Trend On The Rise - Star Prints

Playful star prints can look fun and youthful or sophisticated and luxurious depending on how they're worn. This summer, they adorn everything from totes and footwear to swimwear and jewelry. So go ahead, and reach for the stars! Pictured above:

1. Star dangle earrings, Charlotte Russe, $4

2. Starfield blouse, Forever 21, $19.80

3. Star hoodie, Alloy, $38.50

4. Ra ra skirt, New Look, £10 (or about $20)

5. Polka stars flip flops, Wet Seal, $7.50

6. Converse multi-star Chucks, dELiA*s, $47

Photo credit: charlotte-russe.com, forever21.com, alloy.com, newlook.co.uk, wetseal.com, delias.com

South Coast Plaza Shopping

A quick trip to Orange County's upscale mecca of materialism, also known as South Coast Plaza, was just what I needed to get inspired by summer fashion trends this past weekend. When the stores in my hometown begin to look stale in terms of trends, South Coast Plaza never lets me down. Since my last excursion to South Coast Plaza, a Bloomingdales has opened, and I'm pleased to report that Balenciaga will be opening soon. While I didn't do much shopping because my time was limited, I did hit up my main targets: H&M, Zara, Wet Seal, and the Apple Store. As luck would have it, there are two H&M stores at the shopping center. One has men's, children's and Divided, the youthful trend-driven line. The other has mostly women's basics and accessories. Overall, I was disapointed by both of South Coast's H&M stores, as I think the Westfield Topanga store that I often visit carries more trend-driven items, such as balloon trousers, maxi dresses, tie-neck blouses, neon tees, and the gladiator sandals that I saw there recently. Or perhaps those trendy Orange County gals scoop up all the good stuff.

At Zara, I admired some ankle cuff thong sandals in black leather and some beige studded gladiators for close to $100. I also saw some interesting drop-crotch, cropped, faded denim trousers for $60. I still haven't seen anyone wearing them, but they intrigue me nonetheless. At Wet Seal, zebra prints, bold graphic tees, neon pumps, and yellow jersey tops dominated the racks. I bought some fushia acid-washed skinnies, a floral tunic, a leopard graphic tee with a gold foil print, and a blue zebra print tee. It looks like the fascination with the '80s is sticking around this season. I actually broke my promise to never wear acid-washed jeans!

Above and below, neon-themed window displays at Diesel

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide. All right reserved.

The 3 R's

Lately I have been bringing my canvas totes along whenever I'm out shopping in order to reduce the amount of plastic and paper bags that I use. After peeking under the sink and seeing the outrageous amount of bags that have accumulated over the years, I'm astounded and disgusted by my previous lack of responsibility. So now I try to make it a habit to fold up a canvas bag in my handbag or put some in the car so I have them with me when I'm out shopping. On many occasions, a sales clerk will look surprised and shocked when I ask them if I can use my own bags instead of theirs. Why is this so unusual? Is it such a foreign idea to southern Californians? I should think not; I think it's time that more people start bringing their own reusable bags. For me, this is one small lifestyle change, and by blogging about it, I hope to raise awareness about the need to be eco-friendly and reduce waste. I feel so much better knowing that I've saved dozens of bags from ending up in landfills, and my goal is to continue to add more eco-friendly habits to my lifestyle.

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.

Maxx-imum Labels For Less

More often than not, I have a general idea of what I'm looking for when I'm shopping. Other times, my mental shopping lists go out the window, as I'm overwhelmed by either the large size or selection of the store in which I'm shopping. A brief trip to TJ Maxx last night yielded some pleasant surprises, as I didn't find what I had in mind, but did find some rather impressive deals. As I scoured the racks, I saw labels such as Theory, J& Co., Michael Kors, Tag Jeans, American Eagle, DKNY, Apple Bottoms, and Free People. Then I laid eyes on a pair of Cheap Mondays and I blurted out loud in utter amazement. The price? Only $15. Minutes later, I stumbled upon a pair of Rich & Skinny wide-leg jeans for $40. Not bad! So what did yours truly, Poster Girl, buy? Well I picked up both pairs of jeans with a triumphant smile. Shopping at TJ Maxx has definitely improved since my last visit years ago, and so has their website. They now have an interactive online community that allows users to explore forums and polls, send alerts about their favorite finds, and interact with photos. Use it to find out what other shoppers are buying and to show off your latest purchases. With everything from bath towels and luggage to scarves and table lamps, it's hard to walk out of TJ Maxx empty-handed.

Above - designer handbags

Lots of shoes, neatly paired & organized by size

Suitcases for your summer trip

This silk floral tunic by Free People caught my eye at only $40

This striped woven top would make a great layering piece for summer under a crisp vest

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.