These days, the greatest perk of having a boyfriend is having access to his wardrobe. Boyfriend jeans, boyfriend blazers, boyfriend shirts- taking the BF route is really where it’s at (when it comes to fashion at least!).

I have been on the prowl for the perfect boyfriend watch for a while now. The whole androgyny-chic trend has been going strong for a few seasons now and there is no greater way to inject your look with a bit of masculinity than with this must-have accessory. Whether you’re wearing a sweet ultra-femme frock, a sizzling cocktail dress, or jeans and a basic tee, an oversized man’s watch injects that perfect dose of irreverence that ups the cool quotient of any look.

I have searched far and wide for the best boyfriend styles out there. Read on to see what made my list! [continue reading…]

I have been a fan of blinding shades of blue for a while now and my love is still going strong. This color is undoubtedly striking, but not in that overly loud, obnoxious, kind of way that can leave you feeling paranoid and self-conscious. Unlike most bright colors, this one is actually flattering on almost every complexion and looks phenomenal set against all hair colors.

Plus, clashing is close to impossible . Pair your bold blue with anything from basic black and subtle neutrals to other bold shades like pink, yellow, orange, or red to glittery metallics. Whether it’s an electric blue dress like the Jenni Kayne one worn by Jessica Stroup, a skirt like Lauren Conrad’s bandage style or Lily Collins’ micro mini (both by BCBG), a tank, blouse, cardigan, jacket, and so on- this color is always a standout statement-maker.

Read on for my top 10 electric blue picks! [continue reading…]

I believe that a closet should contain multiple LBDs (aka Little Black Dresses). I mean, things like shape and silhouette make a difference when in comes to creating a look and I have yet to find a single LBD that can suit all my needs.

This season marked a major LBD comeback and our favorite closet staple now comes in a variety of styles- the micro mini, the backless, the plunging neck, the long sleeved, the cut-out, the leather, the lace. While this style staple was once synonymous with simplicity and considered the perfect foundation for statement-accessories, the new LBDs do all the talking and don’t require additional flourishes.

A not-so-basic LBD puts a definate end to the ubiquitous closet-full-of-clothes-and-nothing-to-wear predicament and can serve as your fool-proof go-to time and time again.

Check out  my top picks after the jump! [continue reading…]

The boyfriend blazer is without a doubt the number one fall- scratch that- year round must have. I have several boyfriend styles that I reach for time and time again. I’ll throw them over anything and everything- floaty dresses, skinny jeans and loose tees, mini skirts, denim cut-offs, the list goes on and on. There really is no more versatile item- look no further than the collage above for proof.

One thing to watch out for is too much volume, you don’t want to look like you’re being consumed. However, the jacket should be loose enough to allow you to move comfortably. To get the most wear and tear, look for a style that can be layered over a semi-chunky knit but will still look polished over a slim tee or tank. Other than that, there really aren’t many precautions to take because they is no wrong way to wear this staple.I always feel sexy and confident when I top off my looks with bf blazers which is why I’ve deemed this style a wardrobe must.

Read on for my top picks. [continue reading…]

Canadian-born model turned vamptress Noot Seear is flashing bright on our radar with her Kate Moss-meets-Erin Wasson sense of style. Trading in her signature strut for a Hollywood script, Noot can be seen in the upcoming vampire flick New Moon in November alongside Twilight heartthrobs Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. She’s not one to be in the tabloids and followed by paps (yet!) but with big screen exposure and her noteworthy signature style, we’re pretty positive that her star will continue to rise.

Noot’s closet is overflowing with rock and roll goodies such as flannels in every color, a rad vest collection, tapered leather pants, denim cutoffs, an assortment of vintage rock tees, and distressed leather bombers. Shoes are as follows: Chucks, dirty biker boots, vintage Chanel knee-highs, fringed ankle boots, two-tone creepers, and Canadian-inspired moccasins.

To add elements of Noot Seear’s look into your own wardrobe, take a peek at our top five style tips. [continue reading…]

We’ve all the seen the bootie “rockin’ everywhere,” but the over-the-knee boot is giving our favorite ankle-hugger a run for its money. A slew of these sky-high stunners were seen on the Fall 2009 runways of top designers including Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Prada, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Rodarte, Pucci, and the list goes on and on.

