While sparkle is a way to glam your gams, print will get you to the other extreme. Try this for a more urban look but beware—prints, especially when worn tight as with leggings, tends to create the illusion of more fullness. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m not trying to look bigger than I am. Okay, okay, there are some exceptions. For example, I do own a muted leopard legging which I find acceptable because of its dark colors. Light or bright colors are more difficult to pull off. If you’re bent on the idea of a printed bottom, opt for dark over light and small over large. Larger prints, you guessed it, make you look larger! I say don’t run the risk but if you insist, try a tie-dye which has at most two neutral colors (grey and white, blue and white, etc.). Tell us what you think and don’t forget to visit our sister property The Leggings.com

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Numero uno: “They’re okay so long as your shirt covers you butt…otherwise it’s ghetto.” -Amy

Ah yes, we are all acutely aware of the controversy associated with the length of the shirt you choose to pair with your bottom huggers. I’m not too sure about “ghetto” but one thing’s for sure: it’s not the best look.

On to the next…“They’re horrible…especially the cheap ones that leave nothing to the imagination.” -Deirdre

Hmmm, maybe this is in reference to white leggings? I’m thinking if you’re leaning towards white and tight, you might as well forego pants altogether. Ya know, seeing how you can pretty much see directly through them! Don’t disappoint Deirdre, people…just. say. no.

“They are a disdain to fashion and usually make girls look like oompa loompas.” -Daniel

A little harsh? Maybe…The last time I checked, oompa loompas are orange but I think what dear Daniel means to say is they make girls look squat.

“The fact that Lindsay Lohan now has her own designer line of leggings should make a girl think twice before making the mistake of purchasing a pair…” -Dierdre

Poor L. Lohan just can’t win. We hear that Big Red is a cool half mil in debt, so maybe we should throw her a bone and buy a pair of her shredded leggings. Ya know, show some goodwill.

It seems as though the consensus is leggings are a no-go . Time to weigh in…I say green light ahead! No matter how others weigh in, I’m an advocate. Just be sure you know the basics. Avoid: prints, white (and any color other than clack), and anything too tight or too short up top. Consider yourself now passed in Leggings 101.   We’ve just launched a new Legging & Jegging Online Store that we think you’ll just love.

Let’s look at Paris, Tokyo, and London. Since I’ve been privy to travel to all three (score!), let’s say l have first-hand fashion exposure in the lands which extend beyond Uncle Sam’s terrain. Never been able to travel before? Go! It stimulates more than just your fashion sense.

Ok let’s be clear: we’re gonna talk street style. After all, fashionistas hitting the pavement abroad aren’t just wearing the latest Japanese, French, and British designer creations. No, no, no, it’s much more complex than that! Each city has its own culture and as you may know, culture can be expressed through food, music, dance, and style! If I had to, I’d summarize each city as such: See if you can identify which cities claim the following styles…and no cheating!

What city are you overwhelmed by Jackets-a-plenty + scarves + ankle boots + black?
What city is in love with skinny jeans + flats + pashminas (worn around the neck)?
Pick the city where you’re finding sky-high hemlines + floral prints + knee highs?

answers – Paris, London, Tokyo

Got them all right? You’re so smart! Ok, let’s break it down. The world marvels at Parisian style so what gives? Hmmm maybe it’s all the attractive, slender French people…or perhaps it is residents’ insane layering that makes their ensembles so chic. Either way, snapshots of Paris folk are bound to get you thinking, “Huh, I never would have thought of putting that together.”

Now on to the Brits. The English seem to favor the natural look and this means minimal makeup and naturally styled hair. No hair dryers, no straighteners, no curling irons, etc. How liberating!  Throw in the fact that everyone is size four and smaller, you have a whole bunch of off-duty-model-looking ladies walking around. Translation: not the place to go if your ego needs a boost.

Heading even more eastward into Japan we enter the land of (drum roll)…the schoolgirl. This look isn’t so popular in The States (sorry boys) but these ladies are avid fans of the trench coat and floral hem combo. Ultra-long, straight locks complete every look.

Au revoir, cheerio, and sayounara for now!

