School girl, schmool girl—this isn’t your throwback to Britney Spears circa 1998, nor is it a tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers era Seattle grunge wear; spring is turning up the volume on plaid print, and it’s all new, all now, chic and playful. You can go practical and choice a button-up top and check plaid off your list—but why?? when there are so many new ways to wear it. We’re not kidding when we say—you haven’t seen plaid like this before—but after this we think you’ll want to see more. Here’s the newly minted take on this traditional pattern, as seen from the fresh eyes of spring 2011’s hottest designers:

Edgy squared

Think plaid’s got an overly innocent vibe? Not when it’s studded and striped like this trend-forward, mesh clutch from Lane Bryant at Inland Center ($190). Denounce your girly reputation when you pair this with the season’s muted neutrals during your next table-top for two night out.

Perked up patterns

Revive old looks with new ideas–florals and plaid forge new ground when mixed over spring’s full skirts. Pair with a fitted and tucked-in t and a strappy wedge for a warm weather showstopper. This eye-catching pick is from Anthropologie at The Oaks ($98).

Plaid to be had

We’re all in a twist about swimwear’s sexy take on the plaid one piece this season. From vivaciously bright hues, to this version’s twist on tribal—plaid’s got us percolating for more this spring. We snapped this up from Anthropologie at The Oaks ($298).

Pretty Prints-ess

A little sparkle never hurt anyone—get glamorous in the new metallic plaids. Traditional tartan or a modern fade, a little shine can transform a simple T and your style. Our new favorite top is Burberry from Nordstrom at Los Cerritos Center ($150).

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).

Menswear this fall is all about putting a twist on classic looks. Photo Credit: The Fashionables.

Now that fall has arrived, men out there need to update their wardrobes. The military look, which is ever popular this year, as well as plaid and cardigans, which are already favorites of  Usher, Joe Jonas and Pharrell Williams,  all play a large part in fashion for men this fall. Tailored jackets and combat boots, are also big players this season and have already been spotted on celebrities like Will Smith, and Hayden Christensen. Many looks this upcoming season are updates of past trends with a new flair. Here at Style Seen Daily we want to bring you some key trends to look for when sprucing up your cold weather wardrobe.

Tailored Jacket

This Perry Ellis velvet blazer, $150, is a great addition to any man's wardrobe this fall. Photo Credit: Esquire.com.

An essential trend this fall for men is the tailored jacket or blazer, and not just any blazer. A velvet blazer is the jacket of choice this season for men. This luxurious fabric can add just the right amount of dapper to any man’s wardrobe. Though velvet isn’t usually seen in menswear, it can easily be worn over an oxford shirt or paired with a pair of jeans for a well-polished look. The Perry Ellis velvet blazer is a great one to spruce up an outfit during those cool autumn months.

Actor Will Smith wearing a velvet blazer on the red carpet.

Style Seen Daily spotted Will Smith wearing a velvet blazer on the red carpet. We love this blazer because it adds some flair to the classic suit look.

Plaid

Joe Jonas at the 2010 Do Something Awards sporting a plaid shirt. Photo Credit: Deepwarriors.com.

Plaid, which always seems to pop up  during cool autumn months, is making a major comeback in menswear this fall. Although plaid is typically seen on items like flannel shirts, this season it is making an appearance in a whole new way on neckties, sweaters, and even computer cases.  Celebrities like Joe Jonas have already been seen going mad for plaid.

The John W. Nordstrom Silk Tie is available at Nordstrom stores for $75. Photo Credit: Nordstrom.

The John W. Nordstrom silk tie is a great piece to add some style to your office look. This plaid tie is available at Nordstrom stores for $75.

The Cardigan

Polish off any look with the BOSS Orange 'Wait' Waffle Knit Cardigan, priced at $195.

Another huge menswear trend this season is the cardigan. Cardigans are such a versatile piece of any wardrobe and come in all sorts of styles that can be worn in many different ways. This fall brands such as, BOSS, have updated the cardigan for men to give it a more  polished look. This classic piece can easily be paired with jeans for a casual look or worn with slacks and carried into the office.

Rapper and Producer Pharrell Williams was spotted in a key item for men's fashion this fall, the cardigan.

Pharrell Williams, spotted in a white cable-knit cardigan, pairs this classic sweater with jeans for a casual, yet sophisticated look.

Military

This military inspired look was one of many that graced the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 Runway.

The military look has been seen all over runways for the Fall 2010 season, and menswear is no exception for this key trend. Pieces like aviator jackets and utility pants in an array of greys and blues are essential parts of this trend. This look can easily be dressed up or down and incorporated into many different styles. Pair a sleek military-style jacket with dark jeans and a sweater for an outfit that is simple and nostalgic, yet still masculine.

