BB Dakota The Shearer Coat in Yellow,Winter Coats & Jackets for Women: $120.00

Women’s Striped Sweater-Knit Berets: $9.50

Harley Davidson “Payton” Women’s Brown Boots: $54.95

Find more women’s boots and women’s coats at Smarter.com.

As we celebrate the nostalgia of free love and self expression, on the 40 Year Anniversary of Woodstock, maybe its time to ask ourselves if our personal wardrobes reflect influences from this colorful, eclectic 60’s era.  Some would say “YES” with gutso. Some might cringe at the idea. But most of us probably have had some type of Woodstock worthy clothing even if we don’t want to admit it to ourselves. I would never in a million years call my personal style as bohemian. Most of my pieces tend to be structured with contemporary silhouettes. I try to shy away from outlandish floral, ruffles and fringes. I look like a dork in vests and can never pull off a fringed suede jacket. But when I sit down and think about it, I do get most compliments on the occasions that I choose to stray away from my self inflicted monotonous habitude and reach for that sequined tunic, that embroidered skirt or that flower power dress. And I love me some denim and fancy boots! I suppose the departure from the regular professional, almost “expected” garb gives out a pleasing vibe of creativity and non-conformity that inspires respect. It sends the message of unruffled individuality as if you can stand up for what you believe in even if it is outside the norm.

There are still certain aspects of the Woodstock style that I would never dare sport, like the long stringy hair or ripped jeans. Thankfully designers over the years have mastered the art of tasteful interpretations of the movement that hits the right note between delightful and pitiful (yes, if you are not careful, you can end up looking like a homeless person).

So, don’t be afraid to add a little hippie to your look and wait for the compliments to roll in. A peasant blouse balanced with a military inspired cargo pant, or a patchwork purse splashed against a white button down gives an unexpected funky appeal to set you apart from the rest of the gang.Think you need more persuasion? Sure, I can try:

1. It, of course, wouldn’t hurt that you will be right on trend this season. While seasoned beauties like Drew Barrymore, Siena Miller and Kate Hudson have long since epitomized hippie chic, young starlets like Miley Cyrus , Vanessa Hudgens and Lauren Conrad have rocked the look this summer with super short denim shorts, long layered gold chains , flowy dresses and gypsy tunics.

2. You will be politically correct. Weren’t those earth embracing anti-establishment young people of the 70’s the ones who started the shift towards eco-friendly clothing that all and sundry are embracing today? Yes, hippie chic also could mean nature inspired, environmentally safe , organic and all that good stuff. Of course, everything is a matter of interpretation.

3. Most department stores and online retailers have stocked up on this popular trend and what’s more they are currently a Mega sale. You might as well invest in a couple of pieces when you decide to update your everyday wardrobe.

Here are some sweet ideas for those times when you want to turn on the haute-hippie charm:

Anisa Denim Vest, $22.90, Minnetonka Moccasin - Fringe Boot Brown Suede  $85, Coach Signature Hamptons Hobo Patchwork Clearance $129 , Ed Hardy Handbag Filina Satchel $305.

Rip Curl Tropicalia Tunic Top: $31.46,  AB Studio Embroidered Peasant Blouse: $16.80, Pleated Floral Chiffon Skirt: $14.80

Smocked Tie Dye Dress  $19.80 ,
Crochet Trim Chiffon Dress, $24.80

Gypsy 05 Talula Maxi Dress as seen on Alessandra Ambrosio  $209, Paloma Purple Rainbow Silk Maxi Dress as seen on Lauren Conrad $198

Photos: trendhunter.com, popsugar.com, Glamour.com

Vanity Fair has released their international Best Dressed List for 2009 and I’m sure no one was shocked to see that the country’s premier couple made the cut. Michelle has become a muse for many designers with her laid back sophistication and a rocking fit body that is totally believable and well in the realm of possibility for everyday women. Well, not entirely, to be honest if you also count those shapely arms chiseled to perfection, but you get the idea. She’s by no account a Hollywood siren sporting an unattainably Barbie like body armed with strategic enhancements. In total contrast to that “popular” look, Mrs. Obama represents an imperfect attractiveness. The statuesque first lady works out sensibly, has an instinctive nonchalant sense of style and does her clothes beautiful justice but all in a completely down to earth, accessible way. The rarity of that makes her a style icon in my book. I love too that she has introduced the world to lesser known designer names like Maria Pinto and Jason Wu.

