Rufflicious!

I remember as a little girl, growing up in the 80s, my mom would put these little, light colored dresses on me all of the time, and all seemed to have large, small or medium ruffles…uh….I thought ‘THIS HAS TO BE THE MOST HIDIOUS THING EVER, I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL I’M ALL GROWN UP, SO I DON’T WEAR THIS STUFF.”

Well, I’m all grown up now and truthfully, up until this point, I’ve still despised ruffles and all that they stood for. When I would see others with a piece on that had ruffles (uh), I would be on the verge of actually peeoooking!!!

But this season, ruffles are BACK and I think they are back with a vengeance, poking fun at all of the ruffle naysayer’s (that would be me).

Many designers, from the runways in Paris, to the manufacturing plant in Indiana, have implemented ruffles with a 21st century twist into their line. So far, I have no complaints. The new ruffle is greater than the previous, or greater than ever.

I love the way that the ruffle has came back better, so now I can buy a ruffle dress, blouse, pantsuit, etc., and won’t have any shame whatsoever. No shame because, hey, “I know I look good in this.”

Ladies, you have to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, head to toe, in order to walk and live in confidence; not arrogance, but confidence. And confidence definitely shows!
~ Nekiwa Smith

Blinded By The Light

You can definitely tell that summer has officially arrived, due to huge amounts of capris, sandals, sundresses and SHADES (or should I say sunglasses). Now, I truly love the look of summer and all that it has to offer, but one thing that upsets me is a nice summer attire look with the wrong shades or sunglasses. Sunglasses are accessories and therefore should enhance your entire look, not diminish it.
I love Tiffany’s new line of eyewear! I admire that they have increased in their design of their sunglasses. The Fall 08 collection has a whole lotta BLING added to specific pairs. I think that it is the cutest thing. Now for the past six years or so, I’ve seen other sunglass designers dib and dab in added sparkle and bling to shades, but often the bling was too bulky so it looked like shing or the bling was too little so it looked like nothing (ha,ha).

I think Tiffany has gotten the whole bling on the sunglasswear right! They’ve associated the bling to enhance and compliment the entire design of the eyewear piece.

Now ladies, I have a couple of steps that I’ve gathered throughout the years that I ALWAYS follow when picking out the right sunglasses:

Step 1: Always consider the outfit/piece that you are buying the glasses to accessorize with….

Step 2: The tone, shade and color of the frames should always be an undertone of the color of your ensemble; example: if you are wearing hot pink, PLEASE DO BUY HOT PINK OR ORANGE SUNGLASSES!!

Step 3: If you plan on carrying a clutch or bag with this outfit, make sure that the sunglasses that you buy go in line with your bag, shoes, jewelry, all accessories (IT HAS TO BLEND WELL)

Step 4: If you are considering buying a pair of sunglasses that has a little bling, always make sure that the bling does not overshadow the entire look the glasses or vise-versa, the glasses should not overshadow the BLING!

~ Nekiwa Smith

Sunglasses Not Only A Fashion Statement

We all know that sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory but also a statement of one's fashion individuality and independence, a mere expression of ones personality. Sunglasses can tell us a lot about a person - whether that person is witty, shy, social, fashionable, chic, sexy, etc.

In this post I want to address the dual importance of wearing sunglasses during this spring/summer season; for your protection and also the importance of staying chic and not be flashy about your designer sunglasses.

Yes, we all know that the best sunglasses are also designed by designers who specialized in shoes, handbags, denim, etc. My personal favorites this season are: Gucci, Tom Ford, Marc by Marc Jacobs and my ultimate favorite, Prada. Why are this designers the most famous or even the best designers for sunglasses? The answer is simple. They have vast experience in the fashion world and their knowledge of what costumers really want, and they also have set a trend with their fashion house. Thus, the sunglasses become another important piece in your outfit.

These designers have also taken the time and given the importance to the protection of the clients eyes and sight; it is not quite the same to buy clear designer sunglasses as to buy dark sunglasses so leave the clear lenses for winter season.

