Get ready for romance as the spring and summer fashions of 2010 hit the stores!

Sparkle and shine hit the runway again as embellishment continues to climb the fashion charts with sequins, crystals, beading and glitter. Even the most basic T-shirt is upgraded to total decadence this season.  If embellishment and romance aren’t on your fashion palette then consider the alternate styles offered this season.

The minimal urban look gives a clean line with a precise silhouette. This architectural clothing is sleek and sophisticated especially in neutral colors. The minimalist style, shy on accessories, offers a simple yet elegant look.

Underwear is the new outerwear. Lingerie inspired pieces such as frilly lace bras over shirts and bustiers will make you blush. Victoria’s Secret is moving out of the store and into the streets.

Simple and sporty weekend wear moves into the weekday. Sleeveless hoodies and drawstring details on track pants with mesh inserts provide comfort and style.  The military look carries over from last season with khaki hues in an officer jacket or trench  coat, cargo pants and chinos.

The tunic white blouse is a fashion must-try. Add a button down, wrapped or pleated style, whatever best suits your body type.

Shoes this season are skyscrapers with platform heels. Mary Janes with cut out details, T-strap diva shoes, cork wedge heels and high sling backs look great but prove difficult to wear for those long days at the office. Pointed toe flats with pretty detailing and bows or two strap sandals such as gladiators will offer casual comfort.

Transparent accessories are hot! Shop for Lucite bracelets, plastic earrings, or crystal shoes. Even Cinderella would be impressed!

One Wish Fashion List:    With so much variety this season shop til you drop and enjoy browsing the racks to create your own distinctive  style. A romantic flowing dress with skyscraper heels, a crisp white  blouse with a pair of chinos or a sporty ensemble for the weekend will  take you from the office to the beach.  Have fun with the variety of this season!

Decadent and edgy, this season’s fashion hits the runway with a touch of the 80’s.

Fall announces rich textures in an array of fabrics from tweeds to patent and distressed leathers, shiny metallics and soft suedes. Deep jewel tones of ruby, amethyst, sapphire and emerald show their high luster in shiny tones or velvet decadence.

Comfy and cozy in totally tweed, choose black and white or autumn shades. Black rules with grey, midnight blue and brown close behind. Elegant fabrics of silk, satin and brocade take us back to the 50’s.  Art gallery collages adorn the fall runways – look for patchwork patterns of texture and color. Bold geometrics are loud and fun.

Sky scraper heels, high bohemian boots and cropped ankle booties will take you to the new level of fashion opulence. Cloaks, capes and wraps are making a comeback. For an elegant look drape a fur lined cape over your evening wear. Sequins, jewels, leather and faux fur create over the top glamour. Chunky beads and jewelled metallic necklaces are statement pieces. Shimmer and shine day or night with this season’s metallics and bold accessories.

One Tip Wonder: Go for some glamour! Purchase a fashion item adorned with sequins, jewels or an art gallery collage. Enjoy the season’s decadence!

Let the sun shine this season on a fashion beach buffet! A variety of options include bright colors and soft neutrals, flat shoes and mega platforms, bright faux reptile leathers and super sized jewelry. Lift your spirits with this season’s glamor fashion themes of up-to-date vintage or sheer romance, pick what you like and run into the sun!

Colors range from vivid greens and yellows, powdery pastels, classic black and white combo, pink blush, lavender, turquoise, or lapis blue. Enhance any of these summery hues with pristine white or a dark blue. Neutrals are big, wear tone on tone or deliberately pair with opulent purple, red or indigos

Key pieces for the season include loose flowing pants or slim ankle hugging slacks skirts both slim and voluminous or the sleek city shorts. For dresses look for a basic sheath,  tailored shirt dress or a strapless or strappy sun dress. One shoulder tops and dresses are new to the fashion line up and are making a statement. Add a cardigan or a short flounced jacket over your colored tank.  Sculpted sleeved blouses and structured trench coats have also made the scene.