If you’re a 70’s boho flower child, look to Marc Jacobs’ regal plum number in suede for inspiration. Are you channeling Lady Gaga these days? Then head over to Louis Vuitton for a flirty futuristic version that would make the reigning Queen of Pop oh-so-proud. In any case, be very conscious of how you style the racy footwear to, ahem, preserve your reputation. Think Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada and stay clear of Pretty Woman references unless they’re from Vivienne Westwood. (Sorry Julia! We love this film beyond words, but we’ll leave the “working girl” attire on set.)

Thigh-highs will give you more wiggle room as they can double as the new leggings under fall frocks and classic trenches. Stella McCartney paired her vegan designs with an oversized sweater for an insta-hit combination. The rule of thumb: when in doubt, cover up! Wearing your over-the-knee boots atop skinny jeans or tights will steer you clear of a fashion mess and turn you into a fashion success.

Read on to see my favorite thigh-high styles!

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Leather is back in a big way. No longer exclusive to the biker babe, the new shapes are sleek and stylish, yet still maintain an edge. On the runway, Alexander Wang, Balmain and Phi showed the most memorable pieces, while a bevy of other designers did amazing looks too. For everyday wear, follow these tips.

Let the leather piece take center stage. Everything else should serve as a complement. If you go with leather bottoms, temper it with a floaty chiffon blouse or slouchy cashmere sweater and punctuate the look with a thick cuff. Though playing up the rocker vibe is a natural choice, I say it’s all about the unexpected pairings this season.

Of course, every girl needs a go-to motorcycle jacket in her repertoire. A leather blazer is a great option as well. A vest is also a great transitional item to wear over summer pieces now and heavier knits later. Throw these toppers over everything you own, from jeans to dresses, for instant street cred. It’s so chic when it almost seems like an afterthought.

Leather can cost you a week’s paycheck (or more), but if you find one must-have stunner, it’ll last forever and get better with age. The fit should be flawless. Find form-fitting pieces that aren’t skintight. It’s also crucial that the material does not look like cheap poly blend – even if it is. Don’t risk looking trashy (there, I said it). Luckily, there are great faux options out there; just scour Zara or Urban Outfitters.

Takeaway lesson: despite it’s intimidating looks, leather is pretty versatile when you’ve got a few stylish tricks up your sleeve. Any way you wear it, it’s got attitude. Motorcycle optional.

Read on for some of my top leather finds!

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While all things 80’s inspired are taking over, there are a few styles lingering that summon the spirit of the 90’s grunge era. The style I’m particularly loving is the lace up boot.

Lace-up boots have a certain irreverence to them that makes any look more fashion-forward. They are also incredibly versatile. Wear them with jeans, leggings, miniskirts, or even dresses, from floaty florals to body-con minis.

Use your lace-ups to complete an already edgy look like Lindsay Lohan or a hipster one like Emma Roberts. Toughen up a sweet floral frock with a distressed pair like Rachel Bilson or use them to add a bit of pizazz for a casual daytime look like Diane Kruger.

This style is definitely the one I’m most excited about for Fall. Read on for my top 10 picks! [continue reading…]

I recently did a major closet purged which made me realize that once upon a time, I was not a very smart shopper at all. Through the years I have acquired tons and tons of stuff but sadly, a huge portion of it remains untouched with the tags fully intact.

Some items don’t fit right, others just don’t fit me and my personal style. Other items fit right and speak to me, but just don’t look good with anything (not anything that I would actually wear anyway).

Being a smart shopper is such an essential tool and no matter what your budget, it will provide you with limitless wardrobe options.

Here are some of my top tricks of the trade: [continue reading…]

One of my favorite year-round closet staples is the transitional floral dress. An airy floral dress is an obvious go-to for summer, but I especially love this style when teamed with edgy extras for fall. It’s always an essential piece right now with the weather feeling like summer one day and winter the next!

A transitional floral frock is one that looks amazing with sandals in the spring and summer and equally, if not more amazing, with tights, boots or booties, and a blazer or bomber jacket in the fall. Incorporating florals into your winter wardrobe is also a great way to add fun and vibrancy to a very all around drab and dreary time.