For women its very important to match your sunglasses with your purse. Ladies, please be careful when you try to match your ray-bans to your Marc Jacobs blue leather handbag...it's just a big NO. Gentlemen, it's very important to match your sunglasses with your footwear; wearing large, thick paste Prada sunglasses don't really go with your Gap flip-flops. Sunglasses and footwear give a complete personality to a summer outfit.

Sunglasses can make or break an outfit and completely make your trendiness go away, for the fact that you did not pay attention to the design and shape of your eye wear.

Need some tips on the hottest trends for the season? The best looking designs are Bob Dylan sunglasses (try Gucci), Aviators (definately Ray Ban), and Medium Thick Paste (Tom Ford). You cannot go wrong with those designs...but you can go wrong if you try to follow the fashion savvy of Kanye West. His sunglasses are NOT in.

Stay fashionable!

- Rog Castillo

Floral Fever

Funny thing about hair accessories, they either look drop dead gorgeous or completely ridiculous. There’s a very fine line one needs to be aware of when using hair accessories.

Probably age appropriateness is one of the first questions to ask yourself. Do I look like a six year old playing dress up? Nothing looks worse and actually ages a woman more than trying to pull off clothing from the juniors department-let’s face reality, those years are over! Well, hair isn’t much different. Don’t wear your daughter’s rhinestone barrettes or hairclips with bows attached. It just doesn’t work.

I do love the look of a flower in the hair. Just one beautiful statement clipped low in a chignon or tucked behind the ear in the summer can look breathless. Think Diana Ross in Mahogany or channel Billie Holiday.

Hibiscus Florals does extremely real looking flowers for the hair that come with a pre- attached hair comb or clip. They average around $29.00 which is perfect- a simple way to be unique without breaking open the piggy bank. Check them out at http://www.hibiscusflorals.com/

~ Eileen Lang

What's Hot (And What's Not!)

Ok, its summer time, the weather is hot and itʼs time to start getting that tan. What styles and trends should you be following this summer?

For makeup I suggest the au natural style. Carmex for lips works a treat; if you donʼt have Carmex then substitute it for Vaseline. Pouts are in; letʼs face it, which guy wants to kiss a girl and end up looking like he has been cross dressing? Lipstick is a no no!

Eye shadows - what colours should you choose? Blues, greens - something that stands out or brings out the artist in yourself. Paint your eyes like a Picasso piccy and feel good while you experiment. Thereʼs nothing worse than people that copy the trend. Have your own ideas and know what works for you.

Three-quarter pants are a great way to make chubby legs look attractive, but opt for miniskirts if you are confident enough to wear them. Try a combination and go wacky - mix leggings with a mini skirt to stand out from the crowd.

Try rainbow colours ! ! You must be thinking Iʼm a crazed mad woman, but really, experiment. Fashion is about daring and being able to stand out.

When it comes to earrings, putting in hoops gold is out dated. Try big, exaggerated silver hoops and as for nail polish try blue, orange, yellow (yes, go hippy).

Heading down to the beach? Put on a bikini and get the perfect tan. If you haven't made your holiday plans just yet, then just go to the back garden and lounge in the sun. Have a barbeque and make yourself feel like youʼre on holiday !

~ Clare Al-Aufi

All That Glitters Ain't Gold!

Sugar and spice and everything nice, tomato-tomatoe, zig, zag, uhhhh! Nothing’s better than walking down the side of coast of a nice, cool, warm to the toes, sandy beach, wind blowing in your hair, water between your toes and oh yeah, handsome men. Summer is getting better and better each year. We look forward to it, especially those of you that are full time students, uh-hum. This is the time of year that we women show off our great sense of style.

I have seen different types of accessories catered for some ensembles and drastically failing others. I love having different types and styles in my jewelry box. There is a feud between the metals for the winner of the best summer metal accessory award: Silver or Gold? Which one do you prefer? Which one do you think compliments this summer 08 fashion season? Each year, there are new trends infiltrating our stores, TV, even homes. I know because I am proudly part of it, though I do think that it is a little vain for there to be a battle between these two great metals.

