Good old-fashioned rain boots are all the rage this season, and the selection of colors and styles is as varied as the wearers. Sure, you can pick up a pair of ridiculously expensive Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, or Burberry rain boots, but they’re pretty boring. For the price of just one designer rain boot, you can buy a pair (or two!) for each member of your family — just visit your local Target or shop Target online. Every one of the styles shown below is under $25… some are only $15!

Princess Di wore the Original Hunter rain boot.  Hilary Duff (left) wears Burberry Wellington rain boots.

Check out this fun assortment to wear with jeans, leggings, skirts… or whatever you fancy!

Boys-Disney's Cars

Upton Fireman

Ulan Camo

Ula Polka Dot

Upala Polka Dot

Udelia Butterfly

Women-Allison Floral

Merona Zasha

Barbie 50th Ann.

 

Teenagers love taking fashion risks. Sometimes it works (doesn’t Selena Gomez always look adorable?), and sometimes it doesn’t (remember fashion bomb Mischa Barton?).  Here are just a few examples of what NOT to wear when you’re a teen model, musician, actress or celebrity of any kind:

Taylor Momsen

When she’s not playing Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, Taylor Momsen is trying way too hard to look like she doesn’t care about fashion.

The young woman needs a personal stylist… pronto.

(Photo by Doug Meszler / Splash News)

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Rihanna

Pop superstar Rihanna’s sleeveless top is funky. Her lipstick is gorgeous. The colossal matching sunglasses are fine.

The Kate Gosselin hair (on anyone, ever) is not.

(Photo by INFDaily.com)

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Miley Cyrus

Yahoo’s OMG fashion critics compared Miley’s nasty dress to her famous father’s infamous mullet.

The fishnet stockings and a come-hither pout don’t fool us Miley, you still look like you’re 12.

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
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Emma Stone

The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past actress appears to be channeling an angelic version of Wednesday Addams. The material and design are matronly, and the color blends right in with Emma’s pale skin.

The unnecessary bow around her neck is the only “blue ribbon” she’ll win with this ensemble.

(Photo by Richie Buxo / Splash News)

Who would you add to this list?

We identify specific looks with veteran celebrities: Angelina Jolie wears black. Victoria Beckham wears a constant pout. Kim Kardashian wears clothes that are at least one size too small.

The real trendsetters are the young Hollywood celebs. The teen set isn’t afraid to take fashion risks and flaunt the latest styles. And young people seem more willing to make casual dress interesting and easy to imitate.

Here are my (non-red carpet) picks for the 10 best-dressed young people in Tinseltown:

#10 Emma Watson
The elegant Harry Potter star has grown up before our very eyes, and the older she gets, the more glamour she is. The paparazzi have never caught her in a bad-fashion moment.

Emma easily wears Louis Vuitton, Chanel, D&G and Burberry in photo shoots, on the red carpet, and even at the airport (shown here).

Emma’s best fashion accessory?  Her adorable, ever-present smile.

Photo courtesy of Just Jared

#9 Dev Patel
The award-winning Slumdog Millionaire actor flaunts award-winning style. The handsome teen always looks sharp — whether sporting a suit, a T-shirt or one of his trademark vests.

Dev understands the importance of details (like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra watch he wears here).

Look for more of this fine young man the upcoming film M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender.

Photo courtesy of Coolspotters.

#8 Taylor Swift
She’s the beautiful country songbird has captured the hearts of all music lovers (and Kanye West haters).

Not only can Taylor sing, she can work it baby. She looks equally amazing in a Balenciaga gown and a Topshop shirt (left).

My favorite thing about Taylor?  Her incredible ringlets of spun gold. I don’t care if she wears them long and loose or up a messy chignon — she has hair to die for.

Photo courtesy of Just Jared.

#7 Taylor Lautner
#8 and #7 on our list share a first name, awesome style, and a new movie. The Taylors star together in 2010’s Valentine’s Day.

But it’s another movie that has made Lautner a super hunk — Twilight and the millions of Team Jacob fans who prefer werewolves over vampires.

He looks fabulous in this Diesel Luchas leather jacket (left), but his best asset is the 30 pounds of muscle he packed on for New Moon.

