Yesterday, it was all about bright clothing. Today, we’re going to focus on bright make-up. Pretty awesome, right?

I was flipping through the March issue of Glamour when I spotted the “beauty editor secrets” page, where a few ladies were dishing about their favorite new products. One gal said she tried out this super-pretty, aqua-colored eyeliner on a whim, and her boyfriend totally loved it. Call it “engagement liner” (you know, like “engagement chicken“?), because she got engaged in a week’s time!

Now, I am not going to be getting engaged anytime soon, so my objectivity is still in tact on this one. I wasn’t thinking about the ring when I heard this tale of magical make-up, I was thinking about all the amazing bright-eyeliner looks I’ve been seeing as of late. It’s definitely the beauty trend to try! Here are a few I’m itching to pick up:

Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Bora Bora, $22. Ah, the one that started it all. The beauty editor raved, and the color is so sparkly and bright and gorgeous — I can’t resist. I have always loved aqua, it’s one of my favorite colors, so I’d love to grab this from Sephora. Wouldn’t it look great with a simple white tee, frayed denim shorts and yellow wedges? Just a thought.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Graffiti, $19. I normally can’t use eye pencils. For some reason, the lines they make just do not good on my eyes! But for this, I might make an exception. The small pencil is supposed to slide on smoothly and stay put for a long time. And in this totally gorgeous shade of bright green, reminiscent of this look back from the holidays (hint: change out the red lip color for a pale pink), I think it’s a must… Right? Isn’t it??

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Iridescent Fuchsia, $23. I have heard that Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Lip is amazing, so I’m thinking Aqua Liner must be too? It’s water, tear and smudge-proof for starters. I mean, who doesn’t love that in eye make-up? And with the great bright colors, including a very spring-appropriate shade of iridescent fuchsia, I don’t see what’s not to love.

For spring, try out an eyeliner in one of these bright shades, or all of them — why not, right? I mean, a pop of color to make your eyes standout is a beauty investment. It’s worth it.

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Sometimes, super-trendy looks can be scary. If they look too runway, or they look like you wouldn’t even know where to start with it, then you may feel like running in the other direction. I can think of nothing more intimidating than the current beauty craze otherwise known as ombre lips.

Nylon is talking about it. InStyle has featured it. The Beauty Department has covered it. It’s been seen on blogs, particularly this awesome tutorial on XSparkage. And I want to talk about how you can nab this two-tone lip look, that makes your pout appear even fuller, for yourself. Here’s the good news: It’s a lot easier than it looks to pull off!

1. Pick your shade. Red, pink, mahogany, plum… it’s up to you. However, I would suggest starting with a darker shade of lipstick.

2. Choose a complimentary shade. Whatever shade you start with, you want to grab another one that will show some contrast, but still looks effortless with your base color. Some of these hue pairings might include: Red and pink, Dark pink and light pink, red and orange, plum and violet.

3. Fill in the entire lip with the darker shade. You should use lipstick, if possible. Try to use a matte formula for easy application.

4. Dab a little bit of the lighter shade in the middle of the lip. You want to put a bit more on the bottom lip than on the top. Voila!

5. For an even easier way to work this trend… Just use one color. Red, pink, plum, orange, whatever! Fill in your entire top lip, and than smack your lips together. This will cause some of the shade to wipe off on the bottom lip. From there, just smooth out the color with a lip pencil. Add a gloss over top if you like the shiny look. (Check out the XSparkage tutorial in case you need a visual aide.) And that’s it. Literally. So simple!

With ombre lips, I’d keep the rest of your make-up simple. Little mascara, little pink on the cheeks. That’s all you need with this.

So, don’t be scared of this trend. Go rock it, ladies!

Will you work the ombre lip trend?

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Since my middle school days, I have seen a whole lot of black eyeliner. Some of it has been done up really well, like the gorgeous, ultra-glam sweeps and cat-eyes on the red carpet. Some of it has turned out not-so-well… I’m picturing those girls I saw in the hallways who caked it on. Ick.

And black eyeliner is still super-popular today, because — when done right, at least — it’s classic. But I’ve been loving the trends lately that call for ditching that dark wand and opting for something more fresh. Here are a few anti-black-eyeliner looks to try.

The brown smoky eye. Check out this gorgeous look on the fabulous Kate Beckinsale. Line your eyes with a light brown pencil on the top and bottom. Then, add a sweep of light brown or bronze shadow over top, with hints of glitter if you want your eyes to really pop. Mascara on your top lashes only for this sweet, alternative smoky eye. (See: Glamour)

Rainbow shades. If you’re feeling like a daring darling, then get playful like on the spring runways and opt for bold color. Go for it, and go all in. Sea blues, bright yellows and a whole lotta fuchsia are great hue choices. Don’t choose the muted versions of those colors! And OK, although I say go big or go home, you don’t have to go over the top. Dior decided to do a bold red lip with those rainbow liners… Skip that. It won’t translate from catwalk to sidewalk. But DO add some major mascara to complete the wide-eyed look. (See: Allure)

Gold glitzy make-up. For spring, your eyes can shine like the sunshine, just like ScarJo’s. The key is in the placement of the different gold shades. Smooth your entire lid with a primer, in a skin-colored hue. Then, sweep a darker gold shadow over the lid, to just above the crease, careful not to completely cover your skin to the brow bone (too high is a no-go!). Lastly, use a light gold in the inner corners of your eyes. This will make them appear brighter, wider and more youthful. (See: Allure)

Bottom line, ladies? You just do not need to be married to your black eyeliner. I know it will always be a favorite… but mix it up! There are so many other options, from the runway and the red carpet.

Which eye make-up look are you dying to try?

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Yes, exactly. Today, I bring you a bright, loud, bold trend. The thing I’m sorta-kinda dying to talk about is floral pants. Peter Som worked them for Spring 2012. Erdem continued the trend on the runway for the warm-weather season. Bloggers have been rocking them. Glitter Guide has been covering them. They’re in Marie Claire this month. Floral pants? Totally wearable.

Sounds intimidating though, right? Well, those super-cute, flower-covered pants don’t have to be. Here’s my guide to pulling them off, which will answer the key question: How on Earth do you wear ‘em? Really.

1. No accessories. Really, none. OK. None is extreme. You can have two or three subtle ones, like a pair of sunglasses, simple stud earrings and clutch. But that’s it. Your pants are special, so they should grab the attention. Keep all extras simple and streamlined. Don’t let them compete for attention.

2. Solid tops only. I really love a basic white top with a little structure, as shown on the Peter Som runway. (Even a plain white tee would be perfect!) Not only did Som show white though, he also paired color with floral pants. This works because he sticks to one palette, blue, and doesn’t stray. You can do the same. It’s not the time to mismatch brights. Save that for when you’re working strictly with solids. Here, choose basic white, black, or a similar hue to a shade in the pant.

3. Gotta have a heel. Generally, you should wear a heel with your floral pants. Most styles I have seen are either cropped or wide-leg, which mandates height to lengthen your legs and keep your body from becoming chopped off at the ankles. Same principle applies to choosing heels as choosing a top. Solid colors! The only exception to the heel rule? If you’re wearing skinnies or leggings. Then, feel free to work a cute ballet flat (in a solid, of course).

4. Own it. Don’t be a wallflower! (No pun intended.) When you wear a statement style, you have to be prepared to stand out. So, work it. Choose no-fuss make-up, and simple, sleek hair. Then, walk the sidewalk like it’s your own personal runway. Because it is!

Deal: ASOS Blurred Floral Polazzo Pants, $18
Deal: Topshop Tropical Floral Print Legging, $40
Designer: Erdem Connelly Floral Trousers, $990

Will you wear floral pants for spring?

