I Do, I Don’t, I Do!

Everywhere I turn, gazebo parks, rose gardens and churches are filling with a groom and a bride and I’m not seeing any of the wedding trends predicted for 2006. I will be getting married sometime next year, so of course a whole new crop of trends will emerge. As for this year, what do you think about these suggestions?

Diamond and Rhinestone Hair Accessories: I like a little sparkle in the hair. Diamond bracelets and earrings add a new shimmer and shine to your tresses.

Color: White and cream are popular colors for wedding dresses, but over the years, we have seen a transition from tradition. I wouldn’t mind incorporating my favorite color, olive green somewhere into my wedding ensemble. This year, some will opt for colored sashes or hand stitching in different colors. I’ve heard we’ll be seeing a lot of chocolate brown and orange dresses this year. They say a rich orange goes well with red or cream; chocolate brown goes well with pastel colors.

Fur Accents: Not for me, I am pro-furry critters and even the sight of the fake stuff makes me want to gag.

Accessories can really make an outfit POP! Something just as simple as this wrist decoration can make you feel like a princess on your special day. To me, it looks a bit exotic.




Caserta Italia - Paradiso White Snake & Pearls Cuff, $225

What’s Your Score?

Apparently, according to the Internet gurus, I am not a clothes snob, but I appreciate nice clothes. I don’t fall victim to every fashion trend, but I do have the tendency to cling to a few. Where did I get all of this? Well, there are plenty of fun quizzes online that asks you anything from “do you wear white after Labor Day?” and “have you ever stopped dating someone because of the way they dressed?” The answer for me was: “yes, I wear white after Labor Day if the outfit permits” and “no, I’ve never stopped dating someone because of how they dressed” but I might have thought twice before even starting. Sometimes, what you wear really does speak volumes.

If you think you are a fashion whiz when it comes to knowing your stuff, try this quiz out for size and see if you can name designers to the style of clothes shown.

Want to try on a new designer? Take this quiz to get some ideas. According to the way I answered questions like “what’s your favorite lip color” and “type of bra,” my recommendation was Versace. Sounds like me.

Celebrity Babies Have Clout in the Fashion World

Who would have thought that a 3-week-old baby could move mountains in the fashion world? Appearing on the cover of People magazine, the daughter of Angelina and Brad (we are all on a first name basis now, aren’t we?) is wearing a nifty T-shirt that prompted the masses to clear them off the racks.

The T-shirt was made of a vintage-washed gray cotton and sported the words “The Pots & Pans Band.” The shirt costs $42 and was once found at stores like Bloomingdale’s and Fred Segal until the sell-out led to Internet shopping and direct phone orders. Who is happy for the extra pub? Designer, Kingsley Aarons is reaping the benefits and has supplied other celebrities with kiddie outfits, such as Heidi Klum and Gwen Stefani.

Put Me in Cuffs!

When I don’t feel like squinting and squirming to unfasten by bracelets, I choose something easy and quick to slip on and off. That’s when I go for a cuff, which can really give me the opportunity to make a statement. Silver cuffs are great when I’m wearing a dress, but for really sending a message, a nice leather cuff is the way to go. And it doesn’t have to be basic black. A variety of colors, styles and materials are out there. I prefer a nice blue, but I’ve seen some really striking green, yellow and red selections.

Cuffs can be as plain as one color with no decoration or as elaborate as the ones shown below. The bright colors are fantastic, don’t you think? They almost look like works of art for the wrist!


Caserta Italia - Farandole Turquoise Metallic Cuff $275


Caserta Italia - Ischia Python Cuff $265

Avoidable Fashion Blunders

The next time you leave the house, you might want to take an extra look in the mirror to see whether or not you have forgotten any minor details that could really ruin an outfit…I’m talking going beyond the hole in your pantyhose you thought only you could see.

For example, the blouse may be clean, but did you check to see if all stains disappeared after a washing? Yellowy sweat stains on a light colored garment are quite unattractive. Sweat stains, period, are unattractive, which calls attention to the wrong parts of your wardrobe. You may be wearing one of the latest fashions or a gorgeous dress, but no one will remember it if you donned a sweat stain as an accessory.

You can avoid this problem by holding your clothes to the light for a spot check. Then, I suggest you invest in a good anti- perspirant to make sure you don’t have a repeat performance. Yes, sweating is natural, but it is plain unnatural to ruin a good outfit with this totally avoidable blunder.

Ever happen to you? Don’t worry…you’re not the only one.



Another blunder is unknowingly wearing a see-through dress. It may look fine when you first put it on, but keep in mind that garments can change color, as well as shape when they hit a certain light. It is best that you test in a variety of situations before taking it for a spin. If you plan on wearing a see-through garment and wish to downplay it a bit, try covering up with a nude colored slip or a body stocking. You don’t want any surprises like Alexandra Kerry, who wore a black, sheer, translucent gown to the Cannes Film Festival.



Additional blunders that are totally avoidable, include:

Panties that bunch: Toss away the worn-up options and purchase your correct size.
Overexposed breasts: Get a bra that fits and you will appreciate the extra support.
Bulging bellies: Don’t wear skirts or pants that are too tight for you. Stop squeezing into things that you wore in high school.

Why Hide?

