The Kids Are Alright

Ever since the awards season, all the buzz on the red carpet has been for Hollywood's new up-and-comers.  And with good reason.  After what has seemed like a decade of teen starlets imposing tacky extensions, too much makeup, and overexposed bods, these girls are changing it up and giving something to look up to.

Hailee Steinfeld made her mark in the film "True Grit," and now she's scoring more on the carpet.  Keeping it classy, Steinfeld chooses hemlines to or below the knee with delicate fabrics such as chiffon and lace.  She channels a modern-day Audrey Hepburn with her elegance and charm.

 Elle Fanning, of "Somewhere" and "Super 8," is giving big sister Dakota a run for her money in the fashion world.  She's lighting up the red carpet with her fashion choices - often straight-from-the-runways of designers such as Chanel and Marc Jacobs.

Emma Watson may be a few years older than these girls, but she's kept it classy for years during her "Harry Potter" stints.  Now just at 21, she gives younger actresses something to aspire to.  She seamlessly transformed from a teen star to a woman this past year by chopping off her locks for a chic, short do - but never let her skirt follow.

These actresses are showing their talents without showing too much skin.  They're bringing back both innocence and sophistication to the looks of young Hollywood.  Hopefully, the likes of others will take note and ditch the trashy looks we've seen for far too long (ahem, Miley).

Icon-t Get Enough of Her Look: Kirsten Dunst

 In the early 2000's, Kirsten Dunst was THE it-girl on the big screen and red carpet.  A few missteps in her career - and personal style - and she dropped off Hollywood's radar.

But now, in 2011, she's back an better than ever.  As the new face of Bulgari, Dunst is getting critical praise for her movie roles, and also street cred for her sublime fashion choices of late.  That, and her fabulous "lob" haircut.  Not only have I copied her latest chop, I'm also getting ideas from her closet.

Here, Dunst wears a bold, marigold Chloe dress with the slightest accessory of stud earrings.  With a look-at-me color like that, why add more?

In this gorgeous dress, Dunst leaves all eyes on her detailed frock with no accessory other than her braided hairstyle.  She perfects it all with simple makeup - a pretty pink lip with downplayed eyes.  The combination of it all works magically with her fair skin.  Hollywood starlets with spray tans and heavy eyeliner could take a few notes from Dunst here.

Dunst leaves the spotlight on her Chanel dress by foregoing on accessories altogether.  An unfussy updo is the perfect accent to a metallic bodice and intricately-skirted dress.

Again in a Chanel dress, she modernizes a 1930's Hollywood look by mixing black and navy - all while keeping it sophisticated with a simple clutch, blazer and hairstyle.

Old Hollywood glamour comes to life again as Dunst dones this Rodarte dress on the red carpet.  This time, she resembles a modern-day 50's bombshell with a mermaid cut and retro curls.

Though her fashion statements of late have been mostly feminine dresses, Dunst shined in a perfectly tailored Patrik Ervell tux.  An easy chignon played up the look, along with classic black pumps.

Kirsten Dunst has made an in-ignorable presence on the red carpet this year.  She's brought something fresh and exciting to a fashion world filled with an abundance of metal hardware, over-exaggerated shoulder pads, and Gaga-like stunts as of late.  It's a welcome change and I hope this is only the beginning of much more to come.

A Little Magic Pixie Dust

There is a vexing little style that's sweeping across Hollywood and the rest of the fashion world alike: the pixie.  No haircut is easier to maintain yet at the same time entrancing as this one.  All over the country, women are chopping off their long locks (or extensions) and trading them in for a look that's chic and effortless - yet versatile.

Vanessa Hudgens

The pixie became popular in the 1920's as part of the iconic flapper look.  It had another resurgance in the 1960's with actresses such as Mia Farrow and models like Twiggy.  Women all over America embraced it - and never looked back.  Again, the pixie is back in 2011, with many of Hollywood's leading ladies welcoming it with open arms.

Anne Hathaway (it's a wig for the film "One Day")

No longer does long hair define beauty.  Beautiful faces need not hide behind a full mane.  Damaged, dry hair and split ends be gone. It's the perfect (and possibly most economically-friendly) way to get a major makeover.

Michelle Williams

Another great benefit to the pixie is that it works with many face shapes - especially the hard-to-style round face.  The shortness elongates the neck, defines cheek bones, and brings attention to the eyes.  It also pairs great with extra-feminine looks.  It's the perfect balance to a girlie dress.

Emma Watson

Perhaps a pixie cut isn't for everyone - but it works for so many.  Never has a hairstyle been so magical on and off the red carpet - yet so simple all at once.  This cut might be replaced again by long locks or mod bobs, but it's timelessness will surely make it popular for decades to come.

