I understand star power. I get that certain celebrities have a built-in fan base that retailers are interested in tapping into. What I can’t wrap my head around is how and/or why just because someone is famous it's assumed that they are capable of designing a fashion line? In certain cases, like say, Gwen Stefani with L.A.M.B. or Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen with The Row and Elizabeth & James, these stars have proven their talent. These ladies all had an inherent personal style to begin with, though. What about the “celebrities” that couldn’t put an outfit together on their own to save their life? Just because Avril Lavigne can sing, does not mean that she can dance or act and it most certainly doesn’t mean that her name should be slapped onto a clothing line….

Now that New York Fashion week has wrapped up for another season, the fashion folks are making their way across the pond to see what London, Paris and Milan have to offer for Autumn/Winter 2010. While plenty of trends emerged at the New York shows (see which trends Flare magazine foresees here), most were pretty predictable—new uses of fur and leather, strong military influences and a clear minimalist vibe. What most of us fashionists weren’t expecting to see, however, was the abundant use of socks on the runways. Yes, that’s right folks, socks of all shapes and sizes (not to mention colours) were the go-to accessory for Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, just to name a few. See for yourself after the jump.

During the spring/summer 2010 runway shows it was clear that we were in for a serious dose of boudoir inspired attire. I can’t say I was super psyched at the thought of certain women having a “fashionable” excuse to dress in a manner that would usually be deemed inappropriate (admit it, we all know a few ladies who will take this trend to sleazy extremes), but I was starting to embrace the idea for the warmer months. Now, I understand that celebrities get runway looks almost immediately after they grace the catwalk, but please ladies, could you just keep your clothes on until March at the very least!?

“Baby it’s cold outside” should pretty much be the unofficial national anthem of Canada during the frozen winter months. Even those lucky enough to live on the mild west coast feel the suffering when the mercury sinks below zero. Yes, it’s true that we Vancouverites are big babies when it come to cold climes, but I am now paying my dues in Calgary where minus 30 is pretty common form. Even getting to work (two busses and a train ride) could lead to hypothermia if I let fashion be my guide in this city, but I have to say that I am getting a little tired of looking like the Michelin man. 

Drink less, eat better, hit the gym. These resolutions are all well and good, but when I resolve to do something I kind of think it should be a bit more concrete than sweeping statements about health (read actually attainable). As fashion and beauty are my line of work, it makes sense that my yearly goals should be focused on enhancing my outer beauty (I already know I’m beautiful on the inside! Hah). Even if it wasn’t my job to try new looks and keep up on all the latest and greatest in style, I would still be looking for resolutions I knew I could/would actually keep this year. Whether you want to master the art of red lipstick, finally learn to walk in heels or conduct an experiment in coloured eyeliners, everyone has a style related goal they could/should strive to attain in 2010. Check out my resolutions and maybe make a few of your own after the jump.

I know, I know, the song poses the question, “what are you doing New Year’s Eve,” but that info is far less important than what you will be wearing for those scrambling to make their wardrobe decisions. To me, New Year’s is the one night of the year when you can be your most glamorous self, so that is exactly what I intend to do….

Alright ladies, it’s crunch time. Sure you’ve tried a few different looks at your earlier holiday parties, but this week and next are the main events that call for the beauty big guns. If you’re still not quite sure what face you want to put forward under the mistletoe or ringing in the New Year, I’ve put together winter’s hottest looks after the jump. Forget about decking the halls my friends, it is time to deck ourselves out!

Being called an ice princess is not exactly a compliment, but looking like one is a whole other story. This winter (and especially for the holidays) I’m all about a silvery glimmer on the eyes and a frosty quality to the lips—there’s something a little bit Scandinavian to the whole look. I caught up with Sephora Pro Expert, Nathalie Bechard, to find out how to recreate Camilla Belle’s gorgeous frosted face. Keep this one in mind for New Year’s girls… 

Deciding what to wear for a big event can be trying at the best of times. Add the general hustle and bustle of the holidays and a dash of extra pressure to look your best and you've got the recipe for a dressing disaster. While red and green make an alright colour scheme for festive décor, when it comes to holiday fashions red seems a little predictable, no?

Call me old fashioned, but I thought Christmas was about hanging the stockings by the chimney with care, not silk wrist restraints hung from the bed posts? You could have fooled me with the seemingly endless stacks of lingerie flyers jamming my mailbox— all of which seem to think that all every woman wants for Christmas is a “Sexy Claus” ensemble to tempt the man in her life.