Resort Season - Sunsets Swimwear SS2015 Preview and Ryan McGinley, Raymond Pettibon Artist Collaborations

Travel-Ready Essentials for Resort Season!

December kicks off the Resort Season as many of us may fly to warmer places for the holidays or book a Caribbean cruise to a tropical island. If so, you will need something to wear to the beach and spa. Actually the ORIGINAL American resort wear was Lilly Pulitzer with her bright, bold floral and organic patterns. Nowadays, many fashion designers have added a Resort Collection to their line which allows them to sell more clothes throughout the year. Resort pieces also make great holiday gifts if you know someone has booked a vacation to a sandy destination. They can also work for a trip to a day spa or a ski resort which often has a Swedish Sauna, Jacuzzi or indoor pool. I really like the Biosphere indoor/outdoor pool at Crystal Springs Resort in Sparta!

UPDATE! Lilly Pulizer will be collaborating with Target for SS2015. April 19th 2015 will launch a 250 piece capsule collection of specially designed travel gear, apparel, shoes and home goods. Look for "Lilly for Target".

Sunsets Separates Swimwear SS2015 Collection

Works on Whatever Limited Edition Towel is part of the 2014 Artist Series with this original design by Ryan McGinley. As part of a collaboration with the non-profit Art Production Fund and having support from Sotheby's, WOW brings art into the everyday. This luxurious beach-blanket towel is made of 100% cotton and made in Brazil, the perfect Resort destination! Earthlust Stainless Steel Bottle for Cold Beverages has original artwork by Raymond Pettibon. Beautiful! Check all the artist collaborations and collections at WorksOnWhatever.com and ArtMarkit.com

Sunsets Separates Swimwear Island Life Bikini

Sunsets Separates Swimwear SS2015 Collection has beautiful tropical palm designs and cool aqua colorways. The Island Life Style 68T bikini top has double straps with silver clasps and removable pads. The Style 31 B bikini bottom can be folded down or up for extra coverage and has their signature "Sunsets Separates" metal logo sewn on the back.

Island Life Matching Cover Up

Sunsets Island Life Style 960 Cover Up has ruched sides and flat lock seams at the arms. Perfect for when the sun goes down but you want to stay on the beach. Beautiful compliment to the Bikini Separates.

Sunsets Separates - Sea Glass Bikini Top, Bottom and Skort

Sunsets Separates give you many ways to enjoy the surf, pool or spa. I really like the selection of matching pieces as shown in the collage above. The Skort bottom gives you a little more coverage and has a comfortable elastic waistband. Lovely watercolor design reminds me of colored New Jersey Diamonds.

Sunsets Separates in Sea Glass & Merlin Designs beach tote

The Accessories: 
Shades- I like to pack a few pairs of sunglasses and take along the Converse All Star Collection as they are so lightweight. My Rx Sunglasses are in Tortoise Shell from the JLo Collection.

Earphones- I enjoy listening to music when traveling and while on the beach so the Skullcandy Supreme Sound Chops are part of their Sport Performance line for good reason. They are water-resistant and loop over your ears for a secure, hassle free fit.

Silver Vines Cuff from India

Bracelet- Silver Vines Cuff from WorldVision.org is made by local Indian artisans.  It goes with the laid back feel of resort season but adds a bit of sparkle for a night out. Proceeds go to helping third world communities raise their own food and become self sufficient.

Sandals- These are my favorite Gladiator Sandals by Mossimo Supply Company that I picked up at Target. Very easy to get into with the zipper in the back. Despite the four inch heel, they are platformed and so are really very comfortable to wear. I've worn them to pool parties that went on for HOURS and they are amazing. NOTE: Gladiators are trending heavy for SS2015.

Mimi Mini Satchel by Helmer and Converse Sunglasses

Bag- Exotic destinations call for an exotic bag. This is the Mimi Mini Satchel by Helmer in Python. Has a lovely top handle and adjustable carry strap. It's just big enough for your essentials for the day. Remove the strap and carry it as a clutch for evening.

Sunsets Separates Sheer Mesh Tankini & Bikini bottom in Black Sand Crochet

These Sunsets Separates are beautiful together! Sheer Black Sand Crochet mesh tankini top with matching fabric for the bottom. A bit of added coverage while looking very sensual. Mix or match to make your own signature swimwear look. See all of the current Sunsets Separates Swimwear at SunsetsSeparates.com and order pieces from their SS2015 Collection HERE.

Get a little color before you leave with FakeBake!

FakeBake Tanning Butter for Dry Skin is perfect for dry winter air that is part of this season. It really does go on like butter and a little goes a long way. Comes with gloves, the resulting color is very natural and deep. Visit FakeBake.com

Lole's Leena Dress shown in Campari is Travel Ready

Lole's Travel 2015 Collection
I enjoy my Lole fitness wear but this Faux Wrap Leena Dress caught my eye. Made with a combination of organic cotton, polyester and elastane, this dress earns its place in their Travel 2015 Collection. Cool, yet flattering to wear, it offers a UPF of 50+. Has a metal Lole Logo sewn by the right hem. I especially like the V-Neck, wrap lines and elbow length sleeves. Easy to wear right out of the suitcase with no ironing.
Vacationing in a snowy area for some skiing? Check out my review of Lole's Sidonie Ski Bib on LuckyMag.com HERE. See Lole's entire Travel 2015 Collection online at LoleWomen.com

The Perfect LBD for Travel

LBD to Go
I always like to pack a comfortable LBD when I travel. This one is in stretch cool cotton knit by Hanna Andersson. It has lovely, flattering princess seams and pockets. No zippers or clasps to dig in while sitting on the plane. Just slip it over your head. Travels really well and resists wrinkles. Who has time for ironing? Dress it up or down, wear it touring the town and then out to dinner. I'm wearing it here with my Black Onyx necklace my husband gave me last Christmas.

