Celebrity.

I was flicking through a magazine this morning and had a sudden revelation.  It seems that every new fashion trend that I currently lust after was being featured on the "so hot right now" celebrities gracing the pages of my freshly purchased magazine.  That got me thinking - it must be celebrities that are the ones who lead the way towards new trends.  Whatever they wear - we want it!  Be it vintage, street wear or couture, doesn't matter!   Even the fashion designers and stylists (think Rachel Zoe) have become huge stars.  We love that celebrity 'x-factor' and we want to emulate that celebrity style.  The cuff that Gwyneth wore, the chestplate Eva Mendes paraded, the ecclectic collection of bangles and bracelets Elle is never without ... maybe we too can shimmer just that little brighter if we can capture that essence of style that makes certain celebrities iconic??? Well I can't act, definitely cannot sing, don't look model-like but maybe I can capture that amazing celebrity 'je ne sais quois' if I can just find that necklace Leighton Meister is wearing ....

And of course there are exceptions.  I personally love Lady GaGa.  To me, she is a walking artwork.  She lives and breathes fashion, yet likes to push the trends way past the boundaries and for this reason is often criticised in the media: "Has GaGa Gone Too Far?" a common site in trashy magazines and online gossip sites.  While we can't all follow Lady GaGa's overtly eccentric lead, we tend stick to more attainable celebrity trendsetters' style, such as Kim Kardashian, SJP and Blake Lively.

Kim Kardashian is a prime example of someone who is famous for being in the right place at the right time, rather than having accomplished something amazing.  Yet, we pay her and her style copious amounts of attention each and every day.  I subscribe to Kim's Celebuzz blog, have seen the many thousands of press clippings about her that she posts weekly, many of which about her sense of style.  One of my favourite Kim looks was her TopShop dress that she wore to the Aces and Angels Celebrity Poker Game.  Since we Australians live in the Southern Hemisphere, we are only just starting to receive the long sleeved power shoulder looks that have been prominent in Hollywood in late 2009.  But, with the colder months at our doorsteps, it is safe to say that this look will become more and more common.  Follow Kim's lead and team a shiny silver statement necklace with a plain black dress to transform an outfit from bland to exceptional.

Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) is a youth icon, like Kim Kardashian, but unlike Ms Kardashian is famous for actually having accomplished something.  As Serena on Gossip Girl, Lively was set up as a style icon for the world to see.  Her "effortless chic with a touch of boho" look is able to be replicated, yet doesn't look cheap.  I have noticed in the current season of GG there have been many layered statement necklaces like the one shown in the picture above.  Team such a necklace with a coloured mini dress and contrasting blazer and voila - boho chic style accomplished.

And when discussing the notion and breadth of celebrity fashion, who could forget the iconic SJP.  Always willing to take a risk, Parker is (almost) as daring as one Carrie Bradshaw.  When thinking of a way to describe SJP, one can't go past "less than ordinary".  Juxtaposing a clean cut metallic dress with a high neckline, with layers and layers of chunky, multi-stranded statement necklaces is not something that I would have though to do, but she achieves the look with ease.  To me, the most intriguing aspect of Parker's style is the fact that she does not let the clothes and accessories wear her - her confidence shines through.

So, this brings me to the point of this post - a look may be all the rage, but to steer clear of the "cookie cutter" image be sure to give yourself a sense of individuality and accessorise to suit you.  After all, isn't fashion all about expressing yourself?  My picks are: