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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Gottex Swimwear 2013



For the Gottex swimwear presentation at the SLS South Beach, I entered the land of electric Art Deco. Creative director Molly Grad purposely engineered and seamed the graphic patterns where they would most flatter the curves of the female body.  The stunning color palette of intense blue, green, red and black would be striking against any skin tone.  This is one swimsuit collection that truly screams luxury the minute you set your eyes upon it.

On a less classy note, my Hubby saw my photos and declared that as a man, he couldn't take his eyes off it either, noting that there were many men who would pay for the experience of watching a parade of models showcase bikinis in a private hotel suite.  Whatever.  Well, as a hetero female with an appreciation for design, I loved that Molly meticulously thought out the the design of each piece.  As elegant as each ensemble was, it was accessible to all ages and body types.  The interior construction was very supportive.  Here's to looking like a queen on the beach!
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Monday, July 30, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Caffe Swimwear 2013




Luxury swimwear that was born in Columbia, raised in Boston and launched in Miami.  Designer Paula Saavedra had her roots in South America, made her career in advertising in Massachusetts but realized that fashion was her passion when she moved to Florida.

She recognized the need for upscale swimwear that was wearable by a large range of women in the market.  Her 2013 collection was a rich palette  of brights like an electric turquoise, hot pink, neon yellow and coordinating prints that mixed them all.  Flowing chiffon was dramatic and pretty.

Big beach bags were as much a part of the story on this runway as the bathing suits.  Ombre straw bags and contrast tassels brought the practical summer accessory to a high fashion must.

I'm so ready to hit the beach...How about you?

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Sunday, July 29, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Vogue Brasil Launch Party


vogue brasil
vogue brasil party
Vogue Brasil launched their stylish South Beach issue during Miami Fashion Week.  The party was a chic, subdued affair at the SLS hotel by the pool.  Cucumber cocktails and summer sushi was served to a crowd of Miami socialites and fashion insiders. 

I love the design of this hotel.  Very contemporary, but witty.  There is a giant silver rubber duck by the pool, a big fushia draped bull's head in the dining room and life sized photos of partying guests inside the elevator.  I wonder what they do for mints on the pillow?
giant rubber duck


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Friday, July 27, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: ANK by Mirla Sabino 2013

ank 2013

Brazilians always seem to have a leg up on the competition in Miami... ANK is the swimwear collection of designer Mirla Sabino.  She started out designing belts and jeans before morphing into a Brazilian swimwear distributor.  The collection at Miami Fashion Week was clean, simple and wearable.  Cute printed cover-ups doubled as summer day dresses and casual tunics.  
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: White Sands Australia 2013

It was the parade of Glamazons from Down Under.  The White Sands swimwear collection featured strong, tall models strutting their fit physiques down the runway.  The swimsuits themselves were a mix of shirred details reminiscent of vintage 1960's suits with halter bikini tops, wrapped bandeau one-piece and clean color palette of pale lemon yellow, blush and white.  There was a shadow floral print as well as a faded tea rose print in bigger scale use on the bathing suits as well as cover-ups.  The cover-ups were more similar to nightgowns than the vampy looks of other collections.  


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Greetings! Just Wink Card App!


My birthday was this past Sunday, and I share it with two other friends.  Then, a bunch of other friends all share birthdays within a few days of myself, and even more within the same month.  It's really confusing.

My last birthday, wonderful Hubby got me an iPad.  I have shifted my entire productive existence to this and its sibling, the iPhone.  Therefore it is no surprise that in the month of July, my introduction to the Just Wink app would result in a successful friendship.


This is a very useful card application that gives me a great collection of e-cards (which can also be sent as snail mail cards) with Twitter and Facebook built in.  Many of the prints are fashion trend inspired.  Some of have retro-graphics.  The messages on some of them are cheeky and risque for those who aren't the hearts and flowers type.

For a time-crunched multi-tasker like myself (lazy to others), this application is perfect.  Linking to Facebook automatically brings in your friends contacts and birthdays (so now I don't have to look for them or remember the dates).  You can choose how far in advance you want to send the card (choose 7 days if you prefer to send actual paper cards through the mail).

Once I have personalized the card, I just need to choose the recipient and method of delivery (for stalkers, you can choose all of the above).  You can add photos inside the card and hand write our signature (dirty doodle) with your phone screen.   Sending a chic card over Facebook in addition to just a little blip on your friend's timeline makes you look like a better friend than everyone else....Ha.  Having their Twitter followers see your witty greeting makes them think your friend is a rock star (ok, maybe not).

