Fashion Fun: Show Your Spirit With World Cup-Inspired Fashion

Here in Manhattan, we have serious World Cup fever. Bars and restaurants are prepping to show the games when they start airing this Friday, June 11th (which means some stockbrokers on the International desk will be coming in a tad intoxicated for work - just sayin') and everyone's picking sides. If you're Team USA, Brazil or another country (just pick a side -it's fun!), you can make your alliance known via some very cute summery fashion items that you can then rock the rest of the season, like...

These super cute Havaianas Flip Flops ($24). I spotted these yesterday and now I have to have a pair. Rock your team spirit in your team's colors with adorable thong sandals that you can wear forever. If you love flip flops and you don't have a pair of Brazil's finest, I strongly advise getting a pair of these super cute, virtually-indestructible shoes. A celebrity favorite for years and widely lauded in the fashion community, I suggest multiple pairs.

If you want to make sure your wrists are properly adorned, might I suggest a cute Fruitz wristwatch ($225 - 295) in your team's color? These revolutionary watches not only come in your team colors but include a one-of-a-kind micro disc technology  that's been proven to help you sleep better, have better focus and concentration and reduces stress. This will come in handy if someone headbutts your favorite player or they lose. Again, just sayin'...

So gear up for one of the world's largest sporting events decked out in your team colors and get ready to score a fashion gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaalllll!

Technology Style: New Cases and Accessories for the iPad

If you're not spending time with family right now during this holiday weekend, chances are you're in line for the new iPad. With reports of lines around the block and Twitter blowing up with "sold out" messages, I'm pretty sure more than a few of you are getting your hands on Apple's new step in world domination. As a matter of fact, you might be reading this message on an iPad right now. If so, how do I look? ;)

Everyone who has an Apple device knows part of the fun is accessorizing it. Skins, cases, juice packs - there's a little something out there to make your new device as cute as it is functional. In which case, InCase has you covered with some stylish solutions for your new device:

The Grip Protective Cover ($39.95) is a durable silicone rubber case with two molded rails on the back that allow you grip your iPad with two hands in the landscape position. For those not looking to two-hand the device, the Protective Cover ($39.95) features the same silicone rubber protective casing but with a flat back panel. Both come with cutouts to allow users full access to the iPad controls and a viewing stand.

The Neoprene Slip Sleeve Plus ($39.95) is a cool sleeve for the iPad that features a slip entry opening for easy device access, reinforced seams to protect the device, and InCase's signature faux-fur lining for scratch protection. It also comes with a viewing stand.

For those of you on the go or traveling quite a bit, the company has created the Convertible Book Jacket ($59.95), a portfolio-style case that secures the device during travel and allows for easy display in landscape position. The design turns the case from a closed portfolio to a viewing stand when opened. Pretty genius, no?

You'll also want to pick up some chargers while you're at it. Both their Combo Charger ($34.95) and Car Charger ($24.95) work with iPad and feature a powerful 2-amp output USB port. Because a powerless Apple devices renders you, well, powerless. We all know how much THAT can suck.

InCase products are available via any Apple store or feel free to log onto your iPad (iPhone, iPod Touch, MacBook, etc) and order via their website. Either way, if you're going to get the hottest device in technology, you need to make sure it looks that way. Accessorize accordingly.

Beauty Event: Come to DEX Tomorrow Night for a Fashion.Style.Beauty Co-Sponsored Beauty Event!

What are you doing tomorrow night? No, really, what are you doing? Well, beauty addicts and fashion fans, you should make plans to come see ME tomorrow night as I make my debut as a beauty expert (kind of). I'm co-hosting a little wine and canapes beauty event at the fabulous DEX Studios here in Manhattan tomorrow night with the uber-amazing Felicia Walker-Benson of ThisThatBeauty. Come have a little chat with us about spring beauty trends, have some snacks and mingle with makeup artists and other beauty-loving divas.

Because wine, cheese and beauty talk is truly the ONLY WAY to spend a Thursday night. Come on out! I'd love to meet and chat with you!  RSVP to the email on the invite above and then plan to come to DEX tomorrow between 7-9!

Try The Trend: How To Wear a Bib Necklace

I can't say that every trend works on everyone but there's one that all of us can try and that's the bib necklace. A good statement jewelry piece can be an instant go-to in your wardrobe that can easily transform any piece from "meh" to "WOW" in less than five seconds.

