In 2008, the words that spoke out in the world of fashion were Stars and Stripes, Saint Laurent and Sales. Stars because the fashion trends of the year almost always kick off on the 16th of January, also known as Kate Moss‘ birthday, where the erstwhile 30something waif partied like there was no tomorrow (and indeed there wasn’t as the party lasted 3 days) in her star-studded Chanel jumpsuit, with matching makeup no less. Needless to say stars, Chanel and jumpsuits were deemed stellar sellers for the year.

June saw the low point in fashion, with the passing away of Yves Saint Laurent, age 71, style icon extraordinaire, who pioneered much of what we see in fashion today.

The Stars made their appearance again, with Stripes this time, in the form American politics, what with a new fashion star on the rise, the then democratic candidate’s wife, now First lady-elect, Michelle Obama, whose statuesque figure and flair for style were a breath of fresh air in Washington after the boring Bush wives. Through the primaries (that seemed to last forever) and the interview where she charmingly said she fancied online shopping at J Crew to election night when she wore THAT red Narciso Rodriguez dress, the words Jackie O were on everyone’s lips, which in my book is the ultimate compliment.

And finally, one can’t deny the new depression-era feeling that is hitting the world, given the current financial crisis everywhere. If the past decade saw the words “excess”, “IT” and “luxe”, it looks like 2009 will be quite the opposite. Recyle, be thrifty and make the most out of the sales!

I suppose it makes sense when you think about it, with those pencil skirts, high-heeled stilettos and trademark tight-lipped facial expression.  Posh Spice once claimed that she never even owned a pair of flats, but was busted this summer when she was caught in flip-flops at Disneyland. Far from dressing like a relaxed Californian since her move to the States, Victoria has gone the other way, dressing more un-laid back like ever before in tailored, tight pieces that scream “uncomfortable”.

When asked about this change in style,  the Essex-born Victoria told Company Magazine in an article out this week:

“It hasn’t, not at all. I am very British in my style. Think school teacher…..I love pencil skirts and fitted blouses, classic cut dresses and well fitted jeans mixed with classic tailoring.”

Hmmm. Having lived in the UK, I can honestly say that most British girls are actually some of the most relaxed dressers I know, bordering on the scruffy, especially if they spend a lot of time in the Country. Victoria, I believe has a style of her own, purely made for the pages of the tabloids.  Why the woman sold 400,000 copies of her book on fashion, The Extra Half an Inch is completely beyond me. The Guardian newspaper sums it up rather perfectly.  Here’s a bit of it:

I have no qualifications to write this book; that’s why I’ve got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I’d like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They’ve both got far too many calories.

My own inspirations come from Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and Giacometti sculpture, but this book is not my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It’s my last chance to cash in on what remains of my fame before David retires.

I am grateful for the possibility of being close to Victoria’s credit card” - Roberto Cavalli.

The fashion police were out for the end-of-year judgements and you’ll never guess who made it to the Worst Dressed list of Time Magazine…..Anna Wintour, Vogue editor and Meryl Streep’s inspiration in The Devil Wears Prada. Yes, the silver monstrosity by Lagerfeld she wore at the Costume Institute Gala was certainly a faux pas, but to give her credit, the theme was “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”.

More unlikely A-listers who made it to the bad list included:

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow came in fourth with the transparent lace basque Antonio Berardi dress she donned at the Paris premiere of Two Lovers in November.

The ensemble - which showed part of her breasts, thighs and even her white underwear - was slammed by fashionistas.

Position number seven was awarded to Katie Holmes for the white silk jumpsuit and black lacy top combination she wore to the opening of her play All My Sons last month.

Surprisingly the badly-received outfit wasn’t the fault of an expensive designer; it was designed by Mrs Cruise herself.

Others in the top ten include Paula Abdul, Kate Bosworth and Beyonce.

The holidays are here and it’s time to dress up, ladies (and gentlemen)! If you’re one who normally prefers to dress “down” rather than “up”, you now have the perfect opportunity to show some sparkle by dressing up for all those parties and get-togethers in the coming weeks. And the simplest way? Through a good party dress.

Good things about The Dress:

1. You just throw it on - no need to worry about matching/coordinating as with separates.

2. There’s just something about wearing a dress that makes a woman feel instantly feminine and good all around (provided it fits well).

3. Dresses are easy to find and surprisingly cheap these days.

4. For even more penny pinching, use an old “Little Black Dress” and  simply glam it up by adding on some statement jewelry like some chunky jewelled cuffs or an interisting necklace. If you still don’t have that LBD wardrobe staple (shame on you!), do yourself a favour and buy one today. Try Top Shop for some cool LBD’s that will last years. H & M also has finds that will keep your Christmas budget lean and healthy.

5. Lastly, don’t forget good undies.  A good dress will look even more fabulous on you when you make the effort to wear the “streamlining” kind like shapewear. Its not cheap, but unless you are a pilates fanatic with  buns of steel, it is so worth the expense.