I just bought the sweetest little black, purple, and green ruffled umbrella which I’m actually really excited about. While a matching raincoat and galoshes would be ideal, bright blossoms aren’t only useful for shielding us from precipitation. I know we usually talk closet but these patterns are great for your home too! Lamp shades, upholstered dining and living chairs, and bed sheets are all items you can find decked out with the things April showers bring lots of. You must know by now I’m a fan of Target but if you’re a fan of tv you already know its new Liberty of London line carries floral everything from home décor to lawn and garden supplies.

Closet? Floral bottoms are really big this season. This means shorts and slacks but dresses are a little played out (sorry!). If you ARE going to do a dress, make sure it’s in a different way. This means pair it with a bright tight or some hardware for contrast. Blouses are good too so keep your eyes peeled next time you go shopping!

After talking, and complaining, the entire way home to my fiancé, it dawned on me, petite women my age have been overlooked.  It’s one thing to assume that all skinny and short people can just fit into anything, but it’s another thing to not offer wardrobe options that fit a petite body.  I’m used to having my pants hemmed so they fit, and finding tops usually isn’t too difficult, but finding nice suit pieces, blazers, slacks, blouses, or anything this says “I’m young and successful” without saying “ I shop in the old lady section” is a huge plus.  It sort of feels like I’m stuck in the middle and my body type has been overlooked and neglected.  It’s kind of a sad place to be.  Nothing is worse than looking forward to a serious shopping trip, only to wind up empty handed because nothing fit.  I just wish you didn’t have to be qualified for a Senior Citizens discount to shop in the Petite section. When will they make an adorable business-casual line for us vertically challenged girls of the world!

WFO Update – We hear you and we’re actually in the process of creating a Petite only online store dedicated to making sure you have fashion forward options.  Look for it May 2010.

Let’s talk velvet first. I love this because it’s chic AND warm; usually the two are mutually exclusive. Madewell, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson, Nanette Lepore, and Mr. Zac Posen all used the luxurious material. If I were Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone, Clueless) I’d give these designers “snaps!”

Green…the color of money, envy, and Kermit The Frog but for Devi Kroell, Monique Lhuiller, and Rag & Bone, it was the color which adorned their runway models (Posen and Wang were in this mix too). Other not-so-novel trends spotlighted included lace, black-on-black, and yes, sequins are here to stay (I don’t know how I feel about this one. I’m starting to think it’s a bit overplayed). On a more positive note, keep your eyes peeled for velvety numbers to keep you comfy, cozy chic in fall 2010. Word to the wise, avoid crushed velvet (we’re not going for your little sister’s or niece’s gymnastics leotard).

Trend #2 – Photoprints.  You started to see this look on bags years ago and you may have even it seen a few glimpses from your famous vintage store.  The look has now matured and we think you’ll love it.

Trend #3 – Boudoir goes public.  Normally this would not be a good thing, but connecting a lace top with a blazer can give a flirty, feminine look that is hard to duplicate.

Trend #4 – Ikat.  According to Wikipedia ikat or ikkat is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design.  In other words, tie-dye meets the runway.

Trend #5 – Slouchy Menswear.  We’re seeing it everywhere and done right it can be exceptional.

• Upper East Side preppy (a la Blaire Waldorf)
• J.Lo glam
• Nicole Richie boho
• Rhianna alternative
• Rachel Zoe retro

If you weren’t able to answer this, ask yourself this: Is your style such a smorgasbord you couldn’t define yourself by one category? If so, your sense of style is having a bit of an identity crisis. Don’t worry; consider Women Fashion Online your emergency hotline. Take charge sister!  Your style is one thing you have COMPLETE control over, and who says you have to be bogged down by any one? (If you’re wishing this applied to boyfriends, that’s a whole other issue altogether). I hate to be the bearer of bad news but a lot of people that think they have a style truly don’t. What I mean is: how would you describe your look day-by-day? If you’re at a loss for words, consider yourself in style limbo.  Too many people take their cues from the wrong kinds of sources—what everyone is wearing to work/school; what the department stores are carrying or worse yet–what they have on sale. Dare to be different.  Let’s consider my initial question. Now, picture any one of these fashion icons walking down the street only stripped on their fame (i.e. Rhianna wasn’t Rhianna). Do you really think they would blend in with woodwork? I don’t think so! Fashion is all about having a point of view. What’s yours? To develop your own style start by:

