Let’s face it: when it comes to fashion we can all use a little help. It’s a designer jungle out there, crowded with fabrics, colors and couture considerations. No wonder we feel like refugees from a segment of “What Not To Wear.” After all, who but a Kardashian truly knows what garment goes under that sheer blouse, which direction the stripes should run for the most flattering look and when to hoist on the pantyhose or go bare-legged?

“It doesn’t need to be complicated,” said Crystal Fambrini, style specialist for The Streets of Brentwood. “The whole idea is for fashion to be fun and to make you feel good.”

Fambrini’s theory proved true last weekend during The Streets spring fashion show. The event arrived in time for some pre-Mother’s Day shopping and featured the latest looks, styles and ensembles from more than a dozen of the center’s anchor stores, including Chico’s, Sunglasses Hut and REI. With the help of local models – moms, teens and grandmas – Fambrini showed that with a little confidence and a healthy dose of attitude, everyone can look – and more importantly, feel – like a true fashionista.

“I like the creativity of fashion and I love seeing a woman’s confidence soar when she feels good in an outfit,” said Fambrini. “It’s very inspiring.”

While Fambrini believes fashion is about free expression and self-confidence, a few rules apply to selecting outfits and accessories.

“People do judge you by what you’re wearing,” said Fambrini, who added that the list of fashion “don’ts” include tennis shoes (“unless you’re going running”) and flip-flops (“for the beach – not shopping or work”). Other style no-nos include sports bras, shaved eyebrows (“yes, people actually do that”) and clothes that are too big or too small.

The rule of thumb is to keep it comfortable and create a look that makes you feel pretty and confident. Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows are in this season, as are stripes, florals and bright lips.

Must-haves this spring and summer also include a long day dress (“they look good on everyone”), brightly colored jackets and cardigans, and a pair of espadrilles (“everyone should have a really amazing pair”). Jeans are a standard for any wardrobe, but should be updated every few years. And as for the undergarments: in a word, it’s Spanx.

“Spanx is critical,” laughed Fambrini.

Shoppers can assume the Walnut Creek native knows what she’s talking about. For the past few years the 31-year-old has been making a name for herself in the world of communications, starting with a mentorship under the late Peter Jennings, an ongoing stint on Al Gore’s “Current TV” as a reporter and producer, and most recently as a host and lifestyle reporter whose coverage has included the Cannes and Sundance film festivals, and the Oscars. She has styled such megastars as Justin Timberlake and rubbed elbows with Brad and Angelina.

“Yes, she is that gorgeous in person,” she said. “She’s absolutely stunning. So is he.”

But when it comes to mere mortals, fashion can still be glamorous. But before the shopping begins, Fambrini suggests taking a good, long look at what’s already hanging in your closet. “Always go through your things before shopping,” she said. “And if you haven’t worn it in a year or longer, get rid of it. It’s a good way to clean out your closet and it makes room for all the new things.”

For more fashion tips, follow Fambrini online at www.shopstreetsofbrentwood.com and click on Style Tips.