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! Our favorite: plaid on unexpected fabrics such as silk. The key is to make your plaid look girly. Find it with a touch of ruffles or femme colors such as pink. Pair it with a belted cardigan and skinny jeans for an instant hit!

Introduce An Architectural LBD

Update yourLBD with the added interest of architectural or asymmetrical accents. Many designers such as Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Bottega Veneta and Dries Van Noten offer options that add interest yet remain classic.

Feel Like A Goddess

Ladylike draping on dresses can  make you feel like a Greek goddess. And thanks to Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Derek Lam, Jason Wu, Givenchy, Christian LaCroix, Devi Kroell and many more, the options are limitless.

Must-have fall boots by Gucci

Try Over-The-Knee Boots

Yes, the shoe of the moment is an attention grabber, to say the least. But it’s also one of the toughest trends to tackle. But take heed—this look is not for everyone. Your legs must be shapely yet thin throughout. Gucci and  Louis Vuitton offer stunners for the daring. Our advice: If you do try it, look for a pair that folds down for multiple looks.

Go Rocker-Chic

Bring out your inner rockstar with a sexy black leather jacket. Hermes and Gucci offer updated options with just enough edge. The fashion moment: wearing your leather jacket over evening wear. Trust us—done just the right way, it can be trŽs chic! For the less daring, pair yours with skinny jeans and open-toe booties.

Belt Everything!

Show off that girlish figure no matter what you wear. The designers put the accent on the waist this season. Belts play a large role as the accessory must-have so invest in a variety of styles and sizes. Thin belts look best over cardigans and jackets. But don’t forget to add a belt to your suits and dresses too!

Chanel's Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon 75

Wear Red

The color of the season transcended into beauty. If geranuim-colored clothing is a stretch for you, why not try the trend on your lips or nails first? Remember, understated is the key for all other areas not accented. Ones to try: “Manicurist of Seville” from the Opi Espa–a collection or Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon 75.

Carry A Petite Purse

While it’s not time to completely discard your oversized bags, a petite version will update your look instantly. Jimmy Choo’s metallic Cosma bag or options by Christian Louboutin are right on the mark.

Turn Heads With A Bright Coat

Brighten a chilly day with a punch of color on your coat. It’s sure to put a little spring in your step. V

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 Michael Volbracht, Rafael Cennamo, Rene Ruiz, Alfred Fiandaca and many more. Stylish accessory and jewelry designers also boast Florida zip codes, including celebrity-favorite jewelry designer and Palm Beach resident Adria de Haume and accessory designer and West Palm Beach native Stephanie Johnson. When it comes to mastering the Florida style, who better to interpret it than one of our own? Here are just a few of our favorite up-and-coming designers that call the Sunshine State home. V

Bonnie’s Vintage Rocks

Who doesn’t long for handmade one-of-a-kind designs? With BVR Bonnie’s Vintage Rocks, that’s just what you get—with one added bonus: instant vintage flair. The Boca Raton resident’s pieces feature amazing varieties of vintage pearls, beads and brooches. Bonnie Koch’s pieces are wearable art at amazing price points. Featured here is a Vive favorite. “Getting Pinned” does dual action as an interesting necklace, or a double-pin embellishment that can be worn on the bib of your favorite top or the back of a low-cut dress. Find it and the entire unique collection at bonniesvintagerocks.com.

Stephie Rockwell

Stephie Rockwell is a West Palm Beach native who knows Florida style. Her custom line of jewelry and handbags has now paved the way for her fashions, too. Her items are a staple among Palm Beach’s social set and her take on Florida dressing is comfortably chic day dresses, stylish separates, colorful jackets and more. Find your fashion fix at stephierockwell.com.

Axi Mines

For the playful fashion lover, Delray Beach designer Axi Mines’ handbags are a true find. The up-and-coming 20- something handbag designer is making her mark this season with clutches that are one part rocker, one part whimsical. Look for heavy hardware accents and unique designs and skins. View the entire collection at Aximines.com or find your favorite at Next, Palm Beach.

