Olympics…Can You See Me Now?

When the Olympics first began, only freeborn men and boys could take part in the Olympic Games (servants and slaves were allowed to participate only in the horse races). Women were forbidden, on penalty of death, even to see the Games. In 396 B.C. , however, a woman from Rhodes successfully defied the death penalty. When her husband died, she continued the training of their son, a boxer. She attended the Games disguised as a man and was not recognized until she shouted with joy over her son's victory. Her life was spared because of the special circumstances and the fact that her father and brothers had been Olympians.

The Olympics have come a long way since that fateful day, but there are still some countries that do not allow their female citizens to participate in the games.  In the ThinkProgress Article,  states that Saudi Arabia is finally allowing its female citizens to compete at the Olympics.  While gender discrimination still runs rampant and continues to try to clip the wings of the women of Saudi Arabia, this is certainly a step in the right direction. 

Dalma Rushdi Malhas, rider likely to represent Saudi Arabia in London

Make the Natives Restless...Tribal Print Swimsuits!

As we all know, tribal prints are what's hot right now! There's nothing finer than rockin this trend, whether it be on your head down to your toes, or anywhere in between! Here are a few of my favorite tribal swimsuits to work the trend at the beach!

www.dimeonadime.com

www.monifc.com $98.00

www.macys.com $79.00

Audrey...Way Ahead of the Curve

For some, the dress makes the girl. For others, (Think Anne Hathaway...sorry, but it's true) the dress is the girl. But, for Audrey Hepburn, the girl made the dress...almost literally.

The British-born actress turned humanitarian, made an unforgettable and remarkably beautiful mark on American cinema. With films like Roman Holiday, Sabrina, A Nun's Story, and My Fair Lady, her list of works reads more like a wish list for notable actress.

But, it is her role in Breakfast at Tiffany's, that we remember most. As the flighty, evasive and charming Holly Golightly, Hepburn introduced us to THE little black dress. She taught us how to rock slippers with capris, hats with A-Line dresses, and just about anything with anything else...it just takes a little class.

Hepburn later pulled back from Hollywood and dedicated much of her time to UNICEF.

Audrey Hepburn. Dress size: 2. Heart size: 12. She is definitely ahead of the curve.

The Cocktail Dress

Christian Dior coined the name for this slinky, jazzy and cool dress, in the 1940s, and it stuck. Cocktail dresses, appropriate traditionally for semi-formal occasions, is now attire for concerts in the park, the ballet, a night out at the bar, or other less formal occasions.

www.macys.com $70.99

www.macys.com $42.99

www.macys.com $24.99

Now all you have to choose is an event and then get out there and work it!

The Fashion Police Have Made An Arrest-Jeremy Scott Adidas Ankle Cuff Sneaker

Edgy shoe designer, Jeremey Scott, designed a high top, basketball shoe that, as shown above, comes equipped with shackles to cuff around the ankles. The idea, according to Adidas, was that the shoe is so hot, that they have to be shackled to your ankles to keep from getting stolen right off your feet.  This concept is horrifically completed with copy that oozes with stereotypes of urban youth.  The marketing campaign for the shoe, was as inappropriate as the gaudy monstrosities that they are trying to sell. Not only does it evoke images of American slavery, it makes light of shoes theft-a trend that has proven deadly in some instances.

Feeling the pressure from an irate, well, everyone, Adidas pulled the shoe from the market.  In my opinion, it was just in time.  I get that Adidas wants to be bold and make a statement with the shoe.  But, this is not the right statement, or the right shoe.

Go Team! Shoe Your Support For Your Favorite Team With Herstar!

We love shoes. We love basketball. Put them together and you get these babies, Herstar. For the basketball fan (man or woman), who has everything, these pumps are designed just for you. Made with an almond toe and micro suede, these shoes look to be comfortable, and well-made and fairly lightweight. The 4 1/2 inch heel makes me cautiously optimistic that they can be worn with jeans or summer slacks.

The sizes run a half to a full size small, and at $99 a pair, I recommend them.

Be supportive and sassy when you go to the game! Go team!