#6 Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens’ High School Musical character didn’t have much confidence, but the actress herself has plenty.

Vanessa doesn’t dress like everyone else… she has her own look, and she wears it well.

Vanessa defines boho chic. No pattern is too bold for her. She indulges in flowy clothes, fringes, tons of jewelry and funky headbands — sometimes all at once!

Many girls want to imitate this bronze beauty, but few will be successful.

Stay tuned for my top 5 Best Dressed Tinseltown Teens!

Buying for a six-year-old diva can be so much fun… until it comes to shoes.

All summer long, my cute kid wore adorable sandals or just went barefoot. As school approached, I got serious about finding practical, comfy shoes. Who knew it would be so difficult? Sure, there’s plenty of trendy footwear like the big girls (and Suri Cruise, right) wear, but my daughter needed something functional for the long days at school.

Clunky shoes with big heels cannot be good for her growing bones. Those charming ballerina flats look great, but they rub and cause blistering at the heel (if they stay on at all). Boots and Uggs are comfy, but they’re too hot to wear all day.  Sneakers and athletic shoes are fine for Phys Ed days, but a style-conscious gal needs something with which to accessorize her fashionista wardrobe, too!

I decided to scour the Internet for wearable shoes. I had my daughter properly sized — she’s a 12 medium — and went online shopping.  It took some work, but eventually I found some age-appropriate, comfortable fall shoes, like these:

BeanSport Mary Janes from LL Bean
These delightful little shoes come in prints (clearwater blue floral and dark mulberry butterflies, left) and solids (chocolate, light taupe and sea lavendar).

$34.50 at LL Bean.com

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Merrell Kids Encore Adams Leather
These fall/winter pigskin loafers are easy to slip off and on. The shoes are available in this taupe brown/turquoise color combo as well as black with red trim.

$55.00 at Zappos.com

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Wave The Date 2 Reaction by Kenneth Cole
Faux patent leather upper with a square toe soft suede details.  Adjustable buckle straps with hidden elastics secure a perfect fit. Neutral colors include black patent (shown), dark brown and burgundy.

$41.99 at Shoes.com

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Jodi II from First Kiss
The simple slip-on shoe boasts fabric piping and a decorative Mary Jane strap. The rubber outsole offers sure, safe footing. This shoe is available in both navy (left) and black.

Regularly $39.99, now just $19.99 at Famous Footwear.com

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Every little girl should be allowed to play in high heels, but every little girl also needs shoes that preserve her precious little feet.

What do you think of Suri’s high-heel stroll through the city?

Teen fashion trends are inspired by the most popular celebrities of the moment. This generation looks to Disney TV stars and Twilight movie icons. Forget what these stylish young women are wearing on the red carpet, it’s their everyday look that keeps us interested (and imitating).

So the next time you’re at the mall trying to find something — anything — for your teen to wear, try to picture the actresses and musical performers your kids adore.

FOR EDGY FASHION…
…think Miley Cyrus. With ripped jeans, off-the-shoulder tops and message tees, Miley stands apart from the rest of young Hollywood. Her off-screen attire is a tad more adventuresome than her clean Hannah Montana wear.

Here (right) Miley texts on her Sidekick LX while chillin’ in Gypsy 05 Riley peace-print wide-let sweats and cutoff sweatshirt. Who else would consider topping this casual outfit with a tween newsboy cap and braids?!

FOR THAT NEW ENGLAND PREPPY LOOK…
… think The Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez (left). Heralded as “the next Miley Cyrus,” Selena always wears clothes that are fun, fashionable and age-appropriate.

In this photo, Selena looks adorable in an American Eagle cardigan and skinny black jeans. The black ballet flats, big shades and striped hobo bag keep the outfit from looking too studious.

FOR THAT BOHO HIPPIE-CHICK LOOK…
…think Vanessa Hudgens (right). The High School Musical star receives rave reviews on her signature laid-back fashion sense. Vanessa is a natural beauty who can make a burlap sack look gorgeous.

