Vera Farmiga at the Oscars

You can’t really determine what the fashion trends of the year will be based on the evening wear that the women sported on the red carpet, but I think that the majority of the actresses presenting, accepting and nominated for films this year looked so striking that we will be seeing some of those trends translating into street clothing.

One thing I noticed and loved (mostly) was the number of beautiful red dresses that the women chose to wear. One big EW in the red dress category was Vera Farmiga and her big red coffee strainer gown. I can’t help but wonder what the back of it looked like after sitting through the entire program. But other than this bizarre red dress, the rest of them looked incredible.

Another color trend that couldn’t be overlooked were the metallics or metallic inspired dresses. This color trend has already been adopted by shoe manufacturers and is cropping in all sorts of shoes this season. I think the trend will spread and we’ll start seeing street wear that features metallic hues as well.

Finally, the embellishments. Oddly enough this has also been a shoe trend that is gaining speed but it was the inspired embellished floral designs on many of the Oscar dresses that made me realize it might be time for embellishments all over. Especially with the acclaim that Sandra Bullock’s dress is receiving, I’ll be willing to bet we see floral embellishments on everything from denim to swimwear in the next year.

Tina Fey 2010 Oscars

The 2010 Academy Awards are finally over and congratulations to The Hurt Locker, by the way has anyone actually seen The Hurt Locker? But I say congratulations to most of the women who graced the stage and the red carpet, their flowing evening dresses were stunning overall. Even the mistakes and missteps in fashion were nothing too outrageous and shockingly bad.

The one big fashion faux pas was quite possibly Tina Fey, which isn’t surprising, Miss Fey isn’t known for her ability to dress herself. The Michael Kors one shoulder dress she wore, combined with her hairstyle had her looking like one of the Flintstones.

But Tina Fey was on the right track as we saw more asymmetrical dresses than possibly ever before, which was an easy prediction as this trend is really catching hold, especially for formal occasions.

Another interesting trend among the Oscars Fashion was the embellished dress with floral motifs. Most of these were incredibly successful ala Sandra Bullock’s stunning Marchesa gown but there was one that drew attention for its poorly placed flowers, Charlize Theron’s Dior dress had flowers planted right over her breasts, making them appear to stare right at you.

So overall the women looked spectacular in flowery, flowing embellished gowns making the Oscars 2010 a fashion success.

Megan Fox Short Shorts

If your New Year’s Resolution was to hit the gym I sure hope you hit it hard because you’re going to want to be in tip top shape for the latest fashion trends coming down the pipe. Spring 2010 fashion trends will be all about showing skin.

First you’re going to want to make sure your butt and thighs are in the best shape that they’ve been ever, especially if you’re going to follow the fashion trends for 2010 because short shorts are going to be everywhere. There are a whole slew of names that they’re going under, lingerie shorts, tap pants, hot pants, cut off shorts and I’m sure there will be more names before the snow has left the northern states but in the end, your end will be hanging out of those shorts and you better hope it’s a nicely shaped one.

Last season asymmetrical dresses started to make some waves, this season that trend is continuing but it’s being combined with cut out dresses to create an even greater stir. Expect to expose skin in an asymmetrical dress or a cutout dress or a combination of both. The only problem with these styles is you need to have every inch of  your body toned to prepare to wear them because you never know what little bit of skin is going to be popping out and the last thing you want is to have fat actually pushing out of the dress.

In tops for the 2010 spring season you’ll start to see some unique cuts but I don’t expect that to be a sweeping trend until summer when straps are more prevalent. What I do expect to see instead are sheer or see through elements on tops in the spring 2010. This helps hide physical flaws a little bit but not enough that you can skip those sit ups.

A couple years ago some unusual t-shirts started popping up on celebrities, the t-shirts were made of soft worn fabric and featured a graphic print on the front that was loud and busy and sort of resembled an elaborate tattoo. Printed clearly on the t-shirts was the name Ed Hardy. But who is Ed Hardy?

Ed Hardy is a pseudonym for designer Christian Audigier who burst onto the scene about seven years ago and now is the proud owner of nine international fashion brands and a slew of fans, both famous and not.  Although today Christian Audigier is known as the creator of Ed Hardy and most recognized for his t-shirts, this wasn’t always the case. He previously went under the moniker of the King of Jeans because of his signature work for Mackleen Jeans, Diesel and Levis. And today Ed Hardy Jeans looks to carry on that title and turn Ed Hardy into the King of Jeans.

Ed Hardy Jeans

But obviously, as any good designer knows, one or two lines are just not enough, you need to take that popularity and run with it as far as you can. In that spirit the Ed Hardy line is branching into clothing for women with Ed Hardy dresses, Ed Hardy hoodies and even some Ed Hardy shoes.

No matter who Ed Hardy is, one thing is certain, his signature style has some lasting power and is probably going to explode into every area of fashion, he might even create a few new ones.

Lady Gaga Lobster

Okay I realize she’s on tour and expected to be outrageous so that’s why Lady GaGa is going more over the top now than usual but the outfit she donned for last night’s trip to get take out dinner is just screaming for attention.

First of all the singer wrapped herself in a see through plastic garb of some sort. I don’t know if it was homemade or made by anyone who claims to be a designer but it’s not going to be hitting the stores anytime soon, that’s for sure.

But beyond the plastic jumpsuit, it was really the accessories that made this outfit noteworthy. For one, the rhinestone lobster planted on her head and secondly, the plastic chicken claw tied to her wrist, and the odd way she affectionately looped her finger around one of the chicken’s claws. This look simply inspires a quizzical look and a lot of paparazzi, which I’m sure was her aim.

