7 Items Every Woman Must Have

1. Stilettos

Let's face it. Stilettos never go out of style. As long as they're basic and of good quality then they'll last you a lifetime as they take you on a night out or to a fancy affair. Try a basic black suede stiletto or a hot pink one to spice up your wardrobe. You can even pair them with a dark jean when going out to dinner so you can look great without getting too dolled up.

2. Chunky Brown Belt

Chunky brown belts go with everything--a loose tee that needs something more, or a casual dress that's missing some personality. It's great for office attire or just to slip on when going shopping with the gal pals. You can find plenty of authentic leather belts at flea markets (I just picked up an $8 Ralph Lauren one at the Rose Bowl Flea Market), and hey, they'll even flatter your curves.

3. Bangles

Bare wrists are a no-no. An outfit sans the jewelry is too bare when bangles can dress up just about any ol' outfit. They fit just about any style and have remained in the fashion scene in almost every decade. Avoid wearing too many rings--you don't want everything to clash--and remember that it's hard to have too many bangles on.

4. Binglin' Watch

If you haven't checked the LA scene lately, high-end watches have been on the rise. They're a great investment (at around $100 for a basic one) and are appropriate for almost all occasions. You'll look responsible with one in the office and sexy when pairing it with casual-wear. 

5. Strapless Bra

We all know it should be a crime to let your intimates show. Trashy straps will ruin any outfit and will make you look anything but classy. Ditch your typical bra and opt for a strapless one that will be great with halter tops in the summer, or that fabulous mini dress you'll be wearing to your friend's wedding. Either way, a strapless bra is an essential item to being female--especially a fashionable one.

6. Little Black Dress

The little black dress has been around since Audrey Hepburn paired her infamous shades with it in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's a great way to wear that strapless bra we just mentioned and to look sophisticated and sexy. It's perfect for dinner parties, or to even go shopping on Rodeo Drive. Find something simple that can be paired with different accessories so when your style changes from time to time, your dress won't have to. 

7. Diamond Earrings

Diamond earrings never go out of style--go faux in case you lose one of them. They add femininity to your face and look great in anything casual or extremely fancy pants. My favorite are Betsey Johnson--they're modern yet still classy. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

THE MOST EXTREME FASHION STATEMENTS

We'll kill two bird with one stone on this one. Rihanna was supposedly able to see through these glasses. It's a bit impressive, especially because when she wore them it was usually at night. And then there's the earrings. 

Lady Gaga's creepy shoes looked like they came out of Beetlejuice. They looked rather uncomfortable and we wonder if she was gaining a bad case of bunion while wearing them, just like Victoria Beckham did this past month.

If Sarah Jessica Parker wanted to gain attention by wearing a garden on her head, then she succeeded. Although the actress's character, Carrie Bradshaw, has a unique style in Sex and the City, it doesn't mean she should take it seriously in real life. 

Katy Perry had fun looking like she walked out of Las Vegas, and the dress was definitely a change for her style since it wasn't the usual bananas, cherries, or pink cupcakes. We know this dress is unique and extreme, but as for being creative? We'll pass.

Kelly Osbourne is usually left alone for her unique style and creative taste, and we respect that. She's obviously aware that smokey eyes and pink lipstick are in right now, but she went a bit overboard. We're still trying to find where her eyes and lips are. 

How much lace is too much lace? Just check out Courtney Love's concoction, topped, of course, with funky shoes. Let us know if you figure out how many pieces it took to create this look.

Amy Winehouse rocked her beehive 'do and we all praised her for it. She somehow became just as famous for her overly teased nest on top of her head, which became so popular that it was later seen on the runway.

Some things that debut on the runway are meant to stay on the runway. This dress would look better with half the fabric, and maybe some shape to it. We respect your style, MIA, but just because it's unique doesn't mean you can break all the rules with it.

Perhaps one of the most seen trends of the season, wearing all types of ears. Whether the Olson twins started this one or not, we're not sure, but the ears are being sported in all sorts events and circumstances this season.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

valentine's day 

attire.

DRESS TO IMPRESS ON THE

 FLIRTIEST DAY OF THE YEAR.

MEN

<<Be handsome. Go for a sleek and sophisticated look with dark colors and sharp cuts. Be classy and let your outfit show that you're a gentleman. Don't just love the one you're with, love what you have on.

Impress with shoes. Try something different by wearing sophisticated shoes that will dress up your outfit. Don't worry, she'll notice.

Go for a grandpa cardigan. Take some advice from an old folk and look rich in a comfy cardigan that will invite a little snuggling.

