Trend alert: get on point!

If you've been hanging on for dear life to those kickin' Louboutins for the past few years, just knowing—knowing in your heart—that pointed-toe shoes would make a comeback, it's time to pull those lovelies out of the closet and give them a good polish.

Earlier this year, Internet shoe guru Manolo predicted that 2008 would be the year of the comeback for this classic, leg-lengthening style, and he's not alone. According to a recent article in The Guardian:

At Balenciaga—pretty much the bellwether for trends that the high street masses will be adopting—the gladiator sandals it knocked out last season have been replaced for autumn/winter by shoes so pointy they will probably double as weapons for the requisite eastern European villainess in the next Bond film.

A pointed statement if ever we heard one.

Summer trend alert: one-shoulder dresses

You've been working on your tan (safely, right?) and now it's time to show it off. In the next phase of the Grecian goddess trend, one-shoulder dresses are emerging into the spotlight this summer.

Look around a bit and you'll find some stunning white numbers to really show off your summertime bronze, or put your style on display in one of this season's bright colors—we're over the moon for this mega-gorge green sensation from Alice + Olivia.

Of course, since the no-black-after-Memorial-Day rule went out the window with the "girls don't call boys" convention, black is a classic choice that knows no season.

Ready to put a little za-za-zu in your summer? Give boring dresses the cold shoulder and slip into some serious goddess garb!

Summer trend alert: embellished belts

Is there anything more fabulous than a great accessory? An instant pick-me-up for even the most ho-hum outfit that requires no forays into the caverns of the dressing room?

Well, this season, one of our fave accessories finds itself front and center ... and it's more fabulous than ever: the belt.

The humble belt has been around as long as ... well, as long as clothes (the ones we wanted to stay up, anyway), but this season it's gotten an ultra-glam makeover to make a fashion statement all its own. A few trends to look for:

Prints. Forget about your old standard "I know it's dull, but it goes with everything" black leather waistwrapper. This year, we're seeing patterns from classic houndstooth to crazy paisley to fabulous-anywhere animal prints, like this hottie from Another Line.

Unique Closures. No, we're not talking about the kind that lets you put a bad relationship behind you. We're talking about look-at-me buckles, jeweled clasps, and striking hardware, like on this Donna Karan Gold Conch Belt.

Embellishments. From tough-girl studs to girly-girl sparkles to painted-on artwork, this season's belts, like this Fossil Painted Leather Engraved-Buckle Belt, are fancier than ever.


So if your summertime wardrobe could use a little va-va-voom, buckle up and add some fabulous belts to the mix!

Spring trend alert: shine on, neon!

Remember all those gorgeous grays from Fall 2007? Fahgeddaboutit! This season, color is all the rage, and the more outrageous, the better.

Versace, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lanvin, and even diehard conservatives like Ralph Lauren rocked the Spring '08 runways with a rainbow of hues that would do any grade-schooler's paint set proud.

From Bermuda-sunset pink to traffic-cone orange to grape-soda purple, this is the season of the look-at-me color palette. So get in touch with your inner show-off and get ready to have all eyes on you!

(Image: style.com)

Spring trend alert: full skirts

As the weather continues to warm up, those legs of ours start begging for a little exposure—and what better way to usher in the season than with a full, flirty skirt?

Sure, you could reach for a tried-and-true neutral, but this season, the options are broader than ever before. We're particularly taken with this Mimi Chica Printed Skirt from Nordstrom, which also rocks the season's hot-hotty-hot tribal-print trend.

Just add an ultra-cute tank top and a sassy wedge or flat sandal, and you're ready strut your spring-siren stuff!

(Hat tip: Budget Fashionista)

Graffiti Pink trend report: Get glamorous with Erika Pena

Dainty little string of pearls not your style? Good thing, because big gems are hotter than ever. Check out our latest Hot Trends video to see how Erika Pena's latest candy-colored creations can help you rock any outfit—in the bedroom or on the town.

Add Graffiti Pink Big Jewels to your page

Beauty tip: office-to-evening hair

The holiday season brings party after party after party, and not just on the weekends. If you're off to an after-work soirée and don't have time to dash home for a style re-do, Julyne Derrick of about.com: Beauty has some handy hair tips to take your look from office to evening:

• Toss your flatiron in your purse in the morning, then sleek down your tresses after work for a sassy yet sophisticated look.


• Re-create Uma's trendy half-up/half-down style: Wear hair down during the day, then pin up and under when you're ready to party. Take along a curling iron to create some random, whimsical curls. (You might want to practice this one at home first.)