So, I’m thinking of getting a new pair of sunglasses to shield me from the excruciating sunny weather that is to come and discovered that JOOP! has a nice collection. Today, I found out JOOP offers a Womenswear Collection for the 2006 Spring/Summer season. And I thought they only made cologne…


The sunglasses are large with radiant summer colors and nice details. The shades of green remind me of freshly cut grass while the pinks suggest sweet bubblegum. This seems like the perfect way to spice up the summer. I’m thinking colorful sunglasses are the way to go, but I am NOT in the mood for the overly large “fly-eye” glasses that we see Nicole Ritchie hiding behind. I think I’ll PASS on her fashion direction.

Making Celeb Fashions Your Own

Usually, I wouldn’t be caught dead in some of the extreme and showy outfits that celebs wear, but once in a while, something grabs a hold of my interest. With a few changes, I feel the rest of the world can walk down the street in something similar.

Let’s take Jessica Alba for example. She hosted the MTV Movie Awards last night and that means dressing to impress. I fell in love with this dress, but the chances of having a place to wear it is rather slim. I think it would look great with a little covering up….perhaps a nice slip underneath and a jacket to downplay the excessive cleavage?

Miyagi- Petal Jacket, $280

Christina Aguilera arrived on the "Blue Carpet" wearing this disco ball ensemble, but just imagine this style if it was a skirt. A little more bearable? This would be interesting for a night on the town. By the way, this is a great example of how a classic, clean hairstyle can really make the most of an outfit.

The dress that Alicia Keys is wearing is fit for a wedding, but you can capture an important piece of this design by focusing on the top portion. There are plenty of sheer tanktops out there that can turn a pair of jeans into WOW! Top off the outfit with a pair of sexy open-toed shoes with a heel.

So, the next time you think a runway style is too wild for your reality or you can't dress like the celebs, you can always dress down any design or get inspired and make it your own.

Need a New Pair of Bloomers?

Platform shoes came back from the 70s, so why can’t Victorian and Edwardian designs make a comeback. Premier Designs Historic Clothing brings the 1920s back for men and women, offering items, such as Victorian gowns, blouses, jewelry, bloomers, as well as motor dusters. You might not want to wear the entire Victorian ensemble in public (unless you’re going to a costume party), but some items may set you apart from the rest of your fashion-forward peers. Mixing some of the fashion of today with that of the past is a great way to add spice to your own personal style and maybe set your own trend.

Speaking of mixing the past with the present, you will need something modern to keep you in touch with the today. Why not highlight a white blouse from the past with a Tiger Eye Lariat from My Little Pretty. This sterling silver chain (48 inches) is a great eye-catcher.

My Little Pretty - Tiger Eye Lariat , $235

Wish Upon a Star...

Gabby Bella
Good Night Earrings

When you were a child, was your favorite children’s bedtime story “Good Night, Moon?” Did you gaze out of a telescope to capture a constellation, a planet, perhaps a shooting star? For those who have been told that their head is in the clouds, you may want to check out this pair of earrings by Gabby Bella. They are appropriately dubbed “Good Night Earrings” and will cost you $124.

The moon and stars of each earring are made from gold. Additional attractive details include: Blue Onyx, Amazonite and Black Onyx. When wearing these, you might be able to make a wish on them or even make your old ones come true.

Looking for a measurement? They are 2 3/4' in length.

Summer Shoooooz

Summer is here and so are the latest trends to hit the shelves of the shoe department. Which new trend will you fall in love with this year?
J Lo "Chandra"

Will it be the wedge, which can be worn with almost any outfit? Perhaps a strappy sandal will satisfy your footwear needs. Ankle wraps and straps are hitting the scene for those looking to add a bit of spice to shorts and skirts. This year, we will be seeing a shift from the ribbon ties of yesteryear to skinny ties around the ankle.
Nine West "Inas"

Want to add to your shining personality? Metallic shoes can add that extra touch of sophistication to a casual outfit. This year, light blue, cotton candy pink and Creamsicle orange colors are replaced with more neutral and gold tones.

Hype "Mea"

Making a comeback, you may want to grab a pair of platform shoes, which adds length to any short pair of legs. This year, platform wedge heels are in (not the kind your mama used to wear!) Other shoe trends of 2006 include: chunky heels, flats and woven shoes.

Hey, All You Sun Goddesses!

Celebrate summer in style with an ultra-luxe beach bag from Glam. It's filled with the best surfside essentials to keep you looking and feeling Glamorous all season long.



Simply take the "What Kind of Beach Babe Are You?" quiz and enter to win. You could score a sizzling beach bag to take on all your summer escapades.



If that isn't enough to tempt you, check out what's inside the bag:



- LeSportSac reversible beach bag

- Inca swimwear

- 7 for All Mankind denim skirt

- Flip-flops from FlipFlop Trunkshow

- Decleor SPF 20 spray

- Frédéric Fekkai "Beach Waves" haircare

- Olivia Chantecaille lip gloss

- J.Lo aviator sunglasses

- Kiehl's body wash and lightweight lotion

- Dashing Diva nail kit

- Two of the hottest releases from Columbia Records

- The latest beach reads from Melissa de la Cruz

- Sei Water

- Eau d'Italie signature fragrance



Click here to enter: www.glam.com/beachbabe



Good luck-and don't forget your sunscreen!