Trendy "Hot" Finds

The weather (at least in NYC) is absolutely perfect!! Its that unbeatable combo of warm and breezy without the suffocating humidity. This basically translates into more styling options which in turn guarantees that we will have more to work with. The items we chose for our Hot Finds list are basic necessities that you cannot do without. The boatneck silk knit sweater from Marc Jacobs ($228) is deliciously colorful and the perfect weight for the warm season. It would be fab with a pair of white sailor pants or capri pants. It would also pair up nicely with the black cotton high-waisted shorts from Cushnie et Ochs. Shorts are all the rage now and they really help to solve any styling dilemmas that you may be facing on say...a Saturday night. Rocking these fashion-foward shorts with a pair of high-heeled gladiator sandals will instantly boost your ego. Another way to show off your tanned and toned skin would be to don the adorable eyelet bikini top from Old Navy ($12.75). The best thing about this piece is that you can get a lot of mileage from it by pairing it up with different bikini bottoms from your personal closet. Summertime is the season for adventure both inside and outside your closet. Start now!

Trendy Spotlight: Cannes Film Festival

Fashion at the Cannes Film Festival is hard to ignore despite the parade of amazing films making their debut. So here are a few of my favorites. Diane Kruger in Marchesa looks stunning and feminine. The detailed print on this dress is both intricate and eye-catching. India's most beloved export Aishwarya Rai is a goddess in her Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. The color is fantastic against her skin. And the capped shoulder detail is genius. There is something undeniably elegant and quietly chic about the look Rachel Weisz is presenting in her pea green Christian Dior number. From the hair, shoes to the perfect length dress, she's an absolute knockout.  And the award for best looking couple goes to... you guessed it! The Super Couple of the moment, Angelina and Brad. She in her lovely flowing Versace gown and him in his well suited Tom Ford. The are both quite a vision and an inspiration for those of us still searching for that perfect partner to share our  "fashion" life with. Not a bad red carpet parade this year. It just keeps getting better and better. 

Trendy Hot Item Alert

This is just to cool for words!! A funky handbag named C Ya Later!! Check out the intricate details on this baby! The gold studs adorning this genuine Italian leather accessory give it that stylishly chic look that fashionistas hunger for. Designer Rebecca Minkoff outdid herself with this creation. And for $550, you can appease your broken heart by donning a C Ya Later bag with pride. Its also available in a black and lemon combo. Visit www.rebeccaminkoff.com or any Rebecca Minkoff store in your area.

Trendy "Go Green" Alert

We are sounding the "Go Green" alarm!! You don't have to sacrifice being chic for being green. The two go hand in hand. Check out the scoop neck cotton dress from Rogan ($288). The dress was constructed from all natural fibers. You can find it at lagarconne.com. Another eye-catching item from the eco-friendly family is the coconut wood and sono wood belt from Betty B, ($46). The texturized detail of this belt is to die for! And the  wooden fastener is stylishly modern. Visit nimli.com  ASAP green-chic accessories. Finally, if you ever thought finding au natural leather tote was an impossible endeavor, think again! The vegan leather bag from Matt and Nat ($275) testifies to the fact that ultra-chic accessories with an environmentally conscious theme is within our grasp. Make your way to mattandnat.com and go crazy trying to decide which vegan bag is best for you this summer. This is part of our ongoing Trendy "Green" series, more to come soon... 

Trendy Spotlight Items

Arm yourself this summer with must-have pieces! Anything with color and floral themes tend to be a staple for the warm season. So if you are yearning for ideas, then designer Gaby Basora will be your inspiration. Known for her unique take on floral dresses and blouses, her signature line is a favorite among the fashionistas of NYC.  If you ever find yourself in the Lower East Side, be sure to visit her newly opened store: 13 Essex Street, 212-777-8711.

 Another fun item would be the Mulberry clear plastic tote with images of all things that make summer delectable. The illustrations are courtesy of respected fashion illustrator Julie Verhoeven, who manages to always add a whimsical effect to anything she's associated with. The Mulberry Ice Cream clear tote is within reach at $175 a pop. Visit Mulberry, NYC to get your very own.  Finally, its imperative to keep those nails clean, polished and manicured. Unleash your inner spirit and choose colors that rival the rainbow. Essie, the nail brand we all know and love have just packaged a cool selection of neon colors that are sure to make us "feet happy". With names like Punchy Pink, Funky Limelight and Perky Purple there is bound to be something for everybody. The 4-piece polish collection are $17 and if you prefer to buy individually then they are $8 apiece.  These are just a few items that make my spotlight list today. More to come later...