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 Spanx, started by Sara Blakely and her desire to look great in a cream pair of pants. By literally cutting the bottoms off her panty hose in her quest for a fabulous look, Spanx was born. Now a staple on the lingerie and shape wear scene, Spanx sets the bar for many shapewear companies to follow. New to the scene, owner and creator of Tweakerz, Mandy Krammel, founded her idea for the perfect bra accessory on her own desire for a little lift. Even creator of Yummie Tummie, Heather Thomson, who began her career as a fashion designer and celebrity stylist, designed her line based on the needs of her celebrity clients to find shapewear that was comfortable and fashionable. So, go ahead, sexy up your summer by slimming your silhouette, raising bothers you most, there is an option for you. Here are just a few of our favorites to help you look shapely and sleek this summer. V

BOOTY-LICIOUS                                                                                                                                        Move over Kim Kardashian. Thanks to Booty Pop Panties, now anyone can have a dynamic derriere. This innovative panty can transform the look of your tush in your favorite jeans or shorts thanks to its strategically placed padding. (Think padded bra for your tiny hiney.) A favorite among stylists and celebrities including Ashley Tinsdale, these sweet and sassy panties are sure to bring a smile to your face and lift to your tush, promising a higher, rounder rear. Now that’s bringing sexy back. Available in a variety of fun styles and colors from lovely lace to candy-colored boy shorts, find Booty Pop Panties at Alene Too, Boca Raton or bootypoppanties.com. $28.

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT

Say sionara to the dreaded “muffin top” and banish the bulge in your favorite summer stunner with the help of Yummie Tummie. Comfortable and stylish, this chic shaper is meant to be seen peeking out from under your favorite tanks and tops. The comfortable collection of camis comes in a host of styles and colors from tube tops, scoops and v-necks to lace trimmed and even animal print. The super soft, lightweight, patent-pending dual fabric technology makes it perfect for layering. But it is the firm control midsection panel that slims and gives you a discreet girlish shape. It even provides core stability without constriction, making it comfortable to wear all day. Available in regular or long, you’re sure to find your favorite style. Find Yummie Tummie at Celis, Coral Gables or yummietummie.com. $72.

SWIMSICAL

If there is anywhere a gal could use a little support, it’s poolside. Now, you too, can welcome swimsuit season with open arms, thanks to the stylish swimwear of Miraclesuit. This unique and fashionable line of swimwear slims, contours, shapes and firms the body via it’s “magic fabric,” Miratex. Boasting three times as much spandex as traditional swimwear, Miraclesuit will have your looking 10 pounds lighter in seconds. So even if you need a few more months to get bikini ready, there’s no need to hide under caftans and cover-ups. The silhouettes are modern and figure-flattering and only you will know it’s a Miraclesuit. Find the Miraclesuit collection at Macy’s and Nordstrom stores statewide. $150.

SUPPORT GROUP

Uplift your confidence and your breasts this summer with the little “bra miracle” you never know you needed. Tweakerz will perk up your bust and your attitude, in one easy minute. This fashionable bra accessory that slides right under your bra strap is discreet and comfortable, yet completely functional. Hypoallergenic, FDA approved and fully customizable, Tweakerz is invisible under clothing. It even reduces neck strain, encourages a more natural shoulder position and improves posture. One small accessory; one big impact. The perfect addition to any savvy woman’s bra wardrobe, Tweakerz not only allows you to convert your favorite bra to a raceback style, but it also lifts, supports and creates cleavage. Find Tweakers online at Tweakerz.com or Alene Too, Boca Raton. $14.95.

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 provides the perfect jet-set look. For a sophisticated style, opt for swimwear by Eres, Versace or Gucci. Or get a youthful look for your lazy days in the sun from Juicy Couture. This season, Marc Jacobs is even debuting his first swimwear collection. His edgy downtown style translates to sleek modern cuts and hip style. So, whichever type of swimwear you prefer, this year’s trends are sure to make a splash.

Oh-so-hot looks for under the sun

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 look of choice. But to avoid a pageant-gal vibe be sure to select strong accessories with a touch of edge to them. Biker chic shoes or a hardware covered clutch with complete the statement.

TREND: texture

Look for extraordinary pieces this season. The designers are playing with texture, manipulating fabrics in sculptural ways and the results are stunning. Look for plenty of pleating, ruched fabrics and creatively rolled silk for styles that are part work of art, part fabulous.

