I understand that most people like a fresh start January 1st. This mentality for me each year would spur about two and a half weeks of change before I would resort back to the old habits. Last year I was sick of it and wrote this in my travel blog before I left to live in Europe:

“This year I’m going to take a different approach to life…no expectations, no limits, no resolutions, no regrets. 2010 was amazing but I feel like I was still always searching for things and people to make me happy. For the next 365 days I’m going to let things happen, take each day for what it is worth and in the words of my friend Kathy T I’m going to “do me” this time around (whatever that means) haha. I am finally ready to focus on me this year…however scary that might be to actually face and confront who I am. I’m so scared to leave my life here and live in a foreign country but for now I’m going to say... cheers to the unknown that won’t be solved by worrying, to the new friends I’ll meet, the old ones I will skype, the adventures I will have, the cobblestone roads I will get lost on, the homesickness I’ll undoubtedly feel, the new home I will create for myself and the endless possibilities for change that, good or bad, will make me who I am.”

I wish I could have known then just how exciting the unknown could be. Sometimes the most terrifying situations out of your comfort zone are the ones in which you find who you really are and help you become who you want to be. Take it one day, one minute at a time. There is no rush for perfection, instead embrace the beautiful imperfections you possess and use them for good. Spread joy to those around you and you will receive it back in full. Resolutions aren’t meant to be made one day of the year, they are meant to be made when change occurs regardless whether it is good or bad. Be you and free yourself from any expectations except your own. Stop comparing. Focus on the simple things. Feel yourself breathe, buy daisies at the store and don’t stop giving thanks for just being alive. Live and love in the present. Life isn’t about changing, it is about evolving. Go out this year and be limitless.

Among the eclectic mix of trends for Spring of 2012 from the peplum top to the knife-pleat skirt, one theme seems to thrive: modern femininity. The novelty heel seems to be another seductive trend this Spring that espouses this theme of the modern woman: feminine and elegant, yet powerful, intelligent, and independent. The novelty heel is far from the traditional lady-like heel of the past that may evoke a docile and delicate image of a woman. Rather, the novelty heel elicits an energetic, potent, and utterly irresistible vibe. Since I am a lover of high-heels, I am completely in awe and admiration of the novelty heel. Every novelty heel that I have set eyes on has been what I consider the essence of haute couture and high art. I believe that they are designed with so much thought, creativity, and intellect of the mind that they deserve to be placed on a high pedestal and receive nothing but the utmost devotion and veneration. The novelty heel is literally taking fashion to a new height through the high art and creativity that it exudes. However, one may feel that this heel has taken fashion to a height too high; a height of fashion that may have gone too far in the sense of expression and creativity that does not seem to fit into our practical everyday lives. Therefore, one may be unwilling to wear the novelty heel since it is a bit extravagant and over-the-top for actual wear, not to mention the outrageous price that is it often attached to it. I will admit that I'm not actually sure I would completely embrace the novelty heel and wear them in my everyday life, but that doesn't mean that I will stop staring and obsessing over this true piece of divine art. Even if one believes that the novelty heel has taken fashion to too high of a height, one cannot deny that it is the quintessential haute couture heel.

Prada’s Spring 2012 Sporting Flame Sandals

Prada’s Spring 2012 Sporting Flame Sandals

Charlotte Olympia Platform Avalon Sandals from the Spring 2012 collection

February fifth can’t get here soon enough. The long anticipated Jason Wu for Target collection will launch in stores and online for what Wu said has been inspired by “French new wave films...with an American Sportswear spin.” Jason Wu is known for “clean lines and smart details.” He also sells some collections at various high end stores such as Neiman Marcus for pieces ranging from $127 to a whopping $4800. Luckily, the Jason Wu for Target collection allows fashionistas to shop for classy pieces without breaking their bank accounts. All of the Jason Wu for Target pieces will come in under $60. My favorite thing about the collection is how versatile all the pieces truly are. They can be worn for many occasions from school to the beach to a night out with friends.

Some of my favorites include:

Pointelle Sweater, $39.99; Dot-printed shirt dress, $39.99

Long Sleeve Sailor Sweater, $32.99; Long Sleeve Blouse, $34.99; Cuffed Shorts, $26.99

Short Sleeved Tee, $19.99; Cuffed Shorts, $26.99

Peplum Top, $32.99; Pleated Skirt, $29.99

What are your favorites? Will you be buying from the Jason Wu for Target Collection?