In this photo, Vanessa is modeling a truly modern hippie style. She’s wearing funky Ecko Red crosshatch shorts and a versatile Ecko Red cropped denim jacket. Vanessa completes with outfit with unique knee-high socks and the Red by Marc Ecko Chalsie-Prissy Sneaker. And, according to teens in the know, even her Sharpie is a hip accessory!

FOR THAT TRUE POP STAR LOOK…

…think Ashley Tisdale (left). The Disney superstar knows how to act, sing and work it, baby! From her hair color to her hats, Ashley is a true trendsetter.

In this pic, Ashley flaunts a Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolore Speedy 30 handbag (Sharpei would approve!), Nike Legend High Premium LE boots, a Blue Life V-Luptuous tee, Rebel Yell M Patch Foldover Leggings and the True Religion’s super-cool horseshoe hat. We even like her buff male accessory!

THE GIRL-NEXT-DOOR LOOK…
…think Ashley Greene. As Twilight’s beloved Alice, Ashley has become America’s sweetheart. Her big-screen alter ego is known for her sense of style, and Ashley herself is, too.

In this photo (right), Ashley was spotted wearing a darling Miss Me embroidered empire long-length dress in plum. Can’t you just totally picture this dress on pixie-haired Alice!?

Hollywood offers so many more young fashionistas — Emma Watson, Lauren Conrad, Miranda Cosgrove… the list goes on and on!

If you could copy any starlet’s look, whose would it be?

The adorable Hello Kitty character has been around for more than 35 years, but she’s never been more popular than she is right now. Celebs like Dakota Fanning, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears and Perez Hilton are flaunting Hello Kitty everything — from apparel to bandages!

Retailers everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon, offering clothes, jewelry, handbags, footwear and many more fun items — all boasting the familiar big-eyed kitty with no mouth.

Jewelry
Paris Hilton (above), Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus and other celebrities have been spotted wearing diamond-encrusted Hello Kitty necklaces.

This Hello Kitty Hot Pink Necklace (right) from Hot Topic features a funky pink 17″ chain with a 1-1/2″ enamel Hello Kitty pendant. Find it online or in Hot Topic stores for $12.

Accessories
Avril Lavigne (left) likes Hello Kitty slippers.

Find a pair for your little lady at Sanrio.com, the official site for Hello Kitty products. Her feet will be cozy warm in these pink, fluffy Hello Kitty Face Slippers (right), just $16.50.

First Aid
Mariah Carey has an enormous Hello Kitty collection. She wears Hello Kitty apparel, holds plush Hello Kitty toys on stage, and even heals her boo-boos with Hello Kitty Band-Aids.

You can find a box of Hello Kitty Band-Aid childrens adhesive bandages in most drugstores and online at Amazon. About $3 for a box of 20.

I have a Hello Kitty notebook. What do you — or your kids — have that features the feline icon?

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers have been around for a long time…  according to Wikipedia, since 1917!

Once known as “eraser heads” worn only by the uncool kids, Chuck Taylors are now THE shoes to own.

Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame is the unofficial brand spokesperson, wearing the All Stars on the movie set (as Bella and Joan Jett) as well as on the red carpet with designer dresses!

There’s a pair of Chuck Taylors for every kid in your family.

Teens and Tweens
From wholesome to edgy, there’s a Chuck Taylor for every teen.

Leather Hi Tops

The smooth leather upper is longer lasting and easier to clean than canvas. This style comes in chocolate or black with the trademark white trim.

$73.95 at Zappos.com.

Floral Lo Tops

This canvas shoe features an allover floral screenpring as well as the All Star® logo.

Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame wears these with everything.

$45.95 at DSW.com.

Kids
Your elementary school kid can choose from an enormous variety of Chuck Taylors — lo tops or hi tops, plain or patterned, lace up or Velcro.

Flame

This cool pattern comes in both hi- and lo-top styles and is suitable for girls and boys.

$40 at Zappos.com.

Butterfly

The pink canvas upper features embroidered butterflies and faux stretch laces.

$19.97 at Amazon.com.

Toddler
Your little one won’t be short on style!

Rubiks Hi Tops

The primary color blocks are fun and match nearly every outfit.

