The Mystery in Malandrino

Daring. Desirable. Distinguished. Catherine Malandrino understands the importance of seduction. Her collections never fail to embrace the vivacious energy of Manhattan and the subtle romance of Paris. A bohemian influence is evident in many of Malandrino's designs, as she garners inspiration from her worldly adventures. She is well known for creating the American flag dress, which was exhibited at the Fashion & Textile Museum in London. Wearing a Malandrino creation can make even the shyest girl the center of attention. To add some sizzle, adorn yourself with a dress from her spring/summer collection. You'll be the fiesta. It's worth every penny.

Beauty Update with Prestige

This summer is all about brights ladies. If you're like me and have a beauty regimen filled with neutrals from high end beauty companies why not perk it up with some affordable colors from Prestige. They keep an eye out for the latest from the fashion world providing up to minute colors at an amazing price.Since everything is under $10.00 you can be totally guiltless and fill up those Sephora beauty trunks. Prestige is available at drugstores nationwide.

Summer Chic

Monochromatic color schemes are always chic and in fashion. Vertical lines are lengthening and slimming, and with bright fresh colors, you cannot go wrong. Of course, the gladiator sandal is still amazing; pair those with a flirty dress for perfect balance.

The Neon Nail Polish Collection By Essie

I love these neon nail lacquers by Essie because they add so much fun to your usual pedi. They look great on all skin tones especially a great summer tan. My favorite? "Short Shorts" the shocking neon pink. Get your Essie Neon mini collection here from Nordstrom.

Letters to Mimi: What's The Best Sunless Tanning Lotion

Q: Mimi, I'm looking for the perfect sunless tanning lotion. I have an olive complexion but tend to be uneven and some of my body parts are lighter than others. I'd like an even skin tone and would like to know which sunless tanner you recommend. -Kanjri

A: Hi Kanjri, I face this issue as well and I depend on Sun Sauce to give me the best sunless tan possible. I've tried many different formulas from various companies but Sun Sauce is my go to sunless bronzer. It's a pretty scented lotion which you rub across the areas you'd like to tan. The best part about Sun Sauce is, i doesn't make your hands turn orange as long as you rinse them off. My tan develops within an hour but it can vary depending on what your skin is like. I also find it very easy to control the color so that if you can keep it on until you reach your desired color and then rinse off for an great even tan. Before using any self-tanner I recommend you exfoliate with a great scrub to flake off any dead skin. This ensures a flawless tan. Get Sun Sauce Here. -Mimi

Sail the Seven Seas

Sirens are infamous for seducing sailors into the depths of the ocean. Whether you're sailing in Newport, Rhode Island or sun bathing in Boca Raton, the nautical look can help you charm your way anywhere. Marc Jacobs garnered inspiration for his diffusion line from the classic American yachting tradition. His seaboard striped dress is perfect for the lazy summer days.

An easy way to integrate ocean inspired pieces into your wardrobe is by accessorizing. A bag from the Michael Kors Santorini collection is a summer essential. Wear a tote when shopping by the bay or a clutch to polish your outfit for the evening in town. We've all read the message in the bottle, and it clearly says, "It's haute!"

Nail Color Tips and Trends for Spring and Summer

Natural long nails painted with Nubar in "Pink Elegance"

The "rules" of fashion are not what they were 20 years ago, and neither are the rules for nail polish. At the present time, as long as a manicure is well-groomed and not tattered and worn, just about all colors are appropriate year round. Some colors are more seasonal than others. I myself don't use a calendar to decide on a nail color, I go with what my craving is at that particular moment. For example, dark browns tend to be put on the shelf once signs of Spring start showing. Dark browns are especially nice in the summer on well-tanned tips and toes. Focus on your skin tone to choose the most suitable color for you.

The collections that have come out for Spring have been mixed. Some companies are going all pale (Essie and Orly) while other companies are full of neons, holographic, and drab colors (China Glaze). OPI's collections usually are a mix of light and dark colors be it their Spring/Summer collections or Fall/Winter collections. Supplemental collections are more popular than ever. It seems like every month something new is coming out! China Glaze just released three collections and are already planning three more for summer. The same goes for OPI. A French manicure is always appropriate and timeless. I am not a fan of pales so I go with medium colors. Medium colors are also good for camouflaging nails that become stained. Whimsical (different color on each nail etc.) manicures are appropriate in the right setting, as well. The dark navy blue trend is still going strong with the darker purples being pulled into the craze.

Nail and Cuticle Care Tips:

Good health and cuticle care are essential to long and strong nail growth. My favorite cuticle drenching oil is Nubar Cucumber Cuticle Oil. To remove cuticles, Blue Cross Cuticle Remover is an amazing product you can try that gets rid of unwanted skin, gently. If you are in a hurry and need to get rid of cuticles at lightening speed, try Poshe AHA Cuticle Care Revitalizer.

Nail Polish Application Tips:

Start off with a nail hardener such as China Glaze Calcium Gel Fortifier or Salley Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Nail Fortifier. You can also use a ridge filler to fill in ridges and strengthen nails even more. After these two products, its time for your base coat. My favorite base coat product is Color Club Milky White Base Coat.

Next comes the lacquer: I am a habitual three-coater. Most people just do two but with my job requiring 8-10 hours a day on the computer I find three coats reduces chippage. With the first coat, I also make a horizontal swipe of the nail brush across the tip of my nail which reduces shrinkage when the polish dries. I don't concern myself too much if any gets on the top side of the nail as I have two more coats to smooth it out.

