MIAMI SWIM WEEK: True Religion Preaches American Style 2011

The True Religion Swimwear show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week looked great on Saturday. The Americana motifs were translated into swimwear in the form of horseshoe prints, denim styling and surf silhouettes. Western-style hardware like antique brass studs or rings gave a bit of equestrian influence. Corset tops and lacing added to this look.

Props included surf boards, guitars and cowboy hats. My favorite accessory were the long fringed vests paired with bikinis.

Donald J. Pliner of shoe design fame was sitting in the front row with his wife Lisa. Jasmine Sanders walked the runway, though missing boyfriend Chris Brown in the front. America’s Next Top Model contender Anchal Joseph looked summer elegant.

Slide show and video coming soon...

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SlowCoast Pop-Up Boutiques

I am currently enjoying a gorgeous road trip along the California Coast. I wasn't looking for a great shopping find, but I came across SLOWCOAST's Airstream boutique. I saw a few of their pop-up shops on my trip but this one was my favorite.

Like the farm to table, slow food movement, SLOWCOAST has a relaxed, artisanal approach to their collection. They offer their own collection of surf style-inspired clothing, handmade bath products, vintage farm shirts and edibles. 

The created a comfy seating area with hay bales and old blankets. The Airstream trailer smelled  beautiful from their natural spa line. A rustic fenced off area grew "slow food".

Slowcoast is committed to a sustainable, organic, hand crafted lifestyle. This also extends to their event planning. Couples who enjoy these qualities can work with the company for their own weddings. They also have a service to put together gift boxes for corporate programs as an alternative to the typical gifting programs.

Their business benefits several causes. They believe in saving turtles, preserving the ocean, forests and giving back to the community. You can purchase Slowcoast's Causebar products to benefit a specific cause.

If you find yourself surfing, exploring or just browsing along a California beach, step into SLOWCOAST's serene world.

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Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2017 Boardwalk Style

Summer is here in Brooklyn when the Coney Island Mermaid Parade hits the boardwalk. The creative mermaid costumes, sexy sea outfits, and marine creatures parade in this grass roots 35-year tradition. It originated within the artist and circus folk community.

The costumes range from simple bikinis, seashells, and netting to elaborately constructed wearable floats. There is a lot of skin, but the parade is family friendly. While colors and sparkle are the norms, there are a few Gothic fashion lovers in the mix. Mystical creatures of all sorts are mixed in, like unicorns and satyrs. There are a lot of pop culture hybrids, like "Clamilton The Musical", Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland mermaid group costumes.

This year, I saw a lot more protest outfits. There were the "Handmermaids of Gilead" in tribute to The Handmaid's Tale to raise awareness of feminist issues. There were several environmental protest looks, ranging from saving the oceans, the EPA and other organizations. A Trump impersonator getting caught in a net was a visual punchline. Performance groups sang and danced protest messages along the parade that were supportive of the Women's March.

My look incorporated a Diane Von Furstenberg blue wave wrap dress mixed with tentacles and paired with a mermaid crown I made. I walked and photographed the parade. What I love most about walking along the Surf Avenue route and boardwalk is the ecstatic expressions on everyone's face. Everyone is so happy to dress up as a fantasy creature or see others dressed as one. The crowd is incredibly diverse. People of all genders, ethnic, shape, orientation, and physical abilities are well represented and supported. I was pleasantly surprised to see minimal corporate sponsorship, so the parade really felt it was put on by creatives for creatives.

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an event you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. I highly recommend you dress the part to fully experience the fun. If you do, get ready for me to catch you in my lens!
Photos by Mariana Leung

Also on Ms. Fabulous:

Steampunk Style at the World Faire

Cosplay Trends of NY Comic-Con

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Surfing Style – Reef Sandals

Are we sufficiently chilled this winter? My thoughts increasingly run towards tropical climates and sexy surfers on the beach. Reef founders, the brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre felt the same 30 years ago and built a company around their shared passion for surfing. The happy ending is the stylish collection of Reef Sandals beloved by surfers around the world.

I first noticed Reef sandals when I tripped over my own cheap flip flops during a Hawaiian vacation. I was then distracted by hunky kite surfers on the quiet Maui beach where they did their thing. These guys would not stand for inferior footwear. The surfers I watched needed shoes that gave real arch support and had real rubber soles for outdoor wear. Reef’s Canisteo sandal had both of these qualities and had a rugged leather fabrication. For more eco-minded guys, the Phantom Player shoe had a sportier look and made with lightweight foam with eco logic compounds for enhanced 

biodegradability. I like to fantasize these guys stroll off the beach and into town for some fun. The style quotient of these sandals makes them date-worthy.

For myself, I want beach-worthy shoes, but the fashionistas in me misses my heels. Reef’s Krystal Star sandals takes care of both. They have their signature EVA footbed for comfort. The outsole is embossed for traction. I love the sparkly strap that makes it just a bit dressier. For ladies more practical than me, you will be fans of the GypsyLove. This shoe has a cushy suede overlay on top of the anatomical arch support. The straps are lined in terry cloth and the soles are embossed rubber for traction. It also doesn’t hurt that the Gypsy loves are cute.

Reef builds its credibility with brand ambassadors all over the world. These guys are hardcore surfers with exotic lifestyles to match. I like seeing true athletes rather just another pretty face. Whether you are planning a winter getaway or preparing ahead for summer, make sure your beach shoes look good AND feel good! Reef Sandals will be there to take care of your surfer guy and your surf chic wherever that beach may be.

-Hawaii photos by Mariana Leung, Content and product photos presented by Reef.com

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Sexy Sporty Oakley Swim 2014

The true beach warriors hit the runway at the Oakley Swimwear fashion show last Sunday.  While many of the models at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim emphasized the sexy attributes of bikinis (often wearing impossible stilettos) sports stars strutted their fit bodies earned from hard work.

Oakley is the label you wear to play, strive and surf.  This was proven by pro-surfer Erica Hosseini and pro-volley ball player Christal Engle who took on the catwalk.  They weren't pandering to the leering hotel lizards but were sexy and strong by being accomplished athletes.

I haven't been able to personally verify the practicality of the suits in active use, so I can't tell you if they really are sport-worthy.  Style-wise, bright, California colors, simple stripes, classic American shapes defined this collection.

Now, for those who just need their eye candy, here you go:

Now go root for Team USA!
photos by Mariana Leung

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West Coast FAB: Juicy Style From Orange County

Happy Fabulous Friday!  We're going bi-coastal and bringing you all that is chic from Orange County.  Ms. FABulous has a new West Coast correspondent, Mdivani Monroe.  You may know him as the creator and host of "Ladies Who Lunch".  He will be showing you the best places to shop on the West Coast...

Orange County, CA.  The name itself conjures up images of Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Republicans, and Huntington Beach.  When you think of fashion companies in Orange County, the names of Quicksilver, Roxy, Billabong, Oakley roll off your tongue.  Fashion design is pretty much limited to surf and skate inspired clothing.  But perhaps that is about to change...

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