Either way, if you need a stylish way to send your loved ones a message, Just Wink just makes it easy.  So now no one has an excuse for not staying in touch.

justWink is an awesome collection of greeting cards that feature bold colors, adorable illustrations, and witty copy for every occasion. The combination of whimsical unicorns, sweater-wearing cats, and (of  course) bacon with realistic, yet playful messages create an unexpected experience for all. And guess
what? Each card has a QR code and URL on the back that directs you to a free justWink app for iPhone and Android phones. Download the app and you can send digital cards via text, email or Facebook. For more information and where to find justWink cards on shelf, visit www.just-wink.com or www.facebook.com/justwink .

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by JustWink via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of JustWink.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Wildfox Couture Swimwear 2013

Photos by Mariana Leung

Bond Girls Unite! The Wildfox Couture swim show was campy tribute to the vixens of the 1960's. The witty, fun swimwear collection by Emily Faulstitch and Kimberley Gordon incorporated the British flag, American flag, floral prints and was styled with big, colorful wigs.  The models shook their assets at each other, winked and blew kisses to the audience.  Shiny go-go boots and mod eyelashes completed their looks.
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Sales Alert: Helmut Lang, Theory, Jennifer Chun




Helmut Lang and Theory Sample Sale:
Über cool downtown chic samples and slight irregulars at amazing discounts.
Where: 261 West 36th street, 2nd floor, New York NY
When: Today - Thursday, July 26, 11 AM - 7 PM


Jennifer Chun:
Sophisticated, ladylike contemporary sportswear. Rising star designer Jennifer Chun is having her first big sample sale this weekend with a cocktail party....
Where: Chelsea Stratus Lounge, 101 West 24th street, 3rd floor lounge
When: Saturday, July 28th, 6 PM - 9 PM

Location:New York ny

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Monday, July 23, 2012

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Red Carter Swim 2013



Red Carter showed his party-ready collection on his home turf.  The South Beach based designers knows swimwear inside and out from his love of diving, swimming and water polo.  He brought the infectious party spirit of Miami onto his runway with disco balls as accessories or elaborate feather headdresses as a nod to his Southern neighbors.

The swimwear itself was a mix of bright solid colors in feminine cutouts and ruffles.  There were bold pastel/animal print pinup silhouettes, a black and white graphic Aztec print group and finally a metallic color blocked group of suits.

This is not a collection for the shy girl.  Based on the women I have seen in South Beach, that is not a problem.
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MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Mara Hoffman Swim 2013


It's is a steam bed of heat and humidity in South Beach.  If you're wearing anything more than a bikini, it will feel overdressed.  That's why I was a little unsure about the footwear choice of cowboy boots on the runway for Mara Hoffman's 2013 swimwear show.

For fall 2012, the designer was inspired by Shaman gaucho cowboys for her sportswear collection during NY Fashion Week.  The ranch hand influence was extended into the beach.  Native prints were given a South Beach color palette of coral, lime, sky blue and black.  The hair was styled in free form, with big statement necklaces and heavy bracelets for accessories.
mara hoffman swimwear

The other accessory at this show, as sponsored by Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration, was skin.  In a fashion week dedicated to swimwear, that makes sense.  The skincare company made a clear point in their presence at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim that as so much skin was showing, it needed to be protected and moisturized.  They gave out lots of beach essentials to guests throughout the event which included towels, totes and tees.  This of course was in addition to the copious amounts of SPF 30 (and 50 for vampires like me).  You may remember in the 1980's it was all about the oil and tanning.  The company has evolved with the times and realized healthy skin is much sexier.

Pretty cut-outs and high waisted bottoms were flattering.  There were a lot of long, flowing cover-ups that worked as daywear dresses.  The Mara Hoffman lifestyle is all about easy, relaxed chic.

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Saturday, July 21, 2012

MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Agua Bendita 2013



Columbian design duo  Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza gave their own tribute to the troops during their  fashion show last night.  There were sexy, witty prints all over sassy bikinis.  Camo prints were paired with tailored sailor jacket cover-ups.  Military style medals accessorized strategic body parts.  


Other prints included vintage glamour illustrations, tribal patterns and palm trees for a distinct South American flair.  This show was quite a popular one among the photographer's pit.  Perhaps it had something to do with the models technique of unveiling of the bikini tops (see top photo). 
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MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Dolores Cortes 2013


A rainbow and a wink.  The sassy models of the Dolores Cortes show had hair shaped into a high bouffant with brushstrokes of rainbow colors painted into the front.  With styling like this, it's rather difficult to take yourself too seriously.  The ladies winked and smirked their way through a bold collection Friday night at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim.  

The swimwear features bright, bold prints of cheetah and neon abstract paint strokes.  Teeny bikinis shared the runway with one-piece suits with all sorts of ingenious cutouts.  The same candy colored palette was used in a feather-like print that flattered the body's curves. 