Staples to Fall Back On

There's something about Fall that makes us feel like making a fresh start.  It gives a need to rebuild our wardrobes just as we did as kids getting ready for back-to-school.  I guess old habits die hard, because it's still my favorite season for finding new treasures to add to my closet.  But when you're an adult with bills to pay and a house to save up for, buying a new spread of jeans, sweaters, shoes and tops isn't exactly in the budget.

That's not to say I won't be adding a few things in the mix.  But first, I'm taking inventory to find out what I actually need to avoid any impulse buys.  Also, I'm planning on investing in accessories to add punch to my wardrobe without breaking the bank.  Finally, I'll get creative and find was to reinvent, tailor, and redesign things I already have to make them brand new all over again.  Here are a few ways to get ready for the fall and season your wardrobe.

Take Inventory - take a good look in your closet and make a mental (or handwritten) note of what you have, what sizes in what brands you wear, and what colors.  Take into consideration if you have too many of something - such as a lot of white tanks, a dozen pair of jeans, a few pairs of the same black pumps, etc, so you know not to buy more of them when you shop.  Also, check to see if anything needs repair or extra care.  Any buttons to be resewn?  Heels to be fixed?  Pants to be properly hemmed?  Set those aside and make a special effort to get them repaired before the season starts.

Try Things On - pull out anything you haven't worn since last fall and make sure they still fit.  If you didn't wear them in over a year, donate them to a friend or local Goodwill.  You probably won't wear them again anyway, and you'll get some space freed up for something new.  If something is too big, make a second pile of clothes to get taken in at a tailor - it will most likely be cheaper  than to buy and entirely new item at the mall.

Organize - if your closet tends to get a little messy, take the time to organize it in a way that works for you.  I like to keep dresses, pants, tops and skirts each in their own sections and then organized by style and color.  It makes getting dressed a breeze every morning, and it makes me aware of what I own.  Also, I like to keep only that season's clothing in my closet, using plastic tubs to store off-season wear and avoid over-crowding.

Get Inspired - I love getting my magazines for September.  There are always new ways to wear things, new colors, hair and make up tips.  Pick out a few of your favorites and spend an afternoon perusing the pages for looks you love.  I oftentimes find different ways to wear and style things I already have.  And why not find a new haircut in one of those mags while you're at it?  Nothing says "fresh" like a new cut.  Sometimes that's all you need to transition your look into a new season. 

Sale Shop - now that you have a list of what you need, figure out when your favorite stores will be having sales.  I never, ever buy anything full price.  And, I'm familiar enough with my favorite brands to know how their markdowns work.  Join the email lists of your most-shopped stores and you will be privy to their upcoming promotions - sometimes getting deals before others.  Also, I online shop savvy by putting things I like into a shopping cart and then checking back on it regularly to see if it's been marked down.  Also, rule-of-thumb is that most stores do markdowns on Thursdays, so check into stores then and you'll be the first to shop through the sales racks.

Reinvent What You Have - there's no need to buy a new wardrobe of dresses every season.  A few is fine, but some can be worn all year with the right add-ons.  Summer sundresses can be matched with a cardigan to work straight into fall.  Sandals can be switched out with boots or closed-toed pumps.  Changing out accessories and makeup can also take a spring/summer look into the new season.  Black tights can make even your white cotton skirts and dresses ready for the crisp, autumn weather.

Just because Summer is coming to an end, doesn't mean your style has to go with it.  Fall is a great time of year for experimenting with new textiles, colors and layers.  Take what you already have, add a few new items to your closet, and make your wardrobe your own.  When in doubt, remember how exciting it was to get new back-to-school clothes, and maybe treat yourself to a new pair of jeans or sweater - or maybe just a fresh pack of colored pencils will do the trick!

Dressed to the Nines

There's no other clothing item that is as easy to put on and effortlessly pulled-together as the dress.  Just one little garb - no top and bottom matching required.  No need to worry if a pant hem is long enough to wear with heels or only flats.  Nothing else can quite go from day to night with such ease - or capture the hearts of our boyfriends and husbands.

 Any woman can be dressed to the nines - and here are nine of the many styles that can flatter - something for every shape and size - and price point.

A-line: a universally flattering cut.  This runs close to the upper body - but not too tightly - with a skirt that falls away into an "A" shape that nips in the waist and hides the thighs and hips. (Works for all body types.)

Kate Spade Jillian Dress

H&M A Line Dress - $34.99

Empire: this popular style is cut high at the waist to give a long-legged illusion and hide any extra weight carried in the stomach.  Great for pear-shaped (smaller on top, larger on bottom).

H&M Dress - $34.95

Full: tough to wear, but totally adorable, this vintage-inspired cut gives the illusion of curves to those who don't have them.  (Ideal for boy-shaped bodies or petites.)