• Messy buns are totally hot this season. Again, wear the hair down for work, then spritz with a styling spray and wrap loosely into a bun low on the nape of the neck. Tame any stray strands with decorative pins.

Voilà! You're ready to dance, dazzle, and party the night away—who cares if it's a weeknight?

(Photo: ETonline)

Fall/Winter trend alert: gloves to go gaga for

Get ready to give a hand to Fall/Winter 2007's most multitalented accessory: the glove.

Sure, few of us pass through an entire fall/winter season without donning digit-warmers for purely practical purposes. But this year, the humble mitt has gone from functional to fabulous, a fashion statement in its own right that can effortlessly "make" an outfit.

“Gloves are a bit old-school glam, but for fall they have a more contemporary edge when you play around with materials,” Donatella Versace recently told W. Look for fun combinations of textures and embellishments—including quilted leather, faux fur, metallics, beading, buckles, and sassy studs—as well as colors ranging from classic to candy-hued.

With so many colors and styles to choose from—at a variety of price points—you're sure to find one that fits you like a ... well, you know.

(Hat tip: W Magazine)

Fall trend alert: the return of the cocktail ring

Any stylist/image consultant/fashion guru will tell you that everyone needs one signature piece: a standout accessory or jewelry item that just screams you.

This fall, the it item for making a statement is definitely the cocktail ring. First made popular in the 1940s and 50s, they're back in a big way this season. And with a plethora of styles, shapes, and colors to choose from, you're sure to find one—or more—that fits your personality to a T.

(Image source: kayjewelers.com)

Fall trend alert: sweater dresses

Everyone loves a great sweater. And everyone loves a great dress. Thanks to one of fall's hottest fashion trends, we can have the best of both worlds in one sharp, versatile piece.

They've been away for a while, but sweater dresses are back in a big way this season, and they're more varied and versatile than ever. Shorter, tunic-length styles are terrific over skinny jeans or leggings, while longer variations, like this one from C&C, go perfectly with textured tights, another hot fall trend.

Speaking of textures, you'll find everything from chunky wool to whisper-thin cashmere, in colors ranging from subtle neutrals to eye-popping brights.

If you're looking for a wardrobe addition that combines au courant style with cozy comfort, look no further.

(Hat tip: Glam Guide)

Fall trend alert: rose gold

An old Greek proverb tells us, "If you are truthful, you will have as much gold as you want." Well, we must have been visited by the truth fairy this year, because gold is back in a big way for Fall 2007 ... only this time, it's blushing.

Rose gold is the hot metallic this season, popping up in everything from eye shadow to jewelry to handbags, like this stunning Jessica McClintock Chevron clutch. Richer and deeper than its paler cousin, rose gold radiates warmth and richness, a perfect complement to fall's muted colors such as gray and aubergine.

On the makeup side, look for this subtle shimmer in shadows, lip glosses, and nail lacquers. Bobbi Brown has even released an Exclusive Rose Gold Collection, available at Neiman Marcus.

So when you're looking to brighten up your look this fall, look to rose gold for a subtle, sophisticated shine.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: more ways to go pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and if you want to show your support in ways other than the tried-and-true pink ribbon, you'll be happy to know there are tons of other fun, funky, and fabulous ways to go pink!

Need to scribble out a note or two? Check out 3M's special pink Post-It; 50 cents from each pack sold will be donated to City of Hope to benefit breast cancer research, treatment, and education.

Need a portable spot to keep your digital photos and videos that's petite enough to fit in your makeup bag? Seagate's Pink Pocket Hard Drive gives you 6 GB of storage, features a retractable USB 2.0 cable, and even comes with eight songs preloaded. Seagate will donate 10 percent of the purchase price to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Looking for a bling-a-licious place to stash your business cards? How about one studded with Swarovski pavé crystals? This engravable eye-catcher from the Lano Company holds up to 20 business cards, and 20 percent of the purchase price will go to Breast Cancer Research.

And if you really want to make a statement, how about picking up a Sony VAIO CR series notebook PC in Cosmopolitan Pink, which will earn a $75 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation?

With these and so many other options available, supporting a worthy cause has never been so stylish—and what's not to love about the color?

(Hat tip: Geeksugar)

VIDEO Trend Report: Animal Prints

Check back for new trend reports exclusively by GraffitiPink.com!

Fall trend alert: cap toe shoes

Just got a memo from your toes, ladies.

They don't quite know how to break it to you, but, em, after two solid seasons, they're getting tired of peeping.

Yes, as summer whimsy gives way to fall sophistication, the peep-toe shoe is taking a back seat to one of fall's hottest trends, the cap toe.