Finally, the top coat: The best of the best in my opinion is Seche Vite. It is available at retail but a bit pricey. Online retailers sell it considerably cheaper. Again because of all the typing I have to do, I use two layers. Seche Vite provides a really nice wet look and when dry is slick to the touch.

For those times when I need a polish change but don't have the time to do one, I use a sparkly top coat as a refresher which extends my manicure another day or two. My favorite for this is Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in the shade of Diamonds #5.

Here are a few examples of what that looks like:

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Diamonds #3 over CND Hot Pop Blue

Chanel Peptie over Nars After Dark

Online retailers that don't require a license:
http://www.transdesign.com/

http://www.head2toebeauty.com/

http://www.8ty8beauty.com/

Travel tips: I recently experimented with my manicure when I went to Las Vegas. Knowing I would not be able to redo my manicure, I picked a medium red with shimmer which is a timeless color and strangely versatile. I added an extra layer of base coat between the 1st and 2nd layers of lacquer and an extra layer of top coat. This makes the polish on the nail a little thicker but I had no problems with chippage and my nails looked just as good when I got home as when I left. I was unable to do a polish change for five days. The downside is the thicker the polish, the longer it takes to get off.

Nail Lacquer colors that I recommend for Spring and Summer:

1. CND "Studio 54"

2. Color Club "Blue Light"

3. Finger Paints "Make a Scene"

4. CND "Hot Pop Orange"

5. China Glaze "Linger"

All images used with permission and curtesy of Carla Gaughan on Flickr.

- Carla Gaughan

African Escape in Style

Image sources: www.flickr.com, Expedia UK, www.style.com

Sport Luxe Featuring 55DSL

Every now and again a diva needs to feel casually, comfortably chic. 55DSL offers amazing and sporty fashions that are easy to wear, yet still make you feel as though you are surrounded in luxury.

"55DSL's Spring/Summer 2008 collection is vividly colourful and graphically bold, reflecting their sportswear heritage. It's a practical and immediate collection, easy-going in character but balanced by strong military styling and technical detailing to ensure that there's always a subliminal aggression."

55 DSL
281 Lafayette Street
Soho, NYC, 10012
http://www.55dsl.com/

That's Haute

USE unused Fashion Designs

USE unused aims to create a world wide known Hungarian fashion label that carries the Hungarian flavor rather than a mass produced product. In addition to women's wear, they will be adding menswear, leather bags and shoes, and eye wear. They will have an effect on the Hungarian clothing culture.

USE unused women are:

"Women who care about themselves. Women that can perfectly manage their own lives, and have a strong and determined conception about their own future. Women who are cosmopolitan and open-minded, yet very feminine."

Pretty Pastels for Spring, with a 70s Flair

For Spring this year, an interesting trend has been emerging with color placement and style. Style wise, think 1970's ease with basic pieces in classic shapes and flattering earth tones and pastels. Think Kate Moss when assembling your outfit. Nonchalant is the key word this season for Ready-to-Wear. Accessories on the other hand are where all the visual excitement will be as designers have been puting out collection after collection with purses and jewelry remade in bold hues. The Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2008 collection couldn't have exemplified that better with their trademark chocolate canvas redone in bold violets, yellows and blues. It didn't stop at the handbags either, shoes and elbow length gloves were made in hot pink patent leather and silks. This Season, ditch the floral prints and go for beautiful pieces in bright colors. As always, make it your own.

-Phillip Rummell

A Taste of New Zealand, A Taste of Adventure

Contributed by Therese Quiao

Zambesi Summer 2008

It’s an Urban Jungle out there, and we all know competition is fierce. Prepare yourself and arm your boudoir with the perfect accessories and clothing essentials. Want to give your wardrobe that extra edge? Check out Zambesi’s Southern Hemisphere collection for Summer 2008. Inspired by the mystery of New Zealand, designer Elisabeth Findlay adds a sense of adventure to her pieces. Versatile. Emotional. Seductive. Zambesi has something to offer for both men and women alike. The men’s collection is alluring, and filled with the necessities for the modern gentleman. As for the ladies, be a vixen and step into a Zambesi number. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite Louboutin’s.

The New "Form" of Fashion?

Contributed by Therese Quiao

Based in the luxe neighborhood of SoHo, Form is reinventing the shape of modern women’s wear. Mastermind Jerry Tam and his creative team designed a variety of striking and beautiful dresses for Spring/Summer 2008. The collection includes a fresh interpretation of the little black dress that is tastefully adorned with sequins. The metallic smoke modular taffeta bubble dress is a fusion between classic elegance and futuristic glamour. Even though the collection is dominated by shades of black, metallic charcoals, grays and whites, there are a few pieces that are a lovely pear green. The contrast between the more industrial, metallic fabrics, and the earthly, flowing green dresses created a remarkable display at the SoHo Grand Hotel, where the collection was presented in lieu of a traditional runway setting.

In order to capture the inspiration behind their Spring/Summer collection, Form created a short artistic video. Starring supermodel Chandra North and directed by Richard Reens, it is definitely worth taking a look at.

Check out the latest Form video.

Don’t shy away from this luxury brand. Form is progressive. It’s eye-catching. Most of all, it celebrates the glamour and femininity of the female form.