Fabrics include fine silks and satins, sheers, textured weaves, raw denims and bleached pastels. Tie die, floral prints, graphics- stripes, polka dots, plaids  or geometrics are fun for the season.
Shine in the sparkling gold and silver metallics. Rock star glitter or sequins will help to embellish that special outfit.

Super sized accessories add glamor. Large scale jewelry such as oversize necklaces with colored gems, beaded cuff bangles, and oversize sunglasses. Add a Princess Grace inspired neck scarf or a wide belt this season to your wardrobe. Brightly colored embossed faux reptile leather clutch purses and vivid patent big totes are  everywhere. This seasons trendy footwear includes glamorous thin heeled stilettos, jeweled metallic flats, skyscraper platform heels, strappy sandals and chunky heel sandals. Cut-out footwear is edgy and cool.

One Wish Fashion List: Buy a bright, shiny faux reptile clutch purse for an in-season touch. Keep in mind that a few key items can make a big impression such as a new sun dress, a trendy pair of pants or a big chunky neck piece. If you want a simple touch that will add elegance to your outfit add a spring scarf.

More fashion & beauty:

Learn to love your body
Look sun-kissed, not sun burnt

Pink is the new black

Gone are the monochromatic blacks and grays in favor of color, especially the color pink.

Pink striped ties and shirts are the way to go, try matching by mismatching a pink striped shirt with a green mini-dotted tie. Go with striped tie and striped shirt, stripes and checks, checks and checks—anything you want! Even pants and jackets can be found in a wide array of colors. Corals, coppers, pastels and wheat are very popular. For the laid-back, relaxed look, try wearing a sport coat with an open neck bright colored shirt, or take off the tie and open your dress shirt collar. The rule is to be bold, don’t worry about highly contrasting colors, and feel free to have your own individual style.

Cooling down

When the suit comes off and it’s time for those summer barbeques and dinners, Tommy Bahama and Nat Nast washed silks and prints in pastels can be worn over the pants or shorts. They are loose fitting and comfortable, perfect for looking good in the hot weather.

Big names in business fashion

What’s in a name? For men who consider fashion part of their personality, a lot. From top end brands like Canali and Brioni, to Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Ted Baker, Ralph Lauren Couture, Prada and Versace, what’s on your suit’s tag dictates its quality and your eye for fashion. When asked if they are concerned about fashion, most men will say they are not, but if you ask to see the inside label of their suit or what’s parked in their garage, they are more than happy to oblige.

Today, there is no need to hide beneath the “I’m the man” façade. As fashion has changed, so has people’s perception of a man who knows how to dress. A man who knows how to look good and in turn feels good about himself is very attractive. Don’t hesitate to be creative when it comes to fashion, a woman digs a man who has his own style.

Do you get frustrated trying to shop for something that doesn’t show your navel?

Shopping was one frustration after another until I learned a few tricks to make the most of the clothes that are available:

• Know which colors look best on you. Only look at clothes in those colors; this saves oodles of time!

• Know which styles look best on you. Forget about spending time and money on styles that don’t suit you!

• Build your wardrobe with mostly solid color fabrics. Add to it with a few patterned or striped articles to accent your outfits and keep up with today’s style.

• Buy long skirts or dresses and then have them shortened and hemmed to the length you feel most comfortable with.

• Buy shoes that have a heel, even if it is a low one – at least an inch. If you are more comfortable in a lower heel, start looking for those that are flattering and won’t kill your back.

• Wear shirts and blouses rather than sweaters. You will look fresher and more vibrant as sweaters easily lose their shape (and then we look like we’re losing our shape too!) Sweaters are often so casual they detract from the overall look.

As we get older, shopping will be more difficult, but armed with these few hints, a trip to the mall can be a little easier. Above all, dress so you feel good – at home as well as at work or at a social function. Feeling good about the way we look sends a very positive message to those who see us.

The colors that are popular this season are taupe, charcoal gray, black, cinnamon, reds, cranberry, avocado, midnight blue, teal and wine. Bold, color block patterns are also popular for the fall, while soft and stretchy fabrics, like the French mohair blend, are essential.