Trendy Summer Essentials Alert

Now that the weather is gathering steam and the sun's rays are getting stronger and brighter, your skin needs to make some major adjustments after being in hiding during the cooler months. The best way to shield your skin while enjoying the warm weather is to slather on the sunscreen! Usually this could seem more like a chore than a pleasant beautifying experience. But a few products on the market may inspire your need to lay out in the sun in style! The Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 ($28) from Bare Escentuals comes in powder form and is equipped  with a brush for easy application. It not only moisturizes but it is light and effective which helps to minimize breakouts caused by clogged pores. It is also loaded with health vitamins. Not a bad way to enjoy the sun!  My other favorite is Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30 ($30) from Murad. This lightweight formula provides maximum protection for the entire body while moisturizing and  rejuvenating your complexion. These products are available at any Sephora store in your area, and those in NYC you can pick these up at Ricky's New York. 

Carry With Care

Tis the season for weekend getaways! And there is nothing better than a classic overnight bag thats roomy enough for all your essentials and chic enough to show off. This new arm candy from Limoland is strong and solid. You can now travel in style to your friend's cottage in Montauk or your boyfriend's hideaway in Maine. Whatever the case you are ready to go! For more weekender ideas visit alimoland.com 

Wrap your head around this

Ring the alarm!! Summer will be here soon and that means more fun in the sun and Color Color and more Color. Accessories are a real boost to any outfit. The trick is sorting through the ordinary to discover the extraordinary. Sisters Aimee and Katia Suero have managed to produce a unique and vibrant line of plastic chain necklaces, Milla (made by hand by the way) that will bring your white halter dress or denim shirt jacket to life. This designing duo are the real deal and apparently talent runs in the family - their uncle Edmundo Castillo is a renowned shoe designer. For more goodies from Milla check out millaconcepts.com

Working it Out

There has never been a better time to go "green" then now. There are so many options available to fit every facet of our lives. Including your routine trips to the gym. Nike has now created their own version of Eco-friendly sportswear and they are guaranteed to feel as good as they look. The new line appropriately named Sportswear is actually a standalone line from the regular Nike gear. They are cool looking and so stylishly chic that you don't have to only show them off in the locker room. They are adaptable outside the gym too. So check out nikesportswear.com for more info!

Trendy Spotlight Item

Well, I think you can say that my new obsession these days is perfecting my ability to hunt and collect one-of-a-kind clutches. The new Roberto Cavalli Mini Metallic Clutch is definitely one of my top picks of the summer. Equipped with the right level of sophisticated edginess, its sure to inspire your need to step out on the town. It boasts the signature Cavalli inner lining and its smooth gold leather exterior and light gold snaps help heighten the glamour quotient. This is the perfect designer bag. Not to showy, but cool enough to get noticed. Pick one up at any Roberto Cavalli store in your area.  

Hitting a Flat note

I love the fact that I can rock a pair of flats without feeling inadequate or uncool. The options available today definitely give popular heels a run for their money! Check out the selections featured here. Slip your well manicured feet into these babies and experience the joy of walking around looking effortless chic without feeling a pinch. The gold braided thong sandals from Modern Vintage ($202) will instantly light up any outfit, it also features Stiletto Rx technology which is designed to help prevent pain and discomfort which is commonly experienced at the bottom of the foot. Another winner from Modern Vintage is the black braided strap sandal ($220). These sandals are ultra-chic and a must have for the summer. They can easily dress up or dress down your look depending on what you are in the mood for. And if you really want to make heads turn in the right direction then step out in style rocking the Dessert from Type Z ($99). The ankle detail is a delight for fashionistas and quite comfortable too. Sporting these with your favorite short strappy poofy dress will be an ego booster. These selections are available on Bluefly.com   

Trendy Spotlight: My Favorite Things

Its time to start loading up on all your beauty essentials. The products featured here should help keep you beautified this summer. The Juicy Tubes from Lancome is a delightful concoction of all natural ingredients which is the first of its kind for the famous French based line. It does everything a lipgloss is supposed to do - moisturize while providing the right amount of shine and hint of color. Scoop up a couple of these in a variety of mouthwatering flavors from Sephora at $18 a piece and prepare to be hooked. For those of who insist on a skin care regimen that helps you maintain a soft glowy dewy complexion, then you must arm yourself with The Beach Party ($43) from  Philosophy. This value pack contains a Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Lip Shine. All the products are scented with a delicious island colada mix of pineapple and coconut. Speaking of looking and smelling good, the fragrance of the moment Flora by Gucci, is a whimsical treat fit for royalty. The sophistication and pureness of this fragrance was actually inspired by princesses of long ago including the present. The bottle itself is like a little palace housing an object of desire and mystery.  The price depends on the size and ranges from $52-$90. Beauty and power never smelled so good!