This collection proved that you can be silly, sexy and sophisticated all at once.
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Friday, July 20, 2012

Giveaway! Cynthia Rowley Beach Sport Kit

Happy Friday Fab readers!  The Fab team is heading down to Miami today to cover all that is sexy and sunny in swimwear for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim.

In honor of the time we will be spending at the beach, we are giving away 5 Limited Edition Beach Sport Kits from the new Cynthia Rowley collaboration with Band-Aid.  As you recall, the fashion designer previously launched limited editions of the fashion-themed Band-Aids printed with sequins, beads and fashion figures.

For summer, the surfer and designer created a set of 8 designs ranging from sharks, jellyfish to sunsets and surfboards.  Along with the band-aids, the kit includes Neosporin single use packets to prevent against infection from your summer fun injuries.  all of the above comes in a resealable plastic pouch to keep things like your cell phone dry on the beach!

To win, leave a comment below or on our Facebook page, describing your favorite summer fashion item.  Our 5 favorite answers will win!  (Winners will be chosen on August 5, 2012)

Cynthia Rowley Beach Sport Kits are available on CynthiaRowley.com and Amazon.
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Thursday, July 19, 2012

46664 Fashion Honoring Nelson Mandela

46664 fashion show

How did you honor International Nelson Mandela Day yesterday?  The 46664 fashion collection is the first global South African fashion label designed in the spirit of the culture and pride of the people.  A partnership with South African textile and apparel manufacturer Seardel, 7-9% of the proceeds are donated to benefit the Mandela Day Library Project.  

The number 466 was Nelson Mandela's prisoner number and 1964 was the year he was incarcerated.  To grow something negative into something positive, the 46664 humanitarian organization initially started as a global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign.  Soon it grew to be much more, challenging people to put their own passion and efforts to improve the world.

The presentation was hosted by the South African Consulate near the United Nations.  The Consul General, George Monyemangene introduced the presentation. Celebrity stylist Philip Bloch was present to support, (also flashing his Africa tattoo on his abs).  Male supermodel Sam Sarpong modeled some clothes down the mini runway.  The clothes themselves were contemporary and the color palette was bold.  On some of the shirts, the embroidered motif of a hand, placed over the heart symbolized the passion of Nelson Mandela.

Multi-platinum singer Lira looked beautiful as modeled one of the dresses.  However Miss Lira truly moved the crowd when she spoke about her experience as someone who grew up at the tail end of apartheid.  She described the experience of watching a country and community experiencing freedom for the first time and struggling with what exactly that meant.  She described how proud she was to have the freedom to decide what she wanted to do and what to be and the privilege of having that choice.  Wearing a fantastic dress that also grew from designs and artisans of her heritage, and being someone who had the freedom to where it was something she did not take for granted.  

Three libraries that have benefited from 46664 fashion are planned to open this year.  

Mr. Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for humanitarian rights.  Nelson Mandela International Day challenges you to give only 67 minutes of your time, to support your chosen charity or serve your local community.  For more information, visit here.
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Street Style Accessories: Summer Edition

Intel_Logo-2.jpg


When the sun is beating us into submission, clothes reduce to a minimum and accessories ramp up to a maximum.  Intel's Ultrabook is this season's sleekest tech accessory and its ready to hit the streets.  In honor of Ultrabook, I went hunting through the streets of New York with my trusty Instagram...  I tracked boho divas down on the Lower East Side then bagged some of my best fashionistas in the Garment District during an open casting call of NBC's Fashion Star...

Summer's top trends of neon, rattan and bold prints were well represented in handbags.  In jewelry, earrings could be huge door knockers or demure, but brightly colored (different for each side).  Statement rings are slowly competing with statement necklaces as the conversation piece.  Heavy jeweled cuffs can also double as tools for self defense.  In shoes, bold hues and platform heels make loafers sexy, while DIY bedazzled ballet slippers were very sweet.  

What accessories are YOU rocking this summer?  I'll soon have you in my cross hairs!
Now you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for power. Introducing the ultra-sleek, ultra-responsive Ultrabook™, Inspired by Intel. Visit intel.com/ultrabook for more information.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Intel via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Intel.

