Self Tan

When it comes to self tanners there are so many to choose from on the market. Where do you start? I've always turned to St Tropez when my mind was wondering else where. I always approach self tanners from a cautious angle, you never know what kind of streaks you may end up with. That's why I am a big fan of tinted self tanners that provide a guide color.

There are many types of self tanners out there; gradual, instant, airbrush...the list goes on. Dry skin normally works better with liquid formulas and oily skin can benefit from a fast drying formula. It's always a good idea to purchase a tanning mitt to avoid those 'giveaway orange hands'!

Which self tanners do you like?

If you haven't been to The Market...

...you need to go ASAP. The Market NYC, located at 268 Mulberry Street in SOHO, is a jem of a place that's overflowing with unique vendors willing to sell you their distinctive creations for bargain prices. From stunning vintage frocks from the 50's, to one-of-a-kind pocket watches from the 30's to original graphic tees by up-and-coming designers of today, The Market is entertaining to simply walk around and look at everything that's there, even if you don't buy anything (but, who are we kidding, you will).

I was "just browsing" and ventured upon jewelry designer Alexandra Beth's table and couldn't help myself. Her Hamsa bracelet, which is a symbol for protection used often in the Middle East and Africa, was simple and beautiful. I opted for the coral and turquoise combo and snagged it for only $15. It's great to wear on its own or stack with other pieces. She also had a bunch of very trendy studded-leather wrap bracelets that I plan on going back to purchase soon!

Another stand that caught my eye was a vintage jewelry vendor whose name has escaped me but you'll know it's her when you see her stuff. Her table was full of some of the most interesting vintage pieces I've seen, ranging from a Victorian magnifying glass necklace to a collection of discrete pocket knives in a range of forms, one being a golden peanut on a necklace chain. My friend purchased a vintage golden locket from the 30's that had happened to have a B on it, and her name being Bonnie, she just couldn't resist. She had her lengthen the chain and got it all for only $50. There are no duplicates in her collection and everything had a very original feel.

The only downside to this place was the lack of AC. I was sweating through my blouse like I was in a Spring Break wet t-shirt contest-but, it was totally worth it. I looked at it as having a poor-man's Marisa Miller moment, just rocking the sweat like it's supposed to be there, minus the abs and plus frizz in my hair, but close enough.

The Market also takes credit cards. What more could you ask for :).

When Film and Fashion Collide

Fashion designer Valentino is going to be the star of a new documentary which will soon be released;Valentino:The Last Emperor. He is shown in both a personal and professional light. There are clips of him at home, in the design room, with the models, and recognition for his groundbreaking designs. It is a tribute to his contribution to the fashion world and illuminates his style with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, his famous signature red gowns, and his perpetual Italian flair and sun tan. Valentino felt it was important to make a woman look beautiful.

Alice Dellal, Punk Debutante, Model, and Mick Jagger's niece

Alice Dellal is more grunge than fashionista. She loves '90s grunge and punk,

which only touches on her half-shaved mane, the nose ring, and ripped tights.

Dellal is based in London, but is a favorite of Paris "Vogue" and photographers

such as Nick Knight. She combines rock and fashion; Uncle Mick Jagger and Uncle

Mario Testino are her godfathers. Alice says; "My family influences me a lot".

Her relatives and friends are asked about her shaved locks and they have gotten

mixed reviews. Alice Dellal is a rock and roll model too look out for

Juicy Couture: Lets Them Eat Cake

The new ads for Juicy Couture have a tasty tagline; "Let Them Eat Tracksuits".

Ten colorfully dressed models pose on the beach showing the label's tracksuits.

The graphics are appealing because each outfit is matched to a surfboard the

same color. This shows creativity and makes even the most non-athletic want

to ride the waves or go for a jog on the beach. This line is not only for women,

but men and children can also have a piece of the pie. Juicy Couture also

shows off their handbags and other accessories. One has to wonder with the

Olympics, is fashion or sports taken more seriously?

The Seductive Embrace of Lace

Lace is the latest craze in fashion and the quiet town of St. Gallen,

Switzerland, about an hour east of Zurich, is where Prada has revived this

style. The Prada design team went to a lace company, Forster Rohner, and

were shown a selection of embroideries. Prada has featured in all of its 42

looks what has become the most photographed collection of the season. "The

New York Times Style Magazine" says lace is the latest craze and is brining

back a look that was popular in the late 1960's.


In the fall fashion shows Proenza Schouler in New York and Givenchy and Alexander

McQueen in Paris have also been revamping the style. The Prada lace would not

be mistaken for anything belonging to your grandmother. They had patterns in

gold, black, orange, and metallic blue. Sometimes the lace was 3-D, with flowers

sewn onto flowers, so the models were both provacative and innocenct at the

same time. Even Victoria's Secret orders 200,000 meters of a particular pattern.

St. Gallen lace is not just the trend of the day, according to creative director

of Akris. Lace may be this seasons revived fabric, but next season the designers

will take another fad and make something old something new again.