TREND: the long blazer

This 80s style favorite is oh-so-chic again. Season after season of shrinking jacket styles have dominated the runways-until now. Finally ladies who once loved the long blazer can opt for it again. While the loose and lanky look a la 80s, oversized and paired with tights is a popular look, for a modern twist wear it with your minis. But the trendiest fashionista will wear hers as a minidress.

TREND: pants

This is the season of the pant. From cropped and relaxed to pajama pants, dhoti and harem, anything goes! Keep comfortable with so many styles to choose from but be sure to accessorize wisely. Pajama styles need structured tops, while dhotis call for tailored tops.

TREND: sport attire

Decidedly weekend wear, the sporty look is the best option for the fashionable girl on the go. It’s easy dressing that can serve as casual or trendy.

TREND: jumpsuits

This just may be the trickiest trend of the spring season. Intimidating yes, unwearable no! Not only does it give the wearer the illusion of length but it is versatile, too. The right jumpsuit can go from day into evening seamlessly with a switch of accessories.

Resort Ready

The high style look of Resort 2009 Collections

This year’s resort collections are anything but ultra casual. Laidback luxury seems to be the theme throughout as designers showcase their interpretations for the leisure lifestyle. The collections of Carolina Herrera feature a classic refined look in a palette featuring reds, black, white, navy and strong grays, while Dior showcases a pop of bright colors and bold prints to welcome the warm season. Designers such as Michael Kors and Chanel offer exceptional resort collections guaranteed to inspire travel ideas for any fashion savvy lady.

In addition, Tuleh offers us new options for comfortable, loose pants and easy, lounge-worthy looks. In our tropical climate where one season seems to seamlessly converge with the next, the resort collections provide us a chance to get a jumpstart on our wardrobe updates for the spring season. As shorts get short again and skirts slim to pencil style, we are reminded of what’s ahead—bathing suit season—and skin-baring dressing to beat the Florida heat. So if travel is in your future or you’re merely seeking a fashion fix, look to the resort collections to guide your style journey.

Style is something that occurs naturally,“ says Lafayette 148 New York’s Design Director Edward Wilkerson. Each season, this New York native and Parsons School of Design graduate, interprets the distinct city style for the Lafayette 148 New York customer with a fresh perspective and a visionary approach. His own New York sense of style with a worldly influence is what makes his designs so distinct. But perhaps it’s his easy, unpretentious attitude and interpretive side that shine through most in his designs and make his fashions so appealing.

Wilkerson mixes just the right amount of classic design with the season’s trends. His clothing is luxe and beautiful without being ostentatious or showy. And Wilkerson prides himself on producing supremely wearable fashion. “Our customer is a professional and a mom…She is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t have to show the world that she has all the latest styles,” says the designer who lives and breathes his work. “She utilizes the new styles to reinvent and mix pieces she already has. Our wearer is building on what [she] already owns.” And that building attitude is what keeps consumers returning to the largely popular bridge brand again and again.

Lafayette 148 New York is known for exquisite attention to detail, and solid craftsmanship. And it’s no wonder since Wilkerson, who has a passion for photography (his extraordinary images have been exhibited at a host of venues both internationally and nationally) and travel, is never at rest. “I’m continuously visually stimulated. It can be a blessing and a curse,” he laughs. “Often, I am so enamored by what I see that I have to react as fast as my mind is inspired,” he says, explaining why he is known to always have a camera and sketch book in hand.

The mastermind behind the label’s classic cuts and refined yet relaxed style, joined Lafayette 148 New York in 1998, after an extensive career with the likes of Anne Klein & Co., Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. But he credits his time at Donna Karan as his building blocks and the foundation of his design skills. There, Wilkerson worked from the ground up. “She really taught me everything I know,” recalls the designer who was elected to The Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2004. “There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t let me do. ” Interestingly enough, he candidly discusses his working relationship with Donna Karan and even reveals his departure from the brand. “Donna fired me,” he laughs. “She told me we needed a break but later said I could come back at anytime.” And despite this unconventional departure, their respect and friendship continues on. In fact, Wilkerson will be showing his latest collection of photographs in Karan’s Urban Zen store in July 2009.