But it makes me wonder where she finds her accessories. Most of us think inside the box when it comes to accessories but maybe we should branch out. Hunting decoys might make an interesting look. I can actually picture an outfit covered in clip on dove decoys or a Mojo Woodpecker hat. In fact, I should design these garments and pitch the idea to Lady GaGa, who knows if she’s got an outfit to wear then next time she has to run an errand.

Sweatshirt

One designer that’s creating a stir with their sweatshirt designs that go from day to night is Aiko. The fabrics they have chosen are not your standard sports team sweatshirt fabric but much more luxurious and comfortable, almost high quality in their feel. And Aiko has added embellishments in a way that is appealing, attractive and so far removed from a bedazzling grandma. Some of their outfits aren’t quite day to night quality and they’re definitely not budget conscious, but it’s a step in the right direction.

The problem with sweatshirt material is that no matter how luxurious and high quality it is, it’s still going to look like a sweatshirt. Hopefully more inexpensive designer sweatshirt looks will start hitting the racks soon and the price will more closely match the fabric and the look. Until then you’re probably stuck with old school sweatshirt fabric or overpriced new sweatshirt designs.

Calvin Klein Old Models

I’m all for models looking like real women, I’m so sick of the nubile young sticks. So one would think I’d applaud Calvin Klein for bringing back some *gasp* old models for Fashion Week. (By old models we mean ones in their 30’s and 40’s – but still it’s something).

So out come these ancient relics of the fashion world and rather than proving that age can be beautiful, these women look horrible. They’re dressed in dumpy and basically shapeless grey dresses, they’re hair is slicked back and unattractive, and basically make up free. Washed out and haggard, these poor models aren’t doing themselves or the clothing any favors.

The only think to take away from the Calvin Klein’s old model collection is classic colors, classic cuts and nothing that really stands out and says WOW. It’s a sort of depressing idea, I’m 40 and I want to dress fun and funky and have a bit of edge rather than being draped in a grey sheath. The only highlight is that it appears as though platform shoes will be a staple again this year. Gotta love those platform shoes.

It’s as though Klein wanted to emphasize the classic and drab nature of this particular clothing line by using old models and making them look as washed out as possible rather than celebrating the beauty of age. Hopefully we’ll see more fashion icons walking the runways in the future but next time around I’d love to see some color and excitement.

Geena Davis Archery

Obviously curling is in, AND it’s a sport where you can drink beer while playing, gotta love that. There also isn’t much equipment needed but the rules are a little confusing and the terms are foreign but I’m pretty sure I could be an Olympic curler.

Then there’s archery. I have always thought I’d be really good at archery from some unknown reason and if Geena Davis can do it why can’t I?

There are also some shooting sports at the Olympics that I might be good at. I’ve shot the O’s out of Mountain Dew cans in the past and did a pretty good job, how hard can it be?

And I see that speed walking is still an Olympic sport (although I’m not sure why) and I am a pretty good walker, I may be able to amp my speed and enter the Olympics as a speed walker.

But no matter what sport I pick I’d better get cracking, most Olympic athletes are rather young but there’s still hope as the oldest Olympic winner ever was 72 years old.

2010 Olympic Logo

So this year I made the New Year’s resolution to start working out. It’s actually a New Year’s resolution I don’t often make, I vow to get in shape or eat better but I rarely decide that I’m going to start working out or join a gym. But this year I did both and I’m still at it. I’ve actually gained weight, but I’m still working out and going twice a week to the gym.

I was feeling good about that until I saw these Olympic athletes. Even the curlers have better bodies than I do. So I did what I do best, I broke out the credit card and started ordering new clothes to work out in. I’ve got new sweatpants to wear over my new shorts. A handful of sports bras to wear under my new gym t-shirts.

But most importantly, I’ve got some new socks to wear with my athletic shoes.

I think with all of these workout clothes I’ll be in Olympic shape in no time at all. And then maybe I’ll actually pursue my childhood dream of being an Olympic athlete, although I think gymnastics is out of the question now and I’ll have to settle for curling.

Marc Jacobs Fashion Week 2010

Jumpsuits and Rompers

Oh it pains me to say that the horrible fashion trend of jumpsuits and rompers is still in style. And it will probably pick up a little steam this year. I think it’s because designers only work with stick figured models that they’ve lost touch with reality and the reality is, jumpers and rompers look horrible on the average woman’s shape. So tread lightly on this fashion trend or risk looking like you dumped a load in your pants.

Ruffles

If the runway is a clue (which it is) you’ll be seeing ruffles everywhere and on everything. It’s all about the embellishment this season and you’ll be seeing a lot of them, what may in fact seem like an overload of sequins, bedazzled fabric, wacky fabrics and ruffles, ruffles everywhere.

Beautiful Fabrics

It’s assumed that clothing will be bought with an eye toward quality (or quantity) in 2010 so fabrics are richer in color, pattern, print and texture. Solids will really have to be luxurious to get the attention they deserve with this season’s influx of incredible prints. And don’t be surprised to see print on print outfits this spring, it’s hard to get a good match but people will be trying.

If you’re sensing a couple of themes in 2010 Spring Fashion Trends from Fashion Week you’re right. Things will be more feminine and they’ll be more eye catching and in many cases, tackier. It’s going to be a tricky line to walk, especially when you’re still breaking in your tough girl motorcycle boots.