Every new season is punctuated with a fresh new color palate, and this year is no different—except that the frontrunner for Spring is technically a non-color.  Startling, sparkling white was the favorite pet of almost every designer and whisks us into warmer weather by brightening up tops, lightweight dresses, handbags, and swimsuits—even denim.  With the racks awash in this crisp hue, we’re diving into the many ways to lead the way in this white hot revolution.  First though, this often overlooked shade has garnered a bad reputation, based on falsities and myths—so let’s clear the air and start with some great white tips that mustn’t be overlooked:

Lightweight. There is no truth to the idea that wearing white adds pounds—in fact, white can be perfectly slimming if one rule is followed:  the right fit.  Worn too big—white looks unnecessarily voluminous, slip into to something too snug and white will highlight your every bump or lump.  Make finding the middle ground a priority.

Sheer genius. White fabric is notorious for being unexpectedly sheer in the right light. Do your homework and check yourself from all angles, in daylight or under substantial lighting, to make sure when you’re sitting, standing, kneeling—that you’re adequately covering everything you intended to cover.

Under there. White is remarkably decisive when it comes to undergarments—only nude or flesh tones will do.  The closer you can match them to your natural skin tone, the better—no exceptions.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the heart of the matter—let’s get white washed:

White to Your Left

Like Dolce to your Gabbana –white is, to any other bright, the perfect match.  This spring is fast becoming a tribute to all things vibrant—from coral, to hot pink, to lemony yellow—make any color pop against a white partner.  Polish the look with neutral toned shoes and metallic accessories.  We found a great white blazer at Express in Lakewood Center ($98) and can’t wait to wear it against a tangerine top.

Blinded by the White

Can you wear too much white this year?  (The right answer is no).  Go head-to-toe for a monochromatic salute to high style.  Or, for a slightly more subtle take on this same look, pepper your whites with blush, off-white, cream and slight shades of tan for instant chic.  We adore the eyelet skirt from Francesca’s Collection at The Oaks ($38).

White On

Do a daring new denim; choose white and dip into the breezy 70s by pairing them with sheer, floaty tunics and blouses.  Choose a handful of wooden bangles, and your cork-heeled wedges to complete this 2011-style groovy look.  The trouser cut jeans from Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($89.50) say all the right things.

It’s a brand new season and perfectly pointed sunglasses are making a push for new shape of the year.  Don’t ditch your aviators or oust your oversized pairs, but make room on your accessories shelf for this re-emerging sexy throwback to glamour-filled style.      At every price point and just about every color—the tipped up corners perk up any look in a cinch and kick your style up a notch or three.   When worn with just about anything, these flares with flair are the go-to accessory to move your wardrobe into 2011.

Charlotte Russe ($5.00) Inland Center.

Bare Necessity Accessory. With $5.00 versions with sass at Charlotte Russe at Inland Center, there is no excuse to be late to invest in this “I’ve-arrived” style staple.   Get to the point and try on a pair with a little extra titillating tilt.

Kohl’s at Stonewood Center ($24).

Purr-fection. Pick your cat eyes carefully—choose the ones that suit you to a T.  Ultra girly?  Get your floral fix with a pretty printed pair.  Love clean lines?  Stand out in white shades.  Have a little edge to you?  Snatch up a pair with extroverted detail, like these chain laden tortoise shell ones from Kohl’s at Stonewood Center ($24).

Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($98).

In a round about way. Don’t beat around the bush—there is a shape out there for every face.  If being pointed turns you off, get right round baby, right round with this pair of subtly cat-ish shades from Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($98).

Tired of tartan? Think you can’t possibly do more plaid?  Think again—this smart print has been reinvented just for spring in shades of summer, and in fresh and unexpected new shapes—the perfect play on classic, yet utterly redefined.   We thought we were over it—until we saw the new looks hitting the floor for the season, and stopped to take pause.  Banish your private school skirt misconceptions—there is nothing scholarly about this checkered take on handbags, kitten heels, scarves and summer dresses when doused in punchy shades of cerulean, hot pink and lemony yellow.  We made off with a handful of our own have-to-haves:

Entrenched

Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($198).

Tame is lame.  Don’t try on a plaid bangle when you can take on the trend with more passion, and certainly more style.  Get bold with a fun new take on spring’s essential trench coat in muted nature-inspired neutrals sure to go with everything.  If you love this one too—you can find it at Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($198).

Check Her Out

Gap at Los Cerritos Center ($59.50).