And it is that 13-year Donna Karan education that shines through in his current work at Lafayette 148 New York. “[Our customers] know what [they] are getting for their money. And I give them quality,” he explains. “[They] recognize our fit because it’s so consistent.” The women who wear Wilkerson’s designs long for Lafayette 148 New York’s lovely feminine separates, supple leathers, comfy knits and embellished pieces. “Fashion is not always about the latest trends. It’s inspired by a feeling I get somewhere,” says Wilkerson recalling this season‘s inspiration, from the oh-so-caliente shores of Rio, where the designer vacationed four months ago. According to Wilkerson, it was Rio’s relaxed attitude and sex appeal that exuded his much needed inspiration. Now, the Lafayette 148 New York’s Resort 2009 Collection is directly interpreted from his daily walks on Ipanema Beach. He recalls falling in love with the idea of the relaxed Rio attitude. “You had the beach on one side and the Metropolitan heart on the other. The city had a casual feel that made it the ultimate city for resort destinations.“

The trends interpreted for the latest collection include lively uses of color, safari style trenches, madras in unpredictable colors, whimsical ginghams and subtle shine. Lafayette 148 New York fans will also find chic fitted jackets, the must-have spring coat and plenty of girlish dresses, along with, as always, Wilkerson’s signature quiet sophistication and confidence of the city.

While the women of Rio may have served as his muses for Resort 2009, Wilkerson’s muses do change from season to season. For Fall 2008, he recalls his fixation with Bianca Jagger’s iconic 70s look. “She really had style,” he explains. “She shows that you can be smart, sophisticated and stylish at the same time.“ And his recent trip to Japan will likely influence his next collection, he shares. He also recalls his mother’s immaculate sense of style growing up, but it’s Donna Karan that he credits for influencing his style most as a whole.

But it’s Wilkerson’s perseverance and determined attitude that have gotten him to his current stature. And his genuine love of his work is obvious in speaking with him. He laughs recalling a time at Parsons during his Junior year where he was told “you don’t have what it takes to be a designer.” He even shares that he failed draping back in his school days but when he re-challenged himself with the class at FIT, he received an “A”. For Wilkerson, design is not work but a passion and he credits his focus as the secret to his success. Each day he challenges himself to interpret the world as he sees it through his photography into wearable designs for his customers. He explains, “When I wake up in the AM, I want to discover something else by changing looks.”

Quick Minute Questions:

What do you think is the most important trend of the spring season? A very feminine blouse with wide leg pants

What past trend could you have done without? Grunge

What fashion classic is always best in your book? A fitted blazer

If you had pursued a different career path, what would it have been? Architect

Who is your favorite designer? Yohji Yamamoto. His clothes are not just stylish but there is so much thought behind them

“Style is something that occurs naturally,“ says Lafayette 148 New York’s Design Director Edward Wilkerson. Each season, this New York native and Parsons School of Design graduate, interprets the distinct city style for the Lafayette 148 New York customer with a fresh perspective and a visionary approach. His own New York sense of style with a worldly influence is what makes his designs so distinct. But perhaps it’s
his easy, unpretentious attitude and interpretive side that shine through most in his designs and make his fashions so appealing.

Wilkerson mixes just the right amount of classic design with the season’s trends. His clothing is luxe and beautiful without being ostentatious or showy. And Wilkerson prides himself on producing supremely wearable fashion. “Our customer is a professional and a mom…She is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t have to show the world that she has all the latest styles,” says the designer who lives and breathes his work. “She utilizes the new styles to reinvent and mix pieces she already has. Our wearer is building on what [she] already owns.” And that building attitude is what keeps consumers returning to the largely popular bridge brand again and again.

Lafayette 148 New York is known for exquisite attention to detail, and solid craftsmanship. And it’s no wonder since Wilkerson, who has a passion for photography (his extraordinary images have been exhibited at a host of venues both internationally and nationally) and travel, is never at rest. “I’m continuously visually stimulated. It can be a blessing and a curse,” he laughs. “Often, I am so enamored by what I see that I have to react as fast as my mind is inspired,” he says, explaining why he is known to always have a camera and sketch book in hand.

