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.

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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Top Trends of Summer Swimwear

Gone are the days of sack dresses and rubber flowers for proper ladies at the beach.  This summer, swimwear mirrors top trends from the runway.  Poko Pano uses color blocking for bold effect and Lisa Vogel uses watercolor patterns for a sophisticated look in one piece bathing suits.

Cover-ups are designed to be worn out of the pool right into chic soirees.  The big summer item of maxi-dresses are also designed to complement the smallest bikinis.  Designer Mara Hoffman rocks this trend in multiple silhouettes.

For the true beach bunny, there are those suits that were never meant to get wet.  Aqua di Lara's collection from the Miami runway, contained constructed and embellished swimwear that took its cues from the sexiest evening looks up North.  Sequins, corset styling and metallic patterns make these suits perfect for a poolside gala.

So when you're heading for a body of water this season, don't leave your fashion sensibilities indoors.  There is a designer and suit for every trend you follow!

(P.S. Don't forget to protect your bared skin with sunscreen and moisture!   Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration covers both.  Check out the rest of Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love summer series... 

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


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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Summer Skin Savers

When you have beautiful day and summer Fridays, how can you not spend as much time outside as possible?  Sitting in the park for lunch, after-work cocktails and weekends at the beach.  Yay summer!

However, al fresco events quickly take their toll on your skin if you don't prep properly... For the third post in my summer essentials series, here are my picks for keeping fresh and sun damage-free.  This group isn't fancy at all, but they all do the job you need...

Even if I don't plan on extended periods of time outside, I start with Aveeno's Ultra-calming daily moisturizer with SPF 15 every day.  I have particularly sensitive skin so the cooling properties are nice and freshen me up in the morning.  It's not greasy at all and if I need to spend extended time in the sun, I can add another sunscreen on top.

When I went to school in Paris, I always saw the chic French women pull out these tiny Evian Spritz bottles out of their purse to cool themselves (you never do see them sweat!).  A quick spray and they always looked perfect.  You can buy them Stateside and do the same...

For real outdoor plans, Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration has up to 50 SPF (for UV-phobic freaks like me) as well as shea butter and silk proteins to really keep skin soft against salt, sand and sun rays. I have been carrying this bottle around with me every weekend so far this summer.

If you burn easily despite your diligent efforts with sunscreen, you still have a chance to save yourself. Prevent peeling, sooth redness and pamper your fried senses with a good dose of aloe gel.  I keep a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Cool Aloe After Sun Burn in my refrigerator.  I pull it out for an icy treatment every time I accidentally fall asleep outdoors midday.

Summer is the time to relax and renew! Make sure your skin gets refreshed as much as you do.


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


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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What to Pack for a Summer Getaway

Summer Fridays, warm weather escapes, the next few months are meant for a getaway.  These are  my travel must-haves for Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love - Summer Edition series.  I keep my mini travel bag packed at all times just in case there's a spontaneous trip to be had.  (Hubby on the other hand calls it lazy because he thinks I just don't bother to unpack). Whether you are headed for the beach, off to the country or travelling overseas, don't forget these top essentials.

Sonia Kashuk makes these cute printed cosmetics bags that are perfect for taking on a plane.  They have two removable clear bags that are easy to pull out for airport security.  It is big enough for my IPad (loaded with e-magazines, books and Angry Birds).

Little versions of haircare products.  L'Oreal's Ellnet comes in a mini bottle and Frizz-Ease fits airport security specs as well.  Ellnet has a fine mist that doesn't get too sticky in humid or salty beach air.  Frizz-Ease sheer solution keeps my hair sleek in the frizziest conditions.

I can't live without sunscreen and skin moisturizer.  Luckily, Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration can count as both.  It goes up to 50 SPF and has shea butter.  I feel like I don't have to pack an extra skin lotion if I have this with me.

Little Calvin Klein black knit dress.  I can ball it up and squish it into the smallest spaces in a bag.  Basic enough to be casual, but easily dressed up with jewelry (that you purchased on location) or topped with a cardigan for cool nights.

Last, an inflatable neck pillow is a comfort saver.  It folds down to nothing and  makes a huge difference on a long flight.  More importantly, if you are stranded somewhere waiting for a flight/bed/buffalo crossing, it makes life much more tolerable.

Are you ready to go? Bon Voyage!


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


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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Summer Beach Essentials - Hamptons, Montauk, Amagansett

There is nothing I look forward to more when the weather warms up than my weekends out on Eastern Long Island.  For some, that means the Hamptons, but I like it quieter in Amagansett and Montauk.  The beaches are never crowded and you're not under too much pressure to look perfect.

My essentials for the beach?  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  That means bringing lots of drinks (vitamin water, champagne...) and products to moisturize everything else.  Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration lotion has shea butter and silk proteins to keep skin soft.  I slathered this stuff on everywhere and never felt greasy (big pet peeve of mine).  I used the 50 SPF version because I burn fast in midday sun.  My hair turns into a mess near the ocean, so I like Fekkai's Summer Hair masque.  It cools my tresses down after frying in the sun (no frizz 'fro for me).  

Fashion wise, Tory Burch tunics and maxi dresses seem to be the uniform around here.  I'm wearing one of their cotton dresses with beaded cuffs and neckline.  I have a bunch more in the closet.  My fun flower ring was from a wholesale jewelry store on 28th street and my sunglasses are from Nautica.  

If you're planning a romantic picnic on the sand, my favorite treats are cheese from Lucy's Whey in East Hampton, cookies from Levain Bakery, and Lobster Rolls from the Seafood Shop in Wainscott NY. 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.   Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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Sailing Style in the City

 Ah yes, Memorial Day Weekend heralds the beginning of summer.  In New York City, the summers mean outdoor cultural events, the transition from black to bright colors in fashion and lots of cocktail filled soirees.

My fellow Glam bloggers and I enjoyed a grey, but delightful day cruising the Hudson River and snapping patriotic photos of Lady Liberty (appropriate for the upcoming holiday, no?)

When you put a bunch of fashion bloggers on a boat in warm weather, you get to preview the best of summer goodies.  While I love hitting the beach at Montauk, I am a target for sunburns and wrinkles.  I was happy to try out Hawaiian Tropic's new Silk Hydration Lotion with 50 SPF.  While Hubby thinks it's excessive (he's fine with 12 SPF) the 50 is perfect for me.  Greasy sunscreens irritate my skin, but I was happy to find that this one left my skin soft (probably the shea butter) and did not feel oily at all.

While I am guilty of wearing a grey summer dress, my colleagues from Tineey, Grease and Glamour, Wanderlust and Haute Mimi were wearing some fabulous bright prints.

I did manage to get some pop color into my outfit.  The bloggers were treated to specs from     .  Everyone wore very cute heels on board.  After 2 1/2 hours of waves though, everyone was grateful for the comfortable flip flops from Sanuk.  The sun did come out in spots and I Ski sunglasses provided protection.

Lucky us, we also left the boat with some goodies to battle the hot humid NYC summer...Thank you Fekkai, Goody Hair, OPI, Tarte and Urban Decay for keeping us pretty.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Glam Media


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.
Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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