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

Styles of Sunglasses for 2010

Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can tuck away your sunglasses in Southern California. Make sure you get the latest styles, both new, old, and enhanced from a collection that celebrates the best decades of the past century.

Plastic Aviators

These aviators work for both men and women, but are more down to earth by ditching the gold glam for basic colors and thicker frames. They're the best type of sunglasses to get in neon colors.

Miami Vice Sunglasses

Jump back into the 80s by wearing the best eye wear straight out of Miami Vice. The best part about these Miami Vice glasses is that they're related to the aviators, but come with lens that are multi-colored.

Vintage Glasses

The 50s are here to stay for a season. This vintage eye wear is the most retro of the latest styles and comes in unique colors for both the lens and frames. They're also in season for regular eye wear when you need a good pair of reading glasses to catch up on your latest Twilight novel.

Extreme Bugeye Glasses

Someone channeled Jackie O when making a contemporary version of these bug eye glasses. Although they're fashionable, they only work with certain face shapes, like long or oval ones. Certainly use caution when wearing the purple ones, they have a scary resemblance to Elton John.

Cat Eye Sunglasses

This contemporary version of Cat Eye Sunglasses are a mixture between Lisa Loeb and a blast from the past from the 60s. They're retro, sassy, and look great for upscale events or just driving through the town in your turquoise Thunderbird.

Enhanced Flattop Sunglasses

Although flattop sunglasses made their big debut in '09, they've been altered just a bit for the new year with a thicker frame and smaller lens. They work for both men and women, but only for particular styles.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

10 Things Men Should Never Wear

1. Cowboy hats

Spencer Pratt may be a C-list celebrity, but he's no fashion icon. We may watch The Hills from time to time and enjoy the styles we see, but this one is a definite no-no.

2. Belts with studs

Blink-182 may have started this trend when we were in middle school, but let's leave that item in the 90s. If you want to be a punker or go ska, there's other alternatives that are still fashionable and won't remind us of Stars and Straps.

3. Tennis shoes

Tennis shoes are great, whether it be for running, playing a good game of tennis, or even for taking the dog on a walk. They look great on David Beckman and anyone else with nicely toned calves, but we don't like to see them used for anything besides exercising.

4. T-shirts that relay messages

We know you love computer games, or even being sarcastic from time to time, but we'd rather hear your humor from you instead of that black shirt you found in the discount bin at Hot Topic. If you can't part from them, you can wear them for PJs, but 86 them if you want to dress well in public.

5. Trucker hats

Sorry Ashton Kutcher, this look may have been a great money-maker for Von Dutch or Ed Hardy, but this trend has already had it's fifteen minutes of fame. There are great alternatives nowadays, like wearing a fedora or a regular baseball hat (and we'll even let you leave the sticker on that baseball hat if you want).

6. Gym shorts

Along with the running shoes, this one's a no-go. Tony Romo may be allowed to wear them out in public, and even if you love sports then more power to you, but gym shorts look lazy and like you rolled out of bed. They usually come in terrible colors and styles and won't match with any ordinary shirt, so only wear them if you're going to do some physical activity. We're just not a fan of mesh.

7. Leather

Just because leather jackets are in for women right now, doesn't mean men should buy them too. Although Forever 21 may differ in opinion, leather doesn't make a guy look as sexy as some men might want to believe. It reminds us that you're trying really hard to look good, and if that's the case then still leave the leather to bikers or greasers.

8. Muscle shirts

We're sorry to all the men of OC who might be offended, but this is a look we promise you'll regret in a few years. Even if you're sporting a wife beater, or you just ripped off the sleeves to your favorite tee, this look is not, nor will be, in style. If you're trying to get rid of your farmer's tan at the beach, there's other methods, like taking your whole shirt off.

9. Jeans with chains attached to the wallets

Sadly, this can still be seen in populated malls and at the local bar. Although we're highly aware that it protects your wallet from getting stolen, it's worth the risk so that we don't have to see that silver chain dangling above your thigh. We know they sell for great deals at The Orange County Swapmeet, but resist the urge for the sake of your style.

10. Makeup

Although you don't see you're average Joe at the local supermarket sporting your favorite eyeliner, we're nervous that men wearing makeup is going to take the fashion world by storm. It's great that men have gained enough confidence to wear makeup, but it was never made for men to wear. It makes us feel men only look like we do and it takes the fun out of being feminine.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com