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Sales Alerts: Nonoo, Manolo Blahnik, Salon Allure Luxury Swim, Loomstate



Collections ImageCollections Image
Nonoo: 
Misha Nonoo's elegant, feminine sportswear is having a sample sale hosted at their offices.  Current spring/summer 2012 pieces on offer.  Get them while it's hot!
When: 9am to 6pm,
Where: 611 Broadway, Suite 730, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10012



Manolo Blahnik Summer Markdowns:
Ok, this might not be the sample sale, but then again, you might actually get into this one without fighting for hours through lines.  Sales are currently 30% off retail, but about to drop to 50% off...
Where: 31 West 54th Street, Abby: 212-582-3007
When: Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM, Sat 10:30- 6PM, Sun 12pm-5pm
The boutique will periodically close from 2pm to 3pm to restock




In Miami during Miami Swim Fashion Week:

Salon Allure Luxury Swimwear Sale:
Designer swimwear brands like  Loomstate 321, Koza, Charlie by Matthew ZinkWanderlust SwimwearKikidoll, MIKOH SWIMWEAR and Beauty and the Beach, among others will be at substantial discounts.  Sales benefit the families of the Miami Children's Hospital.  
When: Saturday, July 21st - Sunday, July 22nd, 9 AM - 6 PM
Where: Perry South Beath, South Ballroom, 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL
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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Alternative Fashion at Wave Gotik Treffen 2012

steampunk fashion

asian punk

Alternative fashion and counter culture often influences mainstream fashion and sometimes the relationship is mutual.  At this year's Wave Gothic Music festival in Leipzig, trends we have seen on recent runways seem to be reflected in the festival garb.

Romantic silhouettes inspired by Marie Antoinette and upcoming period films were given an edgier sexy twist by fans.  Steampunk fashion went luxe with ornate embellishments.  Military and men's tailoring was combined with punk styling and Asian motifs, very popular on NY Fashion Week runways were given an update with latex masks.

Gothic style has been given a bad name with mall chains like Hot Topic.  The thousands of fans at Wave Gotik Treffen have proven that it can be elegant, artistic and beautiful.

Photos by ingrid eulenfan,Adam Berry,Manfred Drewa,Tino Eh,UWE-DZ,Mr. Dog, ,,bluedave,,,,
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Bastille Day - Post Revolutionary Fashion




Did you think Gothic style was an invention of recent generations?   Citizens of post-revolutionary France had us beat.  Following the executions of Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI and then the Reign of Terror, the bourgeois population worked out their death issues in fashion, hairstyles and nightlife.

In a radical 180 from powdered wigs, men and women cropped their hair short and exposed their necks to emulate the preparation ritual for a trip to the guillotine.   Jewelry was made in guillotine shapes and other morbid motifs along with mourning arm bands.  Red ribbons tied around the throat became a popular accessory to symbolize cut throats.  


Victim's Balls became the new hotspot, allegedly for those who were mourning friends and family who lost their heads.  Dark colored ensembles could also be scandalously brief, where looks may include only the ribbons themselves.  Gourmand Grimod de la Reynière (one of the first popular food critics) held mock funeral banquets serving multiple courses of black colored dishes on top of a coffin.  


Vive la France!
Image from Dreadful DrearyWitch is me other sources include Supersizer Go - French Revolution

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style

PA Photos / Landov



Yes Bond, James Bond has always been a showcase for gadgetry and high end style.  A lot of design talent went into crafting the many iconic scenes over the years.  The Barbican Center in London is hosting the Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style exhibit until September 5, 2012. 
Many top fashion designers have contributed to the exquisitely tailored look of this spy and his cohorts.  Along with Hollywood costumers Lindy Hemming, Bumble Dawson, Donfeld and Julie Harris, the exhibit includes looks from  Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford, Hubert de Givenchy, Gucci's Frida Giannini, Douglas Hayward, Rifat Ozbek, Jenny Packham, Miuccia Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Anthony Sinclair, Philip Treacy, Emanuel Ungaro and Donatella Versace.  
See the evolution of sexy swimwear from Ursula Andress' famous white bikini from Dr. No, to Halle Berry's modern update in Die Another Day to Daniel Craig being the male version of eye candy in skimpy blue shorts in Casino Royale.
As for the famous tech and weapons, special effects experts John Stears and Chris Corbould are on hand along with artwork for sets and storyboards by production designers Sir Ken Adam, Peter Lamont and Syd Cain.
I wonder if the opening night party served up martinis...


Images from Daily Mail UK/Getty/AP/Rex
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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Dolce and Gabbana - Couture Debut



One would think keeping your guest list tight (cherished clientele, minimal journalists, a few celebrities like Scarlett Johanssen) would keep drama to a minimum... However the Italian design duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana did not disappoint.

The affair opened with theatrical opera (Bellini's Bel Canto).  The runway show itself was held in a former monastery.  Fashion was a mix of huge, romantic lace gowns and fresh bouquets of florals on crisp white dresses.  The summer stateside has been brutal, but Europe has not gone unscathed.  Two overworked tailors, couture customers and guests were reported to have fainted.  

The designers presented their statement against fast fashion.  Handmade Sicilian lace, painstakingly constructed suits and corsets and hand beaded embroideries reminded their guests what Italian luxury could be.


Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans and Greg Kessler courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
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