Although I am not one to judge fashion by brands, lets face it, there are many people who do. There is something about having a Kate Spade bag dangling from your shoulder that is special. Or purchasing a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses to show them off as you walk the streets. In the past couple of years, thrift store shopping and all that is vintage have become popular with consumers. Why spend money on designer brands, when one can find unique pieces at a local vintage shop? Because of this new age of shopping, maybe designers have also hopped on this train, realizing that not everyone is able to buy their collections.

Roberto Cavali, Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, Anna Sui...These are only few out of the many high-end fashion designers who have collaborated with our everyday retail stores. There has been a splurge of collaborations between retail companies and these high-end designers. It is hard to believe that one can find designer clothes at stores like Target, H&M, and the Gap.

Maybe it is because our economy has taken a turn backwards, but I have to admit, it is a breath of fresh air to see high-end designers reaching out to the average consumer. End result? Hundreds of women wake up at early hours of the day, anticipating those doors to swing open, just to get a piece of a designer.

What are the next designer collections to hit our local stores?

Missoni for Target

The word on the street is, Missoni will be launching a line for Target this September; not just clothes and accessories, but home items as well (plates, pillows, mugs, laptop cases...). Get pieces of Missoni's infamous zigzag prints from $7.99 - $199.99.

Versace for H&M

A line designed by Donatella Versace will be hitting H&M stores this November. I heard there will be colorful printed dresses, leather studded pieces, and a variety of accessories, in addition to clothing for men. I'm not sure of the price range, but I can't imagine H&M would launch a line that exceeds the cost of their average consumer.

For those of you who are interested - good luck with grabbing these designer pieces before they are gone.

And for those of you who don't stick to brands - stay true to your fashion instincts!

As I stare at my bright-neon-sea-green nail polish I wonder how quickly this trend, like many others, has come and gone. Even though the color of my nails is insignificant, personal style is immensely crucial. One's clothes, hair, and make-up define one’s personality and how others perceive them. I believe that one should wear whatever they want, when they want but new trends can definitely shake that up. From leopard pants to cropped sweaters, and feather earrings, only worn in one ear of course, who would have imagined such an outfit only a few months back. Trying new things and attempting to fit that into your own personal style can be challenging. I personally love to try everything, even though I might end up looking quite ridiculous to others, I know that I look and, most importantly, feel good. Instead of trying to conform to the new styles I want to make them my own- I know that’s a cliché but it’s so true! Individuality is so imperative and one may try to be different and stand out by following some crazy trends, even though they realize that it may not suit their unique personal style. Fashion should be fun and exciting as well as an opportunity to experiment with something new.  Individuals need to embrace trends that can accentuate their looks to feel confident and beautiful. One thing to always remember is that you don’t have to stick to a single trend or look because you can always change- even every single day.

P.S. Try a bold and colorful trend today!

Lindsay Lohan was recently spotted in this eclectic outfit while shopping in NYC this month. At first we weren't sure about wearing a flimsy beach cover-up out and about (what, did she forget to get dressed? wouldn't be the first time), but on second thought with its lacey embroidery and flattering fit, her long-sleeved version of the classic summer staple totally works. She paired hers with Topshop leopard loafers (but leopard pumps with a low heel similarly get the job done - fyi might as well catch the jungle fever now because leopard accents are set to be HUGE come Fall) and colorful beaded bracelets. Throw on a fringe purse (anyone else surprised at how this trend is still going strong? It's been over a year since modern masters of bohemian chic Nicole Ritchie, Kate Hudson, and Vanessa Hudgens inspired this neo-hippie chick fad that doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon) and a pair of oversized wayfarers and you'll be living la vida Lohan! . . In the good, pre-rehab (prehab?) way.

So ditch the beach and hit the streets in your favorite cover-up--accessorized eclectically--before the leaves start to change. To get similar items in the marketplace, check out these links:

Cover-Up

Shoes

Fringe Purse

Bracelets

Sunglasses

It seems as though everyone is talking about white… white pants, white tops, white shoes. I love it all, but you can’t forget that clothes aren’t the only way to dress up! You have to look back and see your nails are one of the best ways to set yourself a part! Even in a bare bikini your nails are always showing. So show off these mini assets in a bath of color. This season? BRIGHT!

I must admit… I love labels when it comes to nail polish. There is just something about a polish that goes on perfectly and will stay on for over a day that gets me. Essie and OPI are a must. And I’d have to say… they go hand-in-hand (no pun intended). Essie kills it with the light colors. Whites, pinks and even turquoise and caicos look FANTASTIC with Essie. OPI is better for the darker side of life. For romantic nights or the lovely winter season… OPI is your best bet.

So technically it’s Essie season.

With colors like these, who would want summer to end? Too too hot, braziliant and absolutely shore are definitely my faves, but the rest are gorgeous too. Thankfully, there are tons of weekend for these colors to be used… and a smooth transition into fall will definitely be needed...Essie, make me proud for Fall!

With the summer temperatures winding down, now is the perfect time to add one of fall's hottest trends into your wardrobe: ladylike lace. Lace isn't just for wedding dresses and grandmothers - this season looks incorporating lace are all over the runway:

Jason Wu, Fall 2011 Collection

Here are a few thoughts on how to work this trend into fall wardrobe:

Daytime:

Neutral tones with casual accessories are an easy way to incorporate lace into your day time look. This look gives off more of a bohemian/vintage feel. Check out some of these pieces, available now at UrbanOutfitters.com:

Kimchi Blue Lace Dress, Urban Outfitters, $59

Kimchi Blue Lace Tee, Urban Outfitters, $32

Office:

Similar to daytime, the key to incorporating lace into your office look is color. Black lace tends to be more associated with evening looks, so it’s probably best to try something at the opposite end of the spectrum – like white. Of course, you should probably stay far, far, far away from wearing see-through lace in an office – so make sure the item you’re purchasing has a lining. Try pairing something like this with a solid pencil skirt or slacks:

Cream Flower Lace Tee, Top Shop, $70

If you’re not into wearing a full lace shirt, you can always pick something up that has lace details:

Lace-trim shell, Banana Republic, $39.50

Evening:

Lace for the evening is effortless, sexy and stylish. Wearing a beautiful lace cocktail dress gives you an aura of sophistication and sensuality:

Lynette Metallic Lace Cocktail Dress, BCBG Maxazria, $198

Of course, if you’re looking for something a little sexier – say, to wear to a nightclub or a girls night out, this little number would definitely do the trick (check out the back!!):

Mackie Lace Dress, Guess, $148

Here’s to the fall!