Even though it’s almost two months into 2005, the reminders of 2004’s fashion mistakes and triumphs are still prevalent. Some revivals of the best fashion and onslaughts of the worst hit the runways and the streets in 2004.

Things I Loved:

Girlish Garb: 2004 saw the resurgence return of glamorous and girly fashions. The frills that were once thought to be stylish only among little girls or grandmas were embraced by all ages. Pearls hadn’t been worn so frequently since the 1950’s. Items that women usually held in contempt were being brought back into the spotlight. Cargo pants and baggy clothes, be gone! Women were strutting their stuff while keeping structured jackets soft with camisoles and broaches. Ribbons, pearls, pink – isn’t it grand being a girl?

Pretty in Pumps and Flats: The past year’s shoe trends could only be described as eclectic. From four-inch high stilettos to barely there ballet shoes, ladies feet were hot to trot in most of last year’s styles.

Blaze On: Blazers, the staple of men’s wardrobes for years, finally reached women’s closets. Fitted blazers kept ladies looking put together, whether they were going for a casual or business look.

Bang, Fringe, POW!: Making a comeback, the likes of which hadn’t been seen since 3rd grade, this year’s hair trend was bangs. Don’t picture a blunt cut done by mom. These popular hair style wasn’t of the home haircut variety. Soft and swept to the side these bangs were cut by a razor instead of scissors. They were also commonly to referred to as fringe. No matter what you called them, bangs flattered almost every facial type these past 12 months.

THE BAD: UGG-LY Boots: Yes, I said it. Ugg boots and all their imitations were ugly, very ugly. The trend of women tucking their jeans into said monstrosities was even less flattering than the giant suede-covered beasts were on their own. The shapeless form of these often suede, leather or fur boots made the victim’s feet look equal in width as they were in length. Trust me ladies, NO ONE looked good in these boots. NO ONE.

Take Me To Your Sunglasses: Protecting your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun bouncing off pavement or freshly fallen snowbanks is definitely a smart idea. However, the trend of wearing ridiculously oversized sunglasses was completely unnecessary. Making yourself look like an extra on a low budget sci-fi set is not attractive. Keep this simple rule in mind: if your sunglasses were taking up more than 50 percent of your face, they are too large. Only women with oval faces can pull off larger lenses.

I See London … I See Trash: A trend, albeit mostly popular among teenage girls of the skanky persuasion, was this year’s take on the mini skirt. It was so short you could see the wearer’s pockets. It’s not a question of “Nobody wants to see you in it” as it is “Nobody wants to see it.” Period.

Tanning in a Winter Wonderland: Tanning; the bane of dermatologist’s existence. It’s understandable to want a healthy glow or to attempt to achieve a movie star’s bronze skin in the summer, but in the winter it just looks wrong. Health implications aside, orange, tan or any fake shade in between looks awful when surrounded by snowdrifts. Come back down a few shades to the rest of us who realize when it’s winter, we’re supposed to be pale.

Hopefully, 2005 will bring more joys than disappointments, more sales than taxes and more shopping than saving.