Preen Spring/Summer 2008: (How GORGEOUS are those shoes?!)

Photos, Elle.com

I recently wrote an article for Gibberless.com with my top ten picks for what will be hot in 2008 on the fashion front.Visit the site for more fun articles.

Future Tense: Fashion Forecast 2008
By Ashlee Yvette
Queenofpreen.com

Shop smart this upcoming season with Queen of Preen's forecast on the hottest fashion trends for 2008. This upcoming season, fashions is all about statement making. Bold prints and fabrics were all over the runways as were bright colors and figure flattering waist belts.

I'm here to share with you my favorite trends for Spring and Summer of 2008 to help you get a head start on all the shopping you'll surely want to do when you see these fabulous looks. Let's start with one of my favorite trends, bold prints!

1. Bold Prints. Inspired by birds of paradise and fields of wild flowers, these beautiful prints are the staple of the Spring 2008 season. Look for long dresses and flowing fabrics.

2. Waist Belts. Enhancing your curves (or creating some!) is a cinch with this trend. Wear them over everything, from a chunky sweater mini dress, to your coat—the possibilities are endless and the belt will

serve as great polish for any outfit while making your waist look ultra tiny. In warmer months pair them with bright mini dresses and juicy couture tee shirts for a look that's stylish anytime.

3.Brights. Hot Pink, Yellow, Electric Blue and Orange are the colors to wear when you want to make a big statement this Spring. Pair with neutrals and sleek metallic accessories for a look that's bold, but not overwhelming.

4.Hippie Chick. This trend is all love. Embody the spirit of this of the 1960's and express yourself with intricately dyed prints and clashing fabrics on loose fitting frocks with feminine touches.

5.Heavy Metal. Metallic Shades and metal accented clothes equal hot signature pieces and you'll find the details everywhere, from a cuff bracelet to knee high boots. A little of this trend goes a long way and is great for showcasing tough and daring style.

6.Lingerie Inspired. Sweet peeks of lace and satin details were all over the Spring 2008 runways. These feminine touches add a pretty touch to any ensemble. Try slipping a deconstructed vintage slip over a sleek James Perse turtleneck and pair with black stockings for a unique and haute look.

7.Jumpers. The 70's staple makes a new name for itself in modern silhouettes and sophisticated prints. Pair them with platform heels and large hoops for a look that's true to its seventies roots.

8.Goddess. This romantic Grecian inspired trend is back. Look for beautifully draped tops and dresses in surprising hues.

9.Trapeze. This shape, which made its presence known in fall is back again with flirty hemlines and in rich brocade fabrics. For instant style, pair a trapeze tunic top with leggings and flat boots.

10. Ombre Dying. Seen on all the major runways, this stunning process of dying fabrics subtly blends colors together in a beautiful pattern. This trend is very popular in dresses and accessories such as scarves,

jewelry, and shoes.

Pade Vavra Snake Cuff-$335.00
Rebecca Taylor-Flowy Dress-$328.00
Carmen Ho-Letitia Python Pump-$525.00
Furla Handbags-Venere Silver/Gold Clutch-$ 298.95

I really love the unique print of this dress, what a pretty way to do retro. The yellow, silver and cream are just lovely together don't you think? I decided to pair it with metallic accessories. I chose bronze to make the look fun. The filigree earrings are great; their pattern mimics the pattern in the fabric of the dress. Can you believe that they're only $2.80? The metallic belt sits high on your waist and will give the dress great shape. The boots are so great, I couldn't resist buying them for myself, (it's hard for me to resist a sale!) the only pitfall that comes with doing this website. I shop a lot more now :) Anyway, back to the boots… you can wear them with so much, leggings, jeans, dresses, you name it. I hope you enjoy today's post. Happy shopping!


Linea Pelle-Metallic Sculpted Belt-$188.00
Forever21-Faceted Teardrop Earrings-$2.80
Thread Social-Abstract Print Mini Dress-$506.00
Isabella Fiore -Lexi Small Hobo-$237.50 (was $475.00 !)
L'Autre Chose-Bronze platform knee-high boots-$261.00 (was $409.95!)

Happy Turkey Day!! :) Click below to shop.

