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

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.

Eco-friendly fashions for your lifestyle

The movement toward eco-awareness has long since transcended to the fashion world. Now purchasing

“clothing with a conscious” is not only socially responsible, but fashionable as well. Designers have been delving into the environmentally aware area since the green movement began, but as time passed the once fashionably flat and bland “organic” looks have become innovative and stylish.

Now green dressing doesn’t have to mean dull colors or one choice of fabric: hemp. The options are expanding and including everything from vegan shoes to organic jewelry and accessories. Take for example, EcoSpun®, which is a soft, fleece-like fabric made from recycled plastic beverage bottles re-knit with cotton. Fashion lines such as Edun, Burning Torch, Viridis Luxe and John Patrick Organics, and designers such as Linda Loudermilk are spicing up the green fashion scene with innovative fabric, treatments and styles. And mainstream companies are following suit. Even the Gap has recently introduced a line of women’s organic jeans. More and more innovative designers are getting into the game and taking their eco-efforts a step further by not only using organic and sustainable fabrics, but using fair-trade practices as well.

As you can see, being well dressed and environmentally conscious can go hand in hand. By incorporating the fashions shown here into your wardrobe, you’ll go from hippie chic to haute and hip in no time.

Companies like New Jammies, Kate Quinn Organics, Toms and Speesees are making going green for the kids easy—and adorable. But why go organic, you ask? According to the experts at Organic Baby Wearhouse, “Five out of nine pesticides most commonly used in producing and fabricating cotton clothing are cancer-causing chemicals (cyanazine, dicofil, naled, propargite and trifluralin).” They also tell us that many of the pesticides used in manufacturing and growing cotton are petroleum-based and stay in clothing even after washing. In addition, we know that dyes can cause allergies and be detrimental to your baby’s health. So since babies’ developing bodies are especially vulnerable to toxins and pesticides, it makes good sense to go organic whenever possible. Look for certified organic cotton, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or unbleached cotton, which is even better. Here are a few of our favorite organic goodies for your little bambino.

Diaper Duty
Featuring gender-neutral coloring (Daddy will thank you), this functional and fashionable diaper bag is made from 100 percent post consumer recycled plastic bottles. It also features a waterproof bottom, PVC-free waterproof liner, detachable and removable inserts, bottle holder, pouches and more. The best part: 100 percent of the profits directly benefit Healthy Child Healthy World. Find it at weegeneration.com. $200.

Child’s Pose
The Yoga Baby onesie by BuddhiWear Organics is the perfect attire for your zen baby. And thanks to a partnership with Tree for the Future, for every tshirt sold, a tree will be planted. Find it at Pure Boutique, Jacksonville and Something Yoga, Boca Raton. $30.

Sleeping Cutie
Made from 100 percent natural organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and wrapped up in a reuseable non-woven gift bag, Nature’s Critters Snuggle PJs by New Jammies are great for your little one to snuggle up for sweet dreams. Shown here in Night Owls, they are comfy and cute! Find it at newjammies.com or The Little Merchant, Bonita Springs. $33.

Sleep to Dream
Baby’s bed should be a safe haven and thanks to ecofriendly company, Plover Organic, it can oh-so-eyecatching, too. Plover’s handquilted, 100 percent organic cotton sateen baby quilts (with 100 percent organic cotton batting) and crib bedding is offered in three reversible prints and sold as sets or individually, too. Find the entire collection at Ploverorganic.com. $330 for set; quilt $110; bumper $130; pillow with tufts $40; crib fitted sheet $72.

Haute Hat
Shield your precious baby from the Florida sun with this adorably stylish sun hat by Kate Quinn Organics. Made from the finest 100 percent organic French terry, it’s ultra soft and available in blackberry, skye, clover or vanilla. Find it at Spunky Sprout, Weston and Best Baby Organics, Miami. $18.

So Cozy
Make bath time extra clean with this cozy, organic cotton and terry towel by Speesees. Made with 100 percent organic interlock cotton and featuring a horse motif, the Prance hooded towel is sure to be baby’s favorite. Find Speesees at My Eco, Jacksonville Beach or Yummy in My Tummy, Davie. $30.

]]> http://vivemagazine.com/blog/2009/05/raising-your-organic-bambino/feed/ 0