Rockin' Betsey Johnson

Her logo is a hot pink lip print. That will tell you all you need to know about Betsey Johnson. She is all about feminine figures, glittery pumps, and clutches with big satin bows. Johnson knows what girls like, and she apparently has not forgotten, seeing as she is in her 60s at the moment. Her puffy, full skirted mini-dresses are fun, floaty and reminiscent of the 1950s. These tend to be popular among the younger consumers in their teens and twenties, while the older crowd opts for her mid-calf length dresses and line of purses. Many people in recent years have begun to know who Johnson is due to her highly marketed "Betseyville" handbags sold in cheap retail stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. However, it does not make them any less quality or less fashionable. It has just brought Johnson's styles to a more mainstream place, which has gotten her a great deal of business. From young to old, Betsey Johnson has maintained popularity and relevance in the fashion world with her fun, whimsical styles.

Chanel Fall-Winter

Looking fabulous in the Alaskan tundra never seemed possible until now. Chanel, the classy and sophisticated haute couture designer, has taken a step aside from their almost preppy fashions for their Fall-Winter 2010/11 Ready-To-Wear line. If there was one word to describe this bold collection, it would be: furry. The knee high Sasquatch boots which have looked hideous paired with other styles, fit in flawlessly with the thick coats and short tribal skirts. Even though these looks are called "Ready-To-Wear" many will argue that this is not true. Much like other big, audacious fashions none will actually ever wear them for a night on the town, but that is not what this kind of fashion is all about. It is about pushing boundaries and to show people things they have not yet seen in the world of apparel. Labels like Chanel do not want people to merely dress themselves. They want them to be decorated.

Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) still got it

Everyone has seen Lady Gaga's video for "Bad Romance." After watching the video (and sitting in a daze for a while) many people have wondered who made those insane shoes? Well, the answer is none other than Alexander McQueen. After committing suicide in early February, McQueen still as popular as ever in the world of fashion. Some of his styles are thought to be too bizarre or costume-like by some, but to others, they are a breath of fresh air to the conventional clothing of some designers. McQueen's designs were worn by many celebrities who are fans of innovative, bold fashion such as Bjork, Kelis, and David Bowie.

McQueen has many different influences in his work, and yet makes them work together so harmoniously to create something that we as consumers have never seen before. He is one of my personal favorite designers because of his architectural, very structured style. A lot of edgy leather biker-chic styles are also incorporated into his designs, especially his jackets. His pieces could even be described as retro, with their full skirts, broad, padded shoulders, and hourglass shape. So if you want a little bit of old but a bigger bit of new, look no further than the late great Alexander McQueen.

Marchesa Resort 2011

Marchesa has a new Resort clothing line set to come out in 2011. There are some clear nods to traditional African and Indian garb, while still keeping their signature drapery and dramatic volume. The design is geometric and the colors are bold; fuchsia accented by golds, turquoise with beads, black and yellow triangular patterns. The turban headbands add a nice cultural touch, and is something new and trendy in the fashion world that is blowing up and reaching even mainstream stores. Look in a local American Apparel, and I can guarantee they will be there.

Marchesa is famous for their billowy asymmetrical dresses with large ruffles that look more like art pieces than actual wearable items. Many people (aside from supermodels and Lady Gaga) steer clear from this type of fashion fearing that they "can't pull it off" or that "the dress is going to wear them." However, Marchesa dresses are all about decorating yourself and being confident enough not to care about the opinions of others who don't understand the reasons behind your fashion statements. These dresses have been worn on the red carpet by countless celebrities and the critics have either loved them or hated them. There is no middle ground with a label like Marchesa.