The Fall Factor

The Fall Factor 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Wardrobe By Carla Canedo Cartier Revive The 80s Red Sequin Leggings by Betsey Johnson Maybe the designers were longing for the care-free dancing days when they channeled 80s-inspired attire and the sparkle of the disco ball. This season is your time to shine with  this trend. From leggings and leather pants to mini dresses and sequin, your 80s fave is back. Betsey Johnson presented red-sequin leggings while Marc Jacobs even gave us the return of pleated jeans. Go Mad For Plaid The tried and true print is back. No, it’s not grunge this time and it’s not overly preppy either. This season’s take on plaid is feminine (yes, feminine) and fun. Think soft but not flannel!... [Read more]

Editor’s Choice

Designing Women Fabulous new designers from the Sunshine State By Carla Canedo Cartier Florida is filled with shopping meccas throughout the state that rival favorite locales of even the savviest New York and Vegas shoppers. And now with sites like Gilt Groupe, Rue La La and Gilt Fuse, Floridians can even take part in the once envied New York Sample salestyle shopping. But where does the true fashionista seek the unique and non-mainstream fabulous finds that become her favorite pieces? No further than her own Florida backyard, of course. Our state is filled with exciting designers—not just for fashion, but accessories and jewelry. After all, our state is known to be home to many successful designers, including... [Read more]

Summer Shape Up

Summer Shape Up Slim down and look trim without hitting the gym By Carla Canedo Cartier For countless women, the thought of the skin-baring summer season sends a chill down their spines. But what happens when you live in sunny Florida where swimsuit weather is all year? Luckily, nowadays, fashion affords every option under the sun for functional shape-saving slimmers and boosters. Mind you, these are not your grandmother’s girdles. The innovative companies of today are offering a variety of stylish “unmentionables” that work hard without constricting. And many of these successful companies boast innovative, talented women at the helm, who started their companies based on their own needs. Take for instance... [Read more]

Swim Preview

By JULIA MARCEL Beach season is rapidly approaching, and while we know that this strikes fear in the hearts of many women, it also brings with it thoughts of sun-kissed skin, chic vacation spots and easy living. This year, throw caution to the wind and have some fun with your swim wardrobe. Don’t worry about your less than perfect physique and just choose something that makes you feel good. The designers have infused fun into this “dare-to-bare” fashion. Designer swimwear by Rosa Cha, Karla Koletto, Vix, Gottex and many more set the tone for the beach season each year with their creative and cutting-edge styles. This year, Karla Koletto offers retro styles in candy colored options, while Michael Kors... [Read more]

Spring Trend Report 09

The latest styles from the runways GET RUNWAY READY WITH THIS LOOK AT THE HOTTEST TRENDS FOR SPRING This season, everything old is new again. And what a wonderful time to reinvent old classics and revive vintage favorites. How eco-chic! As you peruse your stash of old favorites and revive those past trends or  classics-think 80s revival and classic chic–you’ll find new ways to reinvent those old favorites. The designers have surely gone back to their roots to celebrate easy dressing and casual comfort. Here is a showcase of the latest trends and how you can wear them. -C.V. TREND: ultra embellished Think hipster chic and dazzling. This season an ultra embellished minidress (preferably longsleeved) is the... [Read more]