Resorts Fashion Week - Body and Sol

Some beautiful choices for Resort Season! Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Heavenly Clutch Set. Voda Swim Bikini in Caribbean. Classic Wayfarers by Ray-Ban.

Getting ready for Resort Season means starting NOW to get yourself into swimsuit shape. Picking just the right gear to show off that swimsuit body is key. Here are some of my favorites plus swimwear that does your body GOOD in so many ways.

Hello Riviera! Voda Envy Pushup Criss Cross Top gives you a serious lift! Side Tie Hipster Bottom is so sexy.

Voda Swim
I was looking for shaping swimwear that gives you a lift in all the right places. I've found Voda Swim suits to have just that with impeccable styling. The Envy Pushup Top claims to give you a 1-2 cup size increase, but I'm really impressed by the shaping power of the top. Whether you want a little extra or simply firm up what you have, this top has got it going on.

Resort Season Essentials for Body & Sol

Body & Sol Essentials
Here's my top essentials list for a gorgeously toned body and sun protected skin:

Embryolisse 365 Cream Body Firming Treatment
Total moisturizing, smoothing and firming all in one 7 fl oz tube. Rich in wheat protein, guarana (caffeine) and shea butter, it gives you an instant moisture & firming boost.

BioELIXIA Body Shaper
This Cellulite Contour Creme really works. I've used it for about four weeks and can see a wonderful difference in my contours. Even though I'm a cyclist, I like to be ultra-firm and this product delivers. The label says: "Scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite by an average of 57%."

Mission Sun Defeated Continuous Spray Sunscreen
Formulated for Athletes, this 50 UPF comes in an easy to apply continuous spray. Allows you to reach all areas of your body for unsurpassed solar protection.

Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen
Made with added Antioxidant Defense ingredients, this 30 and 50 SPF sunscreen is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Stays on even when you sweat so no sunblock running into your eyes.

Get ready for Resort Season! Woven Handbag by NewportStyle.net

Shimmer by Starlight
Don't forget to pack that shimmer-glow! I really like Kett Cosmetics Hydro Shimmers. It is very sheer and comes in four colors to mix or match with their Hydro Foundation. This is a fast and easy way to sneak  a subtle tropical glow. They also have a Sizzle Collection if you want to go darker into the tan-zone.

I also like Glow All the Way by Hard Candy (Tropical Tan) and use it for photo shoots all the time. It looks amazing on bare shoulders and legs maybe because it is infused with 24 kt GOLD. Whatever the case, all eyes will be on you with these two shimmer specialists.

Day: Beach cover or evening wear, you choose. Metamorphose Dress by Horny Toad.

Evening:Dress and clutch at the Ice Theatre of NY's Benefit Gala honoring Kurt Browning (shown) and Sonia Rodriguez.

Town & Country NEW Fall Trends Naturalizer Boots & Rebecca Minkoff Mab Mini Satchel

NEW for fall 2013! Naturlizer's on trend leather Jersey Riding Boots - Mab Mini Satchel by Rebecca Minkoff. 

Autumn in NY In the great northeast, we definitely know how to celebrate change of seasons! Fall mornings around here are usually a bit cool but by the time the afternoon rolls around, things warm up a bit. My New Jersey estate allows the enjoyment of leafy walks and bicycle rides by bucolic horse farms and open fields but I can still hop on the train in be in Midtown in about 40 minutes. So my fall fashion choices, (especially my footwear), reflect that. So what's new for us who want to be comfortable in the country but still fashionable in town?

The Jersey Boot by Naturalizer
This is a new fall 2013 release from Naturalizer, who in my opinion makes some of the most comfortable career pumps around. The Jersey Riding Boot comes in Oxford Brown (shown), Black and a lighter Banana Bread Leather. The leather has a beautiful, rich finish that you would expect to see on a traditional riding boot. However the comfort is in the details. The Jersey comes in regular and wide shaft so those with larger calves will be quite happy in this boot.

Back cuff of the Jersey Boot has elastic inserts that give as you walk.

Comfort the First Time Out
I have other leather boots and most require some break in time. I actually wore these Jersey boots to NYC for a post Fashion Week event. Starting at 34th St. and 7th Ave. I walked 5 miles downtown to Soho and back even though they were brand new! Here are some details from the Naturalizer website:

Ride into style with the fashionable Jersey riding boots from Naturalizer.

• Leather upper in a riding boot style with a round toe
• Twin buckle straps at the shaft
• Inside zipper ensures an easy slip-on construction
• Elastic stretch panel at the collar
• Smooth lining, cushioning insole features N5 comfort elements
• Non-slip outsole, 1 inch heel

Naturalizer's Jersey Riding boots in Oxford Brown.

On Trend Bags-Rebecca Minkoff Mab Mini Satchel
Madam Editor of GaveThat.com (the ORIGINAL Bag SnobTM) loaned me her Rebecca Minkoff leather hand bag for this shoot. This fall and into spring 2014, the bags have shrunk. Large, over-sized "diaper bags" are pretty much played out. I like the supple leather of her Mab Mini Satchel as it is the perfect size for a day out in the country or in town.

