Stay fresh and keep it light this winter in pale pink and gray garments. Pink is incredibly flattering on pale winter complexions and gray is the new black this season!

A MUST HAVE: gray skinny jeans. Pair your skinnies with a light gray t-shirt and loose fitting pink sweater, or go monochromatic and wear gray on gray (my favorite look of the season). For those of you residing in arctic climates, opt for a head-to-toe wool outfit, like these matching Alice+Olivia wool sweater and pants - cozy, warm and fashionable. Change up your holiday party style and wear a graphic t-shirt tucked into a puffy pink skirt - says I'm cute and I'm here to party!

Items pictured: Available at NET-A-PORTER - DKNY Feathered/Silk Skirt in Pastel Pink, J. Crew Cashmere Sweater in Pale Pink, Rag & Bone Light Gray T-Shirt, J Brand Dark Gray Skinny Jeans, Available at Shopbop -  ElevenParis T-Shirt, Available at ALICE+OLIVIA - Alice+Oliva Oversized Cashmere Cardigan and Knit Pants.

The Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes, France just became one of my favorite streets to shop. Boulevard de la Croisette is a mere 3 km lined with premiere shops, hotels, restaurants and casinos. Oh and it happens to run along the Mediterranean Sea and overlooks hundreds of fabulous yachts. It is so beautiful, quaint and special - it's almost too perfect! 

The premiere designer shops are small box-like stand alone stores. I have never seen a shopping district like this before. Premiere designer stores are usually very large and impressive from the street view, but the stores in Cannes were small and quaint. Even more surprising was the service I received from the sales personal (and store security); everyone was friendly! This is not common in most premiere designer stores. The sales people at Louis Vuitton and Fendi were welcoming, attentive and provided exceptional service. It makes your shopping experience so much better when people treat you nicely - and you're more likely to return to that location in the future *something all sales personnel should keep in mind. 

I always visit the premiere designer district in every city, even if only for a coffee and to watch the shoppers go by. The Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes has left an impression on me - I'm already talking about visiting again next summer! 

Take advantage of beauty sample programs - it's a great way to try new products at no cost. Most stores that sell cosmetics offer samples and if they don't, ASK! I'm sure they have samples hidden behind the counter. Sephora has a great sample program. Sign-up to become a Sephora Beauty Insider and based on how much you spend throughout the year you may graduate to VIB or VIB Rouge. Each level grants you gifts, samples, promotions and beauty classes. Of course, the higher the level, the more rewards you will receive. You can also use your points to purchase gift sets comprised of deluxe samples from high-end brands.

Not interested in trying new (random) products - collect the samples anyway and make little beauty gift bags for your friends. They will luv it!

Being someone who has studied fashion, thrives on fashion trends and blogs about fashion, even I'm confused and pose the question, "Is everything on trend this season?" What's the point of reporting trends, if practically everything is popular right now? I read magazines and browse the internet regularly to keep in the know about fashion trends. I feel like if one were to compile all the trends every magazine and fashion site were reporting this month, anything goes! It would be easier to report whats not on trend. This can be very confusing for women trying to keep up with fashion, not to mention expensive. Let's recap shoe trends for fall 2014 - running shoes, chunky heels, pointed toe pumps, metallic shoes, slip-ons, combat boots, over the knee boots, oxfords, smoking slippers, statement shoes...the list goes on and on.

There are few new trends this season, like oversized pastel coats, structured garments, and running shoes worn with everything from casual daywear to dresses and tailored looks, but everything else is just past trends re-visited. I'll admit, I do covet some of histories trends, like folkloric fashion and androgyny from the eighties, but I'd like to see something new and exciting. I want to feel inspired by fashion. Like most of you, I am left sifting through the exuberant amount of fashion "must haves" and trying to find something that stands out. I guess the takeaway here is anything goes! 

I realize I am contradicting myself as a fashion blogger. Normally, I would spend too much money on clothing and accessories for fall, and by the time the leaves change all of these trends will be out. This season, I'm gonna take a break, explore my closet and opt for a style that is my own. 

I'm an avid on-line shopper! I make 85% of my fashion and cosmetics purchases on-line, rather than visiting malls or shopping street side stores. Shopping on-line is superior to in-store shopping mostly due to the vast selection and ability to search for items unavailable in your area. 

