Fall Looks: Carve Designs Separates - Michael Kors Knox Tassel Handbag - Naturalizer Josette Leather Boots

Falling for it! Carve Designs separates & Naturalizer Josette Leather Riding Boots

by Best Picks Magazine on Oct 08, 2014

Crisp fall days are made for apple and pumpkin picking in these comfortable cozy knit separates from Carve Designs of CA. The Cedars Tuxedo Top has an easy button down front. The Napa Skirt has a fold over waist band with a flattering A Line fit.

I'm also wearing Naturalizer's buttery soft Josette Leather Riding Boots in Banana & Black with full length zips and gold details at the strap. My bag is by Michael Kors - his signature Knox Leather Tassel Bag so on trend this season. Adding a bit of sparkle is the Gold Druzy Teardrop necklace by Jaimie Nicole and Turquoise earrings from Cate & Chloe. River Stone Bracelet is designed by Diana Kauffman. Straw Cowboy hat by Dorfman-Pacific. Sunglasses from Converse All Star Collection. The season's hottest accessory? Those Lamborghini Ear Phones! The bass in these is unreal. Perfect for your fall walks with your favorite iTunes.

Makeup: Kett Hydro Foundation via airbrush. Lipcolor: NEW Pure Color Envy by Estee Lauder in Envious

Fragrance: NEW Wild Essence by Halle Berry

Clothing, jewelry and accessories c/o of the respective designers mentioned here.

Michael Kors Knox Leather Tassel Handbag - Mine

Pool Time! Carve Designs Lara Swimsuit and CaliMojos Flip Flops

The pool is officially open for SUMMER!

If you are like me, you've already opened the pool and are ready for summer to officially begin. Not so fast! You've got to check out these delightful summer swim accessories to heat it up poolside!

Carve Designs Lara Full Piece Swimsuit
This is such a beautiful one piece suit. I really like my Tankinis but there is something of glamorous Hollywood going on with this full piece design. I took it with me to Crystal Springs Resort and Spa earlier in the season as the Biosphere indoor.outdoor pool and hot tub were heated.

Carve Designs Lara Full Piece in Tulum

Lara Full Piece in Tulum
This is a bold yet gorgeous California style swimsuit that's anything but boring The Tulum pattern is very flattering with an Aztec vibe going for it. Halter styling around neck and pretty lines on chest. Medium rear coverage and medium cut. Removable chest pads. 85% Nylon/15% Spandex. Machine wash and Line dry.
See more swim and surf wear online at CarveDesigns.com

CaliMojos - See? The straps are changing color in the sun.

CaliMojos from Brazil
Picture yourself doing a mean Samba in these! CaliMojos are beautifully unique as the straps change color in the sun. Made with SolarActiveUSA technology, you actually get two looks. One for indoors and the color intensity change for outdoors. Aside from being extremely cool, this UV triggered color change can also alert you to how much sun you are getting. Call it a gentle reminder to reapply sunblock? 

These Colors in Motion are not your ordinary Flip Flops. In addition to the color changing strap is a sparkly little crystal accent. CaliMojos are PVC and Phthalate free and recyclable.  Get them for the beach, the pool, that getaway. Check them out online at CaliMojos.com

 

Cool in the Pool - Carve Designs Lara & CaliMojos Flip Flops

Swimsuit and shoes c/o Carve Designs and CaliMojos respectively.

What's in My Resort Bag? Spa Swag

Resort faves: BioElixia Body Shapers and Sulwhasoo Age Veil.

Crystal Springs Resort & Spa, Hardyston, NJ I just got back from visiting one of the most beautiful resorts in the NYC/Metro area. We stayed at the Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort in a beautiful one bedroom suite replete with patio, living room, fireplace, kitchen and dining area. The bathrooms have both a shower and a full sized whirlpool tub. The best part was the gorgeous mountain view as seen here from the doorway of the Clubhouse.

View of the mountains that surround Crystal Springs Resort

Resort Amenities
While we always appreciate a beautiful room and a great view, the spa aspect of a resort is also key. Reflections Spa is among the top 30 retreats in the US and number ONE in New Jersey. We also enjoyed the Biosphere Pool and Hot Tub which allowed us to be outdoors in our swimsuits despite the cooler temps.

The Biosphere Pool & Hot Tub.  Relaxing in the shade.

So What's in My Resort Bag?
An upscale resort like Crystal Springs will provide you with towels by the pool and a cotton terry robe but I brought along my:

LMN (Luxe Me Now) Slippers in Bronze Lurex: I wore these downstairs to breakfast and to the pool. Non-slip soles means these posh slippers can be worn outside. Gorgeously feminine, these are the ULTIMATE in resort luxury and comfort. Sold at Saks 5th Ave.

A Swimsuit (or two)! You'll also need a swimsuit when using the spa's sauna and hot tub. I'm wearing my Voda Swim black string bikini here (as seen in Sports Illustrated) but I also brought my Carve Designs Lara Full Piece. It has a halter-tie top and pretty folds at the bust line.