Some things to look for when shopping this season:

• Angora sweaters, funnel neck sweaters and the stretch u-neck sweater all have a soft, snug fit.
• Hooded cardigans and v-necked cardigans come in different lengths and various colors.
• For ladies who want to show off their trim figures – try the ribbed stretch sweater.
• Sweaters are also appearing with horizontal or vertical stripes. Those with a bigger body structure should wear vertical stripes and those with smaller body structures should wear horizontal stripes for a fuller look. Many sweaters now also come with a single chest stripe.
• There is a blend of multicultural styles for clothing this fall, including European folklore, British plaids, Inuit Parkas and savage tribal wear. Look for chunkiness with a mix of texture.

Enjoy the changing beauty outside as you wrap yourself in the comfort of a cozy sweater.

A fruit basket of vibrant colors will be delivered to your closet this spring.

• There are a few carry-overs from seasons past such as polka dots, trench coats and metallics but spring takes on a brand new look full of variety. Big, bold floral prints are lovely and offer a bouquet of feminine colors. Watercolor prints on silky, flowing fabrics give a feminine feel.

• Step out in bold graphic patterns such as color blocking from the 70’s. African inspired prints are also hot.  Look for leopard, giraffe and python prints. Tribal prints are featured in mosaics.  The nautical look returns, look for navy inspired tunics and blazers and don’t forget a compass pendant.

• Hourglass silhouettes shape this season’s dresses. Hemlines at the knee or above provide new dress lengths.  Updated mini dresses are out on the town. Fun, flirty, full skirts are everywhere.  Choose a high-waisted skirt of any length from mid calf all the way to the floor dusters. Floaty dresses in chiffon provide romantic soft lines and ruffles.

• High-waisted trousers with wide legs look great with heels for a long, lean look. Pair these wide leg pants with a fitted top and bright, big accessories. Pair skinny pants with a tunic accented with a skinny belt for a casual spring look.

• Accessories are making a statement this spring. Bright accessories add punch to any outfit. Big bangles are available in leather, wood, acrylic. Stack them for a modern look. Jewelry ranges from chunky and natural pieces such as a crocheted necklace to elegant crystal drop earrings. Skinny belts look great on the seasons’ dresses and trousers. Shiny patent leather purses, footwear and trench coats will take you where you need to go.

• Wedge heeled shoes and platforms are decorated with flowers and patterns. If comfort is key try the new gladiator sandals embellished with rhinestones. Your shoes could become the new conversation piece over lunch. Handbags range from roomy, big bags to pretty little clutches. Oversize sunglasses will hide your eyes behind this season’s bright-colored bold frames. Show your true colors this spring and summer by selecting the right shades for you, be adventuresome and beautiful.

One wish fashion list: Add some bright florals to your wardrobe.  Choose a romantic dress or a top. A vibrant colored bag will provide spring spirit that will carry you into summer. Use your classic wardrobe and add some color with accessories.

Take a Life Lesson: Understanding Beauty

I modeled a great deal as a teenager, but I don’t fit the mold set by the modeling industry.

My hair loss is due to Alopecia Areata, an auto-immune disorder for which there is no cure. The only physical side effect of the disease is hair loss, but the emotional and social impact of growing up bald is huge. I was constantly teased and tormented at school, had few friends and was told that I would never find a husband. Fearing rejection, I hid the fact that I wore a wig for fifteen years, even as an adult, even while modeling.

Changing the way I saw myself

One day my son, then only two years old approached me while I was sitting in the bed watching TV. He gently rubbed my baldhead and said, “Momma, your hair is so pretty!” As I began to quiz him it hit me that he really did think that my bald head was pretty. He didn’t see me as different than any other normal person WITH hair. What love he must have for me. He was completely at peace knowing that his mother is bald, it didn’t bother him a bit. His acceptance challenged me to change my life and I decided to start by changing the way I thought about myself.