These days it all seems to be about the impending holidays, from my friends’ dreading opening the “Christmas List” on Facebook, to stores and malls already decked out in Christmas displays, to signs everywhere telling me its time to shop, shop, SHOP!  Not that I need my arm twisted to do the latter, but it’s a fact of the holidays, and the sooner you start, the less overwhelming the season becomes.

So let’s start with footwear.  Whatever the occasion, be it a party for the office, with friends or a romantic rendezvous, a new pair of shoes will do wonders to put you in the festive mood.  Normally, the word dressy comes to mind, and we all know that dressy usually equals = heels. Yes, we all feel sexier in them, but I’d say that the average woman, would most welcome a break from them - but only if the affair does not entail having to wear a long gown.

Flats, or should I say, “dressy pumps” are perfectly acceptable for all your December affairs, provided they are dressed up with the required sparkly embellishments that scream “holiday season”. Take these oh-so-pretty silver be-jewelled flats ($100) from Zara pictured above.  Unless you’re truly vertically challenged, they should take you through most of the season in relative comfort and safety (think slippery, wet roads due to climate change), and the object of envy from your friends and colleagues in their sexy but pain-inducing (and expensive) golden Jimmy Choo heels. Or for a more flirty look, I’d go for these sweet pink sequined Kate Spades, on sale from $275 to $165 at ShopBop.

While dressy thongs are okay in the summer months, I’d stay clear of them in the holiday season, whether or not you live in a warm climate. I just feel too much foot doesn’t work this time of the year, in the evenings at least.

Given the choice between skinny jeans and a skirt, I’ll always take the skirt. No matter how many times I tried, wearing skinny, nearly painted-on jeans always made me feel incredibly uncomfortable and not very feminine.  More Jim Morrison than Audrey Hepburn.

So anyway, when the latest skirt trend this autumn came in the form of the tulip, I was excited. What a lovely name, if not for anything else. But what is a tulip skirt? Its a skirt which is obviously shaped like the famous flower from Holland.  Cinched at the waist, ballooning slightly outwards in the middle, tapering down.

Now many fashion bloggers have attested that this style is NOT for the average woman (read: over size 4), as it has a tendency to make the hips larger.  But I beg to differ.  In fact, there are a multitude of styles of tulip skirts out there, and provided you find the right one that suits your body type, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one in your wardrobe.

To get an idea of this, check out Styleshop.  Here you’ll see what I’m talking about.  If you’re happy with your legs, you could try the fun mid-thigh soft, wooly version by Urban Outfitters, a steal at $48.  For a more glam look, Banana Republic has a longer, purple one in taffeta perfect for the holidays, or if you feel like a splurge, Marc Jacob’s silky heart-print with black belt could be ideal.

But before you buy, its always a good idea to try on first.  So browse through your neighborhood shops and see what style suits you best.  And don’t forget these great tips I found at eHow:

1. Choose a tulip skirt with top pleats. If you are looking to create the illusion of having more curvaceous hips, buy a tulip skirt with pleats at the top, near the hips.

2. Buy a tulip skirt that flares at the bottom if you are top-heavy. A tulip skirt with a flirty flare on the bottom will help balance out the overall shape of women who have larger upper bodies.

3. Search for a tulip skirt with a slightly flared hem at the bottom for work. A tulip skirt that is fitted throughout, but flares ever-so-slightly at the bottom will add a dash of fun to your work wardrobe while still looking professional

4. Decide on a long tulip skirt with soft pleats. A long tulip skirt with soft pleats running vertically will add romantic charm to your wardrobe.

With the election come and gone and Barack Obama the new President-elect, it’s obvious that the trendsetters in 2009 is the Obama family, with no less than 3 women to watch out for.

On their night of victory, all eyes were on the First Lady-elect in her Narciso Rodriguez red and black scoop neck dress which had fashionistas screaming for the fashion police. Its funny how one can be lauded as the new Jackie O one day then criticized for her “lapse in taste” the next.

Taken from the designer’s Spring 2009 collection, the dress had a black corset-like middle, which I agree, reminded me of a lava lamp. As said in the Telegraph:

Jeff Weinstein, a fine arts and culture critic was also not a fan.

“It was definitely a lava lamp look,’’ he told the paper, “with a volcanic nod to her hubby’s Hawaii.”

Though it isn’t a dress I would wear ( and I have to say, the cardigan made it look better on stage), I have to give the F.L.E credit for wearing something she obviously believes is her personal style. It showed confidence (no boring suits here!) and I love that she doesn’t use a stylist.

And the rest of the family? Here’s the report from the Associated Press:

Meanwhile, President-elect Barack Obama wore the same style dark-navy suit custom-made by Hart Schaffner Marx that he wore at the Democratic Convention, the company says. Hart Schaffner Marx makes its suits in the Obamas’ home state of Illinois.

The couple’s daughter Malia wore a red bubble-hem dress, and younger daughter Sasha wore a black dress with a bow.

