Annnnnd....it's time to review the year and make predictions for the upcoming one. From the multiple new lines of ready-to-wear collections to the number of celebrities who played on the wrong side of the law, one lesson was learned this year: invest in hot lingerie because that short skirt or tight top is definitely not going to stay how it should and the paparrazi will ensure it be photographically-documented for the rest of the world who missed the live event. I think it is also time to start a tradition, a list reviewing this year's obsessions and a list of predictions for 2008.

More than ever this year, we have had a chance to be upclose and personal with our favorite celebrities. There are few moments in their (public) lives that were not scrutinized, photographed or written about in papers, magazines, or online and as such in comparison to previous years, we have even more access to beauty and fashion secrets and celebrity personal lives including the many Starbucks or Pinkberry runs a star make a day. Who said photographs of the Olsen twins puchasing Starbucks would ever get old? More than a hundred times this year, it has been one of the lead stories or photographs of the day for the online version of a magazine, popular blogs, and celebritity television segments. My one hope and prediction, while I love the Olsen's fashion sense to pieces, that in 2008 when they are the feature story it is for something other than buying Starbucks or walking on the street with a Starbucks in hand. Also, I hope David Beckham is in the news for something other than just appearing in public.

Now for the beginning of the lists.......

Obsessions of 2007:
1( The Row and Elizabeth and James. My favorite starlet, Miss Mary-Kate Olsen and sister Ashley really didn't disappoint when they unveiled their two new clothing lines all across the globe this year. The Row mixes expense fabrics and cuts and is a more upscale fashion line while Elizabeth and James offers an equally-trendy collection, priced in a range more attainable for a fashionista on a budget. The Row sold out at Neiman Marcus in it's first week I believe and with good reason. I can't wait to see what this year has to bring for the line.
2) George Clooney....I don't know what it is about this guy...it could have something to do with his dapper looks, sense of humor, sense of hummanity and charm that allowed him to make a successful Ocean's Thirteen, meet his first publicly-known, seemingly longterm girlfriend in the last decade, and continue to partake and organize charitable events to benefit those in crisis. I will not lie, this obsession began as a little girl in love with the television series ER and with it's most endearing doctor. I would have given anything to play Juliana Margulies' character on that show.
3( Spain - it was my first time in this country this year and I now understand why once you visit it, you keep coming back. I think everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. From the crystal clear water to its white sand beaches, and upbeat but no rush culture, Spain is the way to live or at least vacation.
4) Ballet flats - confortable, ability to be worn with pretty much any outfit and selection from the $15 Old Navy version to the $500 Christian Dior option this style is here to stay. Ballet flats seem to be able to complete any outfit or allow a girl to tred across campus comfortably or take on New York City with ease without sacrificing the finishings of an outfit.
5( Weeds - from the plot to the genuinity of the actors, and guest-starring MK Olsen didn't hurt either, this show plays to the attention of teens, mothers, parents, pot-smokers, artists and the list goes on. Cheers to a 4th season of Mary Jane.
6) The Nicole Ritchie turnaround - from her chic maternity style to her devotion to children charities, Nicole has become the postergirl for good girl behavior.
7( Lauren Conrad and her ability to spin her reality show success into a successful clothing line and other collaborations to come.
8) America's Next Top Model. You would think by the 9th season of a reality show, it would be getting a little redundent, but like Tyra Banks herself, the show seems to revamp and rejuvinate itself to the point of allowing viewers to have the freshest insight into the current modelling world in America and learn about another culture and it's modeling world abroad. I didn't particularly love any of the girls this season, but their photoshoot at the Great Wall of China was nothing other than breathtaking.
9( Funky nailpolish. Rihanna selected both yellow and a vibrant green to play up her funkiness, Lindsay Lohan often opted for black. This year we learned expression should never be limited to clothing choice but should be thought about from head to toe nails. My favorite this year was obscenely flourescent pink.
10) Cocktail rings. I love the simplicty of Tiffany's stackable cocktail ring and also the uniqueness of any vintage find or buy.

Predictions for 2008:
Instead of breaking it down (by number), I'm just going to write. I think this is the year for 70's-inspired everything: light denim, free-flowing, feathered-hair, vibrant-colored accessories, enormous-sized-thin-formed-round sunglasses, flower-patterned skirts, wide-legged pants, bright pink lipstick, embroidered fringes and blouses, etc. I love this era and I can't wait for spring fashion to arrive. I can't wait to buy my first long-strapped, tiny-formed purse of the year.

Anyway, I'm out. Make sure you have a killer dress and a flute of chamagne in hand tomorrow.

Fireworks and long-lasting celebrations,
Tinsley

and remember to say she told you so when 2008's predictions come true....