Both are precious in their own right: silver is a great color for an accessory/jewelry, regardless of the cut or style. Gold is also, but is bolder in its flare and color. I like to say COLOURRRRRR. Silver was great for last summer and even this past winter. Silver or gold was the colour to sport, be it shoes, jewelry or handbags. Truly, I can’t pick between the two. Because both are so great and in line with this season, I normally choose based on the outfit that I am wearing, including shoes. I normally pick the subtler of the two if I am wearing a bold colour. If I am wearing a lighter, more timid colour, I normally pick gold, the bolder of the two. I’m noticing that the jewelry is getting bigger this year and more ethnic.

Diamonds also definitely spark. Diamonds are that pure, original, natural resource that’s been around and that’s been worn since the pharoahs and kings ruled every large nation. I prefer diamonds and gold any day.

You definitely cannot go wrong with diamonds, gold or silver. Each of these compliment any outfit tremendously, bringing out the best in your entire look: clothes, shoes, make-up, hair and accessories.

~ Nekiwa Smith

It's a Cruel Jewel Summer...

Sexy sundress? Check.

Bronzed bod? (Sprayed-on, of course!) Check.

Perfect pedicure? C’mon, do I even have to ask?

Now just bring on the bling and your sizzlin’ summer style is complete. But before you begin piling on the pendants for that backyard barbeque, make sure this summer’s sun and fun won’t damage your best baubles.

If your favorite way to beat the heat involves swimming in the ocean or a pool, you’ll want to leave some of your baubles on deck, especially if they contain precious metals.

Salt water and chlorine interact with gold alloy, causing a chemical reaction. The result can be broken prongs and ring shanks. Chlorine also dissolves copper and nickel (nickel is used to mount diamonds on white gold), and can cause a brand new piece of jewelry to break. Believe me, losing that sparkling rock is no day at the beach – so keep the precious metals out of the water!

As a silver-jewelry fanatic, I feel naked without my favorite Tiffany bracelet clasped around my wrist, but sadly, silver isn’t exempt from the scourges of summer. Exposure to humidity causes the shiny metal to oxidize and tarnish. The more humid the climate, the faster that silver will turn black. I’m not saying to store your silver away for the winter – after all, it does look pretty smokin’ against bronzed skin – but you may not want to wear it everyday.

Now, I know you sexy chicks are being diligent about sporting that sunscreen (Obama fist-bumps to all!), but be aware that both sunscreen and sweat can quickly dirty any piece of jewelry. The same goes for insect repellent and body sprays. This is fine for your larger baubles and beads, but if you’re a pearl kind of girl, pack those beauties away until the fall. I know you’ll miss them, but you will thank me later!

So now you’re wondering, if my pearls are packed and my precious metals are part-time adornments, what can I wear? Not to worry. If you want to turn up the heat with summertime bling, take a tip that comes from a favorite summer pastime - the skinny dip - and go au naturale.

Trade those precious metals for natural elements like wood, turquoise and coral. Nature is dominating this summer’s jewelry trends and there’s no better season to add a little “natural inspiration” into your personal style. Allow your jewelry to add color and class to your look, with bright coral around your neck or bold turquoise dangling from your ears.

But be warned, a sexy woman with that ‘naturalness’ about her is sure to make any man in close proximity start to sweat. Lucky for them, you – and your summertime bling – will be ready for a refreshing dip in the water to cool off – or heat things up even more!

~ Christine Cipriani

The Maxi Dress

I don't really know what all of you out there think about this style of summer dress, but I LOVE IT!!!!

Remember, Fergie wore a canary yellow maxi or Grecian style dress to this year's Grammy Awards. Kristen Bell, Halle Berry and many more have sported this upscale trend.

I personally have two as part of my wardrobe. I am new to the blogging community, but not to fashion. I study the changing fashion tides with each season. You have to stay "fresh" and ready to IMPRESS, ha-ha. But anyway, hallelujah! Some fabulously-minded designer finally brought something new, interesting, and creative - something that expresses culture and trancends boundaries.

I love summer attire: the shoes, the dresses, the shorts, the accessories, the LOOK! But I have gotten pretty bored with the same old, same old basic summer layout. The Maxi Dress look is part of a widespread fashion vista that explores nativity, wildlife, different worldly customs, prints, etc.

