For those of us “into” fashion a little compassion may be in order. There has been a profusion of confusion. It is an explosion of disorder. While one group of fashion know- it- alls predicts what's going to be hot the other group purports yet a different opinion. A constant tug of war exists in these United States over whom will set the direction of fashion. If you have seen the movie the “Devil Wears Prada” you will know what I mean, if not take my word for it: it is the fashion establishment's, Madison Avenue versus Hollywood Boulevard.

The fashion gurus that set the tone use the catwalk, Hollywood uses its latest starlets. You may think they work together: celebrities grace the front row of New York fashion weeks tents in Bryant Park and all the hot designers give their latest creations to Academy award nominees so they strut the red carpet as gawkers speak of each garment as though spun from gold, but this is as far as it goes. It stops at the garments.

What about the hair and make-up! Here is where the fashion and show businesses diverge. It appears a definite conflict appears in regard to hair fashion. This year's fashion shows were optimized by side knot ponytails, big bold shelf bangs, and smurf blue hair. While Hollywood had long wavy hair, all varieties of bangs and every color except blue. And who is America likely to follow? Clearly it is Hollywood that has the upper hand but that doesn't stop the Madison Avenue fashionistas from trying. As the war continues I vow to choose my own path.

My predictions of hair trends to watch for this season are: Back to smooth. Look for sleek shapes with texture. Strongly finished hair with a 20's edge. Straight classic bob's, Louise Brooks style. Hair spray is making a big comeback, I'm not talking about the movie, but the real thing.

Also look for messy flicks with hair off the neck put up in a hasty manner. Then sprayed like crazy! Look for strong hold spray like Aveda's PureAbundance, Extra firm spray or Firmata. For men look for a strong coif, use hearty gels like Aveda's new Men's Line and finish with a wide tooth comb. The comb will leave deep grooves in the style making it quite distinctive.

It might be that the most compassionate thing a fashion watcher can do for yourself is determine your own sense of style and fashion focus by leaving the catwalk and the red carpet to someone else.