Basic is best. Resort back to a classic button-up, but find one that stands out and is in a strong color.

Pair it with a watch. Wear a watch that looks more expensive and isn't your typical hiking watch. Let it look sleek.

Get comfy in cords. If you want to be semi-casual, wear corduroys in a color that will compliment your outfit instead of clashing with it.

WOMEN

>>Be pretty. Be flirty, but classy. Be careful on how much skin you show and don't wear the same attire you'd wear out to a club. Show him your softer side.

Try ruffles. Only choose one item in your outfit that has ruffles so you don't overdo it.

Say Yes to red. It's cute to be playful with V-DAY colors and rich patterns that celebrate the day.

Add accents of lace. There's no better day to wear a little lace than on the Day of Love.

Be comfortable. Don't look like you can't move in your outfit. You can still look beautiful by trying silky dresses that have movement.

Don't be afraid to be daring. Jumpers are the latest and greatest of the trends, but there's no reason to avoid them on V-DAY. You can still look sexy and sleek.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

FOREVER 21's NEW KID'S LINE

Just when everyone thought Forever 21 couldn't get any bigger with their expansion from their standard stores in the malls to department stores with several levels, they've proven us wrong with a new kid's line.

It makes sense, Forever 21 is a store most people of all styles and both genders can shop at, they really have improved in the last few years, even if you have to pick through some of the cheap items.

Now their kids' line will be for ages six to 14, called HTG81. Although the title is interesting (and I'm not sure where the 81 comes from), the line is debuting today, January 29, and will be offered in select stores nationwide and on the store's website.

The boys seem to have the advantage, with trendier items and cute pieces like bow ties and vests for prices like $5 - $18. The girls seem to have less items and plainer prints to choose from, but can still get cute skirts and dresses that are age-appropriate. Maybe the girls' line will expand more once things get rolling.

Visit www.forever21.com/htg81.com to see their latest additions in the new HTG81 line. (They even offer a few deals here and there on the website.) Supposedly, new items will be featured every day online, so there's much to look forward to!

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

forever 21 just 

moved in.

Right when you thought there was nothing better to do in Cerritos, Forever 21 decided to take over the town. Even better, it opens today.

On Friday, January 22, Forever 21 will host it's grand opening in the Los Cerritos Center,  with a handful of grand opening events hosted on Saturday, January 23. 

If you haven't yet noticed, Forever 21 has been taking over department stores in the last year, expanding from stores in mini malls to department stores with several levels. The new store will be right alongside Nordstrom, Macy's and Sears in the 1.2 million square-foot shopping center. 

The first 500 customers on Saturday will receive a Forever 21 gift card, with values ranging to $210. An in-store DJ will be pumping up the jams as customers shop with their 10% coupons off of purchases of $40 of more. There will live remotes from local radio stations and exclusive items for $5, $10 and $15 that will only be sold grand opening weekend. If your sweet tooth begins to go crazy as you shop, Sprinkles Cupcakes Mobile will be offering samples to purchasing customers. 

"Forever 21 already stands out in terms of shopper apparel, and this new department store-style concept will offer more of the fashion focus and range of choices our customers want," said Ken Kraus, property manager for Los Cerritos. "This is a sophisticated market that looks to Los Cerritos for the wide range of retail brands. With this new, larger format, Forever 21 will be a destination store for this region's customers."

Besides adding in Forever 21 to Los Cerritos Center, new additions will include a new Nordstrom and 36,500 square-foot specialty store expansion, set to open in May, 2010.

"Forever 21 is a very strong player in today's changing retail landscape and will add considerable value to Los Cerritos Center," said Randy Brant, Executive Vice President, Real Estate for Macerich. "This retailer has taken innovative steps in expanding its brand, securing the markets that offer opportunity for growth and matching their merchandise and in-store experience to shopper preferences." 

Los Cerritos Shopping Center is located next to the 91 and 605 freeways, southeast of Los Angeles and in the heart of suburbia. Forever 21 is now occupying where Mervyn's used to be located. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

(The Best) Places to Shop Online

_______________

TOPSHOP.COM

When it's impossible to fly to Europe on a moment's notice to shop, there's Top Shop. They're reasonably priced, based in England and a little more upscale than your local Forever 21. They have everything from your hard-to-find floral leggings to trendy luggage. To TOP it off, students get 10% off all merchandise with over 300 new items featured each week.