I REALLY love this concept. I am an African-American women and, oh boy, I have long desired to wear something ethnic, representing my background/forefathers and Africa, but to tell the truth, I have not really found a fashion statement that blends my heritage with the 21st century's style, trends and FASHION! Woopee...I've reached my plateau of fashion desire this summer of 2008 and all of the design kings and queens are implementing this great new fashion concept.

I think that it is so cool that Old Navy has the cutest, affordable Maxi Style dresses available for around $-50; add a great solid print purse/handbag, bangled accessories and you're good to go, whether it be to the office, club, cocktails, picnic - whatever's on your festive agenda. I think the Indian style/Mediterranean gladiator sandals are the best shoe accessory to wear with the Maxi dress.

This is great! We can play with prints and colors and fabrics to bring together such a great, awesome look and trend. This is the fundamental beauty of fashion!!!!

~ Nekiwa Smith

A Simple Summer Solution

The summer season is here, which means the weather is sizzling! Everyday is a struggle for me to decide on what I am going to wear outside in the uncomfortably hot and humid air of New York City. Fortunately, I will not have to spend 15 minutes staring into my closet debating with myself about what to wear any longer.

The one-piece (also known as romper, playsuit, jumpsuit, or onesie) is a no-fuss, simple yet chic article of clothing that I find perfect for summer. I love when I find clothes that are versatile. The one piece can be casual or dressy. Just slip it on with your favorite sandals for day, then pair them with heels and a blazer for night.

This is one piece that is sure to make you as comfortable as can be in the most uncomfortable weather.

~ Elise Combier-Kapel

(pictured: Sparkle & Fade Toujours One-Piece)

Apple Bottom Girls

If you are into the hip-hop scene, then Apple Bottoms is the place for you. Their collection even includes jeans that were signed by Nelly ($150) with studs, rhinestones, and foil paisley print.

The nice thing about this collection of clothes is how each piece makes a individual statement. The tops compliment the jeans nicely. They add to the look and I don’t think they overwhelm the jeans. Many of the tops bare the midriff, a look which never seems to go away. The skirts and shorts coordinate with the tops to make cute outfits.

The hoodies and sweats are more for fashion statements than exercising – but isn’t that the norm? And the dresses and jumpsuits are provocative. They also have cute cropped blazers to choose from.

The swimwear is very risqué, but isn’t the entire line made for sexy, young women to strut their stuff?

These designs embody the “bright color, notice me” movement that is becoming more and more prevalent. The shoes, which are my area of interest, accentuate the "dangerous" nature of the designs and bring them to the next level.

In short, though this type of dress isn’t to my taste, I really appreciate the attention to detail that went into creating the line. The accessories, shoes, tops, jeans – all work together to tell a story about the wearer. An amazing effort!

~ Dawn Land

Swimsuit Season Phobia

This summer season everybody has been going through a phobia. "What should I wear? what accessories? what kind of swimsuit? flip flops? slippers?"

Well, in this case let me make it very simple. In few words, this is what you need to know about swimsuits this season: Italian cut for men (check Dolce & Gabanna collection or if you want a cheaper version go to the nearest H&M). Brazilian cut for women (check Gottex collection or if you want a cheaper version go to Victoria's Secret).

Now, most important for this summer season, do not drive yourself crazy thinking you need to buy 20 different swimsuits; the ideal number of swimsuits is 4 - 6.

This is were the accessories make ALL the difference in your look, whether you are at a pool party or walking down the beach. In order to make yourself more noticeable, play with simple yet colorful accessories. This season it is crucial to match your sandals, flip- flops, and slippers to your bathing suit. A linen shirt is always a good add to your get-up. For women, try to use your boyfriend's linen shirt; its chic and sexy to see a women wearing a clean cut designer linen shirt.

Hats are also very important for women this season. Try to think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

For the eyes, Ray-ban aviators and Tom Ford "Bob Dylan" sunglasses are perfect for this summer season.

And with every good swim suit, a cool fresh fragrance is in order. Try the new Prada scent - very fresh, very chic, very summer.

~ Rog Castillo