These Converse by John Varvatos 'Chuckin' Military Pants, priced at $145, are great military-inspired item for men this fall. Photo Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue.

Check out these Converse by John Varvatos military pants that availabe at Saks Fifth Avenue for the perfect addition to your military look.

Singer Usher creates a suave look here by pairing this military style jacket with dark wash jeans.

Usher is red carpet ready in this military-inspired jacket that we spotted him in. We love how his dark jeans and black t-shirt complete this polished look.

Men Shoe Must Have:  Combat Boots

Hayden Christensen wearing a pair of All Saints military boots to complete his rugged look. Photo Credit: Upscale Hype.

No wardrobe is complete without a great shoe and for men this season it’s all about boots. Combat boots and aviator-style utility boots are big for fall. These shoes come in a variety of styles, from military to motorcycle boots, that can match any sense of style. Actor Hayden Christensen was recently spotted in Los Angeles wearing a pair of All Saints military side zip boots that are right on trend.

These All Saints Military boots are the perfect addition to any man's wardrobe for fall. Photo Credit: All Saints.

Check out the All Saints Military boots to finish off any outfit this fall.

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Guess, $108, Los Cerritos Center.

Push aside your florals for the moment and pull out your plaid—it’s a defining print of the season—and the season is here.  This versatile pattern is “it” and it’s anything but square; wear it out-there and edgy, laid-back and lounge-y, or cultured and refined—just wear it.  Take note of the general rule of prints however, that applies with plaid as much as any other: match your check size to your body shape.  If you are lanky, go big and go bold, in size and hue; if you are petite, the large checks will overwhelm your frame and look out of proportion, so stick to more subtle small patterns in softer colors.

Here are some of our favorite plaid pieces we’ve seen this fall—let them be an inspiration for your own fall shopping:

Check Yourself (Before You Wreck Yourself).

As fall sweeps in, you’ll see plaid in places you weren’t expecting as designers get creative with this still popular print.  Here’s one fresh take on it from Guess at Los Cerritos Center—a boyfriend blazer with a subtle plaid imprint, for $108.

Ralph Lauren at Bloomingdale’s, $128, Santa Monica Place.

No Kilts Allowed.

Fight for feminine in this often androgynous pattern.  Look for cuts that flatter your shape or opt in to a full-skirted dress and get girlie.  This sophisticated version is from Ralph Lauren at Bloomingdale’s in Santa Monica Place ($128).

JCPenney, $10.80, Lakewood Center.

Grunge-Free.

Throw out the shapeless numbers from the 90s grunge-era.  You can get comfy without being cloaked in fabric.  Look for traditional plaid shirts, but find the few that carve out a waistline and hug your curves.  This one is form fitting without being snug; JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($10.80).

JC Penney, $10.80, Lakewood Center.

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The Hollywood Domino tournament took place Sunday at The Edison Ballroom in New York City. A spot in the tournament went for $2500 — and all proceeds went to The Art of Elysium.

The stars dressed their best and came out in full force to support this great game launch and charity by.  Salma Hayek, Kim Raver, Ali Larter, Molly Sims, Jason Lewis, hotelier Jason Pomeranc, photographer Randall Slavin and co-founders Inge Theron & Daya Fernadez hosted hundreds of guests.

We will have a Style Seen Daily exclusive video up in our TV section soon.   For now, click on the pictures below to see who came out and what they wore — statement necklaces, jewel tones, lace, plaid, black and white dresses, 30′s inspired fringe gowns and men in crisp black on black suits were spotted on the red carpet and in the party.

Co-founders of Hollywood Domino Inge Theron and Daya Fernandez. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker)

About The Art of Elysium

The Art of Elysium was founded in 1997 by Jennifer Howell and celebrated its 10 year anniversary in January of this year. The organization encourages working actors, artists, and musicians to dedicate their time and talent to children battling serious illnesses by visiting the child at a hospital or clinic. Based on the notion that encounters between critically ill children and artists will change both lives forever, The Art of Elysium has been able to help over eighteen thousand children in 2007 alone.www.theartofelysium.org

Hollywood Domino

Hollywood Domino is the original table game created in Hollywood and played by the stars. The classic game of dominos was given a new twist when A-listers such as Demi Moore, Penelope Cruz, and Charlize Theron began playing dominos with their own “house rules”, creating Hollywood Domino.  February 2008 saw the first Hollywood Domino tournament in Los Angeles, where Charlize Theron was crowned domino champion.

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