Why does it seem like the fashion powers-that-be are always contradicting themselves? If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck ...

So one minute you have to match your handbag to your shoes and the next you absolutely should not perfectly match your accessories. It's a crazy world out there and who can keep all the fashion rules straight? They're always changing any way! Here are some fashion "DON'Ts" that are really fashions DOs!

Wear more than one pattern at a time

Obviously, you have to use some discretion here. You don't want to wear a leopard print dress with a zebra scarf. Choose a main pattern and let other patterns compliment it. Scarves, when worn correctly, are a great way to accent a great pattern on a dress or skirt. Actress like Kate Bosworth knows how to mix and match patterns.

While we haven’t seen piles of snow yet, the temps have dropped in many parts of the country. Even temperate climes get a little chilly at night--yes, even in California. Once the snowbanks bog us down, we often go from battling brute force winds to sweltering indoor heat. The best way to deal is by layering and choosing your accessories wisely.

This week's B List includes a fashion website that features hot new designers you won't find anywhere else, a stellar fashion blog, a killer clutch and a collection of comfy and stylish tops. Tune in next week to find out who makes the B List!

1. Ravinstyle.com

What it is: The leading online shop for emerging fashion designers. Founder Jill Licata shares her New York fashion savvy with women who want to stay ahead of the fashion trends.

What to keep and what to toss, donate, or relegate to the back of your closet

Leggings

There are a lot of trends floating around, and some of their staying power is surprising. Like leggings. They look good on virtually no one and yet the trend has persevered despite much backlash and skepticism. How can a style that so blatantly accentuates the calf and calls attention to ankles and the true height of the average American woman have endured for this long? Finally, the end is near my friends.

My moth er always told me that if you were around when the style debuted, chances are you shouldn't wear it when it comes back around. Not to date myself but I remember begging my mom for a pair of iridescent jelly shoes back in the day. And she said, "No." So this would probably exempt me from her second-time-around rule. But still. The reason she wouldn't let me wear them was because she thought they were bad for my feet, as in they would give me blisters and not provide the proper support. In all fairness my 4-inch stilettos don't offer much in arch comfort. Looking at this season's line-up of brightly colored 80s throwbacks, I think it's a trend best left to the girls who look good in leggings. And $100 for a pair of flimsy rubber? I think they cost $2 when I was a kid. That's a pretty big adjustment for inflation (but then again I never thought I'd paid over $200 for a pair of jeans). I just can't get into this style but that's what fashion is all about--individual expression. As for me, I'm fine with my ankle breaker platforms and wedges.

Belisi Fashions, Jupiter, FL

www.belisi.com

Remember the days when trends lasted one season? To be caught wearing last season’s “it” item was the Kiss of Death. Now we cross our fingers and hope that skinny jeans and metallics come back for encore performances. Well, we got our wish. And for those of us who love wearing dresses—even in the dead of winter—we can hold on to most of those too. Finally, the style mavens are cutting us some slack!

A Leg up on Leggings

You’ve probably noticed that leggings are back in a big way, so if you were holding out to make sure the trend caught on, now’s the time to catch up to the early adopters. According to Michelle Antonelli, design director of Cable & Gauge and Spenser Jeremy, wearing leggings can be tricky (and you thought it was as easy as one leg after another).

To avoid further confusion, Ms. Antonelli breaks it down for us.

How to wear leggings

• Pick an easy style dress in one of the new baby doll, a-line or trapeze shapes.
• Go soft by selecting a feminine printed georgette or an easy soft knit dress in a great color.
• Keep it simple by opting for a solid color legging in black or brown
• Keep it in proportion. Make sure the dress or top you select hits just at or above the knee. If you’re wearing a mini-dress, select Capri length leggings and a ballerina flat.
• Skip the hosiery and show off your ankles and the top of your foot by wearing a ballerina flat or colored pump.

Dressing up for the transition from winter to spring/spring to summer

Fashion divas hate to give up their favorite frocks, and fortunately layering is still a key trend, which allows us to wear make a smooth transition. Here are some simple tips from Ms. Antonelli on making your must-have dress span a couple of seasons.

Favorite Sheer Printed Dress: When the weather is chilly pair with a great turtleneck, tights and boots. When springtime arrives shed the layers and slip into a strappy metallic sandal with the great completer – an abbreviated length cardigan. For a super casual summer look, treat yourself to a fabulous pedicure and slip on your favorite flip flops.

Essential Sheath Dress: Layer a fine gauge long sleeve knit tee to give the essential dress a jumper look for winter. On a chilly spring day trade in the tee for a soft short sleeved tee or slip into a colorful topper jacket that is just about two inches above the hem of the dress. When it’s time to go sleeveless be sure to select a structured patent leather flat or go for a color or special detail like a bow or buckle. Jimmy Choo recently featured a rich red with vanilla trip and a bow that would be the perfect addition to the essential sheath dress.