We can’t and won’t promise that tricking out your summer dresses in precoscious plaid won’t be an attention getter.  It will.  Especially when you choose eye-catching strapless versions in an alluring ombre fade.  We can’t wait to layer a cardi over this one from Gap at Los Cerritos Center ($59.50).

Poolside Polish

from JCPenney at Stonewood Center ($19.99 and up).

No review of the finer points of springtime plaid with be complete without broaching the subject of beachwear.  You could wear solid colors—or you can chime in on chic and slip into this more lively alternative.  We beseech you to reconsider like we did when we spotted this tankini from JCPenney at Stonewood Center ($19.99 and up).

It’s that special time of year—not the holidays, obviously, but the time of year when you really just don’t know what type of weather you’re going to have.  It’s freezing and drizzling one day, and 90 degrees the next—how’s anyone supposed to keep up?  You may have your flip flops on as you’re reading this and think it’s a little batty to shop for coats, but chances are, sometime in the next week or so, you’ll be going back to that warmer jacket and bundling up.  We noticed this week that almost every place we love to shop has outerwear on sale—and because we love a great sale, and we know you do too—let’s talk about weathering the weather in style.

There have been several exciting new coat trends to emerge this year, and sale time is the best time to dip your toe in new trends.   Think bubbly bombers and shearling aviators, sleek camel coats, mega-hot military  styles, and our favorite—the oh-so fresh and cute cape coat.

We’re tagging on our top three this time around—but we’ve been crazy about all of the above this season.  Thank goodness there are so many days in a year—who can choose just one?

Take a peek at our picks and let us know what you’ve been hankering for:

Es-Cape

Macy’s at Westside Pavilion ($54.99 on sale now).

Ordinary is, well, just so ordinary.  Get away from the expected this year and reach for the adorably avant-garde in the form of a clever cape coat.    Tell me you don’t love the title of “trend-setter”.  We fell for this perky plaid coat from Macy’s at Westside Pavilion ($54.99 on sale now).

Parka Perfection

from Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($175).

Looking for a picturesque look for your around the town shopping or casual lunch dates?  Pick a parka and bask in cool understated style—these are the “oh I just threw this on” effortless pieces that lend to the air of being collected but never fussy.  We adored this version from Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($175).

Bombshell

JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($98.99 down from $330).

Move over Maverick—you’re not the only one that is smokin’ in high-flying style.  Choose a cropped leather bomber jacket or a shearling aviator and make a memorable trend maneuver. We vote for this shearling jacket from JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($98.99 down from $330).

Don’t let your presents be lost in the pile of holiday packages—give gifts that will long be favorites after the hustle and bustle of the holidays has past.  Yes, this takes extra thought and maybe even some research—what’s hot, what’s not and especially, what’s uber trend-worthy for 2010.  Oh wait, we’ve already done that for you.  Here’s your cheat sheet of what to get, where—take this shopping with you and call it a day.  We’re seeing more relaxing days in December in your future than ever before—and you’re welcome.

Hot for Him. Do him something handsome and pick a rugged I-just-lounged by the fire Fair Isle sweater, or, help him conquer the clutter with a charging station for his smart phone and other tech essentials.  If he’s been extra good this year, indulge him with that iPad he’s been eyeing from the Apple store at Los Cerritos Center ($499).

Haute for Her. Glamour is “in”; choose a decadent bejeweled cocktail ring, or help her make as statement this winter with a tailored velvet blazer.   And, get the nod of approval when she opens a pair of trend-forward studded leather gloves, like this pair we snagged from Banana Republic at The Oaks ($69.50).

Choice for the Children. If you truly want to be the favorite, treat them with a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop, and make them glow with a new cozy bedtime buddy like this rosy-nosed reindeer we spotted at The Shops at Montebello ($90.00 for the pair shown).  Also good for lighting up the little ones this holiday—write this down—anything Toy Story or Zhu Zhu related.

Keepers for the Kids at Heart. Some of us are technically above the age of 12, but on the inside—you wouldn’t know it.  For these perpetual Peter Pans, the new Kinectics game system is a video game dream come true, and “the” gift of the year.  Also sure-fire winners—remote controlled helicopters or a Star Wars themed cookie cutter or pancake mold set—we found ours at Williams-Sonoma in The Oaks (both $19.95).

Gotta Get These Gifts Under $25. Stocking stuffers of gifts for your cubicle mate—no matter—these grab-and-go gifts are where it’s at.   Pick up a re-useable coffee sleeve in designs for him or her,  look for a radio for the shower (who doesn’t sing while shampooing) like this mirrored version we saw at Macy’s at Inland Center ($24.99 on sale) or bag a few stackable bangles in neon brights or rhinestones.