Stay trendy in 2013 with these 4 simple tips!

 If you're a style-focused Southdale customer like me, you struggle every year with staying on the cutting edge of fashion. It's a never ending race and, sue me, I like to win it! Now, I can't share ALL of my secrets, but I have come up with four of my best tips for not just staying on top of trends, but setting them as well:


#1 - Go Retro.

 Trends always take their cues from what the best dressed were wearing 20 years prior. In the 1990's, for example, bell-bottom jeans from the 70's came raging back with a vengeance. In the 2000's we saw the return of the 1-shoulder-exposed t-shirts of the 1980's (and rightfully so - exposed shoulders are a sexy look any body type can ROCK!). Now, in 2013, the next step is simple: look back to 1993! Loud, multicolored, and vaguely African-inspired shirts are a grand slam. Fanny Packs? More like Fashion Packed! Start researching now and become your OWN Fresh Prince or Princess!

#2 - Update Your Shoedrobe.

 I have been talking to leading industry insiders and you can trust me when I say this: 2013 is the year of the toe-shoe. Snatch them up before they're impossible to get!

#3 - Focus on a New Facial Feature.

 For the past few years sexy, dark eyes have been the go-to makeup technique for anybody who wanted to look the slightest bit appealing. This year it's time to move the focus down a couple of inches. You've noticed the lovely "burned" look that winter-wind exposed faces tend to carry, yes? Well with a few extra moments applying your blush, you can achieve the exact same effect all year long! 

#4 - Don't Deny the Denim.

 I have to admit, I hesitated before sharing this tip. Denim has long been my secret weapon, hiding in plain sight all along. Since its inception in the late 18th century, denim has never left the forefront of textile trendiness! And the best part: it doesn't have to be limited to just jeans and overalls! Denim hats, socks, watches, earrings, underwear...anywhere that you have skin is an opportunity to cover it in denim, so go out there and experiment! I'll be looking for you...on the runway, that is. ;)

Joel Costa is a contributing editor and well-known fashion advisor. In addition to producing articles every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he also breeds championship-winning rabbits at his Shakopee home.