Classic and sophisticated (think Jackie O and Marilyn), the cap toe adds a touch of flair to an otherwise homgenous landscape, while still keeping everything demurely covered. And that can be very sexy. Like this sweet little pump from Oh Deer, which brightens up a classic black-and-white houndstooth with a pop of yellow (still a hot color, by the way). Wear them with jeans or with a conservative black pencil skirt--then just let the compliments roll on in.

Oh, and here's the best part: you can finally take a break from pedicures for a bit. (It's OK: we won't tell...)

All-in-one-derful!

Once a -- no, the standby baby shower gift, the "onesie" is now a fashion statement that's rocking the summertime streets from New York to L.A.

The one-piece jumper is the ultimate in warm-weather ease and comfort--and the Nap Black Skull Jumper from Graffiti Pink rocks the look with one of the season's hottest patterns. With the convenience of one-piece dressing, all you need to do is pick your accessories and go. And if you need a little extra coverage for cooler climes or after-hours socializing, you can always pair it with coordinating leggings or shorts.

Also available in light pink and purple, the Nap Skull Jumper offers the ease of a one-piece and the comfort of cotton-blend fabric--with a hint of grrrrrl power on the side.

Britney hearts Kritik!

Guess we're not the only ones who think Kritik's line of cool, casual summerwear is this season's must-have (see previous post).

Here's a photo of Britney Spears shopping in L.A. wearing the coordinating Kritik Ashlee Sunburst Striped Hoodie and Kritik Jessica Sunburst Striped Short.

Excellent choice, Brit!

Sunny disposition

Yellow is one of the hottest colors around this season. Angelina and other stars rocked it on the red carpet at Cannes, and you can do the same in the Kritik Calista Sunburst Striped Dress from Graffiti Pink.

Made from kitten-soft terrycloth, this summertime treat features an elastic bust and empire waist tied with nautical-inspired cotton rope. It's perfect for lounging around by the pool--or pair it with jeans and a white jacket for a cool, casual evening look.

You can complete the collection with the coordinating Kritik Ashlee Sunburst Striped Hoodie and Kritik Jessica Sunburst Striped Short.

So bring on the summer sun! With sunny new selections from Graffiti Pink, you'll shine just as brightly.

Double your pleasure

Bare skin is in, ladies, and nothing shows off a lovely, tan decolletage like the season's hottest jewelry trend: the layered necklace.

Ease your look into summer with the Erika Pena Blanca Necklace set from Graffiti Pink. Each gold vermeil link chain (one 24", one 32") features a delicate teardrop charm, just the thing to accompany the season's flirty, feminine styles--not to mention plunging necklines.

From lounging on the porch in a floaty sundress to hitting the beach in your hot new bikini, this is one go-anywhere, do-anything accent that makes any outfit special.

Spring beauty trend: What about bob?

Is there any more revered rite of spring than a gal trading in her long winter locks for a short, sassy 'do?

Bobs are hotter than ever this season (did they ever really go out?), so if you're thinking about making the cut, talk to your stylist about the right bob for your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, a cut that ends bluntly at the chin will only make it look rounder, so opt for a longer style.

And if you're looking for inspiration, About.com has an extensive gallery of photos to choose from.

Enjoy your springtime snip, ladies!

TV Review: "Shut Up! It's Stacy London"

Q: What’s a fabulous girl supposed to do while she waits for another season of Project Runway?

A: Set your TiVo to snag our favorite What Not to Wear wonder, Stacy London, on her fabulous new talk show, Shut Up! It’s Stacy London (Fridays, 10 pm EST, TLC).

At first, we were a bit skeptical, as this could have been just another spinoff that featured nothing more than repackaged material from the host’s original show. But to our pleasant surprise, La London has created a program that’s unique, hip, vibrant, and, yes, just a little bit naughty.

Celebrity guests for the pilot episode included Dancing with the Stars diva Lisa Rinna (showing off her chain of L.A. clothing stores); Redbook beauty editor Cheryl Kramer (thanks to her, I now know that there’s a proven-safe dye on the market to--ahem--“make the carpet match the drapes”); and the luminous Jake Krakowski (who kicked off the hilarious “My Life in Five Outfits” segment).

Our favorite segment, called “Fashion Victim,” required three audience members to try out three current runway trends in the context of their everyday lives. The sight of one participant wearing ... wait for it ... pumpkin-colored metallic Spandex leggings (!) to her local grocery store was absolutely delish.

To sum up, we absolutely loved the pilot episode--and we hope our beloved Stacy doesn't go "shutting up" anytime soon!