Rebecca Minkoff Mab (Morning After Bag) Mini Satchel - Available at Saks 5th Ave.

Town and Country Living
So if you spend time working in town but want to relax in the country, get a few fall essentials like these that allow a seamless transition between the two. The Naturalizer Jersey Boots are beautiful to look at but also a delight to your feet. A quality leather bag like the Mab Mini Satchel will last for years and is worth the investment.   

This Fall Outfit:
Eyewear - Classic Wayfarers by Ray-Ban
Silk Blouse by Chelsea Cambell for Charter Club
Front Pleated Pencil Skirt by Context 
Leather Satchel - Rebecca Minkoff
Riding Boots - Jersey in Oxford Brown c/o Naturalizer 

Resort Fashions Newport Mansions NEW Fall Hats by Pistil Designs

Photo: Marble House, Newport RI (John Corbett), Pierotucci Overnight Leather Duffel Bag. NEW for fall 2013, Emery Bucket Hat in Silt by Pistil Designs.

Newport, RI The first day of fall and thoughts turn to going to traveling to New England to see the turning of the leaves! If you enjoy traveling, think about going now because the temperatures are cooler and there is less of a press of the crowds at most vacation destinations. If you are ever in Rhode Island, do stop by for a tour of one of the Newport Mansions. I visited The Breakers which was the Vanderbilt's summer cottage but there are several other estates open to the public for daily tours, namely Marble House.

 

The perfect travel companion: Pierotucci Italian Leather Overnight Duffel Bag - Toscanella Collection

Dressing for Comfort
One of my favorite traveling dresses is the Gabriella from the Craghopper's NosiLife Collection
I'm wearing it in the lead photo collage and it is so flattering yet comfortable. Add a little knit topper for the cooler fall temps to come but the dress has a bit of warmth due to the soft jersey knit fabric. Short-sleeves, a vee-neck and an empire waist gracefully accentuates your bust line. Add a pretty scarf and this dress can be fancied up or down.

Gabriella Dress in Lichen by Craghoppers

NEW Pistil Hats for Fall 2013
Needless to say, classy Fedoras and Buckets which have made a fashion resurgence are here to stay. Audrey Hepburn epitomized chic with her bucket hats and large sunglasses! I like this season's collection from Pistil Designs. Their hats are always comfortable for us girls with lots of hair and the beautiful fabric linings add a bit of individual personality to the hats. The rich wool blends also mean these hats are water resistant in case you get caught in a rain shower. Here are two of my favorites that are new for fall 2013:

Griffin Bucket Hat in Brown by Pistil Designs. Eyewear by Ray-Ban

Griffin Bucket Hat in Brown 
What could be better than a weather-worthy bucket hat? Made of a wool/poly blend, the only decision you’ll have to make is which of two tweed patterns you like best. The contrasting hatband has a brass-finished, metal detail. Inside, the satiny lining keeps your forehead itch-free. 

• wide brimmed tweed bucket
• contrast band
• satin lining 
• does not give you "hat hair"

Emery Fedora in Silt by Pistil Designs

Emery Wide Brimmed Bucket Hat in Silt
Great for drizzly, gray winter days, the Emery is made of a special wool/poly blend that is water repellent. The deep brim acts as a rain-shedding awning around your head. Lined with a really fun contrast print fabric. A stretchy inner headband perfects the fit.  

• water repellent
• wide brimmed bucket
• soft inner band
• lined

  

Marble House, one of the Newport Mansions open for public tours. PHOTO by John Corbett, courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

 
Bag and hats c/o Pierotucci and Pistil Designs respectively

British Tweed Vancouver Style #LFW

These stylish Vancouver ladies know a thing or two about Tweed. The Vancouver Charity Tweed Ride rolls out on September 15th 2013.

Vancouver, B.C. The lovely cycling dames and gents of the Vancouver Tweed Ride know a thing or two about this traditional British country style. While it's London Fashion Week, there are some very fashionable offerings going on across the pond in British Columbia. These members of the Vancouver Tweed Ride show that it's perfectly possible and pleasurable to be active while "dressed up". Their style is impeccable with a nod to tradition. Who knew you could look THIS chic riding a bicycle? They did.

Beige Herringbone Tweed Bicycle Helmet by Lazer

Getting Tweedy
Tweed is a rough, unfinished woolen fabric that resembles cheviot or homespun. I used to spin wool from our Finn Sheep on the estate and softness as well as texture can vary depending on the breed of sheep used. Tweed was popular in Great Britain for outdoor activities such as hunting and horseback riding. Two common forms of Tweed you'll see today are plain or twill weave which can have a check or herringbone design as you can see in my cap below.