Body Firming Creams: I use Bioelixia Body Shapers before my trip to the spa and while I'm there. Their Firming Toning Body Lotion gives skin an instant tightening boost due to high levels of green tea and caffeine. It's in a class all its own. I also use Bioelixia Cellulite Contour Creme after bathing with their Exfoliating Body Polish. The microdermabrasion beads in the scrub are just what the spas use and give amazing results of ultra smooth skin.

Carve Designs Lara Full Piece Swimsuit in Tulum & Luxe Me Now Slippers

Sunscreen: FACE: The sunblock for my face that I'm loving right now is from Korea. Sulwhasoo Age Veil 30+ UV Protection Creme is more like a skin treatment with added sunscreen. It goes on so smoothly with no white residue. Very moisturizing but light it is made with time honored Korean botanicals like ginseng.
BODY: I just started using this new Australian Gold SPF 50 Sunblock + Bronzer on my body. So rich, it gives you a little instant warmth of subtle color while protecting your skin . Made with Kona Coffee, it gives you a firming boost along with a bit of bronzing.

Spa Swag
Here are some goodies that most of the top resorts provide so you needn't bring them and can take them when you leave: Molton Brown London- Samphire Body Wash, Kumundu Volumising Conditioner, Kumundu Volumising Shampoo, Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion, Ultra Pure Milk Bath Soap.

More Resort Bag Must Haves:

Juicy Couture La La Malibu Eau de Toilette Spray has fresh summery top notes that remind you of the beach. The prefect resort fragrance for the spa and then out to dinner. Love the glass heart on the bottle! Available at Sephora.

G.M. Collin Instant Radiance Eye Patches & Embryolisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye Balm are spa quality treatments you can enjoy in your own hotel suite! The G.M. Collin Eye Patch packets are small enough to throw in your makeup bag and relax with in the whirlpool. The Embryolisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye is cool and refreshing, giving the skin an instant boost of moisture.

Elizabeth Arden Triple Protection Factor TPF50 was just released this spring but has already become one of my must-haves on the go. It's like having a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen (SPF 50+) in one. Wear it alone or over a primer like Miracle Blur and you're good. Read my full review of the TPF50 HERE.

Elizabeth Arden's New Triple Protection Factor

I'm booked for another stay at Crystal Springs Resort this summer. I will definitely be taking my favorites along again. You should too.

Swimsuits c/o Carve Designs & Voda Swim respectively.
Skincare c/o Bioelixia & Amorepacific respectively.
Slippers c/o Luxe Me Now
Fragrance c/o Juicy Couture

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.

Shore Pleasures: Carve Designs, Fossil Bags, Mossimo Heels CA Style

Shore Dress and Maddie Button Knit by Carve Designs

Beach glamour from California incorporates a laid back attitude with a real appreciation for the outdoors. They days are warm but as soon as the sun goes down, the party is just getting started. You can transition right from the beach to a local club or dinner with ease. That's why this outfit is so versatile from morning to evening. Here's what's up with this sweet California chic style:

Shore Pleasures - CA Style

Hat: Scala Collezione Cowry Shell Hat - Dorfman-Pacific of CA
Dress: Shore Dress in Orient Blue Carve Designs of CA
Top: Maddie Button Knit in White by Carve Designs of CA
Purse: Vintage Crossbody Bag by Fossil
Shoes: Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target

 
Scala Collezion by Dorfman Pacific Hats of CA
A hat can be the perfect friend, keeping the sun off your face and hiding swim hair problems on the beach! I purchased this straw hat in a resort store at Harrods in Atlantic City, NJ. I have several Dorfman Pacific hats but this is the finest straw one I own. Beautifully crafted, it's a must for a day on the beach.

Dorfman-Pacific Hat - California Styling

Shore Dress by Carve Designs of CA
I like the loose, drop-waist look of the Shore Dress and the adjustable drawstring front allows you to pick the length of the spaghetti straps! The waist is likewise subject to your own ideas as it has built in ruching and elastic.  Add a wide belt or a statement necklace like this cloisonne perfume holder below and you can seriously dress it up for a night of clubbing.

Beautiful cloisonne perfume holder statement necklace with Carve Designs Bikini.

Maddie Button Knit
When the sun goes down on Malibu, you can be comfortable and warm. This cover is made of a light and airy knit and can be worn over your swimsuit, Shore Dress or your cut-offs heading out for some ice cream. 100% cotton knit, it has a snap front, two front pockets and fitted sleeves that can be pushed up.  It packs down extremely well so there's no reason to test the night air without cover when the temps dip.

Maddie Button Knit Cover

Crossbody Bag by Fossil
To transition from the shore to the club or dinner is simple by adding a sweet little crossbody bag like this black leather one from Fossil. Just enough room to hold your cell, keys, a few credit cards and a bit of cash, sling it over your Shore Dress and dance the night away!  Small but mighty, it has so many sections and pouches for it's tiny size. This is a vintage bag but the closest current Fossil Crossbody would be the Stanton Women's Traveler below.

