APPAREL

Couture designers turned into exhibitionists showcasing daringly transparent designs on the couture catwalks. From Chanel to Valentino it’s all about peek-a-boo fashion this Spring and we have the scoop on how to tone down this hot runway trend and for the real world.

A Transparent Top A very easy way to try this trend is to try a romantic sheer blouse. It’s best to pair your sheer blouse with a full nude camisole for work and daytime looks. For night you can be more daring and pair your sheer blouse with a lacy bra. If you go for the latter, make sure to also drape a beautiful cashmere shawl across your shoulder to keep the look tasteful. Zac Posen makes gorgeous transparent blouses in strong silhouettes perfect for work and play.

A Clear Bag Totally transparent handbags have been trendy in European countries and they are slowly making their way stateside. Designers like Chanel and Furla have come out with the most adorable clear handbags which make finding your keys a much easier task. Look for roomy totes with a designer logo. Try one this spring and make a statement.

An Organza Coat An organza coat is the new Spring must have and for good reasons. The effortless luxury that comes with topping a little black dress with a beautiful black organza coat is unsurpassed. It’s a great way to try the transparent trend while having a peace of mind knowing you can wear it for seasons to come. You can find great organza coats from designers like Donna Karen and Oscar De La Renta.

A Little White Dress A little white or cream dress made from transparent fabrics like chiffon and Georgette silk with embellishments is the perfect dress for summer cocktail parties. Look for dresses that are heavily embellished to hit two trends with one stone as embellishments are still super trendy. Elie Saab’s Spring couture collection showcased beautiful dresses in shades of white and nude with heavy beading, while Valentino kept it classic with sheer white dresses with elegant rose detailing.

Clear Heels Clear heels are going to be huge this Spring, designers are creating playful heels with lucite heels. To keep this look classy look for platform or short chunky heel styles, a longer heel like a stiletto in a clear material is not appropriate. You will be able to find lucite heels this summer from every designer at every price.

Millissa Mathai

As the temperatures reach below the freezing point, it’s time to take a well deserved vacation to somewhere warm, colorful and fabulous. Traveling is by far a fashionista’s favorite hobby. Whether you’re traveling across the country or the world, we have some insider tips on how to do it in style.

Chic Luggage Is A Must
A great luggage set that showcases your personality without compromising style is a must. Look for high quality suitcases that are durable. DVF has an amazing luggage collection which you can find at Macy’s. The collection includes extremely stylish suitcases embellished with fashionable accents including faux alligator lining and studs.

 The Perfect Outfit To Travel In
Sitting on a plane for hours can be an uncomfortable situation, so do yourself a favor and dress comfortably. That doesn’t mean you should resort to wearing a Juicy Couture velour suit and UGG boots, which can look messy and will not get you an upgrade to first class. Instead throw on a pair of comfortable black leggings or dark wash jeggings, a long tunic or designer white tee that is long enough to be a mini dress paired with a long cashmere cardigan. To accessorize, add large cuffs that you can easily slip on and off, oversized sunglasses and a pair of flat riding boots.

What To Pack In Your Carry On
You should carry an oversized tote, which is roomy enough to store all of your necessities along with reading material, snacks, passport, etc. along with a rolling carry on suitcase. You should pack an extra outfit in case your luggage gets lost in transit. The easiest outfit to pack is a LBD and a pair of black pumps. Since you can only carry toiletries that meet the 3 floe oz requirement be sure to find your must have beauty items in the right size on 3floz.com. 3floz.com is a travel beauty product site which carries all of your favorite beauty products in a travel ready size, saving you the headache.

How To Look Fresh On Arrival
Looking fabulous after a long flight can be tough. The easiest way to look revived is to spritz cold water on your face then moisturize with a rich moisturizer, preferably tinted. Apply a touch of blush and swipe on a little bit of lipstick and dab a little gloss on the center of your lips. Top off the look with your oversized sunglasses and you’ll be good to go!

Happy travels!

By Millissa Mathai

Lingerie is the hot emerging trend among designers these days. Whether you’re a fan of the “lingerie worn on the outside look” (see below) or just want to update your collection we have the scoop on the latest trends from the intimates world.

Hot Pink Is The New Black
Lingerie designers are ditching cliche black lacy lingerie and opting for bold shades of pink as their color of choice. Sexy accents such as lace and ruffles add a touch of romance to the “look at me” color. Editor’s Pick: Lisa’s Folly Luxe Nocturne Collection.