The mastermind behind the label’s classic cuts and refined yet relaxed style, joined Lafayette 148 New York in 1998, after an extensive career with the likes of Anne Klein & Co., Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. But he credits his time at Donna Karan as his building blocks and the foundation of his design skills. There, Wilkerson worked from the ground up. “She really taught me everything I know,” recalls the designer who was elected to The Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2004. “There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t let me do. ” Interestingly enough, he candidly discusses his working relationship with Donna Karan and even reveals his departure from the brand. “Donna fired me,” he laughs. “She told me we needed a break but later said I could come back at anytime.” And despite this unconventional departure, their respect and friendship continues on. In fact, Wilkerson will be showing his latest collection of photographs in Karan’s Urban Zen store in July 2009.

And it is that 13-year Donna Karan education that shines through in his current work at Lafayette 148 New York. “[Our customers] know what [they] are getting for their money. And I give them quality,” he explains. “[They] recognize our fit because it’s so consistent.” The women who wear Wilkerson’s designs long for Lafayette 148 New York’s lovely feminine separates, supple leathers, comfy knits and embellished pieces. “Fashion is not always about the latest trends. It’s inspired by a feeling I get somewhere,” says Wilkerson recalling this season‘s inspiration, from the oh-so-caliente shores of Rio, where the designer vacationed four months ago. According to Wilkerson, it was Rio’s relaxed attitude and sex appeal that exuded his much needed inspiration. Now, the Lafayette 148 New York’s Resort 2009 Collection is directly interpreted from his daily walks on Ipanema Beach. He recalls falling in love with the idea of the relaxed Rio attitude. “You had the beach on one side and the Metropolitan heart on the other. The city had a casual feel that made it the ultimate city for resort destinations.“

The trends interpreted for the latest collection include lively uses of color, safari style trenches, madras in unpredictable colors, whimsical ginghams and subtle shine. Lafayette 148 New York fans will also find chic fitted jackets, the must-have spring coat and plenty of girlish dresses, along with, as always, Wilkerson’s signature quiet sophistication and confidence of the city.

While the women of Rio may have served as his muses for Resort 2009, Wilkerson’s muses do change from season to season. For Fall 2008, he recalls his fixation with Bianca Jagger’s iconic 70s look. “She really had style,” he explains. “She shows that you can be smart, sophisticated and stylish at the same time.“ And his recent trip to Japan will likely influence his next collection, he shares. He also recalls his mother’s immaculate sense of style growing up, but it’s Donna Karan that he credits for influencing his style most as a whole.

But it’s Wilkerson’s perseverance and determined attitude that have gotten him to his current stature. And his genuine love of his work is obvious in speaking with him. He laughs recalling a time at Parsons during his Junior year where he was told “you don’t have what it takes to be a designer.” He even shares that he failed draping back in his school days but when he re-challenged himself with the class at FIT, he received an “A”. For Wilkerson, design is not work but a passion and he credits his focus as the secret to his success. Each day he challenges himself to interpret the world as he sees it through his photography into wearable designs for his customers. He explains, “When I wake up in the AM, I want to discover something else by changing looks.”

Meet designer Edward Wilkerson at his personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach Gardens on January 29. Lafayette 148 New York is available at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores statewide.

Quick Minute Questions:

What do you think is the most important trend of the spring season?
A very feminine blouse with wide leg pants

What past trend could you have done without?
Grunge

What fashion classic is always best in your book?
A fitted blazer

If you had pursued a different career path, what would it have been?
Architect

Who is your favorite designer?
Yohji Yamamoto.

His clothes are not just stylish but there is so much thought behind them.

Despite the state of the economy, the fashion world is forging speed ahead. As the economy gets more complicated and stressful, we turn to easy, flawless dressing. Recessionistas have not turned a blind eye to the stunning designs that came down the catwalks. So, while they may be curbing their couture costs, the passion for fashion remains strong.

Here is a taste of the top trends and styles of the spring season ahead. Trends to take note of: metallic hues and accents of all sorts, black and white chic combos, pencil skirts, fashionable pants of all styles and artistic floral prints. But the stand out trend and color du jour is surely the fresh nude shades that dominated the runways of everyone from Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent to Derek Lam and Zac Posen. Here’s to spring!—C.C.

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