Trendy Fashion Report - Spring 2010 Trends

Despite the frigid temps its time to start anticipating the next season in line – Spring. There is a lot to expect this year and the most surprising of all is the return of sheer madness! But it comes at a time where being tastefully exploratory is in. Be prepared to see sheer overlay pieces and delicate draping that enhances the feminine form.

Another surprising entry this spring season is the return to everything that spells PATTERN. Most especially the charm of printed pants in every color imaginable. Although this is definitely an acquired taste, it can certainly grow on you given the variations that present themselves. You can have skinny cigarette pants and leggings in every pattern imaginable and pair them up with your favorite tank top or solid silk halter.

And finally its time to make all those endless hours at the gym pay off by showing off you’re the fruits of your labor in boy shorts and hot pants. Spring 2010 seems to be the season of REVEAL. Highlighting those attributes that get you the most attention. Hemlines will be shorter across the board so its time to make sure you are in enough shape to accommodate the demands of exposure.

This is only a snippet of what’s to come. More Spring 2010 fashion highlights are on the way!

Trendy Report - The Color of Vanity

The March cover of Vanity Fair looks impressive enough. Featuring the fresh youthful promising faces of actresses like Oscar nominees Carey Mulligan and Anna Kendrick, former Big Love star Amanda Seyfried, up and comers Mia Wasikowska, Emma Stone, Rebecca Hall and mainstays Abbie Cornish and Evan Rachel Wood. The only thing missing is a splash of color. It seems interesting that that fellow Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe is conspicuously missing from the lineup. I am sure its possible to dig up more contenders of color that could have been considered to grace this much anticipated cover. It seems like the "New Wave of Hollywood" is strictly limited to the "very thin and very white members only" club. Undeniably most of the coveted roles in Hollywood seemed to be regulated to this special breed but there are a few lucky that slip through the cracks and the ones who manage to secure them deserve recognition. It is now 2010, and so every effort should be made to accommodate the sensitivity of the color-conscious community and showcase as much diversity as possible in every possible outlet of the media. It is time.

Trendy Oscar Nominations Report

It's that time again! The 82nd Academy Award nominations were announced in Hollywood today, and actress Anne Hathaway had the honor of helping to officially launch the Oscar race. The two most lauded pics of the year Avatar and The Hurt Locker proved the critics right by scoring the most Oscar nominations including Best Picture. I was both shocked and excited that the sleepy summer hit District 9 made the cut. Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds also made the list. Disney-Pixar's animated feature Up was also among the lucky few. And Up in the Air, The Blind Side, An Education and Precious completed the list. The Best Actor category featured some major heavy weights; Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart, a deserving George Clooney for Up in the Air, Colin Firth for A Single Man, Morgan Freeman for Invictus, and Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker. In the Best Actress Category, Gabourey Sidibe scored a nom for her moving performance in Precious. She most likely wont walk away with the golden statue on Oscar night but her fearless performance will undoubtedly guarantee permanent respect in Hollywood. Sandra Bullock is the one everyone is banking on to win the golden guy for The Blind Side. Carey Mulligan is also the one most feel should win for her charismatic turn in An Education. Helen Mirren for The Last Station and Meryl Streep for Julie and Julia cap off the list. The Best Supporting actor features an interesting array of performers; Matt Damon for Invictus, Woody Harrelson for The Messenger, Christopher Plummer for The Last Station, Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones and the one who most likely will walk away the winner, Christoph Walz for his humorous sadistic turn in Inglourious Basterds. I was beyond excited to see that Mo'Nique had secured a Best Supporting nomination for her stunningly honest performance in Precious. She just might walk away with her first Oscar! The odds are definitely in her favor. The other deserving actresses in this sometimes unpredictable category are Penelope Cruz for Nine, Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air. In the Best Director category, James Cameron the magician responsible for Avatar is in a race against his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow who also scored a nom for her critically acclaimed war film The Hurt Locker. Others in the race for gold are Quentin Tarantino for the Brad Pitt produced Inglourious Basterds, Lee Daniel for Precious, and Jason Reitman for Up in the Air. It should be an interesting an entertaining night especially with actors Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin randomly paired and selected for hosting duties. For a complete list of nominees visit The Hollywood Reporter online.

