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Guest Post: Top Swim Trends for 2012

This post is a guest post, written by Susan Bodack of InStyleSwimwear.com. Author bio follows at the end of this post.

Call me crazy, but I’m already looking forward to the new swim season.  With winter quickly approaching and all the sneak peeks of the 2012 designer swimwear collections, can you really blame me?  As always, the 2012 swim trends mimic the hottest fashion trends from the runway.  In my world (the wonderful world of designer swimwear), a number of 2012 styles are already available for purchase, and many more are on their way!  Fashionistas take note— here are 3 of the top 2012 swim trends, straight from the mouth of an industry insider.

1. Colorblocking

This year, colorblocking is back as one of the biggest 2012 swim trends, as well as one of the hottest trends in the fashion world.  The best thing about this swimwear trend is that it comes in a variety of styles.  For the bold fashionista, you’ll love the “classic clash” look; this version generally features two hues that don’t seem to go at all, but when done in traditional colorblock fashion, it really works.  But for those who prefer a more subtle look, go for a swimwear style featuring a bold color paired with a neutral (think black, white or grey) or those that feature a thin neon strip.  If you’re a lover of the sporty-chic look or marvelously mod fashion, the colorblock swimwear trend will be your new best friend.

2. Smocking

The smocking trend has been around for quite some time.  Although we typically see it with certain styles of cover-ups (like the smocked strapless dress), it’s popping up this year as one of the top 2012 swim trends.  We all know that designers love to experiment with texture and when juxtaposed against that smooth swimwear fabric, smocking lends some amazing textural contrast.  In addition, smocking has that one-size-fits-all effect so it looks and feels so flattering against your body.  Expect to see smocked detail on swimwear tops, bottoms, one-pieces and of course, cover-ups.

3. Shades of Orange

Every season has its “it” colors and once you check out the brand new collections, you’ll see that one of the hottest 2012 swim trends is orange.  In fact, there isn’t a single designer swimwear brand that doesn’t feature an orange group for 2012!  In addition to classic orange hues, you’ll see that fruit-inspired shades are all the rage.  Think cantaloupes, peaches, mangos and papayas in both solid and printed swimwear styles.  With the wide variety of hues, any woman with any skin tone can rock this season’s “it” color.

To read more about the 2012 swim trends and for inside access to the designer swimwear industry, check out the InStyleSwimwear.com swimwear blog, Beauty and the Beach.

Susan Bodack manages the blog at InStyleSwimwear.com, a luxury online retailer of fashionable swimwear, beachwear and accessories.

Derek Lam Receives “Mercedes-Benz Presents” Title

Derek Lam, the well-known (and obvi super talented) fashion designer has received the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer for this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 Collections, which kicks off this week.

 

“Derek Lam’s impeccable reputation in the fashion industry is a testament to his heritage, precise skill, and fresh approach, all of which are qualities that distinguish the brand much like Mercedes-Benz does,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Derek’s modern yet youthful designs mirror characteristics that embody the new C63 AMG Coupe, making Derek the perfect choice for this season’s Presents designer.”

Derek Lam joins a prestigious list of past “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designers including Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.

As part of the Presents program and in celebration of Lam’s new diffusion collection, 10 Crosby Derek Lam, Mercedes-Benz and Lam are searching for this season’s “Crosby Girl” to go along with the season’s must-have accessory, the C63 AMG Coupe.  During Fashion’s Night Out, Derek Lam and casting director James Scully, will host an open call at the Derek Lam flagship store on Crosby Street.  Photographs of the most stylish participants will be incorporated into a display themed “Let Me C Your Style” that can be viewed and voted on by all attendees entering the lobby tent of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week located at the heart of Lincoln Center.  For more information visit, www.LETMECYOURSTYLE.com.