Metallic eyes, new "modern" cat eyes, pops of bright color, glittery lids, dolly lashes, muted lips, red lips – these are some of the makeup trends seen down the runways at the Spring 2012 fashion shows. There was the good and then, there was the outrageous (as usual at fashion shows).

Here are some tips on wearing my favorite makeup trends for Spring:

1. Red Lips

I am a big proponent on wearing red lipstick whenever you feel like it, rather than saving it for formal occasions. It is a great pick-me-up on days when you are feeling “not-so-pretty.” Because red lips are always in style, finding a good red lipstick is worth investing in. However, the search for the perfect shade can be daunting with all the conflicting information.

Red Lips at Jason Wu’s Spring 2012 Collection

There are two types of red lipstick shades: blue-reds and orange-reds. According to traditional rules, blue-reds look best with cool skin tones and orange-reds with warm skin tones. However, other sources say the opposite: orange tones are suited for fair skin and olive skin tones should choose a blue-red lipstick. Say what? Confused yet?

You can disregard all of those rules! I find that most skin tones can pull off both shades of red. A blue-red shade is formal (typically worn during black tie event), whereas an orange-red is more casual.

Here is an example of Taylor Swift sporting both types of red lip colors:

Taylor wearing an orange-red lipstick

Taylor looking lovely with a blue-red lipstick

Here's Rihanna looking fabulous with both shades:

Rihanna with a bright coral-red lipstick

Rihanna wearing blue-red shade

For red lipsticks, I recommend MAC's "Russian Red" ($14.50), NYX Round Lipstick in "Snow White" ($4) and Revlon Matte Lipstick in "Really Red" ($5.99). My favorite go-to red lipstick is L'Oreal's Infalliable Never Fail Lipcolor Compact in "Crimson" ($12) because of it lasts all day without touch-ups.

2. Metallic Eyes

Metallics are a huge trend in Spring. Metallic clothing is very edgy and daring, but there is also the soft, understated metallic eyes coming in as a makeup trend. With the makeup look, you can incorporate the trend without investing in a piece of clothing that will go out of style.

Metallic lids at the 3.1 Phillip Lim 2012 Spring Collection

I particularly like this look at Phillip Lim's fashion show. It is a twist on the traditional look with the shadow being swept above the crease line. To replicate this look, use a silver shadow like MAC's Electra ($15), NYX's Ultimate Pearl eyeshadow in "Silver Pearl ($7.99)," or L'oreal HIP eyeshadow duo in "Platinum" ($7.99). Keep the look simple with with barely-there makeup, no blush, and lip gloss.

3. Coral Cheeks

I love this sun-kissed look for the Spring. What better way to fake a radiant glow after the sun-less winter months?

Coral Cheeks at Timo Weiland's 2012 Spring Collection

To achieve this look, apply a creme highlighter like MAC's Creme Color Base in "Pearl" on to your cheeks and the bridge of your nose. This will give you the I-just-came-from-the-beach radiant, dewy glow. Then, apply a coral-pink blush like Nars' Blush in "Orgasm" ($27), ELF's Studio Blush in "Candid Coral" ($3), or Milani's "Mai Tai" ($6.49) to the contours of your cheeks.

What is your favorite makeup trend for Spring?

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Amy Winehouse-inspired Spring 2012 runway show chose not to go the subtle route. But that’s not why it was the most controversial of last week’s couture lines. Models wore beehive hair, cat-eye liner, upper lip moles, smoked cigarettes, and walked to the beat of Winehouse tracks. Corsets, wedges, veils and high waists were ubiquitous. My favorite looks included jewel-toned hair, which looks like cotton candy in the fallen singer’s signature swooping, towering shape. Another standout is a bubble gum, possibly chiffon fabric that transitions from hood to dress to shawl.

Amy’s parents, however, weren’t as impressed with Gaultier’s unauthorized use of their daughter’s image. I must agree that the concept appears insensitive, especially after learning there was no consultation with the Winehouse family, only six months into their mourning. What do you all think? Insensitive exploitation or fabulous tribute?

All photos courtesy: AFP