Animal prints are still in fashion and they are trendier than ever. There was a time when I thought they were going to be a short lived fad, but they have developed into the trendy scene. Depending on the piece you choose to buy, animal prints are also considered an investment piece. The most popular prints are leopard, and zebra. Giraffe is slowing creeping into the fashion jungle.

If you want to have some fun with your animals then step outside of the jungle and go for contrast. What I mean by this is try out some colour, of the print, that is not a natural animal skin colour. As you can see there are wild colour options as well as black and white. I would not spend too much money on the more colourful prints, but they are fun to wear. Everyone can wear animal prints, even pregnant mothers.

For investment pieces, I would choose traditional styles in a natural animal skin colour. The jacket and boots above can and will be worn for many seasons to come.  This look is not only trendy, but also classic. Pull this off and you have joined the ranks of a smart fashionista.

If you live on a budget and love the trendy pieces, then look for something that is an accessory to your outfit. The best thing about fashion is that there are always options, as long as you have the time to hunt for them.

What is your animal ego?

I am really quite surprised that I am writing this blog. After all the super styling shoes that have been around in the past year, including the hardware on this year’s ankle boots, pumps are back in fashion. So, if you still have an old pair from the 80′s, shine ‘em up! The black pump is a classic shoe.

Everyone has a black pair of pumps, so why not try something new. This classic shoe can be subltle with a bold outfit and it can be the bold part of your outfit. Animal prints excite a LBD. Two tones punch up a conservative suit. And suede exudes a sense of luxury.

The classic pump never really goes out of style, it just temporarily looses current trend appeal. So when you buy a pair, clean them after use and stuff them and put them back in their box. Keep them looking new and not worn out. In fact, consider the black pump a staple and a good investment. I can’t wait to buy another pair!

What is your favourite pump?

Dark purple, Midnight blue and Black are the fashion colours in nail polish trends. I think the colours got so dark so quickly because many fashionistas in Los Angeles are still wearing summer type styles. The dark nail polish is a great transition into the fall season, under $20.

Purple is my favourite colour and these polishes above are awesome! I love them.

If you are looking for something a bit more mainstream and still trendy, Midnight blue is for you!

And for the rock and roll at heart, black is the power! There are also two very trendy colours which I have left out.  They are silver and a light green. I thought they looked so impractical that I am not including them! The only tip to remember is that nails are short this season.

What colour do you go for?

I remember fishnet stockings were very popular when I was a teenager. Then after a while they started to look skanky. Celebrities are wearing fishnet stockings in their concerts as part of their performance costumes and it is starting to trickle down into the fashion scene.

I bet you didn’t even recognize Lindsay Lohan below. See how she makes fishnets look stylish and practical. And we all know how her outfits can be questionable these days.

I say, try fishnets with a conservative blouse and black skirt or a little black dress. Don’t forget closed-toe shoes, preferably in black. It will look trendy.

What do you think?

Celebrities are usually the first to wear the fashions. Styles come to them via personal stylists and designer gifts. Lucky them. I always look at what the celebrities are wearing to see the interpretation of the new fashions. It is a helpful insight on the trends.

But here is an example of something that I would not encourage. Fergie has way too much accessories going on. Overkill. Each piece, including the manicure has stylish merit. But together, the trendy sunglasses, big gold earrings, huge cocktail ring, stripe manicure with contrasting colours…is all too much.

Which accessory pieces would you keep?

Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton are just a few of the many celebrities carrying Louis Vuitton Handbags. The really trendy styles are more popular than the traditional styles. Probably because they cost an arm and a leg!

So, if you want the look, but don’t have the cash. Just watch how these ladies are carrying their bags and look for copies…Oh! Did I say that?

Looking rich and important isn’t that hard to do. It is all about your smile and posture. Try it, and contribute to the value of your handbag!

What is your favourite brand?

I love a great belt and Paris Hilton works it well. This summer has been full of great fashionable belts. They can be very trendy or classic with great styling. Belts look great with the summer dress and in bold colours. Blue, white and red are strong fashion colours. And, please match the belt to something, like your shoes, handbag, and/or a hair band.

Below is a great example of a belt that is bold in styling, yet neutral in colour. This trend works well if you want to have the silhouette of a belt, but don’t want to break the vertical line. This slimming fashion look gives the illusion of  height.

The black belt below is a great transition into the fall fashion season. It too should match another accessory. Although Paris looks very trendy, Jessica looks very fashionable. All the belts looks are trendy.

Which fashion belt would you choose?

Red is a stylish colour. Everyone should have some red pieces in their wardrobe. I love red, not only because it looks good on me and it suits my personality, but also because it is a bold dark colour without being a somber dark colour. Which brings me to the best characteristic of red. It is a great transition colour from summer and into  the Fall fashion season.

Above you can see a pretty red summer dress that can easily be worn into September with layering pieces once the cold sets in. If red summer dresses isn’t your thing, then red nail polish is also a trendy transition into the fall fashion season. My favourite transition into the Fall is the gorgeous red handbag.

Red is a great investment in your accessories as it is a trendy staple. Very few items can have the characteristic of trendy and staple at the same time. The very exciting news is that the red handbag stands alone and does not have to be matched to any details off your outfit. But it should match the overall look.

How do you do red?

Glass art jewelery is become very trendy. The beautiful pieces are very fashionable as they are unique because they have a local artist feel. They are very stylish because glass art jewelery can make or break your outfit. Glass art is the ultimate charm, so look for a design, that you can relate to. I have even seen glass geckos!

You can make this sort of jewelry yourself. Find a good bead and craft store, pick something you like, if you are a handy/crafty type of fashionista. Glass art jewelery is replacing gold and silver pieces, both in the high end and hippy chic looks. I have recently bought a glass sea star that looks like it is on fire. It is awesome.  I wear it with a black leather cord. It has become one of my favourite pieces. Since they hang around your neck they won’t chip or break easily.

What’s your favourite design?

Oh my gosh! Is that another Little White Dress? Yes, back to wedge heel summer shoes…

My fave summer shoe is the wedge heel with a straw look. The famous espadrille. I love both styles and both would look great with the LWD. These shoes look great with everything. The best part is that they are a heel, but an easy one to wear!

I like the natural, laid back, beachy feel as well as the colourful pop!

With or without the ankle strap?