Derek Lam Fall 2011

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Courteney Cox Opens Up in Harper’s Bazaar’s April Issue

 

Have you wondered what Courtney Cox has to say her recent breakup, her urge to date again and life in general? Well, we have too! Harper’s Bazaar gave us at The Fashionable Housewife a sneak peak at their April 2011 issue which our girl Courtney graces the cover of. Fabulous, right? So I guess we’ll share it with you… well, because we like you.

On her estranged husband, David Arquette: “You can’t really get mad at David because he’s not a malicious person,” she says. “He was dealing with things the best way he could. And don’t get me wrong, he was on a show for entertainment. David is smart, and David is also a showman. He knew what he was doing.” She pauses. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I don’t think he’ll be doing more Howard Stern any time soon. He’s not out to harm. But I’m his biggest protector. I can’t help it.”

On some level, Courteney attributes the root of her marital struggles to her own pathos. “The thing is, when you get older, it’s more about compatibility than it is about love,” she says thoughtfully. “I think it’s more about needing just a kind of peace and stillness. I’m kind of all over the place, and I need grounding. I want to be calm. I want to change a lot. I want to live not outside but inside. It’s nothing with David; it’s just what I’m searching for.”

Their seven-year age gap—Courteney is 46 to David’s 39—doesn’t register to her as the crux of their issues, however. “Most guys aren’t that mature, are they? They just don’t think the way we think.” She does admit, “I thought I had always been a little bit of a cougar with David.” “I don’t find the whole cougar word that offensive,” she says. “And also, a cougar is someone who takes care of herself and goes out with younger guys. She doesn’t need a man to take care of her.”

On rumors of an affair with her Cougar Town costar Brian Van Holt, gossip she flatly denies: “He’s a really good friend of mine, so I don’t care,” says Courteney. “It just doesn’t matter. He’s a great guy, and he’s definitely been a part of my support system.”

Courtney can’t see herself diving into the dating pool any time soon: “I have no desire right now,” she admits. “I’m not saying never. It just seems weird. I don’t even know how that would happen or how you meet people. I really don’t like to go out. I’m not great at small talk. I like to go to dinner with people. I don’t like to go to parties. There’s a sign on my forehead: EXITING SOCIAL LIFE, ENTERING INTO ISOLATION.”


The April issue of Harper’s Bazaar hits newsstands March 29.
For the full interview, photos and video, go to http://www.harpersbazaar.com/courteneycox

Review of Kenmore Elite Top Load Washer & Dryer


What’s the point in having nice, fashionable clothes if you’re going to ruin them in the washer? Most delicate fabrics can’t handle being washed in a conventional washer but dry cleaning is so expensive! And what about bulky things like coats and blankets? Most people don’t wash their coats when they get dirty. They just wear them till they are dirty and then donate them or throw them away because trying to wash a coat in a conventional washing machine would just ruin it anyway.

It’s really important to have a good washer and dryer. That’s why I am excited to tell you all about the NEW Kenmore Elite 5.2 cu. ft. high-efficiency top-load washer with Smart Motion™ Technology and matching 7.3 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Steam Generator.

These are gorgeous, top of the line machines from Kenmore that will change the way you look at laundry.

Click Here To Read The Full Review >>>

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was provided
by Sears Kenmore via Glam Media for review purposes.

Stella & Dot and ShoeDazzle Introduce Items for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets a lot of attention… and it should.  While you’re brushing up on all-important early detection, you can browse cute new merchandise from ShoeDazzle and Stella & Dot.  A portion of sales proceeds benefit breast cancer charities.

Check it out:

Show your support and look great this fall with breast cancer awareness products from ShoeDazzle and Stella & Dot Jewelry.

ShoeDazzle has created three on-trend items for the month of October – a pink suede bootie:

zebra print clutch:

and silk zebra scarf:

A portion of proceeds of sales will benefit The Susan G. Komen Foundation. Each item retails for $39.95.

If you’re looking for something a little more customizable, create-your-own Stella & Dot charm necklace or bracelet! Support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation while you let your creative juices flow.