If you watch Project Runway, the judges forever repeat a magic word that echoes in the heads of designers and critics alike. This word is “taste.” It is truly what makes fashion bloggers like Amy Douglas of Styling Exclusive an authority on the latest trends. From buckle rings to floral gowns, Douglas’ catalog of personal style is eye-candy to boot. Douglas tells Be In Style about her life as a fashion blogger and what trends she still cannot get behind.

Who is your style icon?

I wouldn’t say I actually have a style icon. I can respect a lot of people’s past styles, for example Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Coco Chanel. But in terms of a style icon, I just embrace the fact that fashion is a way to express yourself and style is something that you can create.

What do you love most about blogging?

I love to be able to talk about things I have seen that others might enjoy. I don’t blog to have a million followers. I do it to talk about the things I love and like and sometimes hate in the fashion world. I blog because I love to talk about fashion. I love to wear fashion and I love to shop!

Do you have any must-have accessories for this fall?

Wow where do I start! I absolutely get excited about autumn/winter fashion. I love layering so accessories are really important to me. I think fringing looks amazing especially using it on accessories. Alexander Wang’s Polina goat fur leather boots with the fringing are so cute, although I don’t think I could pull them off as I think you need super long legs to make those work! I also love jewelery, rings being my most loved accessory. The Roberto Cavalli Oversized labradorite ring is my kind of thing. I really enjoy wearing big rings, so Leju is another make of jewelery that I can’t get enough of.

What are/were your favorite and least favorite fashion trends?

I really dislike harem pants and the whole 80’s comeback thing, apart from the shoulder pads (subtle ones of course!). As for my favorite, I think that would have to be the nude tones and the new camel color trend. I am working this one already. It is so hard to pick a favorite because mostly I can accept pretty much any trend to a degree and at least try it out, as I think it’s really important to experiment with fashion and make each piece work for you and your body. I love fashion, what can I say!

Check out Douglas’ blog for up-to-date fashion news and commentary.

-Briana