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.

I don’t know about you but I am ready for Spring in a big way. And there’s nothing that makes me feel happier than sunshine and bright colors. The it color for Spring ’08 is cobalt blue. You’ll see it on handbags, tops, dresses, skirts and shoes. If it’s blue, it’s hot … or cool?

If you like to plan ahead, stock up all things blue right now. So when the clouds break you’ll be ready to go. Or, be daring and get a head start on Spring. Wear blue to brighten up a cold winter day.

Gustto Farebbia Bag
ShopBop.com

Sweet Robin Alexandra Top
ShopBop.com

Jovovich-Hawk Zoe Dress
ShopBop.com

Metallic Python Handbag
Intermixonline.com

Splendid Modal Lycra Dress
IvyBlue.com

Rory Edelman Blouse
RevolveClothing.com

Belisi Blue Ice Silk Scarf
Belisi.com

Unique ways to wear scarves

Caitlin Dowd (actress Bonnie Sommerville) of the hit show Cashmere Mafia proudly sported a growing trend of wearing silk scarves around the wrist. In the episode "Conference Call", Ms. Sommerville sported a silk scarf around her wrist. All of these ladies are trend setters. This fashion forward cast is all about playing up their female assets with sexy skirts and bold accessories like scarfs, gloves, bracelets, necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and statement-making Gucci handbags. What I love about this show is that each character's storyline is interesting, without any character outshining the other (at least not yet anyway). Comparing the wardrobe from the upcoming Sex & the City movie to that of the Cashmere Mafia make the SATC ladies look like they're shopping last season's sample sales. Oh and Women's Murder Club? Forget about it. 

::A.Covington for Belisi Fashions

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.

Remember that canary yellow baby doll dress? Yes, the one that looked great in the window at the little boutique on the corner. The one that still looked great neatly folded in the shopping bag and then displayed on your bed next to your new Christian Louboutin stilettos. Yes, that one that made you look like you made a dress out of the fluorescent lighting at the DMV.

Whether you're ready for it or not, fall is right around the corner and stores are gearing up for the dip in temperature. Stores are stocking up on the cutest boot styles for the upcoming seasons. Here's what you can expect:

It's bootie time! Okay, mind on fashion please. Booties are sort of like truncated versions of taller boots-lopped off at the ankle. Think stylish Mary Poppins (with a few extra inches on the heel).

This summer is all about bright, playful colors and patterns. For women, everything is casual—even work clothes are lighter and brighter. The generational influences run the gamut of 50s glam to 70s bohemian to 80s rocker.

Tunics and free flowing tops rank high on the wish list for summer, like this fluid empire top from Nordstrom .

For tops, dresses and skirts it’s all about thick stripes, modern geometric patterns and nautical themes. For a re-interpretation of the bold stripes look, I like this Ella Moss dress.

If you haven't heard, letting it all show is the in thing right now (and I'm not talking about all those super short skirts and daisy dukes). Clear bags, bangle bracelets, shoes and shades are accessories you can't live without for spring and summer. While plastic may have seemed cheap before, it's now the chicest accessory in Hollywood. Lucite (crystal) jewelry and shoes are especially hot. 

Okay, so it's no secret that The Gap has struggled to reinvent itself. While I can't speak to what's in the works for its next advertising campaign (please no rappers, aging rockers, or bubblegum popsters parading around in hoodies and Gap jeans); things are changing at a Gap near you.

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!

For the past few seasons we've seen a battle for dominance among divergent trends, namely post-grunge edgy rocker, ubran prep, modernized romantic, bohemian free spirit and ghetto-fhab-ulous. They've all held pace but with Spring comes change and a desire for a softer look. I think people simply get tired Fof in-your-face fashion after a while, or maybe the designers stop and shake their heads at their own creations. Surprisingly metallics are still going strong but collections are promising a more subdued line of golds, pewter and bronze footwear.