Making Her Claim to Fame

Fashion is always looking for the next big thing. And after last nights CFDA and Vogue Fashion Fund in New York, we may have found it.

Sophie Theallet, winner of $200,000 to help fund and develop her collections, as well as a year-long mentorship with fashion professionals, has a new collection that even the First Lady, Michelle Obama, has taken notice of.

Theallets signature is bohemian luxe seen through the eyes of a sophisticated couturier. Her clothes have a strong French accent, but exude a freedom of spirit that transcends all borders.

Theallet was first noticed by magazine editors in 2009 when she presented her Spring 2009 collection using only African American women. Since then she has made a name for herself on the New York fashion scene.

Sophie Theallet is a designer to definitely watch out for. Take a look through her collection I'm sure you will find pieces that are must haves for your spring wardrobe.

- Erin Jones

Nintendo Chic? Beer Bling?

Maybe it's just me, but I'm straight up bored with how homogenized and sterile accessories have become. Chunky necklace? Got it. Big earrings? Been there, done that. Cute T-shirts with artsy graphics and cute sayings? Well, I'm sure you can guess what's coming.

But never fear. Maybe it's the fact that the economy is in the tanker or maybe it's just that designers themselvs have gotten fed up recycling trends but there has been a trickle of truly inspired and creative designs making there way into the market.

Leave it to the artists. At Bambi Gallery in Philadelphia, you can purchase beer cap cufflinks which is a funky way to bring formal wear into the everyday wear realm. Warning: Lookout for the hipster who has to unbotton his sleeves to roll them up at the bar.

Tired of your drab, Pottery Barn sofa throw? Then check out New Hampshire-based designer Punzie who crafts pixel-quilted blankets, pillows, etc. that are straight out of your childhood video game memories.

And then there's hats, which are entirely underrated and underappreciated in my opinion. What better way to make a statement? In New York, Selima sells one-a-kind chapeaus that will run you far less than a Philip Treacy creation and you'll know nobody has your look.

Bust Out the Corsage: Prom Style is In

Of course, most people have probably suppressed their memories of Jessica McClintock gowns and make-out sessions with braces but while Spring may be tax season and allergy season, it's also prom time. Now, you probably aren't attending one of these crepe paper decorated and parent chaperoned functions this year but I must say, the prom look is definitely in for Spring.

Don't believe me? Then why would Camilla and Marc decide to drape and carnation it up on their new collection? Why would Alexander McQueen go for the funky Greek goddess look? And Preen's power bandage dress looks like what that cool girl with the blue hair in art class would have worn to the big dance.

And when it comes to accessories, it's almost as if designer's were channelling their inner Molly Ringwald. Vivienne Westwood, by far, has the most playful and affordable designs of the season. Her teddy bear necklace looks like the glammed up version of jewelry you would have borrowed from your best friend down the street.

So don't be afraid of big style this season. And when you hear the prom, don't think David's Bridal or some tragic rack at Macy's that looks like it was attacked by raging teenage girls (because it probably was). Think big, bold, and colorful with some flair and don't be afraid to to try to incorporate some of these elements into your day time look as well.

Dracula ... Again.

Most of us have read Twilight or have seen the various television shows that are a dime-a-dozen these days ... America, even the entire world, is ob-sessed with vampires! Yeah, yeah, we know the story - once you have gotten bit, you enter this extremely romanticized world of eternal life and beauty; that story's been around for centuries ... and it's showing NO signs of stopping! But nothing says living forever like sunglasses, right?

Designer Karen Walker, known to be somewhat of an extremist, is participating in a lookbook dedicated to the glorified creatures of the night; she literally is breaking out all of the stops - or in this case, fangs - for her Spring 2009 eyewear collection.

What's the lookbook's working title? Celebrate Sun. And I thought I've heard it all...