Pair a bib necklace with more simple pieces (I'd advise against patterns), but don't think boring: these necklaces can turn a simple v-neck or scoopneck t-shirt into a glamorous outfit and can add spice to just about any sheath dress. This is about drawing attention to the neck, so make sure that the neckline is either open or simple (no embellishments on top to compete with it) and keep other accessories below the neck and simple: a classic ring, a simple bracelet or just a great watch will suffice.

One of the best things about these fabulous necklaces is that they're available in many styles and almost any price. Here are some of my favorites:

Cash and Carry: White House Black Market's Mega Crystal Necklace ($68) and Jet/Crystal Bib Necklace ($78) are sure-fire stunners.


Credit/Debit: The Kenneth Jay Lane Coin Bib Necklace ($290) and Carolee Crystal Bib Necklace ($295) are slightly more but are versatile statement-pieces that can become a signature part of you wardrobe.

Blow the Bank: Sometimes you have to live a little. If you can afford it, I'll co-sign on this Ranjana Khan Beaded Bib Tie Necklace (seen at top, $1190).

Give a bib necklace a try. Bibs are versatile pieces that can transform any wardrobe, some are even at prices that won't cause you to spit up. ;)

Beauty Buzz: Jin Soon Choi Nail Lacquer Collection for M·A·C Cosmetics Fall/Winter ‘09

Fashion and beauty partnerships have created some of the greatest collaborations in style history and when M·A·C Cosmetics and renowned nail artist Jin Soon Choi recently joined forces to create a collection for Fall/Winter 2009, the resulting nail colors are no exception. An editorial manicure favorite and a Fashion Week backstage staple, Jin Soon has worked with such renowned design talent as Oscar de la Renta, Derek Lam, J.Mendel, Matthew Williamson, and Doo.Ri, as well as legendary photographers Steven Meisel, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, Craig McDean and Michael Thompson.


Jin Soon's vision for her first collaboration produced gorgeous, highly-pigmented,bold nail colors with long-lasting, high-shine cream finish. The complete collection of stunning polishes includes six rich, opaque shades as well as an Underlacquer and an Overlacquer, all of them formulated to strengthen and fortify nails. The dramatic tones will be in heavy demand and we are completely crazed over the color featured at Doo.Ri's Fall/Winter collection called Beyond Jealous. Other fabulous hues in the collection include Cool Reserve (a dirty-grey lavender); For Fun (rich purple); Dance All Night (luscious brick red); Rich, Dark, Delicious (a luxe darkened brown); Dry Martini (gorgeous khaki olive green); and the aforementioned Underlacquer and Overlacquer.


You can head to your local M·A·C Cosmetics counter or their website and pick these in-demand nail hues up for $12. I'm going to probably pick up every hue and rotate them throughout the season and I recommend you do the same. You'll have everyone "beyond jealous" at your signature style. :)

60 Second Beauty Tip: How to Get Summer Smooth Feet At Home

Last Friday, I carved out a little time to get a Minx pedicure with Tracylee Percival, manicurist to the stars and salon manager of the uber-rocker-fabulous Suite 303 in the Hotel Chelsea. More to come on that later for Social Diva but check out the photo above. Could you DIE? It's amazing.

Because I had less-than-spectacular feet when I sat down for the procedure (they looked like I'd been dragging rocks barefoot through Middle Earth, I am so not kidding), I asked Tracylee for her advice on daily maintenance. Tracylee says that the major mistake most women make is that they file their feet in the shower, which isn't that effective. When you're done showering, blot your feet, then turn and file your feet AFTER the shower: your feet will have absorbed the moisture and are damp, which makes filing off dead skin super effective for spectacular results.

Here's another (and most important) point: the foot file has to be completely DRY, not wet. Buffing with a wet foot file is not effective. Follow your efforts with a good foot cream and you're ready to go.


Tracy used a long, angular file like this Heel to Toe Foot File ($2.89 at any Sally Beauty store) on me and the results were mind-blowing. Note the pointed edge which gets between toes. At $3 for this tool, there is no excuse to have nasty feet, folks. None at all.

Tracylee gives one of the best mani-pedis on Earth and the Minx pedi is the BOMB, as shown in the photo above. If you need to book her for a professional shoot or industry function, contact Vue Mgmt 212-431-5780. If you want to book a private appointment with her at Suite 303, call 212-633-1011. I promise you will walk out a shiny, happier person with one MAJOR pedicure.

A Beauty Must: Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara

Those of us around the beauty buzz have heard endless tales of vibrating mascaras, why they work, why they're superior, etc. Most of us (including me) have been slightly reluctant to put these little magic wands near our eyes because, let's face it, how many times do you regularly place things that rapidly vibrate anywhere near your face, much less near your eye? (Don't answer that.) Well, Maybelline has decided to get into the game with Maybelline Pulse Perfection and I have to say, I'm hooked.