Floral Fantasy
Florals are always in style when it comes to lingerie. Look for floral prints in bold colors for an updated look. Editor’s Pick: Fantasie, Floral bra and panty.

Shades of Blue
If you’re not much of a girly-girl to but still want to stay on trend, shades of blue are also very popular in the lingerie world this season. Look for lingerie in shades of teal and royal blue in a rich fabric like silk for a truly regal look. Editor’s Pick: Flora Nikrooz Baby Doll In Teal.

You Must Try Shapewear
Shapewear is uber-popular right now and it’s the secret of celebrities everywhere. Not only will it smooth out your silhouette it will give you that amazing hour-glass figure that we all vie for. From full dress slips that squeeze in all your imperfections to thigh slimming, tummy tapering shorts, it’s important to have a wide selection of shapewear. The most popular shapewear brand is Spanx and they have a wide range of shapewear that will fit all of your needs. Their latest collection includes tights which have shapewear built into them and they go all the way up to right under your bust for a sexy svelte shape. Editor’s Pick: Spanx, Swiss Dot Shapewear Tights.

The Return of Loungewear
Pretty loungewear is back and there are more options than ever. Instead of slipping into a pair of sweats after work, why not slip into a beautiful baby-doll or silky robe? Lingerie designers are also designing over-sized boyfriend shirts which are a chic and cozy way to lounge in style. Editor’s Pick: Brulee, Boyfriend Lounge Shirt, Lacivious, Teddy.

How to wear lingerie on the outside for Valentine’s Day:

1. Wear a silk slip which reaches no shorter than 4 inches above your knees and pair it with a lush cashmere cardigan, a long beaded necklace and a sweet pair of kitten heels.
2. Try a satin cami with lacy details paired with dark wash jeans and heels for a night on the town with the girls! If you’re feeling modest just throw on an over-sized cardigan or wrap.
3. If you’re feeling extra racy why not pair a lacy bustier with a fitted pencil skirt for a unique date night look.

By Millissa Mathai

Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week in Miami was star studded and trend setting this year. From flirty bikinis to chic one pieces there was a perfect look for every figure and personality. With so many new styles and options, this is the year to really revamp your swimwear collection and try something new! Here are our favorite swimwear trends for 2011.

Blue As The Ocean
Swimwear designers are feeling blue this year! All shades of the ocean strutted down the catwalk from sky blues to turquoise, you can’t go wrong in blue this season. Choose a blue that will make your skin glow. Turquoise looks amazing against golden and darker skin tones while baby blue is perfect for porcelain and fairer skin shades. Light shades of green, like seafood were also very popular this season.

Hot Tamales
Hot shades of pink, red and orange added a lot of punch to basic bathing suit silhouettes. Opt for a silhouette that suits your shape best but buy it in this season’s rich red, orange and pink shades to update your swim look for the season seamlessly.

Wild Things
Animal print is a haute trend in 2011 and it’s even taken over swimmer. Luxurious leopard, cheetah and zebra prints are adding sex appeal this season. If you would like to try this trend remember to stay as close as possible to the natural animal print as you can. Pink zebra print and blue cheetah prints are not chic.

Going Tribal
Tribal prints are a colorful and fun way to update your swimwear collection. Native American and African prints are en vogue this season. Pair them with chunky beaded necklaces to complete the look.

Welcome The Monokini
Traditional bikinis and one pieces, move over the monokini is here! Monokinis are basically hybrids of bikinis and one pieces. The top and bottom are connected by a piece of cloth covering every woman’s trouble area, the tummy! Designers everywhere now have their own rendition of this new sexy shape and women everywhere are rejoicing. Look for a monokini in a solid color rather than a print for a slimmer look.

Ruffled Up
Ruffles made a comeback in swimwear this season. From tiny ruffles to dramatic ones, ruffles add girlish charm to any suit.

Embellished And Glamourous
Embellished swimwear is all the craze with fashionistas everywhere from Rio to Cannes. Rhinestones, sequins and beads are covering everything from tunics to bikinis. This trend is a great way to add glamour to your resort look. Just make sure that all of the embellishments are sewn in properly and intact before you purchase.

Golden Girls
Gold hardware is becoming super popular and it’s a luxurious addition to any suit. There’s nothing chicer than a plain black or white bikini with rich gold hardware. Gold also brings out your tan, who can ever resist that?

By Millissa Mathai