Trendy Fashion Report - The Grammys

The Grammys were held last night and the usual suspects crowded the Red Carpet. There were some major highlights and a few lowlights thrown in the mix. But for the most part the rockers and crooners played it up as only they could under the glare of the cameras and the eager gaze of the crowds. My favorite look of the night was by far Lady Gaga. She is the STAR of the moment. And she knows it. It was no surprise to see her gliding down the carpet in her custom-made Giorgio Armani. She literally looked liked a shooting star arriving from another galaxy. Only Lady Gaga could dare to wear such a costume effortlessly all the while sporting that unrelenting POKER face. We expect nothing less from this enchanting performer. My other favorites were Beyonce in a soft Patel colored Stephanie Rolland gown, Carrie Underwood in a asymmetrical white and silver Georges Chakra number, and Taylor Swift who threw caution to the wind by plunging into a topaz embroidered sheath by Kaufmanfranco. The color was absolutely stunning on her and the fit was perfection. The high fashion segment of the night was well represented by Rihanna who looked exquisite rocking a white high neck chiffon gown with feather details courtesy of Elie Saab. Ciara was a sight to behold in her avant-garde black Givenchy ensemble. And for once Pink was both elegant and utterly sexy in her silver Tony Ward haute couture gown. Jennifer Hudson looked appropriate enough in her black Victoria Beckham dress. (Yes, THE Victoria Beckham). Mary J. Blige did not WOW much in her simple but well contoured fuschia gown by Gucci. And Fergie's body sizzled under her Emilio Pucci one shoulder gown but I expected something more fashion forward. The ones who failed to inspire were Britney Spears who donned a black lace body suit that brilliantly highlighted all her worst points. Katy Perry decided to drown herself in sequins in a dramatic gown by Zac Posen but the problem was the fact that all you saw was the gown. All in all it wasn't a bad night for fashion. And we definitely have Lady Gaga among others to thank for that!! Baby, there's no other superstar!

Trendy Report - Pre-Grammy Festivities

Music impresario Clive Davis hosted a Pre-Grammy bash in Los Angeles over the weekend. And there was an impressive roster of celebs that stopped by to the Pre-Grammy festivities. Some obviously looked better than others. The younger stars seemed to outshine their older counterparts with the exception of Mary J. Blige who can do no wrong in my book. It's nice to see Natalie Cole on her feet and looking well but that dress is certainly not the right way to make a comeback. She is way to young and classy to settle for that ensemble. And Gayle King, Oprah's better half better be grateful she is part of the Talk Queen's entourage because she would not be eligible for any star treatment in that disastrous frock. But Rihanna looks absolutely stunning as she rocks her mod-fab confection. And the rest of the chickadees are also gorgeously decked out. Can't wait to see what the Grammy's have in store for us. Stay tuned!

Serena Claims Her 12th Grand Slam Title

It was supposed to be a much hailed comeback for Justine Henin who had been in retirement for 20 months. But she had the misfortune of having the unrelenting Serena Williams as her challenger and that pretty much sealed her deal. Williams walked away with the title but she humbly acknowledged her opponent and warned the world of tennis of Henin's admirable attributes and sportmanship. Stating, " I think it could have gone either way and I definitely think she's back so all you guys back there definitely have a lot to cheer for". It was a close one for Serena Williams who had to stay on her toes especially during the third set which proved that Henin was a worthy adversary. The Belgian native admitted that her comeback has been an emotional journey but she hopes to be back in full force next year. Cheers to both players!!

H & M - Back in Business

It looks like the world economy is steadily on its way to recovery. A lot of major retailers are trying to pick up the pieces after enduring almost two years of declining sales and less than impressive profits. But Hennes & Mauritz AB, the store famously known as H & M has risen above the ashes and recorded a 20.9 percent jump in net profit, surpassing all expectations. It could also have something to do with the unbeatable combo of better quality and a reasonable pricing scale. Word on the street is that the chain is now thinking of expanding by opening stores in Asia, targeting China, South Korea and Japan. Sales in Asia were far more impressive in 2009 than they were in Europe so that might explain the recent interest in trying to dominate the former's market. There are also plans for an online market in the UK and stores in Israel. Back in Business and Looking Good!