A stylish family to watch in the White House….at last!!

Looking Smart in Valentino

With the U.S. election days just days away and the frenzy coming to an end, it’s a good time to ask the burning question of the campaign:

Who was more stylish? Michelle Obama or Sarah Palin?

Let’s start with the Alaskan Mom, whose recession-unfriendly shopping spree made headlines this week.

A mere three months ago, Sarah Palin was a nobody.  And indeed, the Lady Governor looked the part, as seen in this photo taken from a UK paper wherein Ms.Palin is dressed more like Rosanne Barr from the 80’s sitcom (and it seemed to suit her too).  It’s amazing what a bit of cash and a LOT of professional styling can do though, because by the time she was introduced at Mc Cain’s VP, in her smart black suit, red heels by Naughty Monkey, and “updo”, Ms.Palin decidedly had created her new Republican look, which was later perfected by Tina Fey. Add on her trademark glasses, peeptoes and earrings (be they indigenous Alaskan or hoop), and you had the Sarah Palin style, which, when more designer labels were thrown in, was elevated from “middle management” to CEO. But then again, whose look wouldn’t be upgraded with $150,000 spent at Neiman Marcus?

Michelle in a Carrie Bradshaw-inspired outfit?

Michelle Obama, on the other hand, had, I believe, a better sense of style to begin with, even before all this election kaffuffle. The Havard grad declared that she likes online shopping for sensible brands like J Crew, and has even been likened to Jackie O (wow, that’s what I call the ultimate compliment), proving that you don’t need a huge budget to show your sense of style. Ms. Obama likes her outfits simple, sharp and put-together, as seen in her thigh high boots and slick coat ensemble she wore on her birthday in Las Vegas, prompting The New York Times to say that she “dresses to win”. And you know what’s the most surprising thing of all? No, not that she can pull of pearls without looking matronly like Barbara Bush, but that she apparently dresses on her own, without the use of a personal stylist.

Halloween is upon us, and as everyone knows, the best thing about the spooky holiday is dressing up.

On the street,  fashion pundits are predicting that the trends for 2008 are the characters who stood out this year, mostly from t.v and film.

For the youngerlings, everyone’s favourite tween popstar, Hannah Montana; the High School Musical gang like Sharpay and Gabriella are strong favourites, meaning sparkly jeans, rhinestones, fringes and wigs are in order. Boys will likely be seen as The Joker, now immortalized in even scarier form by the late Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight”.  Star Wars costumes are what I would call “classic”, but even more so with the release of the Clone Wars cartoon this year, we’re sure to spot more than a few Darth Vaders, Storm Troopers, and Jedis.

Current “in” personalities like the presidential hopefuls and Sarah Palin (who can forget Tina Fey and Palin in SNL?) are likely to be seen roaming the streets and parties this Halloween season, which I have to admit, I’ll be looking forward to! Olympic costumes should also be trendy, with swimming attire and medals ala Michael Phelps, which hopefully wont send the wearer home with a cold.

On the runway, its nice to see Brit handbag lady Anya Hindwitch (I mean, March) get into the spirit with her weeklong Halloween Extravaganza at her stores. What a great marketing move! Another great reason for me to head straight for her shops!

According to Vogue:

“…To get you in the spooky mood, the designer’s stores - as well as online boutique - will be hosting a week-long Trick or Treat extravaganza where, if you pick a treat from Anya Hindwitch’s Trick or Treat bag, you could end up winning yourself a clutch, purse, key ring or even a bag from the autumn/winter 2008-9 collection.

Pick a trick, however, and it’s a forfeit for you - in the shape of sinister stickers and jelly brain and lucky bone sweets. Do you dare?..”

D & G Spring 2009

With the world in economic turmoil, the buzzwords these days of “bailout”, “recession”, “credit crunch”, “cost conscious” and so on, have now also hit the fashion world. The look is very much reminiscent of the depression era of the 30’s - tweeds, hats, waistcoats and grey, grey, grey, which is actually perfect for the autumn. Watch out for it in the high street shops like the Gap and H & M.

Also getting into the depression-era look, but not quite slumming it was D & G’s Spring 2009 collection which had the models decked in Deauville-inspired nautical pieces paired with modern touches like platforms and fishnets, strutting to the tune of “La Vie en Rose”.

And in Paris, where collections wrapped up just last week, talk of seriously slumping retail sales made everyone nervous, as reported by the associated press:

“Honestly, we don’t know. It’s all a big guessing game,” said Ronald L. Frasch, president and chief merchandising officer for Saks Inc. The executive described the economic crisis affecting the North American retail sector as “maybe the worst I’ve ever seen.”

“Clearly, the ones who are in the best position are the ones who have the strongest brand names. The ones who have the most difficulty are the ones who are either beginning to develop or trying to get their goods onto the market,” Frasch said.

Popular items were the swimsuit-wrap dresses by Jean Paul Gaultier - two designer peices for the price of one!