On-line apparel and accessory sites like Shopbop and NET-A-PORTER publish lookbooks that showcase items from various designers/labels together - it's like having a personal stylist. The photos provided for each item allow you to see how the garments fit and which items to pair it with. Clothes look better on a model than on a hanger.. I luv lookbooks! Magazines are also a great media for inspiration and list every item, so you can search the internet and purchase anything that is published. Harpers Bazaar magazine has launched an on-line shopping site that allows readers to browse and purchase many of the items in the magazine. My fashion inspiration often comes from magazines and lookbooks.

My morning ritual consists of coffee and browsing on-line shopping sites. First on my list is Shopbop. This site carries many of my favorite designers/labels and posts new items each day. Shopbop stylists have great taste and showcase different brands together well. There is a section under each item "wear it with" that allows you to recreate the outfit pictured. Shopbop also publishes great lookbooks daily. They currently have 862 brands (I counted), such as Alice + Olivia, Phillip Lim, Elizabeth and James, as well as premiere designer names like Saint Laurent and Marchesa. Shopbop has a vast selection to suit everyones personal style. Shopbop has free shipping and returns. Included in your package you will find a prepaid return label that ensures a free return if you send the item back within seven days of receiving it. This allows you enough time to try on your items and decide whether you will keep them. 

I recently discovered NET-A-PORTER and quickly became obsessed with browsing the new arrivals, the magazine's page, and the stylish combinations of apparel and accessories showcased listed under "how to wear it". Each item has photos from many angles, up close so you can see the material and full body shots. What sets NET-A-PORTER apart are the videos posted next to each item showcasing the look. NET-A-PORTER has brands I haven't seen on another on-line shopping site, like Kate Moss for Topshop, and high brands such as Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler. If anything, this site will inspire you!

For premiere designer items my go-to on-line shopping site is Shop Bazaar. If I had to sum up this site in one word - trendy! There are currently 330 brands including Burberry Prorsum, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, The Row... It's designer apparel and accessories heaven! There is a "In the Magazine" page featuring items from the latest edition, as well as a "Trends" page for current fashion inspiration. 

Reminisce a traditional time in Russian, Eastern Europe and Native American history. The return of historic folk costume gives you a sense of romanticism and a feeling of warmth.

Folk Luxe fashion is inspired by cultures from around the world. The nostalgic trend is comprised of ethnic prints in black, brown, orange, yellow, red and cream. Knits made from alpaca, mohair and wool blends were seen all over the runways for fall 2014. Folk fashion is about mixing prints and patterns, layering, and vintage accessories. Ikat and forest animal prints dominate this trend - the traditional imagery comprised of warm colors portray culture and sentiment. Express your joyful sensibility in owl, fox and deer prints.

Visit NET-A-PORTER.COM and browse the shearling vests, ponchos and heavy knits in prints inspired by nations around the world. 

My most coveted trend for fall 2014 is loose garments with masculine characteristics. This androgynous trend is modern, sophisticated and intriguing. Androgyny is about mixing your feminine and masculine pieces. Opt for boxy and structured cuts, combined with a silk camisole in neutral colors; tailored pants with high heels, oxfords or sneakers and loose sweatshirts or a bomber jacket. This trend is about loose cuts, unisex garments and neutral colors. 

Ladies, you don't need to show off every curve to make a statement, so get rid of those skinny jeans and go for a modern, clean, androgynous look. Visit NET-A-PORTER.COM and browse their vast collection of tailored pants, sports jackets, sweaters, and masculine shoes for women. 

Faux Shearling mid-length coats in neutral and pastel colors are on trend for fall/winter. The voluminous silhouettes are luxurious and modern. Layer your soft faux shearling coat over a evening garment to show off your sophisticated style or wear with denim for a casual chic look. While neutrals are pretty and classic, opt for a pastel color, like pink or purple. These unexpected colors for fall/winter are feminine, stylish and on-trend.

Visit NET-A-PORTER.COM and browse the wide variety of faux shearling coats.

Floral prints and ornamentation are pretty, feminine and a must this summer.

The Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2014 collection showcased a variety of apparel and accessories featuring flowers in pastel colors, floral appliqués, and gorgeous feminine floral prints. I took my summer wardrobe inspiration from this show.. I'm drawn to anything floral! The Dolce & Gabbana floral print inspired by the almond tree can be found on many D&G garments, shoes, and bags. LOVE!

This Marchesa Marisol Floral-Embellished Suede Clutch encompasses many of this summers trends: appliqués, plastic embellishments and of course, flowers!