1. Creating a collage. Look at the magazines; get some ideas. If you have a style icon, bust out your inner stalker and research, research, research!  Clip out everything that inspires you and compile your findings on a sheet of paper. I know, I know—this is a little arts & crafts but it will seriously help you visualize your ideal style. What would mine look like? Probably one part Olivia Palermo, one part Taylor Jacobson, with dashes of Lauren Conrad, Heidi Klum, and Rachel Zoe topped off with a mix of Calvin dresses (I mean really, the man can’t go wrong).
2. Define. What three adjectives would you use to describe the collection of clothes in your collage? Sleek, modern, sophisticated? Young, fresh, and flirty? These words will serve as the foundation to your new style. We’ll call it your “style platform.” Hey, a ‘lil politics never hurt a fashionista (just ask Michelle Obama).
3. Compare and contrast. Take a minute and look in your closet. Compare your collage to your own collection of clothes. Do you have any pieces that are reminiscent of your newly-formed style platform? If so, play dress-up—mix ‘n match and don’t forget to accessorize. Emulate the look of your magazine excerpts. Once satisfied, set all completed looks aside. Wear one tomorrow. There’s no time like the present!
4. Go shopping. Yaaaaaay the part we’ve all been waiting for. I’m sure you all know how to do this well so I’m not going to insult you with any tips other than these: 1) go in to some new stores you previously never would have gone in and 2) if you’re considering a purchase, think of your style icon and ask yourself “would _________ wear this?” If the answer is “no” cease and desist.
5. Enjoy. Bask in your newfound style savvy and prepare yourself for constant inquiries as to where you got your stuff–I’ll leave it up to your discretion if you’d like to disclose

Once upon a time spandex pants were only available in Walmart for say, runners and stay-at-home-moms (no offense intended moms- we all know you have the toughest job there is). In case you’ve ever wondered, leggings became part of the fashion scene in the 1960s as a modification of capris pants (only tighter). Fashion designer, Patricia Field, claims she invented the modern leggings in the late 1970s. Sorry Patty, I’ve never heard of you. I did, however, do some investigating on your website– some cute accessories but for a pretty penny (and very similar to Betsy Johnson). What REALLY revived them back into mainstream fashion? For those of us born after 1980, I recall it being a little company called Abercrombie & Fitch. Now, we all know the aesthetic of the American company: distressed denim, flip-flops, and lots ‘n lots of brown! If you were ever a customer (I know, the things we learn) you might also remember the company’s inability to produce items appropriate for the fall and winter seasons. Around winter 2006 they marketed their staple denim miniskirts with brown or gray leggings (I only remember this because I was an unfortunate employee at the time).  Like it or not the A&F label IS fashion forward (they also were the first commercial carriers of skinny jeans).

As you may have figured from my previous rant (if you didn’t know before), there is a right way to wear leggings and there’s a wrong way.  Let’s talk “dos.”

Legging dos:

• Style with a relatively loose skirt, dress, or long shirt. Yes, one that covers the booty.
• Rock studs or black sequins (Heidi Klum style). Black ones are vanilla. Amp up your style with some embellishment!
• Wear a cropped pair that shows off your ankle. This balances out your top and bottom proportions. Ankle-length leggings create an upside-down triangle affect (not good) so avoid these unless you’re pairing them with a boot.
• Pair with heals and a long, baggy sweater for an easy sexy look.

Legging don’ts:

• Wear them as pants to work. Need I say more? Under dresses, however, is still acceptable.
• Rock any that have a graphic. This is bad no matter how skinny you are—it creates an illusion that you’re bigger than you actually are.
• White……..NEVER!  This just looks bad and you can usually see through them.
• Wear florescent ones and/or style them with a denim miniskirt unless under the age of 16
• “Jeggings.” If you don’t already know these are leggings meant to look like jeans. Leggings + jeans = jeggings. Let’s just say anything that tries to be two things at once is a bad idea (think mullets, skorts, and that weird peanut butter and jelly that comes in the same jar).

I, _____________________________, do solemnly swear to abide by the above leggings laws thereby sparing myself of public ridicule and thus ensuring complete fabulosity.  I hereby also commit myself to the betterment of womankind and pledge to pay this leggings knowledge forward to every sister, cousin, roommate, friend, and acquaintance thereby aiding Women Fashion Online’s initiative to make world a better dressed place.