What are you thankful for this year? I’m thankful for good friends, family and good shoes =). In Honor of "black Friday," (the day after turkey day and the biggest shopping day of the year), I have scoured the net, so you don’t have to. Here are some of my fabulous sale finds! I hope you enjoy them. Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping! I’ll be back with new outfits on Tuesday :)



Dolce Vita-York Cuff Bootie-$97.50 (was $195.00 )
Kenneth Jay Lane-Wavy Resin Bangle-$31.50 (was $40.00)
Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Pearl Chain-$49.00 (was $105.00)
Kenneth Jay Lane Small Bangle Bracelet $24.90 (was $50.00)
Another Line -Metallic Snake Corset Belt-$64.90 (was $98.00)
Anna Corinna-Espresso Jet Setter JR Tote-$375.00 (was $430.00)
BCBG Max Azria-Crystal and Silver Watch-$ 225.25 (was $295.00)
Rachel Pally-Long Sleeve Split Back Mini Dress-$135.80 (was $194.00)

Buy these awesome pieces and you'll get countless stylish looks out of your new wardrobe all season long. Here are just a few in a myriad of ensembles you can make with these key items. I actually made paper-doll like cut outs of each item to brainstorm outfits. My printer is low on ink so everything is printing pink. :) If there was any doubt in your mind before, now you know…I am utterly obsessed with fashion! Please note, only the initial images are "clickable", I did not have time to do it for every collage. Please forgive me =) I'm doing a midnight post tonight for sales, so please come back for those special offers! Also, subscribers, look for a contest in the near future :) I'm going to give away a fabulous fashionable item to someone!

Happy Shopping!















Belle by Sigerson Morrison-Suede and leather flats-$263.95
Lauren Merkin-Metallic Knit Charlotte Clutch-$285.00
Carlos by Carlos Santana-Fling Stiletto-$ 99.95
Top Shop-Graduated Sequin Shell Top-£50.00
Kate Moss for Top Shop-Skinny Jeans-£50.00
Forever 21-Layered Knot Ncecklace-$10.80
Forever 21-Mirarmar Bomber Jacket- $34.80
Splendid-Foil Jersey Leggings-$58.00
Hera-Printed Satin mini dress-$310.00
Juicy Couture-Slogan tee shirt-$82.00
Kooba-Reese Metallic Bag-$695.00
Steven-Smokin Boots-$ 293.95
Motif 56 Eve Belt-$125.00

Today's look is all about glamour. I have been seeing so many cute dresses this week! Here is one that I absolutely love by Catherine Malandrino. Oh, decadent chiffon in the most beautiful shade of teal I’ve ever seen, what an incredible dress. I love the embroidery too! Pair it with a snakeskin clutch; black jeweled sandals and great black jewelry for a look that will make you the belle of the ball. Happy Shopping!


Lelya-Nadja Cobra Clutch-526.00
1928- Vintage Crystal Drop Earrings-$18.00
Erickson Beamon-Embellished patent cuff bracelet-$595.00
Catherine Malandrino-Crinkled Silk Chiffon Dress-$595.00
Steve Madden-Jeweled Sandals-**

** Coming soon.

Hi guys, I am having major technical difficulties right now (my computer hates me) so I am posting up these lovely fashion show photos to sate your fashion needs for now. I have outfits prepared, hopefully I can get things working and get them posted up for you today. In the meantime, enjoy my favorites from Juanjo Olivia's Spring 2008 collection!

Photos, Firstview.com

I just love a sexy sheer shirt, don't you? This one by Chris Benz is a work of art. I love the shape and the flower pin (which is removable). It is so decadent--100% plisse silk. Add this pretty bra by Cosabella underneath and pair with pumpkin colored tweed pants and a suede and patent chocolate heel. Add some sparkle with a beautiful cocktail ring by Erickson Beamon and a sleek metallic bag by Sigrid Olsen. Happy shopping and Happy Weekend!


Cosabella-Zebra Bra-$52.00
Chris Benz-Sheer Flower Top-$695.00
Steven-Blazzin Chocolate Pumps-$ 99.95
Antrhopologie-Pumpkin Patch Trouser-$198.00
Erickson Beamon-Crystal and Pearl ring-$361.00
Sigrid Olsen Handbags-James Dean Hobo-$ 191.95

Tibi or not Tibi? I vote yes, for this Tibi look straight from the Fall 2007 runway. I really like all of Tibi's bold and gorgeous prints. This dress previously sold out, but Netaporter.com but has recently replenished its stock of this lovely frock. Pair it with these textured pumps by Carlos Santana and this stone colored bag by Steven. Add an onyx necklace wrapped in gold and a pretty bangle with flower details by Forever 21 to complete your look.