$29.97 at Shiekh Shoes.com.

Velcro Oxfords

The V3 Ox boasts a classic oxford silhouette and easy-to-use Velcro straps. Look for them in boy colors and in patterns, too.

$38.95 at Zappos.com.

Baby
Tiny baby toes will stay warm and cozy in a pair of trendy crib shoes.

Pink Crib Shoes

The canvas Converse® Baby All Stars® Chuck Taylor® Crib Shoes come are perfect for a baby girl.

$19.95 at Classic Sport Shoes.com.

Leather Crib Shoes

The First Star hi-tops are leather and feature traction dots!

$19.99 at Shoes.com.

Trendy or tacky? Tell us what you think of celebrities and their Chuck Taylor All Stars.

Tell your teen to forget about sandals! This summer, girls’ footwear is all about boots… fringed boots!

So what’s the right way to wear this warm-weather footwear? Check out these celeb examples:

Whether dressed for the red carpet or a shopping excursion with girlfriends, Ashley Tisdale (left) always has the look teens want. Here she pairs fringed boots with a pair of dark skinny jeans. Ashley’s summery top and fun sunglasses add a seasonal element to the outfit.

Actress Joy Bryant (right) struts her stuff like the former model she is. Combining a pair of fringe boots with a knee-length flowered skirt, Joy pulls together a cool and casual ensemble. By switching out the jean jacket for a fitted blazer, she can go from casual to dressy in an instant.

Sometimes she looks like she needs a new stylist, but this time Mischa Barton (left) got it right. Her moccasin boots and Native American-inspired mini are perfectly complementary, and her simple white T-shirt keeps her from looking like she’s in costume.

Becki Newton (right) steps out in a pair of rhinestone-studded fringe boots. The Ugly Betty star donned an adorable strapless dress at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC. The dressy elements on these heeled boots makes them perfect for dresses and jeans, but pairing them with Daisy Dukes might just send the wrong message…

Miley Cyrus (left), on the other hand, shows how not to wear fringe boots. Her train wreck of an outfit is made even worse with suede royal blue footwear. She might have looked cool with the layered tees or the neon boots, but wearing them together — along with those holey tights — is just plain wrong.

Other celebrities sighted wearing fringe boots in summer include Hilary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens, Carmen Electra, Kim Kardashian, Sienna Miller, Lauren Conrad, Kate Hudson, and Kate Moss.

You and your teen will find a fabulous selection of fringe boots online at Zappos, Amazon, Totem Pole, and Sheplers.

Okay, so there are pros to wearing warm-weather boots: you’ll look trendy, and you can skip a few pedicures. But don’t you think the con of having sweaty, stinky feet totally outweighs the benefits?

Photo credits: Splash News,Wire Image, and Getty Images

The bohemian look is a popular trend this season, and teens and celebrities everywhere are flaunting this hippie-chick style. Vanessa Hudgens is a role model for edgy bohemian fashion — peasant blouses, loose-fitting skirts, and layered jewelry.

Now, even the littlest of girls can flaunt this fab look! Old Navy has everything they need to get started: flowery prints, tie-back waists, and ruffles in bright, feminine colors.

TOPS
Forget about plain, boring T-shirts. Funky bohemian styling starts at the top with flirty tanks and lettuce-edge tunics.

For big girls, Old Navy has smocked tees, empire tanks, and flutter tops featuring floral prints, crocheted trim, and embroidered detailing. You’ll find dozens of styles in pretty spring colors, all under $20!

Baby girls can be just as hip in their boho duds. Old Navy has ruffle-trim henleys and banded-waist tanks in darling prints and patterns. Look for cute, simple details – if the top is too fussy, she’ll be fussy, too! Old Navy’s selection is enormous with prices ranging from $5 to $15.

BOTTOMS
Pair the pretty tops with equally feminine bottoms, like cropped pants or flirty skorts.

The big girls can get Miss Hudgens’ look with pleated patterned skirts or belted Bermudas. Whether she likes to show a little leg or a lot, Old Navy has the perfect bottoms. From short-shorts and mini-skirts to capris and jeans, your gal will find the look she wants.

