2008 in Fashion Review

This year proved to be a fashion roller coaster filled with ups and downs. Here are some of the trends and most memorable style moments of 2008:

Britney Spears is back in a big way. She's fit and fashionable. For her upcoming tour that was announced this year, her style coincides with the "circus" theme. Let's just say Britney and her top hat rock!

Who can forget Lauren Conrad's braid? It was a hot trend in Hollywood and beyond. Did you ever try it out? I definitely did =)

Although the first Season of Gossip Girl aired it 2007, it didn't actually finish 'til 2008 due to the Writer's Guild Strike. As the world fell in love with the show, we all became enamored with the clothes that the socialites donned. 

Who can forget the Katie Holmes boyfriend jeans debuted in August?! And the pixie cut... These looks were definitely the subject of many discussions.

I know there were many more trends, but I can't remember all of the past 12 months! What sticks in your mind the most about 2008's fashions?

Photos courtesy of: Seriously? OMG! WTF?, the CW, BritneySpears.com, Cupcakes Taste Nice

Join the Gossip's One Year Blogaversary Giveaway!

Today is Join the Gossip's one year anniversary! I got my start while writing for Beauty Chat and with the encouragement of my former boss Elana of Good Girl Gone Shopping. The blog layout has changed three times and my posts are definitely not as consistent as I'd like them to be, but overall I am pretty proud of how it has turned out.

I am a pretty random gal and so are the topics I write about. Last year I set out to have a great time writing (as I am a journalist by trade) and have accomplished that thus far. Thank you to all who have supported me along the way!

To show my appreciation, I will be having a giveaway. The following products, of course all random items, will be awarded to one lucky reader (Be sure to check out the links for product info.):

Urban Decay Brow Box

Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Lotion

DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners

Kerastase Thermique Leave-in Heat-Activated Reconstructing Milk for Weakened Hair

Einstein Lip Therapy 

Lisa Hoffman Spa Facial Packette

To be entered for this contest, please leave me a comment describing what you would like me to blog about. It can be general if it is something you don't think I have ever covered, or more specific if you'd like. 

One winner will be chosen on Saturday, January 17. 

Good luck--and thanks again for your support!!

Contest only open to continental U.S. residents and those in Canada. Sorry to everyone else, I never do this, but I am doing the shipping myself on this one.

Photo credits: Urban Decay, Neutrogena, CybeleSays, Kerastase, LipTheory, Lisa Hoffman

Celebrate New Years Eve in Style

With the new year approaching, it's about that time to start shopping for the perfect outfit (if you haven't found one already).  Forever 21 has some great party dresses, all under $30. Strapless, sweetheart busts seem to be the way to go. Shades of blue are also very chic for the holiday.

Kristiana Satin Dress 

$27.80

Fab Chiffon Bubble Hem Dress

$14. 50

Belle Satin Dress

$22.80

Photos courtesy of: Forever 21

Merry Christmas

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Enjoy family, friends, food, and everything else you have to be thankful for. 

For those of you who celebrate other holidays, I wish you the same joy during this wonderful season!

Photo courtesy of: FreeFoto.com

The Hills...Right in My Backyard...Sort of

Last night watching The Hills, it really hit me how “in the middle” of it all I am. Since I work in West Hollywood (and have an amazing view of the Hollywood Hills!), I am surrounded by the places seen on the show each week.

Last night, for example, the ladies of The Hills went to the SLS Hotel for the grand opening party. That hotel is a 5 minute drive from my work. SBE, Heidi’s place of employment, is about 5 minutes away as well. And the street that they showed Lauren walking down to get to a hair salon before the SLS party is the same street I work on (it’s a pretty small street), that leads to Melrose.

Plus, the famous club that Lauren and Heidi had their big blowout at about two seasons ago, Area, is like 2 minutes from my work. (p.s. I went there for a fashion show and wasn't that impressed. Wasn't diggin' the grandma's basement feel.)

It’s all pretty exciting!

On The Hills After Show Lauren’s big surprise announcement was that the show will continue on, despite the rumors that she is over it. I wasn’t too shocked since she’s gotten where she is in fashion due to her celebrity…not because young women would otherwise pay $100 for a plain T-shirt.

As far as the After Show ensembles, some looked amazing (Heidi), while others just looked horrid (Whitney). I’m sorry, I know that she now resides in The City and NY is fashion-forward, but the hippie love child trend is one better left in the past. Just my opinion.

Photos courtesy of: MTV and Barberqrecors.blogspot.com

Melrose Merchandise

Over the weekend I went shopping on Melrose, an LA street known for fashionable boutiques like Ed Hardy, Fred Seigel, Betsey Johnson, Peoples Republic, and others. I was accompanied by my friend Elana of Diary of a Personal Shopper who suggested we visit Wasteland, a vintage shop that also buys high-end clothes. I was all in for selling my Seven Jeans that I have never worn, unfortunately they weren't interested. They also passed on Elana's Mark Jacobs, Gucci, and Louis Vutton items. Apparently they weren't looking for our items or those brands?

Despite the rejection from the Wasteland sales associate, we continued on our journey. Since I was with a personal shopper, I was lucky to have her thoughts and suggestions as I looked for an outfit that I could wear to an LA suburb club that night for a friend's birthday. because of time constraints, I didn't find anything. But I did get a grasp of just how big the flannel trend currently is on the West Coast. (Head over to Diary of a Personal Shopper to learn more.)

While walking down the street we did get a bit excited to lock eyes with former NSYNC hottie JC Chasez. It's always fun to have a celeb sighting. I must say though, the former boy band member is looking a little rugged with the facial hair he's currently got goin' on.

Oh and p.s. you will find little to no public restrooms on the street. Make sure to make a pit stop pre-Melrose =)

Photos courtesy of: pe.com and Photobucket

Britney Spears in Concert!

Today I bought Britney Spears tickets as a Christmas gift for my friend Sarah and I am actually pretty excited. Although I am not a "real fan" of the pop princess, I am starting to be. As I have blogged before, her meltdown gave me a new found respect for her.

(Click above to find tickets in your area)

Brit's tour, named "Circus" just like her album, is sure to be an amazing show. In fact, tickets were selling out so fast for the Los Angeles area that two additional shows were added (which I imagine happened across the country). I was lucky enough to get tickets for one of those added dates. 

Although she explained in her MTV documentary that she never left and doesn't feel like this is a comeback, I hope that this stage in her career goes well and that she succeeds. I'm certainly routing for her!

From what Ticketmaster has explained, the seating for the event will be set up with a round stage, in essence like a circus would be. Hopefully that translates to visibility for all fans.

What is everybody thinking of her latest single "Circus?" I really like the chorus, even more than "Womanizer" I think. Take a listen:

So anyways, the show is in April at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. I'll be sure to fill everyone in on the details!

Topshop

Reading my fellow bloggers posts, I have become a bit familiar with Topshop. I hadn't even heard of the store until this year, and I have never purchased any items, but I do like to browse. The shop is more popular in non-US countries, like Europe, because that is wear they are located (although a flagship store is opening in NY). Also, you can't return items purchased online if you live in several countries, one of which is the States which makes it hard to buy items.

Since I am weary of making clothing purchases online, I will just admire from afar for now. Here are some amazing items found online on Topshop:

Upon seeing this Silk Tie Dress, priced at $125, I fell in love =)

This Knitted Sequin Frill Cardi is on sale for $40 and is quite a steal!

Kate Moss has collections at the shop and they are pretty great...

Has anyone from the US made any online Topshop purchases? If so, how was your experience?

Photos courtesy of: Topshop