I was watching Coco Before Chanel the other day (not the Shirley MacClaine movie but the French film) and Coco, born Gabrielle Chanel, wore men’s clothes in a time when women decorated themselves with pearls, feathers, and other frills. Now she is recognized as a 20^th century icon and her name resonates with the best of the industry. Way to go Coco, I want one of your bags!

 I think it all has to do with vision and if I may borrow a line from The Holiday, (I’m a big movie buff if you can’t tell) “gumption.” If you’re lacking a bit on the vision side, that’s okay; you can always gather inspiration from someone else’s vision. Don’t even try to tell me you don’t have chutzpah—I’ll call your bluff.

So who are the great visionaries of today? They’re the masterminds behind what you see on the catwalk, of course! North of the neckline, Chanel and Zac Posen are all about amethyst eyes and a red pout. Frame out these features with a messy updo, braid, or sleek ponytail to unleash your inner siren. No no matter who’s your type, you’ll have your pick of the Johnny Depps and Matthew McConaugheys of the world. Knock ‘em dead

• 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

Military, khaki, and the like. Atteeeeeeeention!  Ralph Lauren, Céline, and Chloé are those top designers whose collections are based on this utilitarian style. Look out for military jackets styled with lots ‘o buttons or embellished shoulders. In fact, I just bought myself one super cute navy number with blinged-out shoulders (WITH shoulder pads). I love it and I can’t help but feel as though I’m paying homage to Mr. Michael Jackson when I wear it (So sad L). On a lighter note, expect to see a fare share of khaki dresses- not my fav so hopefully they won’t last beyond this season. Wait I take that back. Ms. Kate Bosworth was sporting a great khaki one-piece with exposed sides in my latest Harper’s Bazaar issue. I admit there are some exceptions. Just be sure not to invest a more traditional version, a.k.a. a short-sleeved, collared, button-up with a sash around the waist.

Denim. We all know the runway has long avoided blue jeans, but this year we’re seeing a new take on baby blues. Look out for vests and denim dresses in a variety of cuts and washes. Sorry Guess, you’re not the only one producing this look anymore. Since we’re talking denim, anyone watch the “potato sack challenge” Project Runway? Yes, yes Ping probably should’ve gotten kicked off that time and although I didn’t like Miss Pamela’s dress (the girl who got kicked off), at least she was on trend! Also, am I the only one who thinks Heidi is extra talkative this season? Put a sock in it Klum, I wanna hear Michael and Nina too!

Sorbet. No not the ice cream, the color! Last year we saw that great electric purple and this year isn’t very far from it. Pinks and purples are on the same side of the color wheel and this year is all about the “harmonious” colors—lavender, fuchsia, and sorbet.  Mary J. Blige knows what’s going on. She wore a fuchsia gown to the Grammy’s this year.  You go girl!

1. No apologies. This takes courage my friend and usually only works for those who have super-strong personalities. Basically, you dress how you want to dress and endure the stares and impolite (to put in mildly) comments. Trust me…this is a rocky path. I was once asked “Aren’t you a little late for Woodstock?” when I was wearing a headband over my forehead. I mean, how much more basic can you get?! The truth is in many towns if you’re not sporting a North Face, Uggs, and a Vera Bradley bag, you’re considered eccentric. Sigh…Hey, but at least you know (as do they, deep down) you look better than them!
2. Conform…a little. This is a blend of what your small-town society considers acceptable with a dash of what people (who know what they’re talking about) consider chic. Easiest thing to do would probably stick with edgy shirts and forgo the beret and thigh-high boots. Yes, you must sacrifice a little but at least it’s better than nothing, right? “Dressing down” on a daily basis might not satisfy your vogue craving but when you travel, say to New York City, Paris, or anywhere where the population exceeds say 400,000, your options are limitless. Take advantage of these opportunities! When I went to NY Fashion Week, I busted out everything I lacked the courage to wear elsewhere. Sequins during the day? Hell yea!

Here’s the thing: fashion is supposed to be fun so don’t let it become a burden. Be sure to stay true to number one: you! Band together with other style deviants like yourself. They’ll give you compliments and a little more nerve than you’d otherwise have on your own. Just keep in mind, good friends are your friends because of who you are, not what you wear. As always, family will have an opinion but they usually don’t know what they’re talking about! Do your best to surround yourself in an environment that fosters creativity and uniqueness. If you ever feel yourself caving in, stay strong—immerse yourself in fashion magazine. A good dose of high-fashion a day keeps the passé away!

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