In these economic times, versatility is key and there’s nothing more versatile than an item that can go from day to night and from one season to the next!

Read on for some of my favorite floral finds and to shop some of the looks pictured above! [continue reading…]

Rock ‘n’ roll and fashion have always been inextricably linked, with the former being a consistent source of inspiration for the latter. A great way to add a touch of rock to your look with a studded accessories, a major trend right now that I have been a fan of for quite some time.

Studded accessories, be it bags, shoes, or jewelry, can inject the right dose of attitude into any look, adding that undeniable cool-factor. Offset the sweetness of an ultra-femme dress with a studded cuff or clutch like Nikki Reed (pictured above in Miu Miu). Update a classic LBD with studded pumps like Nicky Hilton or rock a pair of studded booties with just about any dress in your closet for an instant fashion-forward look à la Sienna Miller.

Now this trend definitely isn’t for everyone. I have been a fan of incorporating a bit of rock into my look for quite some time but I could never imagine some of friends sporting the heavy chains, leather cuffs (often embellished with studs or spikes), and all the other forms of edgy jewelry that I’m so fond of.

If you love the look and it speaks to you, than go for it. If it makes you uncomfortable or just looks wrong on you, then take a pass. Always remember, staying true to your personal sense of style will never be passé.

Read on for 10 ways to add a bit of rock into your look! [continue reading…]

Ciao! As the fashion-savvy women we are, a handshake and a simple introduction just will not do. No no. How do we get to know each other? By designers of course! I chose my top five favorites and two delicious covet-worthy creations from each line so you could get a peek into my fashion sense. My personal motto: Love is in the details and so is style. It’s what separates the ordinary from the sublime.

I hope you find a sublime piece (or three) below for your own collection. I can’t wait to hear from you all, and I look forward to our stylish journey ahead.

Read on for my top five favorite designers and to see the pieces from each collection that I’m currently coveting!

[continue reading…]

Style.com is without a doubt the ultimate online go-to guide for all things fashion related. They are known for their up-to-the-minute Fashion Week coverage and with their new Shop The Looks e-commerce initiative, you will not only have the chance to discover the current and upcoming trends, you can shop for them as well!

Each runway slide is tagged to correspond with one of the trends available in the Shop The Looks section (metallic, boho, goth, floral, etc. etc) . So let’s say you’re browsing through runway images and fall in love with a particular style, print, silhouette, theme, and so on (which happens to me quite often), well just click on the “Shop the Look” link and you will be taken to a page where you can browse through dozens of available styles that fit that particular trend.

“Style.com has always been the first stop for fashionable consumers when planning their purchases. Shop the Looks now gives them immediate shopping gratification,” said Rachel Wintner, Associate Publisher of Style.com. “The editors of Style.com have vetted all looks, which provides a customized, well- edited shopping experience for the user. It also creates a unique opportunity for advertisers to reach that user.”

Shop The Looks can be accessed through any runway image on Style.com or from the Trends + Shopping section of the site: style.com/shop.

Use this new feature to shop for current trends or to get ahead of the curve by shopping for next seasons key styles. Either way, a more fabulous and fashionable you awaits!

Cross-body bags were once reserved for moms and mailmen. But as with other ‘80s staples that are reappearing for the fall, savvy designers have given it a glamorous makeover. The new cross-bodies are made of buttery soft leathers, redone in contemporary shapes, and adorned in hardware.

What’s so appealing about the cross-body bag? The hands-free factor is liberating. I particularly opt for these styles when running errands or going out at night. I also love how they can instantly lend an outfit a relaxed vibe. Of course, as a fan of contrast, I prefer wearing these casual bags with girly things – frocks, florals and frills. Few things are chicer than a fabulous dress with a long chain bag draped on your shoulder.

To keep the silhouette polished and not juvenile, it’s key to choose a size that doesn’t overwhelm you. Look for shapes that lie effortlessly against your body, whether it be saddle, pouch, or bucket. Don’t wear it too long or it looks sloppy.
Convertible bags earn extra points for its versatility and multi-use purpose. You get two or more styles out of one great bag. Hey, it’s a recession. Shop smart and get more bang for your hard-earned buck.

Read on for my top 10 picks! [continue reading…]

If I had to pick one celebrity whose style most resembles my taste and fashion sensibility, I would have to go with Ashlee Simpson, hands down.

