Ten trends in 2010.

OK so you officially have forty-eight hours until 2010. And while you are still trying to solidify plans as to where you will be counting down the New Year, allow me to give you a little sneak peek to some trends you will fall head over heels with in the year of the Tiger. (And I don't mean Woods, let's hope his year is a little less... public.)

So in case you've forgotten all the post Fashion Week analysis from last February, we'll recap the top ten.

1 Slouchy pants
Not to be confused with the dropped crotch harem pants of two springs ago, these beauties have more fabric in the hips, which means they complement all shapes and sizes. Just be sure to pair it with a slim top to avoid frumpiness.

2 Layers, layers, layers
This is a trend we are seeing stick from season to season, but remember it should be used in moderation. (Seriously, it will save you from constantly doing laundry.)

3 Top colors for spring
Pantone, the official voice on color, awarded turquoise the prize for the color this spring, but other hues to keep in mind are tomato puree (reddish pink), fusion coral (coral) and violet.

4 Abstract prints
If the fashion trends for spring are any indication to when this recession will pass, it looks like we are almost out of the woods. The once black-dominated seasons are gone, and now it’s time to sport some wild styles.

5 Asymmetrical lines
Look for unusual cutouts and one-shoulder styles this spring. You might be exposing some skin that hasn’t seen the light of day in quite a long time.

6 Romance and poetry
Evening wear takes on a softer side this season with mainly neutral colors and styles that move and flow with your night.

7 Sexy hair
Stick straight is out. And curls can take a hike. This season is sexy, tossed waves. And, of course, big hair is still — always — in.

8 Texture
That’s right, friends, no joke. Whether it’s feathers or faux fur, add some 3-D styles to your wardrobe.

9 Leisure dressing
If this spring season boasts anything, it’s to dress with comfort and style.

10 Metallic
If you’ve planned a “girl’s night out,” be sure to pick up a top that’s got some shine and is rather reminiscent of the ’80s. Note: Just one or two pieces like this is advised. Don’t go nuts.

Pick a color. Any color.

Pink. Blue. Yellow. Orange. Lavender. Maroon. Magenta. Pomegranate.

What do all these colors have in common? They are colors that rarely make an appearance in our closet.

If it's a sweater, we chose black. If it's a dress, we choose black. Heck, even if it's underwear, we choose black.

But why? Why is it that adding a little variety to our closet is something we are just not comfortable with? And I guarantee even when we opt to shop outside the shades and pick a pink cardigan or yellow skirt, they are only shoved to the back of our closet and now labeled as that dreaded "impulse buy."

At first I blamed it on our country's ever growing waist line. It's a commonly known fact that black makes us all look slimmer. And when we are working almost 60 hours a week, keeping up with friends or tending to a house and family, the last chore on the list (and commonly skipped) is getting our workout in. So instead, we wear black.

But wearing all black? Everyday? From head to toe? Really? It's seems rather morbid. And sad. So I had another thought...

The Recession.

There's no doubt we are in one. Our nightly news reports, monthly investment statements and watercooler talk with fellow employees confirms that times are tough — no matter who you are. And since times are tough and moral is down, our closets represents our mood. Black.

That's my take on it. Or at least it's the one with the most promise. Because then it means this excessive amount of black in our closet will pass once the recession does.

However, I am posing a challenge to shoppers everywhere starting today. BUY COLOR.

Because one way to kick this recession in the butt is to not let it affect you emotionally.

Instead acknowledge it's here. Acknowledge that a lot of people you know are out of work. And acknowledge that you can't really afford to do the things you have done before and that makes you sad. But you won't let on that it bothers you that much by the way you dress.

So buy that pink sweater. Or red cardigan. Or periwinkle blue blouse. In fact, buy one for yourself AND someone else! Spread the love. Spread the color. Spread your mood.

Sianara trench coat.

The season's first snowflakes arrived in Chicago today. Like all first snows it was quiet and still and rather poetic. It was a classic first snowfall of the season: The flakes are huge and fluffy and the snow showers are sporadic. And most importantly everyone was commenting on how pretty it was.

Even I mentioned how pretty it was as it fell on my trench coat while running errands during lunch. But I am not sure what was more surprising for me today, the snow or the fact that it was snowing and I was still wearing a fall trench coat. If I had any doubts about when it was time to retire that gem for the season Mother Nature certainly cleared that up for me today.

So when I got home my trench coat went straight into the dry cleaning pile, and I opened up my closet to see what the winter coat situation was. After about 26 seconds I realized I needed a new one.

And now this is where I resent the first snowfall of the season because I love my trench coat. It's your standard black, double buttoned, high collared (which you know I pop up all the time), belted and has the button loops on either shoulder. It's very double agent. In fact, I could probably pass for Syndey Bristow any given night.

Side Note: While it's not my dream trench. It's very mysterious and it was in my price range. Unlike my dream trench, the coveted khaki Burberry (See above photo), which I will one day own but certainly not for a long time.

So now I am in the market for a winter coat for the 2009-10 season. Here's what's on my list:

Short classic pea coat
While I haven't had this style for quiet some time (and occasionally wonder which boy's house I left my last one at during winter '06) I know it's not a wise investment because once January rolls around the arctic Chicago wind will be a bitter reminder of why they are cute but not practical.

Long and lean
This could be an easy sell. It means I could continue my love for the trench into the winter and find a stealth-esque wool version. However, the price point on these tends to be high and Christmas is this month. If I start saving now, I should be able to sport one next year.

Do the down
Now I already have a long down coat, but I've had it for about five years. Overall, it's one of my top choices. It's super durable and hella warm, because it basically covers every inch of your body. Sure it's not the sexiest coat, but I am a firm believer that in extreme cases (Ei. Chicago in February) it's OK to sacrifice style for warmth. And I could get one with the fur around the hood to sex it up a bit. But then there's that whole PETA thing...

So what's it gonna be? Maybe it will be a mild winter and the pea coat will work perfectly. Or perhaps I will win the lottery soon and then I can buy myself a Burberry wool trench. (Oh God, I might die of excitement just thinking about it!) Or I can learn to get over the whole murdering cute, furry animals thing just to parade around in style.

OK so my to do list for tomorrow:
1. See what the Farmer's Almanac has to say about this winter.
2. Buy several lotto tickets from various locations around the city.
3. Cancel my PETA membership.