While I like the elegance of her simple sheaths and the polished appeal of her pencil skirts (I sometimes don’t care for her cardigans I must admit, but you can’t please everyone all the time!), it is her jewelry that completely rocks my boat. The girl can certainly write a book on how to wear pearls without giving off that dreaded old lady vibe. I don’t know anyone other than Carrie in “Sex in the City” who gives pearls this much of love! I was so delighted to know BTW that many of her pearls are fakes—I dig grounded beauties!

Sometimes the pearls she wears are more conventional, white, short and oversized, which she craftily pairs with structured, more modern attire. The ones that I would probably go for myself are her quirky, whimsical, longer, multi colored ones that add glamour and razzle dazzle to an otherwise monotonous, simplistic clothing palette like a little black dress or a tailored blouse. A delightful pin that doesn’t take itself too seriously or some fanciful beads thrown in for attitude, but never all at the same time, lend a European edge to her modest outfits, a style she has made her own.

I went on a bid to check out some Michellesque treasures and look at what I came up with (below). I think I even found one of her original pieces! (the vintage inspired flower necklace with the pink dress). In fact I got so carried away that I even ordered myself a string of beads I just didn’t need! Tsk ,Tsk…

St Erasmus Long Pearl Necklace

Allie Braided Bead Necklace

St Erasmus Pink Flower Short Statement Necklace

Twisted Beaded Necklace

Pink Flower Pin

Maddy Emerson Freshwater Pearl and Agate Necklace

Nori’s Layered Lace & Faux Pearl Necklace

Unfortunately, not all of us are bold enough to walk around in nothing but an over-sized button-down shirt. And most of us do need to try hard.

As a solution, a lot of designers are carrying a similar, menswear-inspired shirt-dress that gives you an-almost-the-same casually gorgeous look.

Forever21 carries this plaid dress-shirt for $20 that’s belted around the waist to give your body more shape. It doesn’t have the same ultimate casual appeal to it, but the lightweight fabric and the resemblance to a men’s button-down gets the job done. Some celebrities like Alessandra Ambrosio have been seen wearing the same style but with more of a crisper material, which turns this casual day dress to one you can wear to a night on the town and still keep that sexy appeal.

Either way it’s gorgeous!

Image sources: Forever21.com, justjaredjr.buzznet.com, fashionising.com

When I try to think back about the influences Michael Jackson had on fashion and culture from the inception of the Jackson Five to Thriller to the present tragedy of his death, I find it is easier to start with what the King of Pop did not influence, as opposed to what he did.  Gangster hoodies, emo rap, and grunge were certainly not any of his styles.  Nor were baggy pants, grinding in the club, or heavy death metal.  Michael Jackson was an icon for the ages with multiple looks that were fanciful, sharp and totally rockstar quality.  We can start with the Jackson Five look, the tight paisley button downs and bell-bottoms (who didn’t wear bell bottoms?  Now we know who started it!).  Rock the look with a cute suede vest and platform shoes, and you really are living the pint-size MJ dream.

But Michael Jackson really became a cultural icon with the breakthrough music video Thriller in 1983.  His dance moves were to die for and became iconic in the swivel and swish of that red leather jacket with zipper details, tight-fitting parachute pants, and the single, white leather glove that started to illuminate the quirky taste of Mr. Jackson.  Parachute pants are making it back to the runway, but I don’t know if it’s the best way to appreciate MJ’s glory.  The white glove is all his, but try bringing back colored leather jackets and zipper details.  The 80’s are back, where have you been?

And finally, my favorite, there is the style I like to call Michael Jackson Classic.  MJC would be the tailored white button down, sequined black jacket, tight black pants and the fedora.  This is the Billie Jean Moonwalk look, the beloved dance moves that have been honed from manic zombiehood down to classic perfection.  The original Sexy Back.

How to emulate this?

Start a dance studio focusing specific in Michael Jackson impersonations, make a buckload of money, invest in the best fedora you can find and rock out for the rest of your life.  But for us proletariats, some snazzy sequins get-ups, socks, and tile floors will do just fine for the weekend’s Michael Jackon Memorial Dance Party.  My house.  8 pm.  Be there.