Herringbone weave detail is shown in this wool cap. Rain Logic Jacket by ExOfficio

Subdued Tweed
No, this isn't Tweed Gone Wild that had to be arrested! This is a different pattern that comes from twisting different colored woolen yarns to form a heather design that is more subtle. Most Tweed is associated with the Edwardian gentry who wore it in the country for shooting and hunting expeditions. As wool is naturally wicking and water resistant, it's perfect for walking in the elements when an occasional downpour is likely.

 

Example of a subdued Tweed in this Aiden Bucket Hat by Carve Designs. Eyewear by Ray-Ban

Warmth for Fall
Tweed woolens are very warm and getting a hat made of this fabric is both a smart and fashion forward move. The most comfortable caps are those which are fabric lined. Same thing for jackets and skirts. Look for a very fine weave for skirts and pants so as not to add a lot of bulk. The Vancouver ladies in the lead photo and here below have the right idea in these Tweed trousers, (far left) and the very fine wool high waist pencil skirt.

Tweed can be very fashion forward as well as a durable outdoor fabric. PHOTO: Courtesy of the Vancouver Tweed Ride

You Need the Tweed
So this fall, think about accessorizing with a touch of TWEED! It will add texture, interest and warmth to nearly any outfit and the tawny tones are perfect for autumn. Not only that, Tweed and other wool garments are toasty warm. I wear fine Merino wool base layers that are soft next to the skin by Smartwool and Bluey Australia for bicycling, hiking and skiing. Tweed is always on trend, always classic!

Aiden Tweed Cap and Beige Tweed Cycling Helmet c/o Carve Designs and Lazer Helmets respectively.

Spring Shades: Prada, Ray-Ban, Transitions & Guess Sunglasses & Eye Wear

Transitions Lenses - Rain or Shine they automatically react with just the right amount of tint. Lena Cap & Muse Scarf by Pistil Designs. Coat by Free People.

Spring is such a challenge for eye wear, especially in the NYC area. Sunny one minute, shadows or rainy the next. Those sorts of conditions can mean taking your shades off and on all day. If you don't bring a hard case along, you risk breaking, cracking or scratching them.

Transitions Photochromatic Lenses
These lenses can be placed in your favorite frames and constantly adjust to changing light conditions.  Bright to dark and everything in between.  I have worn Transitions Lenses for at least 15 years and have no squint lines or cataract formations from being unprotected from the sun. This is perhaps the best option if you wear your glasses most of the time and don't want to think about switching them out when outdoor lighting conditions change.

TRANSITIONS Midtown is known for tall buildings that cause intermittent shade/sun. Photo: View of the Empire State Building from the Penthouse Terrace of Morgans Hotel on Madison Ave.

XX2i Optics France1 Dual Kit
Another option which can accommodate a Rx lenses is the new XX2i Optics France Dual Kit. It comes with 2 frames and 5 interchangeable lenses. This means you can create the look and level of sun protection you want in these sports-performance sunglasses. Wear them for: cycling, tennis, golf, walking, etc.  Very lightweight, they stay put comfortably and offer maximum sun, wind and debris protection due to the wrap around contours.

XX2i Optics France1 showing the Tortoise Frames

Prada Baroque Sunglasses
One of my favorite Midtown stores is Macy's over there on Herald Square. Now there are Sunglass Huts in nearly every Metropolitan store but I really like the styles and service provided at this location.
We really loved these Prada PR27OS sunglasses in Tortoise Brown.  The Baroque scroll adds a bit of flourish to the temples and the over-sized lenses offer the maximum amount of solar protection.

PRADA Sunglasses-Note the hint of graduated shading which will allow you to look down and read something.

 
 

PRADA:The unique flourish of the Baroque styling seen at the temples of these Prada sunglasses.

Ray-Ban Wayfarers
James Dean may have been one of the first movie stars to rock a pair of Ray-Bans but he certainly hasn't been the last. These are an American icon in eye wear and no wardrobe is complete without a pair of these classics. My pair is from the 1980's and have the Bausch and Lomb glass optics which are amazingly clear. See my post at Lucky Magazine's Community under Spring Transitions: Classic Ray-Ban

RAY-BAN Classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers with Bausch and Lomb optics.

Guess Frames
If you just want to have a bit of a change with your frames, (you can choose to order them with the Transitions prescription), Guess has a lot to offer.  Fashionable with attention to details are their GU1462 in Black with just a touch of zebra treatment at the temples. These really stand out but the design is subtle so you don't have to worry what will go with these! 

GUESS Here are the Guess frames being beautifully modeled by their owner, Francesca C. of Sunglass Hut.

TEMPO My own Tempo frames with compressed,scratch resistant polycarbonate lenses. Metallic & plastic combine in a pop of purple color.

So there's lots to choose from as eye wear is often overlooked as a fashion accessory. More than that, having the right lenses and frames can go a long way to protecting your eyes from the sun's rays while helping you to look and feel your best when going outdoors.  Check out more tips and ideas on sun protection at my Heat & Sun Awareness Project on Pinterest!