So this Resort Season, be sure to get in some "me time". I've found some lovely hats and bags shopping the resort stores while traveling on vacation. They have become some of my favorite souvenirs, reminding me of those special places every time I wear them!

Grabbing some coffee while shopping!

Hosiery by Bollywood
Swimwear c/o Sunsets Separates
Artist Towel and Water Bottle c/o WOW
Leena Dress c/o Lole

Pineda Covalin's Holiday 2014 and Resort 2015 Fashion Preview

Women's Silk Scarf and Carry All Bag

Soho, NYC In celebration of the opening of Pineda Covalin's new Soho store on Mercer Street, the media was treated to a feast for the eyes at Nespresso Cafe. Pineda Covalin hails from Mexico as the brainchild of two young fashion designers, Christina Pineda and Ricardo Covalin. This fashion house began in 1996 and is headquartered in Mexico City. Their textiles and designs use traditional Aztec and Mayan motifs while collaborating with other designers and jewelers including Swarovski and Jose Cuervo to name a few. 

Lovely silk scarves and jewelry from Pineda Covalin's latest Holiday and Resort Collections.

So here are some of my favorite selections from the Nespresso Cafe in Soho preview and the new Pineda Covalin store itself:

Filed under "Man-Bag" handsome leather 24 hr carry all.

Mexican Self Portrait Painter and wife of Artist, Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo silk scarf.

Pineda Covalin Ladies Handbags, and colorful clutches below.

Sculpture statue celebrating Mexico's "Day of the Dead"

Pineda Covalin's New Soho Location

Once again, this Holiday 2014 and Resort 2015 preview coincides with the celebratory opening of Pineda Covalin's new store in Soho. They are neighbors to Ivanka Trump and Phillip Lim's trendy studio. Here are some shots of the Mercer Street shop.

Pineda Covalin show plays on the wide screen above.

Flowing, cool resort wear.

Bags with Matching Silk Scarves

Bright colors and bold ethnic patterns abound.

Special thanks to the lovely LeAura Luciano of EverSoPopular.com for taking photos of me!

Visit PinedaCovalin.com online!

Resorts: Diana Kauffman Designs Jewelry

Hitting the Resorts this season? Beautiful selections from Diana Kauffman Designer Jewelry Collection.

Crystal Springs Resort, NJ One of the most exclusive resorts in the NYC/NJ area is at Crystal Springs as they offer a variety of amenities including golf, a spa, hot tub, sauna and Biosphere Pool. When you think of Resort Wear, it's got to be chic yet comfortable for days on the beach and nights at the country club.

Striking just the right balance are these lovely statement pieces from Diana Kauffman Designs Jewelry. This jewelry takes its cues from nature but uses beautiful, precious metals to enhance the richness and flair of stone & glass.  Handcrafted in the USA, no two are exactly alike as the semi-precious stones offer a one off creation due to their own uniqueness and formations.

Diana Kauffman Sea Star Earrings 2 and Sea Star Signature Necklace

These designer pieces offer the essences of both sea and land which compliments resort wear so elegantly  for most any occasion. In the lead photo, I wore these beautiful drop earrings at Crystal Springs Resort with ancient Roman Glass to and in the pool. They were the perfect accessory to a rather simple black bikini but added just the right amount of sparkle.

DK's Laurels Collection with Roman Glass

"The Laurels Collection" Roman Glass Earrings
These beautiful drop earrings are handcrafted in Pennsylvania from real laurel leaves electroformed in sterling silver. Notice the accents of copper and sterling beads with genuine ancient Roman glass which is dated to be between 900-1200 years old. The iridescence is caused by centuries of natural weathering as the glass interacts with earth minerals.
These earrings are very light and comfortable to wear. Even with long wet hair, these earrings hang low enough not to tangle your mane. They look amazing with a swimsuit and dazzle in the candlelight at dinner.

The Laurels Collection Roman Glass Earrings

Sand Star Signature Bracelet:
Greek leather bracelet in cool gray with crackle glazed ceramic beads, copper starfish and silver clam shell spacers. Magnetic closure.
My wrists are really tiny so I tend to shy away from bracelets that are difficult to put on and keep on. Not so with the Sand Star Signature & River Rock natural bangles. The leather makes them very comfortable to wear and is a lovely contrast to the metal accents. The crackle glaze on the ceramic beads adds a layering of textures to the piece. The starfish and scallop shell complete the nautical theme on the Sand Star. Perfect for a day out on the water.

Sea Star and River Rock Bracelets

River Rock Bracelet
Genuine Greek leather bracelet with handmade ceramic beads glazed in tan and gray. Antique bronze magnetic closure.
The River Rock Bracelet reminds me of vacationing at Lake Hapatcong, near where I grew up. You would see sailboats and yachts skimming over the rounded rocks, worn by the lake into such interesting shapes. Again, the leather is gorgeous on this piece and contrasts with the crackled glaze on the ceramic beads of tan and grey.  

Diana Kauffman Simple Statement Pieces compliment a variety of fashion selections. However, I found these pieces to be perfect for my resort stay from lounging at the pool to enjoying a delicious dinner and wine with friends.
Want to see more jewelry collections for your resort getaway?  Visit Diana Kauffman Designs online HERE.

UPDATE!!!

Diana Kauffman will showcase her jewelry collection at Accessories the Show at the Javits Center in New York City on August 3-5, 2014!  She will be at Booth# 1634, so be sure to check out her collection! More show & designer details HERE.

 

Jewelry c/o Diana Kauffman Designs

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.