Fashion Blog

In the fashion industry, runway fashion has never been readily available for purchase to the public until six months after the revelation.

Norma Kamali has been noticing that today’s advanced technology and the Internet-based connectivity makes the latest fashion from the runway available for viewing all over the world in an instant. This poses a huge problem for the fashion industry because by the time the latest fashion is available for the public, everyone has already seen the spring line for the upcoming year and the “latest” fashion becomes old news before it’s even on the market.

Norma told the LA Times that fashion used to be an elite institution, but now, designs are accessible for viewing to almost anyone via the Internet.

As a result of all this–for the first time ever, Norma is making her designs available for the public right on the spot at the upcoming NY Fashion Week. 

I really like that Norma’s attempting to redirect the high fashion runway. She’s adapting to advancement because although high technology is beneficial to society in infinite ways, it’s taking the mystification and exclusiveness out of the fashion industry. Instead of sitting back, Norma’s doing something about it–she’s keeping up with our fast paced world and allowing us to have what we want instantly. That’s just the way our generation is–instant gratification.

Here are some of Norma Kamali’s previous designs. She really knows what she’s doing:

Her parachute dresses were one of the biggest things to hit the runway.

She’s particularly known for her wrapped swimwear. It’s very flattering because it conceals the mid-area.

This is her “sleeping bag coat” that was also a notable hit on the runway. For really cold places, this is really cute!

This is my favorite! Her “retro pin up” swimwear.

Can’t wait to see what she has in store for us this year....just a little over a week left until Fashion  Week!

Image sources: fashionista.com, LATimes.com, Twolia.com,  normakamallicollection.com

As a European in the US, I am finding out more and more about the fashion scene, new designers, new “it” girls, and for this summer new bikini lines, and SHIMMI is one of them.

Sandy beaches, exotic locales, glamorous pool parties or just relaxing with friends… what does a girl crave most? Scarlett Chorvat and Alison Renner desired the look and feel of a simple but stylish bikini.

Shimmi is created from the notion that swimwear has no rules. Scarlett and Alison have artistically designed their collection with cutting edge style, modernism and comfort. An appreciation for sexy chanteuse Jane Birkin, The French Mediterranean and rock n’ roll are just some of the influences that have inspired their first collection. The collection consists of unique, lightweight fabrics, playful patterns and vibrant colors that compliment skin tones. Beautiful fabrics are innovatively cut and designed to fit the everyday woman and the girl that is not afraid to be the center of attention, but actually loves it!

Raised in the Midwest and now living in L.A. both Scarlett and Alison left their hometowns to pursue successful modeling careers in the Big Apple. Their paths eventually crossed in Los Angeles years later. Combined, they have worked with notable photographers including Helmut Newton, Francesco Scavullo, Mario Testino, Walter Chin… Both have graced the covers of magazines as well as the campaigns and editorials inside of them.

Together they are determined to create swim wear for the girl that is always looking for that “perfect suit”.

Image Source: shimmicollection.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through a variety of bikinis.

Since when did Forever 21 start making cute swimsuits???  I mean, I can remember for the last few years seeing a bikini here or there when I would go shop, but they were definitely pretty flimsy looking with some sort of outdated design, improper fit, you know…no good.

The trendy bargain chain has definitely stepped it up a bit now as far as swimwear goes.  The website has an entire page of wild suits in bright, flashy prints.  The suits are actually quite sexy and modern looking.  Now, I have no idea what these bikinis and one-pieces look or feel like, whether they’re made with cheap nylon spandex lycra or what, BUT the just by the looks of it, the suits look better quality.  Some of the models they used are pretty curvy too so if you are a voluptuous type, you may be able to get some sort of an idea of whether certain tops would work or not.  There were about five or six different styles, but several different prints, some wild, some that were a little more on the plain side.  My eye of course was drawn to the bright, colorful, ethnic looking prints.  And at prices like $12.80 per piece, I picked a couple because it only made sense!  Independence Day is three days away and whether you’re going out of town for a weekend getaway, heading to the beach to lay around in the sand, or bouncing around to barbecues and pool parties…it’s always good to have a couple of swimsuit options.  A true fashion freak would agree. Here are my top picks and suggestions for where to wear what:

Waikiki Beaded Bandeau Top and Tie Belt Bottom $12.80 per piece.

This is a pretty sexy suit.  The top has removable pads and beaded detail on the necktie as well as on the belt that adorns the hips.  It’s fully lined.  This would be my choice to wear to a pool party…a grownup pool party though where you’d be drinking an adult beverage and mingling with cute boys in boardshorts!

The next one is a great choice for the beach.  It reminds me of a Roxy or Billabong bikin–a little more sporty.  The top seems to have more full coverage in case a big wave comes and knocks you down.

Contrast Leaf Halter Top and Side Tie Bottom: $12.80 per piece

Ready to set sail?!  I envy those of you out there who actually will be this weekend.  If I could, I would be wearing this suit…this is perfect for throwing in your weekender and taking off.