Just like Nicole Richie, Ashlee has transformed herself from fashion victim to fashion maven and now has a signature style that is entirely her own and always on point.

Ashlee’s style can best be described as boho-rock. She incorporates elements of both in almost every outfit she sports- be it for running errands or hitting the red carpet- rarely sticking to a single motif. For Ashlee, a boho-maxi calls for some punk-rock accessories, a billowy peasant top will be offset with skinny jeans and converse kicks, and anything flirty or feminine will be toughened up with heavy chains and edgy shoes. No matter what, her style always has that thrown-together effortlessness to it which isn’t easy to pull off.

Ashlee always injects a bit of herself into every look, even when she’s experimenting with trends and styles that are a bit outside of her fashion comfort-zone, and this approach to fashion is definitely one to draw inspiration from.

Read on to learn more about what makes Ashlee’s style so fab and to get the looks pictured above! [continue reading…]

I have a serious obsession with vests. No lie, I have about 10! Some are vintage (I LOVE vintage menswear styles- such a great way to go androgyny-chic), some are high-end, others are ultra cheap.

A vest is such a quick and easy way to update your look and is a piece that injects a certain fashion-forward flair, especially when worn over something unexpected like a hyper-feminine frock for instance. I have styles that help be add a bit of an edge to my look, some that are perfect for adding some sophistication, others that have a retro sensibility, and some classics that allow for loads of accessories.

Wear an edgy, embellished to update a basic look like Nicky Hilton. Team it with a sleek secretary blouse like Blake Lively for an updated interpretation of preppy-chic. Layer a denim vest over a floaty dress to channel the 70’s like boho-queen Sienna Miller. Use it polish up a sweetly slouchy style like Rachel Bilson. Or, belt it and wear it as a top like Whitney Port. There are countess ways to make this style staple work for you.

Read on for some of my favorite styles! [continue reading…]

Let me introduce you to one of the most fashionable girls I know.

Her name is Michelle Joni, and not only does she love turning fashion New-Again (see her vintage storyboard above), she loves turning her life into a game. (Enter The NYC Game to learn more!)

Michelle has dedicated a little piece of her Game to A New Mode, with the New-Again Fashion Game.

In the most recent “round” of her game, Buffalo Exchange was featured as the BEST thrift shop in New York City (they have locations all over the country, too).

Read on to learn how to play and what you’ll win!

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These woeful economic times have ushered in a push towards the cheerful and exuberant in the fashion department. Bright shades were a big trend for summer and will be a HUGE one come fall. I am especially loving bold and bright shoes as a means for getting in on this trend. There really are no rules when it comes to rocking this look.

At this year’s Teen Choice Awards, bright pumps were the real stars electrifying the green carpet. Cameron Diaz gave her soft gray Alexander McQueen shift dress a jolt by teaming it with a pair of electric blue Pierre Hardy pumps. Leighton Meester took her flirty striped Louis Vuitton dress to the next level with a standout pair of red Brian Atwood pumps. Audrina Patridge wasn’t afraid to really push the envelope, pairing a magenta Zuhair Murad dress with piercing blue Courtney Crawford pumps.

At the CW Upfronts, Ashlee Simpson added an electric jolt to her white top and pencil skirt combo (both from DSquared2) with a killer pair of powerhouse pink Lanvin pumps. Fergie also used a pair of neon shoes to take her look from basic to wow-worthy, teaming a John Richmond Jersey dress with standout Jimmy Choo sandals at the March of Dimes 34th annual Beauty Ball.

Draw inspiration from any of these lovely ladies or rock the look on your own terms, either way, you’re sure to make an unforgettable entrance. To help you on your way, I’ve rounded up a selection of bright pumps that I am currently coveting.

Read on to check out my top 10! [continue reading…]

From runways to red carpets to real life, fashion mishaps, or ‘wardrobe malfunctions,’ can strike anywhere at anytime and are never fun to deal with (trust me, I’ve endured plenty!).

Nipple slips, deodorant marks, ‘headlights,’ sweat stains, plumbers butt, muffin top- all of the above can ruin even the most fantastic of ensembles- not to mention your night!