Forever 21-Designed Bangle-$4.80
Carlos Santana-“Iconic” Pump-$99.95
Tibi-Negative leaf print dress -$330.00
Steven-Lady Luxe Medium Hobo-$153.95
Marcia Moran-Onyx Wrapped Necklace-$96.00

I know I know, "again with the teal," but indulge me just one more day. Everyone will be smitten with your preening... I found this dress and fell in love. The graceful boat neck top, the pleated waistband and the amazing color are a few things I love about this dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Pair it with these stunning knee-high patent Jimmy Choo boots (which I covet).I love the heel! They are so sexy and sleek. The pièce de résistance is an exquisite Chloé shoulder bag with braided and pleat details, trimmed in gold. This outfit is luxurious and in it, you will look ravishing everywhere you go.

This outfit makes me happy. It possesses just the right amount of casual elegance, perfect for my friend, Mai. Heads will turn when you're wearing this! I love the cute button details on the Freedom of Choice wide leg jeans. ($188.00). Add exotic touches with the exquisite Kenneth Jay Lane elephant bracelet for $110.00 and the sexy, towering Giuseppe Zanotti sandals ($354.00). The bracelet also came in white and black and has sold out in those colors in a matter of weeks! It is a great signature piece to have. The blouse by Madison Marcus is so lovely--100% silk and it is $325.00. Finish the look with a cool Leopard print L.A.M.B. tote for $575.00 that you'll want to wear with everything! Happy Shopping !

Purple ruled the runways this fall ( See Passion for Purple Fashion ). Wear the regal color in this comfortable and stylish Rachel Pally dress with its pretty, detailed, scoop neck. Belt it with this fabulous find--a beautiful scarf from forever 21 for only $7.80! Add this great necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. I love the delicate gold chains and the gold trimmed horns. Both the necklace and the sassy clutch in "pond" by Goldenbleu contrast the deep purple of the dress perfectly. Keep the shoes neutral. I love these rich suede pumps by Loeffler Randall, they add the perfect final touch to this lovely ensemble. Happy Shopping!

Hello fashionistas,
Sorry for missing yesterday, I don't always get to post when I want to. To make up for it, I have three outfits! The looks are centered around one beautiful blouse by Cynthia Vincent. What a great way to brighten up your wardrobe, especially in the drear of fall and winter months. Your bright trendy purchases should get lots of mileage in your life.Think about how many ways you might wear something before buying it, especially with trendier pieces. This top is beautiful and practical. I like the graceful sleeves and the beautiful blue color of the silk material. You can wear the blouse in several different ways. Here are three from me that I hope you will love. For look one, tuck the blouse into the high waist pants. For look two: I wanted to leave one small note about the leggings. I chose those particular ones because of their semi sheerness and for the subtle metallic sheen. True, you can find leggings anywhere, but know that everything in these ensembles was chosen for a specific reason. For look three, wear the tunic loose and cinch it with the brown waist belt. Top it off with amazing gold pumps by Christian Louboutin. Enjoy and happy shopping!

One
Anthropologie- Colonnade Trousers-$158.00
Forzieri-Ostrich Pale Yellow Sandals-$342.00
Kenneth Jay Lane-Leopard Bracelet-$160.00
12th Street by Cynthia Vincent –Silk blouse-$255.00

Two
So Low-Metallic Long Leggings-$58.00
DAVIS by Ruthie Davis-Eva Patent Bootie
Kenneth Jay Lane-Strawberry Pendant-$148.00
Mike & Chris-Hugh Leather Hoodie jacket-$908.00
12th Street by Cynthia Vincent –Silk blouse-$255.00

Three
Forever21-Kelly Short-$19.80
Isharya-Zebra 18k gold plated Hoops-$113.00
Hobo International-Woven Brown Belt-$81.95
12th Street by Cynthia Vincent –Silk blouse-$255.00
Christian Louboutin-Metallic Leather Pump-$590.00

I love this outfit. It’s effortless, chic and versatile. It seems as though the bangles and the skirt were made for each other with their wave patterns and similar hues. The boots by Via Spiga are sleek, stylish and sexy and will look great with so many different things. I just love them! Complete the look with a sweet ruffle sleeved sweater from Top shop and a quilted metallic bag by Francesco Biasia. Happy Shopping!