Image Source: GroupieBlog, Huntermuttall.com, MJDavid007.com

Every time I turn around I see yet another celebrity sporting a pretty scarf with a plain white tee and blue jeans or with a simple summer dress.  Very French and tres chic!  Personally just the thought of a scarf around my neck in the hot summer months makes me break into a sweat…But I love the look!  So I decided to think of all the reasons why I need to get one.  Here we go…

First of all summer scarves unlike their winter counterparts are thankfully quite light and airy.  They could be the perfect solution for air conditioned restaurants or cool spring evenings.  Scarves could change up the whole look of an old outfit without breaking the bank.  They even look great as a head wrap or wrapped around a handbag strap.  They add a happy splash of color and elegance to a drab number.  Most importantly summer scarves are so pretty to look at and make a great fashion statement!  OK-I’ve convinced myself now!

Here are some really nice ones I found online:

Fluorescent tribal scarf: $9.80

  Juicy Couture small gauze triangle scarf: $85

Simona triangle scarf: $8.80

Bohemian love scarf: $7.80

Light weight ombre scarf: $19.50

Retro posies scarf: $ 7.80

Top stitch woven scarf: $7.90

     Wish for peace “peace sign” silk scarf: $85

Fab braid corner scarf: $6.50

Lurex ombre crinkled scarf: $ 9.90

Women’s printed gauze scarf: $12.50
     City style washed tie dye scarf: $16.95

Sequin chiffon scarf: $39

Photos courtesy: Glam magazine,Celebritynewsspotlight.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s scarves.

First Lady Michelle has done it again! She caused a fashion uproar as she bedazzled last week by wearing a pair of gorgeous metallic sneakers to infuse life and personality into an otherwise mundane outfit of capri pants and J Crew cardigan.

Don’t you just love this metallic trend in sneakers?  It’s perfect for us girls who like to dress comfortable or run around a lot yet not want to look fuddy-duddy in a dirty lackluster regular old pair of trainers. And because they are dressier, you can get away with wearing them with skirts and dresses which you will usually never dream of with the regular ones.  Michelle’s Lanvin suede shoes that retails for $540 is a silver number with just the right amount of metallic pink at the tip to spice it up .  The price is pretty steep but who says we bargain snoops cannot come up with cheaper, equally fierce alternatives to jazz up our wardrobe?

Products featured:

Lacoste Zhandra Silver Leather

Pro Keds Women’s Royal Hi Metallic

Xhilaration Anise Metallic Sneakers- Silver

Neiman Marcus Metallic Sneaker

Metro Style Metallic Sneakers

PUMA Women’s The Key Metallic Sneaker

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more metallic sneakers.

This picture from the Balmain runway (fall 2009, Style.com) shows the elegant side and, let’s face it, the staying power of the new shoulder.  I actually see less of the 80’s linebacker influence in this relatively dainty and somewhat oddly shaped shoulder; I get more of a 30’s feeling here mixed with a touch of Tom Ford for YSL.  Because this shoulder is a bit more refined while still throwing off that power silhouette, it will be more wearable on more figures.  Remember the story about Joan Crawford wearing a strong shoulder to make her hips look narrower?  Still works.

Pictured below is my recommendation for a slightly more wearable version. Yes, it’s lacking the power of the couture version and is more a puff than a pad, but this really sharp little jacket from Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line can be yours for a tasty $199.99. The Balmain version will run you a tad more. Come on kids, power (shoulder) to the people!

Emma Sillk Jacket:  $295 Now: $199.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.
Discounts on Ralph Lauren clothing.

Okay well I am a fan of tuxedo t-shirts!

It’s the optimal mix of wit, hilarity and style. I always think of that one scene in Talladega Nights when he says, “Oh I imagine my Jesus in a tuxedo T-shirt, because I like my Jesus to be serious BUT I also like my Jesus to party..”  Ha!

If you share a similiar sense of humor check out these great deals on discount tuxedo t-shirts!

Price $17.50-$19.50

Find that Look:

Vintage Black Dress: $49.00 Etsy.com

Vintage Red Heels: $18.00 Etsy.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more black dresses.
Discounts on red heels.