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Well, it’s happened. A super-trendy trend is making a repeat appearance for spring. Crop tops are back for a second year in a row, so I hope you all are preparing for warm weather with a few workouts. (Hey, it can’t be sweater weather forever!)

Good news is there are a lot of ways to wear a belly-baring top that aren’t as intimidating as you’d imagine. Let’s look to the runways for inspiration, so we’ll be fully prepared for the higher temperatures around the corner… Is it spring yet?

Wear a cover-up. Bill Blass showed a crop top with a nautical stripe on the runway, perfect for a day at the beach. But to edge it up a bit, add a blazer just like this designer chose to do. It lends some coverage, and keeps it trendy. Loose shorts finish off the look.

Wear with high-waisted pants. Or a skirt, a la Dolce & Gabbana. Showing a slice of skin (as shown with the suede crop top on left), only the upper part of the abs, keeps the look oddly classy. Make like Dolce and work a pencil skirt for a sophisticated vibe, or pair your crop top with a floaty skirt if you’re feeling feminine.

Keep it breezy. Or simply roomy, like on the catwalk at Acne. Fitted tops certainly rocked the runways this season, but the breezy version is more wearable. The key is choosing a cut that shows only a hint of skin. It’s alluding at sex appeal, while still keeping it low key. Pair an oversize-tee crop top with a high-waisted maxi skirt that grazes the ground. Then put on a straw hat and go. You’ll be effortlessly cool.

Rock cut-outs. Karlie Kloss worked the runway at Roland Mouret in a skirt-and-shirt combo that looked almost like a dress. Why was that? The crop-top Ms. Kloss was wearing had strategic cut-outs, revealing just the right amount of skin without going overboard. For the daring fashionista who loves to pull off multiple trends at once, try a form-fitting crop-top with cut-outs. Pair with a high waist bottom of the same color for the best effect.

Do the bandeau. If you’re hitting the beach or heading out on a boat, the bandeau is your crop top! Band of Outsiders paired the top with a long skirt and major jacket, but I think simplicity is better. Wear with a denim button-down and cotton shorts to enjoy the sunshine in style.

What’s your take on the returning crop top trend? Will you be rocking the crop top look this year?

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I think spring trends are fair game now that it’s 2012, don’t you agree?

I know, I know. It’s only January. But I just can’t wait to wear some of the lovely frocks I saw parading down the runway for the upcoming season. One of the highlights at Fashion Week? Definitely the Valentino show! Mostly nixing the high-drama ball gowns and rich colors, designers Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri turned out sweet lace dresses and a pastel color palette instead. And I couldn’t have loved a show’s contents more.

The best fabric was almost like an exaggerated eyelet-lace pattern in a heavy cotton. Very perfect for comfort this spring, as well as stylish wearability. Look for similar looks to hit stores in the next few months.

Incorporating lace into your look can be tricky, but keep these few points in mind when you’re wearing the fabric this spring.

1. Don’t take the fabric too literally. What do you think of when you imagine lace? Girlie, dainty, pretty, perfectionist? Me too! And of course, that’s a theme you could stick with for an outfit, but it will just come off as though you’re trying too hard. Loosen up lace by wearing hair in flowy waves, rocking long boho jewelry (like some of the Valentino looks) or working a daring red lip. All will provide better contrast for showing off your lace top or frock.

2. Think about your complexion. Lace is generally light in color, just like the whites and pastels at Valentino, so be aware of what that’s doing for your complexion. It’s easy to get washed out! Make sure you’re still wearing color by your face, either with accessories, a cool blazer, or adding a glow with make-up.

3. Footwear is key. As with any outfit, you’ve got to have the right pair of shoes for your lace look! It’s just that important. A lot of people think you can’t wear lace casually, but I have to disagree. Choose a flat sandal and add a great pair of wayfarer sunglasses, while keeping accessories minimal. It’s a low-key look that totally works with lace. If you want to dress your frock up, wear a pair of bright heels (magenta, red, sapphire) in a solid. A simple black clutch will complete the look. Keep it classy, with a bit of sass, to master the new lace looks.

Will you be wearing any lace items this spring? What did you think of the Valentino show?

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You have to have a certain kind of presence to pull off bangs, because you do notice them. If you’re a wallflower, then this trend probably isn’t for you.

I think Zooey Deschanel has that sort of “presence.” Those thick, blunt bangs perfectly frame her doe eyes and compliment her quirky style. I love them. One of my good friends and I frequently lament over how much we wished we could pull off her hairdo. Because with the emergence of her sitcom New Girl, Zooey has kinda made bangs cool, in a really unassuming way.

I’ve had bangs throughout my life, off and on. Most of the time, I cut them without thinking much of it. It’s a quick change that’s not too drastic. But one thing is certain: I always feel a bit more glamorous with bangs, because they take daily upkeep to look good. Here are a few tips for pulling them off.

1. Length. I like to cut bangs that fall just over my eyebrows, and here’s why. I can wear them side-swept across my forehead, or I can wear them blunt over my forehead. Just like any haircut, I like to have options. If you know you want to wear bangs one way or the other, chop accordingly. Side-swept bangs should be longer, especially across the temples, and blunt bangs should be shorter so they don’t cover your eyes.

2. Style. You can do more with bangs that you think. Apart from wearing them normally side-swept or blunt, sometimes I like to mess them up with a little pomade or twist them back in a cute little volumized up-do. You can really do more than you think with a little creativity, so take a few risks!

3. Maintenance. You really have to style bangs every single day (sometimes multiple times a day). If you go to bed, you’ll wake up in the morning with bangs all askew, so I wouldn’t choose this cut if you’re not keen on lots of upkeep. Wash and blow-dry your bangs every morning, using a round brush to dry with slight volume and the “cool burst” on the hairdryer to set the bangs. And always bring a couple of bobby pins with you in case the elements destroy your bangs beyond repair. (It does happen!)

Do you like bangs? Have you ever had bangs? Do you think the trend is one you’ll try?

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One of my favorite trends to emerge and really pick up steam the past few years? Ankle boots. They are my go-tos for a little sophistication, when I need something chicer than a flat, tall boot, and trendier than a classic, tall heel.

For a huge boot lovah like myself, it’s great to see designers embrace the short-n-sweet trend to give us loads of options this season. There is a heeled bootie for every type of girl, and I have four excellent styles to wear during the winter months to glam up your outfit. Here are my picks for must-haves. Which will you wear?

For the glam girl… Miu Miu Glitter and Suede Peep-Toe Ankle Boots, $623. I told you all a couple of months ago that I was dying over these Miu Miu booties (me and everybody else!), covered in glitter, with criss-crossed suede straps. Now, with a huge discount right before Christmas, they’re a great purchase for a girl who likes to keep it glam, and own one of the season’s most recognized items. Wear the glittery shoes with an LBD and show ‘em off!

For the practical girl… KORS Michael Kors “Divina” Desert Bootie, $150. Black. Thick heel. Wear-with-jeans vibe. You could definitely take these shoes for a spin shopping, or transform them into an edgy, going-out heel. For a girl who likes a boot with mileage, Mr. Kors has the answer.

For the sophisticated girl… Jessica Simpson “Francis” Booties, $99. Couldn’t you envision this pair of booties with straight-leg jeans, a chic fur vest, a pair of sunglasses and a black bag? Yup. They’re the ultimate in sophistication, and they’re basically timeless. They’ll look good for seasons.

For the trend-setting girl… BCBGeneration Messa Booties, $127. Combine two of the hottest recent trends (ankle boots and clogs) add two-tone color and studding… what do you have? Some seriously rockin’ boots! I can definitely see these shoes on a girl who likes to stand out, in a subtle way. (Even though you know everyone will be taking note.)

What type of girl are you, and what kind of ankle boots will you be wearing this season?

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