We think it’s great to see how fashion bloggers like Tavi — who start out with absolutely zero connections — can make such a splash and inspire both everyday people and the higher-ups in fashion.  Style is something that everyone can (and should) be a part of, and the incredible influx over these past few years of fantastically-heeled (yet incredibly personable) fashion bloggers helps to instill a feeling of intimacy in an otherwise intimidating industry.

Bon voyage, Tavi!  Bring back lots of stories!

Read the full story {WWD}

Say what you will about her [less-than-impressive] runway shows, but the girl clearly has a sense of personal style, through which she emphasizes the importance of putting effort into dressing for yourself: a lesson which translates well to a broad audience.

Following on the heels of her lower-priced line for Kohl’s is Lauren Conrad Style, a book (with a fall 2010 release date) which will serve as a guide for everyday women who would like to emulate Conrad’s California-cool look.

We love that Conrad sees style as a personal investment, and her friendly accessibility is ideal for reaching out to women who want to be stylish yet are otherwise intimidated by the bells and whistles in the big scary world of fashion.

Read the full story {StyleWatch via People}

But don’t worry — we’re not media zombies in the Twilight Zone just yet.

Faithful TV viewers lately are taking their style cues from shows like Gossip Girl and Mad Men, which have helped to democratize fashion by showing how “real people” can wear clothes.  Viewers are certainly aware of the fact that these characters aren’t real, but by relating clothing to palpable personalities rather than abstract circumstances like runway shows, they are more likely to understand how certain styles can work in their own lives.

Of course we don’t think you should go out and try to dress 100% like Blair or Serena, because personal style should never be a carbon copy of someone else.  Instead, use TV fashion as a set of guidelines — and a source of inspiration — that helps you develop your own look.

Read the full story {Associated Press}

Among the trends to follow are military and sporting flourishes, animal prints, and a sexier underwear-as-outerwear approach to dressing.  Remember, it’s not necessary to follow all the runway looks to the letter; instead, find certain aspects that will work well with your own personal style, and infuse those pieces to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.

Read the full story {Style Notes via Style.com}