Knit Dresses: Matte jersey dresses or separates can be your year-round friend. Pair with your favorite short cardigan a pair of warm and cozy tights. Many women find knits an essential addition to their travel wardrobe or for those in between days when Mother Nature hasn’t quite figured out what she’d like to do.

The Return of Metallic: How to Make It Work

According to Antonelli, if the runway is an indication of what’s here to stay, then metallics will be with us for yet another year. Designers have embraced shimmer and retailers are still hot for metallics, but how can we be on trend without blinding ourselves? Here are two quick tips to keep in mind the next time you reach for a metallic piece:

Find Your Shine: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Handbags, shoes, belts, Lurex sweaters and dresses in brocade or jacquard fabrics all feature different degrees of shimmer, from metallic glazes to simple touches of metallic, hardware details (grommets, buckles and rings) and two-tone trims. Cable & Gauge features gold metallic thread details and hardware in its nautical and classic neutral resort styles that can be worn from late winter and into spring. The summer line will also offer shimmery shells.

Opt for Simple Shimmer: Remember less is more when it comes to metallic and the trick to pulling off the luxe look is to pick one piece and let it shine. It’s easy to start at the top by selecting a metallic knit with a special detail like a kimono sleeve or a blouson shape and dress it up with a velvet skirt for cocktails or pair it with jeans for a casual look. Experiment and investigate this trend, it’s here to stay… at least for now.

Special thanks to Michelle Antonelli, design director of Cable & Gauge and Spenser Jeremy for her fabulous advice!

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

Update your wardrobe with jewelry

“A great way to update your wardrobe without depleting your budget is with accessories,” said Sara Rogers, trend specialist for Mall of America. “For women this includes belts, handbags, hoop earrings, leggings, big sunglasses, and chunky jewelry in gold pewter or copper.”

Fall Fashion also offers an entirely new color palette not seen for several seasons.  In addition to black, fall color schemes feature a combination of darks and neutrals, such as camel, taupe, black, chocolate brown and smoky grey accented with bright jewel like gold, teal, purple and red. 

With that in mind, dare to be bold this fall with vibrant jewelry. The Candy Couture line by La Bijou Belle Jewelry comes in succulent colors and bon-bon like shapes that look good enough to eat—but we wouldn’t recommend it (choking on a rhinestone, not a pretty picture). The hip and unique jewelry is already a hit with fashionistas, stylists, TV hosts, and celebrities. Fabricated out of vintage Lucite and semi-precious stones, get your candy at hot LA boutiques including Belle Gray and Miriam Claudette Jewelry in Sunset Plaza.

Staying true to the seriously feminine look, designers are looking to the some of the most romantic time periods for inspiration. Jewelry is no exception. Mixing vintage and contemporary beads Leanna Lin, a Los Angeles based jewelry designer, produces limited one-of-a-kind pieces that have a sweet, yet quirky and retro, vibe.   

Heavy Metal

It’s no surprise that metallics are in this fall but gold and copper aren’t the only metals making waves. Steel and titanium are hitting the shelves—and just as fast finding their way onto well-manicured fingers and delicate wrists around the world. I bet you never thought you’d wear jewelry made out of the same stuff used to make flagpoles É you know the one you stuck your tongue to in second grade?

"The alternative metal such as steel and titanium as well as colors such as five-stone jewelry are popular now,” said Udi Behr, a designer of the popular Love and Pride jewelry and Time for Peace watches. “But I advise my customers not to follow the trend that the industry makes, but to wear jewelry that expresses who you are.”

It’s always fun to watch the runway trends and emulate fashion models to some degree; your personal style signature should always have a unique element. As Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

Now you’re all dressed up and accessorized, or so you think. Watches not only tell you when you need to be at your next appointment, party or date, they tell the world that you’re on top of things—no flying by the seat of your embellished jeans for you. For watches, styles run the gamut. Depending on your wrist size and personal style preferences, feel free to wear what feels and looks good. All metals are popular, from gold to titanium, so there is no need to feel restricted. Slim bands, chunky bands, even leather, the choice is yours. You can even make a political statement with your timepiece. The Time for Peace watch is a bold Swiss-action, mineral crystal watch sporting a bright orange peace sign on the face with a matching orange leather strap.

Making it personal

Whatever your look--conservative, funky or oozing with sexuality--jewelry lets you personalize your wardrobe. Add a unique piece to any outfit and it becomes a signiture look. With a wide range of colors, styles, sizes and materials, there are limitless options for creating a style that is 100 percent you, and only you.

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions