to catch on like hot fire. First we saw Uggs popularity soar back in 2003 with stars in shorts and boots trudging around LA. This year it was the scarf that made its way to the West Coast. Everywhere you turned, there was Jessica Alba in another fabulously printed scarf. These colorful scarves spruced up wardrobes, covered hickies (for those of you who still get them), and made any drab outfit instantly chic.

The Plaid or Gingham T

I was admittedly resistant to this trend at first. After all, my brothers wore these with hiking boots and Cavariccis to high school back in 1996. I didn’t like them then and I didn’t think I would like them now. Until designers – from the Couture to Forever 21 – made them tailored and colorful and so. freakin. cute, especially when tucked into a pair of those mom jeans I’ve come to love so much.

The Belt

Whereas 2007 was all about hiding that belly under too-big tops, 2008 brought us the cinched waist. Thank you, fashion peeps of the world! Now everything – jackets, dresses, tops – come paired with a belt for an instantly chic and flattering look. The best part: you can take all those maternity shirts from last year and glam ‘em up instantly with this year’s hottest accessory. And if by chance you get knocked up? Just remove that belt and, Viola!

Bright Colors

The little black dress was obsolete this year with the addition of bright colors and jewel tones. Seriously, everywhere you walked looked like a gay pride parade! You name your favorite Crayola crayon color and I will find you a shirt, dress and pair of skinny jeans in that hue.

The Oh-Hell-No Looks of 2008:

One-Piece Jumpers

I don’t care if Rhianna rocked them; they look good on no one. Unless, of course, you are a fan of the camel toe.

Leather Leggings

Leggings as pants can be tricky when not worn in a flattering way. Add the fact that they are leather and you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Leather leggings make women look like they are walking on lumpy sausages. Does that sound even remotely sexy to you? I didn’t think so. These bad boys are never flattering. Not ever. Not even for a second.

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

So this week marks the official beginning of the holiday season and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year; how can you not enjoy massive amounts of delicious goodness, family time, and a four day weekend? It also means it’s time to head on home and see your family and friends who you left behind when the school year began.

It’s more than likely on Friday or Saturday you’ll hit up a party or two and run into familiar faces that you haven’t seen in ages, so looking damn fine is definitely up there on the list of priorities. You wanna prove to your friends, enemies, and possibly your ex, that college is doing you well and you’re more fabulous than ever. Here’s a guide to a vintage-inspired outfit that’ll accentuate your curves and ever-growing hotness, and leave everyone talking. (And, no, it is not a Pilgrim ensemble…though that would be vintage…)

I love this darling color block dress from Forever 21; the high waist and pleating highlight your waist and the loose flutter sleeves minimize your upper arms. And at under $25, this dress is definitely something I am thankful for.

Going with the belt trend of the season, add on a red skinny belt and you’ll not only add some pop to the ensemble, but you’ll emphasize your waist even more.

Chances are it’s gonna be chilly out there, so put on a pair of black sheer tights so your legs aren’t popsicles by the end of the evening.

T-strap heels are huge this season, so what better way to tie in the red belt than with some vampy red t-strap platforms? Sexy, no doubt.

Add on a vintage inspired ring and pair of earrings and your outfit is set.

Now get out there and make people jealous strut your stuff!