Hide your baby girl’s diaper with adorable bohemian bottoms. Show off her chubby legs with a pair of ruffled “panties,” plaid bubble shorts, or a white denim mini. You can afford a nice variety at Old Navy, where the price is about $8 to $12 each.

DRESSES
There’s nothing quite as sweet as a young girl in a pretty summer dress.

Your girl will feel all grown up in a flowing maxi dress or a halter sundress. They’re perfect for church, parties, parades… and they’re great as swimsuit cover-ups, too! Every one of Old Navy’s dresses is under $20. It will be hard to choose!

Your baby will look adorable (and will be a breeze to change!) in a smocked sundress. Make it boho by selecting funky patterns or cool beading. Old Navy has dresses in comfy cotton, soft jersey, and fluffy terry, some as low as $5!

SANDALS
Complete the look with a pair of fun sandals or flip flops.

Choose a pair of flip-flop wedges or strappy sandals for your big girl. They’re comfortable and practical, casual and dressy. Old Navy’s patent thong sandals are $12.50 per pair.

Whether she’s walking or not, you baby girls can flaunt her precious piggies in a pair of braided sandals. Select sparkly metallic or cool canvas – only $14.50.

ACCESSORIES
The bohemian look covers everything, including accessories.

Bigger girls can layer bracelets and necklaces or strut their style with a rope-strap beach bag. The bags are just $9.50 and come in trendy colors like Cayman Pink, Kayak Blue, and Fudge Brownie.

Babies may be too young for jewelry or purses, but they can still accessorize! Protect her delicate skin and eyes with a floppy sun hat or a pair of tinted sunglasses. Old Navy has a great selection, and everything is priced under $10.

You can find similar styles at these stores, too:

The Children’s Place
Crewcuts by J. Crew
Gymboree

Which look is better for little girls: classic or trendy?

E! Online recently named darling little Suri Cruise “Most Likely to Become a Highly Criticized But Still Respected Fashion Icon.” Whether she’s shopping with Katie or touring Tokyo, Suri is always sporting designer dresses and her signature Mary Janes. These fun shoes are no longer of the black, patent, dress shoe variety — now you can find them in just about any color and construction.

There are Mary Janes for babies, preschoolers, tweens, and young adults. Here are some of the new styles you can expect to see this season:

The sneaker styling gives the Arizona Savannah Canvas Mary Janes a casual look, but the wedge makes them more grown-up and fashionable. The trendy brown and pink color combo is made even more fun with polka dots. You can find these at JC Penney stores for about $30.

Even if your baby isn’t walking yet, she’ll look fashionable in a pair of Stride Rite Gabby Walker shoes. Available in pink, white, or tan, Gabby features a leather upper, shiny flower details, and a butterfly accent. Macy’s sells these Mary Janes for about $48.

Mary Janes don’t have to be girlie! Check out these Chuck Taylor All-Star Deluxe Mary Janes (also in green). You can find these hip sneaker-shoes at major shoe stores or at Converse online. Retail price is $60, but we’ve seen them as low as $18!

Rock it out with adorable Camp Rock Mary Janes. The white canvas shoes feature gemstone accents and a 1″ wedge heel. Can’t you just picture Demi Lovato wearing these? Buy ‘em for under $12 at Target stores nationwide.

Remember when Keds were flat, white canvas sneakers with laces? Not any more! The Craze Mary Jane Sweets are just one example of the cool kids shoes Keds makes. These skimmer-style shoes are colorful and casual and come in a variety of patterns, including camo, safari, and geo print. The Craze Mary Janes are available at Zappos for under $40.

Toddlers can show off their new walking talents in Morgan & Milo Sparkle Mary Janes. The stretchy fabric boasts glitter embellishments, but the round rubber toe keeps it casual. A non-skid bottom helps new walkers safely strut their stuff. Check out the turquoise, hot pink, sweet pink, and bronze varieties (just $40) at Shoes.com.

Mary Janes aren’t just for kids… Do you have a pair?

Interested in outfitting your “Cute Kid”?
Shop The Cute Kid store now for some adorably cute fashions!