Kate Spade Sandra Dress - $355

J.Crew Cecilia Dress - $89.99

Maxi: this cut falls close to the body, is looser at the hip, and hits just an inch above the floor.  Best with sandals or an open-toed wedge.  Gives a long, lean look and often helps hide extra weigh in the middle.  (Works great on tall, lean shapes - harder to wear for petites.)

Rachel Zoe Maxi Gown - $575

LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl's Maxi - $40.80

Sheath: coming back with a vengeance thanks to "Mad Men" and Michelle Obama alike, this is the perfect office-to-date night cut.  Can be found with anything to a crewneck, cowl or v-neck on top.  Nips in at the waist and falls away from hips.  (Looks amazing on all body types.)

Banana Republic Sheath Dress - $130

H&M Sheath Dress - $34.95

Shift: a nod to the "mod" sixties with its vintage flair, this style usually has a crewneck and falls away from the entire body.  Should never be too tight - anything too baggy will be unflattering.  A shorter hemline will give the illusion of long legs.  (Fits best on boy shapes - hard to pull off with curves or extra weight in the middle).

Kate Spade Cady Shift Dress

J.Crew Urbanite Shift Dress - $118

Shirt: a fun fit for a Saturday afternoon or a business-casual office atmosphere.  Also has a vintage-inspired look that will transform you back to the 1950's - minus the bobby socks.  Make sure it's the right fit, because nothing looks worse than button holes that gape and show what's underneath.  Usually comes with a matching tie-waist, but can be taken up a notch with a metallic belt or satin ribbon around the middle.  Cute with flats, heels or wedges.  (Great for all body shapes.)

Kate Spade Cassie Shirtdress

Old Navy Chambray Shirtdress - $34.95

Tunic: perfect on the weekends - this light, breezy style can be work as is or taken in at the waist with a belt to add shape.  Often found with a shorter hem and long sleeves.  Adorable when worn with flats or sandals - but for us petite girls, wedges are fine.  (Great on boy shapes, tall or petite figures.)

J.Crew Rumi Dress - $168

Wrap: my favorite of all dresses - perfect for creating curves for those that don't have them, or controlling them for women that want to flaunt it.  Appropriate for offices or date nights.  There's something sensual yet conservative.  Best in jersey knits that don't wrinkle and in all colors and patterns.  (Perfect on any body type.)

DVF Wrap Dress

Banana Republic Wrap Dress - $98

Old Navy Tie-Front Wrap Dress - $29.50

Find your perfect dress and see how easy it can be to look put-together any day of the week.

Icon-t Get Enough of Her Look: Zooey Deschanel

Her girlie style got a guy to chase after her for 500 days.  She inspires women to make cotton 'the fabric of their lives'.  And, she's heavily responsible for the resurgence of the vintage-inspired look.  Zooey Deschanel is a modern day fashion icon with a classic sense of style.

Deschanel in her "Cotton" commercial

In her years since appearing in small roles in films such as "Almost Famous,' "The Good Girl," and "Ready to Launch," Deschanel has soared to stardom in her own right as a leading lady.  It's no surprise, given that her look stands out amongst a sea of blonde bombshells and pop stars that look like they dressed in 1985.

On the town in a vintage-inspired look

Deschanel's starring role as Summer in "500 Days of Summer" made women like me fall in love with her look.  The thick bangs she sported inspired women everywhere to take a scissors to their locks.  Sundresses and costume jewelry are more popular than ever.  Cardigans, tees and other basics are getting lady-like makeovers like never before.  Lace detailing and beaded trim are trends found everywhere from Fashion Houses to retailers such as Ann Taylor Loft and even The Gap.

At the "500 Days of Summer" premier

Aside from her films, Deschanel has also put her mark on the music industry.  Her duo group "She and Him" is working on its 4th album, featuring her soulful, 40's sounding vocals and a stage presence to match.  Even on stage, Deschanel stays true to her style while other female singers look over-sexed in their spandex, naval bearing outfits that leave little to the imagination.

Deschanel in one of her many girlie dresses performing onstage

Deschanel rarely makes a misstep on the streets or the red carpet.  Some may say that the classic look is "safe," but staying true to one's style is anything but in Hollywood.  Why should she take any chances when she's already figured a look out that's perfectly right?  After all, it's unassuming and sweet compared to others such as  Lady Gaga, who always seem to have to make a "statement" whenever they get dressed.  Sometimes it's better not to take ones self so seriously and to just have fun with an outfit.

At an event in a girlie dress

The decades have come and gone, but Deschanel's look is here to stay.  With her look that's different from all the other Hollywood A-listers out there, we can expect to see and hear much more from Zooey Deschanel for years to come.