________________

OOHILOVE.COM

Ooh I Love is a site where you can auction on high-end accessories, like Chanel purses or Marc Jacob wallets. What better way to snag a good pair of Dior earrings for some chump change? The items sell for unbelievably cheap (try $3.00), but of course, there's a catch. Customers have to purchase bids, which cost 99 cents a piece, with the bids in packages of 30, 50 or even 800. However, it allows you to own expensive accessories for normal prices and it actually works.

__________

ETSY.COM

It's no exaggeration to say that Etsy has almost everything imaginable for sale. Although this place is a hot spot for women, they offer tons of items that are all crafty and handmade. There are hundreds of vendors and one of a kind items that you can't find anywhere else. Plus, it puts money into independent artists' pockets.

___________

HALF.COM

EBAY is great, but the other site they run, Half.com, is even better. With deals you can't find anywhere else, you can get your favorite CD for a buck or a novel you've been dying to read for five. There's no annoying bidding involved, and plenty of sellers to choose from with different prices. However, the site strictly sells media and entertainment products.

___________________

OVERSTOCK.COM

The name speaks for itself, Overstock.com is it's own empire with auctions, places to buy cars and even insurance, along with real estate and last season's pair of UGGs. There's an endless amount of products here, which is perfect if you have a lot of time and the patience to browse. Think digging through a Ross store, but only virtually. One thing the site offers is shipping that doesn't cost more than three bucks on any item.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

WWW.LIVEOCMAG.COM

NYE ATTIRE

Count down to the New Year in an outfit that is playful and celebratory

Retro ties are good to pair with a buttoned shirt and will make it look like you're going to a party, rather than to the office. Not just any tie will do, find one with straight lines and without any patterns.

The little black dress is perfect for New Year's Eve. It can be paired with any color, accessory, and many different types of heels (try to avoid wearing flats to make for a dressier outfit). Strapless dresses are the latest rage, along with ruffled layers and empire waists. Remember to wear tights (any color or pattern will do) to keep you warm.

Chunky belts help add color and detail to any dress that is either form-fitting or loose. You can find colorful ones that clip or zip with different types of material. Try to avoid leather belts, since they're mainly from past seasons, and play with the color by pairing it with your shoes.

Strong shoulders are a great way to play up a simple dress you want to find. Items with shoulder pads or layers are currently hitting the runways and will even give the appearance of improved posture. Avoid necklaces with this look so there's not too much going on near the shoulders, but do find some bangles or large rings to wear.

Color is important for accessories, especially if you're already wearing neutral colors. Wear bright rings, bracelets, headpieces, and necklaces. Try to have one colorful item of jewelry, and then the rest of your items be all solid gold or silver.

Large accessories are just as important as having colorful ones. Simple, small pieces of jewelry can drown when they're worn with dressy attire. Pick loud pieces that are noticeable and will flatter your outfit, instead of trying to compete with it.

Vests are great to add to an outfit for men; they dress up buttoned shirts and will make the outfit look fun and interesting. Pair it with a different color and fabric than your pants so the look doesn't match too much.

Purses that glitter are a must. Ditch your everyday purse for the night and choose something classy. Clutches are another staple accessory for New Year's Eve, so try finding one that stands out. If you find a purse to wear for the night, get one that's slinky with a thin strap.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Dress to Impress (This Christmas Season)

Form-fitting dresses will gracefully show off your curves and give you a sleek figure. Try dresses in black to slim you down and pairing it with a clutch and some bright booties for your feet. Try for a shorter length and pairing it with a faux fur mini coat. 

Sequins are everywhere, but it doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them. Try buying items that use them sparingly, instead of going on overload with them. 

Blazers are great to dress up your jeans and a sequined top. Try finding one with strong shoulder pads and rolled up, or quarter-length sleeves. 

Stick with plaid. Although plaid was a fashion staple of 2009 in each season, it's OK to keep rolling with it this December. Pair it with an oversized watch or untied boots. The pattern will make your wardrobe look festive. 

Chunky, tangled jewelry adds so much to any outfit. They're great for mixing silver and gold together in one piece and will dress up any Plain Jane's attire. Find necklaces that range in length from the chest to the belly button. 

Bows aren't just for gift-wrapping. Adorn them on your attire when attending holiday parties. Find items that have bows on areas that you need to accentuate, like your bust or booty. 

Go for gawdy. It's hard to go overboard with jewelry this season as bangles are getting bigger than ever and large, huge earrings dress up any outfit. Bling it up with faux diamond bracelets, earrings or whatever your heart desires. 

Play dress up with ties that aren't office-attire, but enough to make you look sophisticated at a holiday party. Try shiny silk ones that are a different color than the rest of your outfit, or find a trendy pattern that is a little matchy-matchy. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com