This Hinged iPhone case fits in the Fossil bag

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target
I picked these up at Target and really liked how great they felt when I first put them on. They are really comfortable for having a heel this high ("4 inch) but what I like is these are a bit edgy in a relaxed way.  The woven caning accents and the zipper in the back is super slick. Not just sexy but it makes getting in and out of the shoe super easy. These are nicely padded in the ball area and just look amazing for a night out. Expect the bouncers at the door to let you in wearing these!

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandal - Target

Similar to my vintage Fossil Cross Body Bag:

Fossil Stanton Women's Traveler Crossbody

Beach Chic Hamptons Style

Hamptons Style starts with a Classic Bikini: Cali Convertible Top, Catalina Bikini Bottom -Carve Designs of CA

One of the things I've always enjoyed about the Hamptons in the eastern part of Long Island is their classic easy charm and sense of style.  Whether you're vacationing at the beaches of East Hampton or the French Riviera, you can set yourself apart by taking a page from this elegant lifestyle that is uniquely New York. Starting with THE perfect swimsuit, the natural sea elements of Long Island beaches are seen in this Carve Designs Sand Dollar print. This lovely design reminds me of the large pebbled shoreline leading out to Long Island Sound. The swimsuit fabric itself has a UPF of 50+ and the Bikini Top has removable pads.

Ready for a day on the beach

If you don't have too much of a tan, you can fake one while still protecting your skin:
  

For Your Face: L'Oreal New Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer + Natural Skin Tone Enhancer has a SPF of 15  This product evens skin tone and instantly brightens but will deepen your color within 3 days.
For Your Body: Jergens Natural Glow & Protect also gradually creates a natural looking tan while protecting your skin from sun damage with a SPF of 20.

HAMPTONS STYLE POINTS: Be sure to bring a classic pair of sunglasses.  They will protect your eyes from the sun and help prevent wrinkles caused by squinting. You really can't go wrong with a pair of original Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Sol Cool Hoodie Cover by ExOfficio cools & has an UPF of 50

Resort-wear includes pieces to help you cover up once you're out of the water.  That's why we think this Sol Cool Hoodie by ExOfficio is GENIUS.  The fabric has a UPF of 50 but when wet, it is specially designed to cool you down.  Very light and flattering, you'll look exceptionally chic while keeping cool in the sun. This cover even has thumb holes, ruched sides and an invisible zipper to stow away some lip balm or other essentials.

HAMPTONS STYLE POINTS: Sitting around wrapped in a towel is fine for at home but when you're on the beach, cover up with something that looks fresh with a bit of structure.  This is especially the thing to do when leaving the water even if the beach is private.

A few extras for your beach vacation.

East Long Island beaches are known for their horrible biting flies. Sitting on the beach, they will come from out of nowhere to mercilessly bomb and bite you.  The bites HURT!  So I take along a few packets of Natrapel Insect Repellent which lasts for up to 8 hours. The little individual packets are airline friendly and go anywhere you do. 
If you do get bitten try Ssssting Stop by Boericke & Tafel made with natural Citronella. It really cools and lessens the redness, itch and pain of insect bites. 
I know you'll remember to bring your toothbrush but how about this little Dazzling White - Instant Whitening Pen?  Just the thing before you hit the restaurants and clubs after a day on the beach.
Boar Bristle Brush is especially kind to fragile, wet hair.  Try switching to a softer, natural bristle brush.
Suave 24 Hour Protection Deodorant is an invisible solid so it won't show up to ruin your sleeveless beach look. 
Sport Wash individual laundry detergent packets are perfect travel size.  Sport Wash eliminates odors and safely cleans swimwear and other delicate fabrics.

Sundress to impress: Carve Designs Crescent Dress in Rose Ikat

There is no better way to end a day on the beach than with the perfect sun dress.  Going and coming, it will be your best friend for a smooth transition to shopping in the village or attending a lawn party later on. Since my family lives in East Hampton, we would take the short walk from the house down to the beach with our swimsuits on under our summer clothes. Walking around town in your Bikini Top and Daisy Dukes is not the look you should aim for though!  Most restaurants in the village will not seat you and if they do, expect a bad table.

Sundresses are the way to go and this breezy Crescent Dress in Rose Ikat has so much going for it: Empire waist. V-neck. Semi-fitted with slight A-line skirt. Falls above knee and the cotton voile material is machine washable. This summer dress packs well & does not wrinkle.

HAMPTONS STYLE POINTS: Don't be afraid to don a straw hat like this one from Liz Claiborne.  Feminine, airy and lovely is the look you want!  Also nude or gold cork leather sandals by Børn Shoes NYC are amazingly comfortable and elongate your legs. Understated elegance, clean lines and nature inspired prints sum up this New York casual beach style.