I decided that:

1. Bald is beautiful
2. I will love myself
3. I will be confident in my abilities
4. I will have peace in knowing that I am bald

Letting other people see me

I accepted that I could live with being bald. I wanted to help others. After many nights of watching the news and seeing it full of violence in schools often brought on by low self-esteem , I knew I had found my mission. I wanted to help children understand why teasing hurts and how much damage it can do. I knew the effect teasing had on the way I saw myself growing up. I wanted to spare other kids from being made to feel worthless because of someone else’s thoughtless comments.

It was during this time that I was booked as a guest on The Learning Channel’s show “A Make-Over Story.” I was so excited! I was getting the works and it would be aired on national television with millions of viewers! I was going to get a little bit of celebrity. Then reality hit me with one simple question – was I willing to take my wig off on camera? Would I show them the real me?

I lost sleep thinking about it. The thought of going bald, and on television made me nauseous. I never even left the house without my wig. Finally, I agreed that if necessary, they could show me bald but I’d rather it be split second and not focus on me. They assured me that they probably wouldn’t even need to do it so don’t worry about it.

Showing the world the real me

The first day of filming, the producer didn’t ask me if I wanted to film bald, she simply told me we were going to. It was the best thing that could have happened because there was no time to think about it, I just did it! When it was over, I had a natural high and when I was alone with my husband later that afternoon he looked at me and said, “I’m really proud of you – that took guts. I really think this show could reach people and touch someone’s heart.” And you know, that’s all I really wanted to do.

I’ve gone through years of humiliation and low self esteem because I was different. I prayed faithfully for healing but my hair never came back. After fifteen years, I finally came to the realization that the only way God (a God who I know loves me so much) can stand by and watch all of these terrible things happen to His own child is because He knows that He has great things in store for me.

I would have given anything to have someone tell me they understood what I was going through, that it was OK to be different, that if I just hung in there and was strong I would be victorious. It would have made all the difference in the world. I could have been spared so many doubts, questions and fears. Since I didn’t have that person, I want to be that person.

I know how hard it was to grow up “different” and be a Christian and have a Savior to call on that was faithful and loving. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through life’s hurt and trials alone. God loves you with a love that embraces you whether you are over weight, under weight, handicapped or like in my case bald.

If you are alone or hurting, you can have personal relationship with Jesus Christ like I do. All you have to do is ask Him.

God knows your heart so it doesn’t matter which words you use, but here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of woman you want me to be.

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life just as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you’ll experience life to the fullest.

Tops

• Satin tops blend style with comfort and make great evening wear. A bias style shirt with stripes that run along the diagonal can update the look. They have long cuffs that can be worn buttoned or turned up.

• The Victorian style cardigan (lace and pear cut with flare sleeves) is very popular for the season. It can be worn with stretch black pants that have a clean front styling and extended waistband.

• Bustiers with front and back boning for a corset-like shape are popular for the season.

• Tank tops with a rounded neck and a glittering front print are popular and can be worn with either skirts or pants.

Dresses

• Dresses with French detail give a lovely lace look. Make sure it has short sleeves, so that it doesn’t take away from the French detail.

• Georgette dress fabric falls very elegantly, giving a flowing, romantic feel. If you decide to go with a dress that has spaghetti straps or is sleeveless, always accessorize with a Georgette scarf worn over your shoulders that falls to the top of the knees.

• Stretch dresses available in spandex/polyester material make for a slender, tight fitting look.

• The overlay dress is a sheered metallic thread fabric that falls to the ankle. The under layer, a solid and heavier fabric falls to the knee, creating a unique look for evening wear. Embroidery on fabric, especially the little black dress with gold embroidery is striking. Another option is a solid gold dress with some simple gold embroidery on it.

Accessories

• Jewelry with rhinestones and diamonds are popular and add that special glitz for evening wear.

• Strappy, halter and platform shoes and sandals are popular this Christmas season. You can find these shoes in black, bronze and silver.