With 7,000 vibrations per minute, this is a mascara that gives you showgirl-level lashes with only a few swipes of the wand. You dip the wand in the mascara, place it under the lash line, press the button on the side and pull the wand up slowly. The vibrating isn't uncomfortable and it really does give you amazing long lashes very quickly that stay put for hours.

Here's the scoop, FSB readers: the mascara isn't in stores until July but you can get yours NOW with their exclusive online sale. The mascara retails for $15 and it's worth every dollar of it so click this link and purchase through their participating online retailers.

By the time everyone realizes your little vibrating beauty secret they'll be shaking with envy over your gorgeous lashes since they can't get theirs until July. Such a shame, really. Just bat your fabulous lashes at them.

MTV Fashion Flashback: Def Leppard and the Ripped Denim Trend

Those of us who grew up in the 80’s can’t help but smile at the ripped jeans trend. Many of us who have recently faced (or about to face) high school reunions remember shredding perfectly good pairs of jeans so knees and other snippet-sized views of flesh showed through. This homage to all things rebel and rock and roll has made its way into fashion again and many are staring at it with concern: can you really rock this trend twice without looking like you’re trying too hard?

The answer is decidedly “yes” as long as you keep in mind that the full-on concert t-shirt/studded boots/fringe jacket trend is better saved for Halloween. A ripped jean is an incredibly sexy take on the 80’s look and a fun alternative for warm weather (hello, built-in ventilation.) Just be sure to keep your top simple and streamlined but as far as shoes and accessories go, feel free to play with anything but sneakers.



There is a difference between ripped and destroyed. This pair of Levi’s 501’s Boyfriend Cut Patched and Repaired Jeans ($78) is an understated way to try the trend. Those looking to fully commit to their roll and roll look should try the Levi’s Capital E 501 Boyfriend Jeans in Destructed Wash ($248).




Either pair of these jeans paired can be paired with this Silence and Noise Silver Zip Trimmed Tank ($29.99). Those who love fringe can pair the ensemble with this Whiting and Davis Crystal Fringe Mesh Frame Clutch ($245.)

Go ahead and rock the ripped jeans trend and for good measure, enjoy the video while you get ready tonight. Maybe it’s time to pour a little sugar on it.

MTV Fashion Flashback: En Vogue's Metallic Dresses

As the 90’s have come back with a vengeance (Boho chic! Babydoll dresses! Ripped denim!) there are some fun trends we remember fondly. When the video for En Vogue’s “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” came out, it was completely mesmerizing. The song is fierce, Matthew Rolston’s images never cease to amaze, but most of us became obsessed with the silver dresses the girl group wears in the video. Most of us went out immediately to purchase one of our own and this editor is proud to say I still have the slinky liquid silver-sequined number, although I did ditch the slightly clunky square-heeled shoes I wore with it the first time.



Metallic dresses are again all the rage for evening and they come as short and sassy as you dare. You have sexy options from this Alice + Olivia V-Neck Gathered Side Dress (on sale for $99) up to this effortlessly chic Gryphon The Sequined Dress ($595.) There are tons of options to add some shimmer to your spring nights. Put this video on when you’re getting ready and prepare to break some hearts. Your lovin’…yeah, we’ll see who gets it.

Military Jackets: Marching Band Geek Chic Is In

With news of Michael Jackson suddenly deciding to play concerts again in London (someone’s got to pay for the oxygen chamber) it’s appears that military style jackets might be making an interesting comeback in honor of The Gloved One (see Spears, Britney). Seen on the walking the streets of my beloved New York City as well as in past collections for Balmain and Diesel, marching band geek has gone major chic. You don’t need to go full-on military to capture the trend: just be sure the rest of your look is elegant and make the jacket the focus: a simple pairing with a skirt, jeans or pants will do. Here’s how to get in on the trend:



Cash: This Alvin Valley black stretch poly 'Belly' military jacket is a cute option with the new ripped denim trend or a sleek pair of black pants and a tee. It retails for $166.99 from Bluefly.com.



Credit: This American Retro Stewart Military Style Jacket has timeless styling and can be worn through this season and stored for next fall. It retails for $253.00 at Goldwyn.com

This little trend is proof positive you don’t need 76 trombones and a big parade. Sometimes you just have to use a little embellishment to show ‘em who’s boss.