Nautical Stripe Triangle Top and Side Tie Bottom: $12.80 per piece

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable bikinis.

Starting a new job always has its perks…one of many being the downtime in between the last day of one and the start date of another.  What the heck does this have to do with fashion?  Absolutely nothing.  Except that during one of those sweet days off while transitioning, a girl can finally take some time for herself and jet to the beach!  It may be apparent that I have not had the pleasure of any beach outings recently, but with some down time arriving I can finally allow myself to get excited for sun, sand and sea.  I have decided to this by picking out my top seven beach essentials, this was an extra fun assignment since beach-going is one of my favorite things to do…

Apparently straw fedoras will be big (again) this summer.  To ensure “non-dime-a-dozen-ness” I say pass on that trend and opt for a pretty, wide-brimmed sunhat.   Admit it, it sucks having the same hat as that girl across the street, and the one in liquor store, oh yeah…and the one sitting next to you on the sand. You catch my drift.

This J.Crew stripe beach hat ($38) in bright daffodil is pretty cute, the yellow stripe is something fresh and different for summer.

I think this summer, I am opting for a bandeau style swimsuit, although I do love the vintage glamour of this Victoria’s Secret suit…

It also comes in coral.

Retro Push-Up Triangle Top:  $58 on sale!

I will also be on the hunt for a reasonably priced straw tote to throw everything into, but until then, a brightly colored canvas one will do.

Mossimo CORE Tote Canvas in Blue: $12.99

Sunscreen is definitely necessary and this Alba Hawaiian Sun Aloe Vera Sunscreen ($5.11) smells great and isn’t greasy.  And I would be completely lost if I didn’t bring my favorite lip balm in the whole world with me.  This smell of this stuff reminds me of the beach and works like a miracle.

Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips ($2.19) is made with cocoa butter, aloe, vitamin E and has an SPF 20 in it.

A book is essential on my beach trips. Lately I’ve had a growing fascination with the troubled and talented Zelda Fitzgerald, Save Me the Waltz is on my must-read list this summer.

There was a time in my life where I thought putting coconut oil in my ocean-wet hair was a great idea.  I foolishly thought I was luxuriously moisturizing it in the summer sun while letting it air dry, when really I was cooking it.  It took years for my hair to finally recover, and now I make sure to take a leave in conditioning spray with me instead.  This Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner ($9.95) smells so good!  Spraying this into ocean damp hair and tucking it up under your fancy sun hat is a better idea.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more wide-brimmed sunhats and bandeau style swimsuits.

Discounts on tote bags.

With the passing of Memorial Day this weekend, summer has unofficially begun!  Some of you may have had to already sport a swimsuit if you were at the beach or pool party this weekend, but here are some great finds for swimwear!  Bathing suits can be a little pricey depending on what brands or cuts you are choosing so its always as treat to find a cute, stylish one on sale.  A trendy swimsuit last season was definitely the one-piece.  The cuts were a little crazier and risque, but this was a difficult style to wear in my opinion.  I actually own this American Apparel Nylon Tricot Maillot-V Swimsuit ($45).  I bought it last summer and wore it a few times but never really got into it. It was a little hard to pull off.

I concluded that most of the American Apparel one-pieces definitely look best on the American Apparel models.  Not to say that these styles aren’t cute, but I am definitely pleased to see that the trend for one-pieces this summer are vintage inspired.  The Marilyn Monroe-esque, glamorous vintage suit is going to be big this summer, but I’ll save those details for another posting this week or next.  Today’s eye is on the bargain and there were several great deals found on women’s swim/beach/pool wear.
Right now, Neiman Marcus is taking 30% off of some swimwear styles including this Juicy Couture Ruffled Tankini (Top: $102 Now: $71.40/Bottom: $72 Now $21.60).  Made in Martinique Pink with gold butterfly detailing, the two tiered ruffle top is a great twist on traditional tankinis which are a little simpler.  The ruffles on this suit are different, I’ve actually never seen one like this and would definitely rock it seeing as how it’s covering part of the stomach without being so form-fitting. A genius idea…A swimsuit that isn’t form-fitting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Juicy Couture swimwear.
Discounts on tankinis and other women’s swimsuits.

Most women find that their boyfriend’s interest in swimwear begins and ends with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Not the case with Susien Chong, whose partner in life is Nic Briand, the other half of Australian label Lover. The couple have been together since 1996, launching Lover in 2001. This label has smart and feminine looks that quickly became a favorite of celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst. Lover’s summer collection is entitled Electric Ladyland, and the looks fall somewhere between 70’s rocker and eccentric artists.

String bikinis and one-piece halters are rendered in lace patterned neutrals and tie with wooden beads; striped bikinis and tanks are made in corals and ocean blues. These aren’t suits for going in the water.  They are suits you want to accessorize with an oversized floppy hat, some shades, a a glass of white wine….and they’re just right!

For more information, log onto loverthelabel.com.

Find at Smarter: Shop for more women’s swimwear.