Top Shop-V neck top-£28.00
Via Spiga-Valor Boots (Anthracite)-$354.00
Francesco Biasia-Double Handle Tote-$442.00
Kenneth Jay Lane-Wavy Resin Bangles-$48.00 each
Anthropologie- Walnut Cavern Sweater skirt-$128.00

The trees are barely losing their leaves, and I’m already craving a tropical escape from winter. Here’s what I’d pack for a week on a beautiful island. When I pack, I try to pack light to make room for all the things I buy on the trip!) so I stick to a simple color palette. It’s very helpful, I highly recommend it!

Cozy up in this beautiful wool cardigan by Antik Batik. It's perfect for night strolls along the beach or for a ride through town on a rented Vespa. Speaking of beach, I adore both swimsuits so much. The two-piece one is reversible, and you can wear it several different ways. The one piece is an elegant laser cut number by Lenny swimwear in this season’s favorite fashion forward shade, grey.

Most of these items are mix and match, so have fun with your choices! I love the embroidery on the Max Studio skirt. Pair it with the fun striped tank in a cheery golden yellow or with the sexy, semi-sheer, cashmere blend tee. The pants by LOVE Yaya are a great and stylish item to throw on with anything. I just love their versatility. You can dress them up or down, and wear them over your swim suit as well. Pair them with any of the three shoe choices. I think they look very chic with the Juicy Couture ballet flats, which roll up for easy carrying.

Pack this gorgeous dress by Mason for a special night of dinner and dancing. I'd wear it with the Michael Kors platforms, but you can also wear it with the metallic slides as well. Don't forget the cardigan in case it's chilly! Add the gold tear drop earrings and the octagon bracelet for sparkle. They are so lovely, and look great with everything. The beautiful Dita sunglasses will add instant style to anything you wear. Carry everything in this great Michael Kors tote with gold accents. Speaking of Michael Kors, I am in love with the sleek slide sandals and the sexy chocolate platforms. All these pieces work together so well, I'm inspired to take a vacation just so that I can wear them all. Happy Shopping!

LOVE Yaya-Wolfe Pant-$155.00
LOVE Yaya-Defined Tee-$68.00
Fabucci-James Bond Bikini-$198.00
Lenny-Cielo Laser cut Mailot-$249.00
Forever 21-Gathered striped tank-$9.80
Antik Batik-Amar wool cardigan-$265.00
Juicy Couture-Rose Ballet Flats-$150.00**
Forever 21-Gold and Cream Bracelet-$5.80
Max Studio-Embroidered mesh skirt-$58.00
Blu Gold-Grecian Teardrop Earrings-$36.00
KORS by Michael Kors-Gypsy Sandal-$152.00
KORS by Michael Kors-Horatio Sandal-$199.00
Michael by Michael Kors-Medium Tote-$272.00
Dita Sunglasses-Pretender Sunglasses-$175.00
Mason by Michelle Mason-Halter neck Dress-$319.00
**(currently sold out in black, check out the great natural colored ones)

I have always loved the color fuchsia. Not pink so much, but FUCHSIA! When I was ten,I wore fuchsia socks every day for about a year. I loved coordinating them with a matching scrunchy and a tee-shirt. (I am so dating myself here.) As I’ve grown older, (and subsequently somewhat wiser in matters of fashion) I have learned that a little bit of certain colors can go a long way, but my lust for beautiful fuchsia things has yet to be sated. This dress is a perfect example of the power of color combined with a flawless fit.

Want to be noticed? Hands down this is the dress! Keep everything you pair with it simple and let this show stopping number be the fabulous star of the show. Please excuse the sacrilege, but my god it is jaw dropping! The 100% silk, hand embroidered butterflies and precious chiffon pleats, will have your heart all a flutter. Catherine Malandrino has this fantastic knack for designing gorgeous dresses with flirty and feminine details that fit and feel amazing. Make an equally sexy but subtle entrance in the bewitching black version. I could go on forever about the immense adoration I feel for this dress, but I’ll spare you my ravings for now. Enjoy your weekend! :-)

Catherine Malandrino-Silk Chiffon Butterfly Embroidery-$495.00