by Kristen Bagwell

In the grocery yesterday, I got into the longer line on purpose because I was alone and desperate to catch up on the latest gossip. Which got me thinking: when did I stop reading magazines?! It wasn't that long ago when I would race to the store to get the latest issue of People, Cosmo, etc. Now, it's a special occasion if I sit down to read anything longer than Go Dog Go.

With that said, one of my favorite magazines is InStyle. This is one magazine that you can't  just flip through and give it the attention it deserves. This magazine is always huge, and full of gorgeous details and information. Since I am more an online person these days (obviously), I grabbed a few minutes after lights out and browsed through the InStyle website.

Eureka! Celebrity sightings and fashion tips a-plenty! I feel better already...If you don't have a lot of magazine time either, here's an excerpt of some general fashion basics that InStyle recommends.

Best Style TIps Ever 
This section is my personal favorite, with a bazillion tips and tricks from celebrity stylists and fashion editors. The tips cover everything from the basics, jeans, accessories, "at any age" and even underwear. They are so good that I've compiled a top ten list for your reading pleasure. In no particular order:

1 - Work with Proportion.
Choose looks that are either "short over long" or "long over short." Examples? a cropped jacket over knee-length dress; long jacket with skinny pants; tunic style shirt over a shorter pencil skirt.

2 - Confidence is key
Clothing can only go so far...the rest has to come from within. Be comfortable in what you're wearing, even if you aren't the most fashionably dressed. (Just pretend you are a celebrity - that's what they do!)

3 - Find the right color
Stick to a maximum of three colors in any given outfit. That one seems too simple to me, so I wonder if I follow it?

4 - Play up basics
Try your white t-shirt with signature necklace, or choose trouser style jeans to wear with a simple top and jacket.

5 - Choose Soft Fabrics
"Anything soft seems expensive, even if it's not. That's a rule of thumb. If a piece is scratchy, that's usually a telltale sign of poor quality."   —Lori Goldstein, who has worked with designers such as Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera.

6 - Get a great haircut - this is one accessory that is always "on" whether you like it or not. Invest in a good cut! If you need some inspiration, check out the InStyle makeover tool found here - you can upload your picture and try out different hairstyles. (This tool is so much fun!)

7 - Build a core wardrobe
Choose staples that are timeless, and play with trendy matching pieces or accessories.

8 - Find a bra that fits
This basic item will do more for your wardrobe than almost anything else because it defines your shape properly under your clothing. Oprah says the majority of us are wearing the wrong size bra. What size are you?

9 - Embrace shapewear
In addition to a good bra, invest in some body shaping undergarments for a smoother overall look.

10 - Have fun with Beauty Trends
A good manicure is my favorite, and easy to change or do yourself. Per InStyle, the hot nail colors right now are red wine, deep purple or black, and of course, classic cherry red. For spring and summer, tangerine and powder blue are already setting trends on the catwalk.

Bonus tip - Give red lipstick a try, but have someone help you choose the right shade. Orange-based tones are a modern play on red (per Pam at Dress, an orangey red dress will work for those who cannot wear true red) but it works best on medium to darker skin tones. Advice for choosing a good red lip color

I hope you enjoyed this little magazine detour with me. What is your favorite style magazine or website, and what trends will you be trying this spring? (I'm headed to find my very own true red...)