After enduring countless ‘malfunctions’ of my own (including just about everything listed above!) I set out to make such unfortunate incidents a thing of the past.

To do so, I tracked down the fool proof items used on runways and red carpets to prevent faux-pas and gave them all a try. These days, my world is a much happier, mishap-free place!

Read on for my top 10 must-haves for preventing those dreaded ‘wardrobe malfunctions.’ [continue reading…]

As I’m sure you know by know, statement accessories are all the rage right now. When it comes to necklaces, I am currently loving all things multi-chained. This standout piece is a can’t-miss when it comes to injecting a bit of an edge into your look and can toughen up even the sweetest, most subdued styles. Just look at Jessica Alba, who updated a simple white-tee and black blazer combo with a stunning Gemma Redux mixed-chain necklace.

In order for something to be deemed a worthy investment in my book, it must have unlimited potential. Something that can be worn anywhere, with anything. The type of piece that can transform even the simplest of outfits. An amazing item with the inherent fabulous-ness capable of transcending the confines of a ‘trend’ or ‘fad.’

Multi-chain necklaces are definitely on par with my high standards and fortunately, there are tons of options to choose from to fit your personal style.

Read on to see the multi-chain styles that I’m currently coveting! [continue reading…]

Ah, summer…the official season of musical festivals and the perfect season to channel your inner hippie chick.

The bohemian trend has seen a great evolution in recent seasons. When the style originated in the 1960s and ‘70s, it was more about a free-spirited lifestyle. Then a few years ago, Sienna Miller kick-started “boho-chic” with her effortless combination of gypsy and luxe. Head-to-toe bohemian can seem a bit outdated these days, but when infused with a little rock ‘n roll, it becomes modern and relevant.

Accessories, as always, are the easiest way to segue into a trend. Start with an ensemble of denim cutoffs and flowy print tunics. Blend in traditional bohemian accents such as fringe and leather in the form of a handbag or hair accessories. Then balance the look with harder elements like studs and metal.

As with clothing, jewelry is all about layers. Pile on the wooden bangles, beads and friendship bracelets. Mix in gold coins or natural stones to highlight the vibrant colors of your clothing.

Boho-rock is an unstudied mix of inspirations and trends. Stylistas like Kate Moss, Mischa Barton and Mary-Kate Olsen are big proponents of haute hippie. They prove that to perfect the look is to embrace your own individuality. So go wild, child.

Read on for my top boho-rock picks! [continue reading…]

From summer through fall, bold, vibrant, optimistic shades are all the rage. The one that is really starting to grow on me is orange- which can serve as an fun, and slightly edgy, alternative to powerhouse pink.

I used to hesitate when it came to orange for fear that I would look like a pumpkin. However, with more experimentation, and the right pieces, I totally warmed up to all forms of this citrus shade and learned that when done right, it can be a serious statement maker.

Blaze a trail in an electrifying neon shade- which conveys an unmatched sort of confidence. Rock a bold orange dress at a black tie affair to really stand out from the crowd- like Ashley Olsen who wore a striking vintage gown to this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards. Try a softer shade, like Vanessa Hudens who wore a Max Azria gown to the Kid’s Choice Awards, which allows for piled on accessories. I especially love the rich orange shade of the Bottega Veneta dress worn by Ginnifer Goodwin, which is fashion-forward but still classic and sophisticated.

You can keep it color-specific with a single orange piece, or merge in some other neon colors for a free-spirited sixties-feel. The most important thing to remember is to select a shade that makes you feel as good as you look!

Check out some of my favorite orange pieces after the jump! [continue reading…]

Swimsuit season is in full swing, a time to flaunt that body you spent all winter working on. While working out and eating right are important,  it is also essential to be aware of what shapes and styles will be most flattering on YOUR body type.

I never used to think the shape of a swimsuit mattered, I mean your body will be exposed no matter what, so what difference could it possibly make? Turns out I was very wrong and over the years I have become somewhat of a dressing for your body expert and have come to realize the immense importance of shape, cut, and styles.

When it comes to swimsuits, something as seemingly minor as a thick strap instead of a thin one, or a high-cut bottom as opposed to a one that sits low on the hips can make a HUGE difference in the way your beach-bod looks.

Read on to find out which swimsuit shapes will work for your body type! [continue reading…]

Leggings have been going strong for quite some time and while I’ve been a fan of the classic styles since the beginning, I am obsessed with the new slashed and tattered styles that are taking over.

Ripped leggings are the perfect way to add a bit of an edge and fashion-forward flair to your look. Wear them with a sharp blazer like Lindsay Lohan– who topped off her Pencey leggings with a cropped blazer from Chloé; with a floaty tunic for a sweet yet spicy look, with a boyfriend shirt for a haphazardly thrown together style, or go all out by teaming them with a grungy vintage-tee and some edgy accessories.

You can play it safe and purchase a pair or, if you’re a bit more adventurous, grab a pair of scissors and slash away.

Check out some of my favorite slashed styles after the jump! [continue reading…]

In the world of fashion trends never die, they just go on hiatus and come back bigger than ever. Right now we’re seeing the return of voluminous shoulders, a defining silhouette from the 80’s. From jackets to dresses to blouses and more, shoulders are becoming major focal points.

The trend began at the Spring shows and then dominated on the Fall runways. Naturally, celebrity style mavens like Mary Kate Olsen, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many more were quick to hop on the big-shoulder bandwagon.

But just because the designers are showing it and the celebrities are wearing it, do we all have to like it?

I have always considered the shoulder one of the sexiest, and most underrated, regions of a woman’s body which is why I’m all about the shoulder exposure trend that’s currently sweeping in.

An exposed shoulder creates that accidental sexy-effect which is super hot but not in an intimidating kind of way. I love the bohemian sensibility of this look, it just has that effortlessness to it that always looks amazing. I am also an avid fan of sweetly slouchy styles and this definitely fits the bill.

You can rock an off the shoulder slouchy dress like Lindsay Lohan wearing Rachel Pally or with a mini-skirt for a night out like Jessica Szohr. Pair a muted top with skinny pants like Lauren Conrad wearing a Vince long sleeve top; rock a Flashdance style tee like Vanessa Hudgens wearing a printed top by Free People, $29.95; or rock an oversized fashion-forward style like Ashley Greene, wearing a button-sleeve top by Prodigal Daughter.

Either way, this look always translates to hot and is a great way to rock the 80’s trend that’s trickling in while still keeping it modern.

Check out some of my favorite shoulder exposure styles after the jump! [continue reading…]

As temperatures continue to soar, the summer dress increasingly becomes the most essential item a gal can own. There are so many fantastic styles out there, from printed maxi’s to gauzy white dresses to flirty floral styles- some at reasonable prices and others not to much.

For the purposes of this article, however, I’ve selected five of my favorite styles from some of the top designers at seriously slashed prices!

Shop the looks pictured above after the jump! [continue reading…]

As much as I hate to admit it, Lauren Conrad is a consistent course of fashion inspiration for me.  She always manages to be on-trend without being hyper-trendy, bold but still polished, and sexy, but still sophisticated. And no matter what, she always looks effortlessly put together.

Lauren’s style is rooted in a feminine and flirty sensibility with a bit of an edge. She definitely loves floaty dresses and bold prints, but always maintains a balance with her ensembles, never going too far with a motif. A sharp blazer to toughen up a flirty frock, a Chanel bag to add some high-fashion to a downtown-hipster look, subtle accessories to keep from overpowering a strong outfit- when it comes to chic minimalism, this girl is the master.

One thing I especially admire about Lauren is that she knows exactly what works for her and always stays true to herself with her choices. Her clothes always fit perfectly, the shades always compliment her complexion, and she never  looks like she’s trying to be anything. Lauren has donned tons of amazing ensembles recently, but I narrowed in my four favorites for this edition of celeb style inspiration.

Get the exact looks as pictured above after the jump! [continue reading…]

Every so often a trend will come along that will divide the fashion community in two- the lovers and the loathers. This season, that trend is undeniably harem pants (AKA MC Hammer pants). We saw harem pants- best described as a hybrid between a skirt and cigarette pants- saunter down the runways of some of the biggest trend-makers, like Chloe and Alexander McQueen. Some fashion sites and magazines will encourage you to go out and rock them while others have been advising strongly against it. We wanna know what YOU think though, so share your thoughts!