Hello, Tangelo! A Summer Squeeze…

Hi all. Now, I know, people have been talking about this fabulous color since there has been snow on the ground, but like the amazing mango gelato that my friend introduced me to, I just can't get enough of it! Tangelo, which is a much fun to say, as it is to wear, allows you to create a pop of citrus punch that's a powerful and delicious, as the fruit that it takes its name from.  Now, you can choose have the tangelo colored item be your focal point, or have it be a part of a larger statement, as a whole.  You can pair a tangelo dress with nude shoes, and gold jewelry to have the dress steal the show, or you can create your own color block look by rocking a pair of bright heels, bangles, and citrus colored purse.  Either way, and every way in between, you can't go wrong! Like that mango gelato, there nothing wrong with having a little more of a good thing.  Here are a few of my favorite combinations below.   

www.lanebrynat.com

www.monifc.com

http://stunningdresses.net

www.bloomingdales.com

Feel tangelo from your head to your telo! Be bold!

Ahead of the Curve: Cleopatra!

Cleopatra. 

This one word evokes an entire story that has existed for centuries, and is one of a woman who was far ahead of her time; she, who ruled an empire, the last pharaoh of Egypt. She used her beauty, wit, and power to create opportunities and success. Many times she would sign a proposal with the words, “Make it happen.” She was not one to take no for an answer.  Many powerful women have portrayed the mighty Cleopatra, from Dianna Ross, to Elizabeth Taylor, to Beyonce. Each one of these women embodies the spirit of the commanding Cleopatra.  Cleopatra knew what she wanted and was not afraid to take it.  Channel your own Cleopatra and pursue with reckless abandon, whatever you wish for! Do not take no for an answer!

In the wise words of Cleopatra, “Make it happen!”

It's a Wrap...

Most fashion trends have historical significance and interesting stories behind them. The pea coat, Mary Janes, bell bottoms and capri pants are all examples of trends in fashion that have really fascinating and significant stories behind them.

And the wrap dress is certainly another wonderfully fabulous fashion trend that has a story behind it. Created and introduced in 1972 by Diane von Fürstenberg, the wrap dress became a symbol for women's liberation. It was originally designed from jersey to be knee-length and long-sleeved. It's V-shaped neckline and wrap-at-the-waist design, naturally hugs our curves.

The wrap hit the pinnacle of its popularity in the late 1970s and made its way back as a fashion trend in the late 1990s. It will be a one of the summer's hottest dresses!

www.zappos.com $130.00

www.bloomingdales.com $184.80

www.bloomingdales.com $97.30

This is what democracy looks like...

Nah.  This has never been a political blog, and I don't think it ever will be (in the partisan sense of the word).  But, last night Wisconsin had a historic recall election pitting an incumbent Scott Walker, who has a fairly conservative platform, against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who has a more liberal platform.  Of course, Scott Walker won a hotly contested and expensive race last night. 

The long and hot race reminds us that it will be a long and hot summer as well, politically and otherwise.  It's going to be hot this summer ladies.  Lucky for you, I have found platforms we all can stand on that are not too conservative, nor too liberal, but are definitely hot (and not expensive as those political platforms).
 

http://www.urbanog.com/ $28.00

http://www.endless.com/ $64.90

http://www.endless.com/ $59.95

http://www.endless.com/ $89.95

http://www.endless.com/ $110.00

http://www.endless.com/ $110.00

Now, this is what democracy looks like!

Celebrity Moms-Too Fat?!? Are You Kidding Me!

So what's with the world pressuring celebrities who have just had babies to loose weight? We have all seen it. Some magazine, some television magazine, or somebody on the internet tracking (rather obsessively, I believe) women in the public eye and their journey to loose weight after giving birth. For some--like Beyonce, Celine Dion, and Maggie Gyllenhaal--it is a charmed journey--they loose the weight seamlessly and are back out performing or acting or singing in no time. The people paid to watch them and report on their journey to loose weight after they give birth, get to report on how "fabulous" these women look and how they were able to loose the weight.

For others however, it is not so charmed. Some women in the public eye have either had some difficulties loosing the weight or have been unwilling to loose the weight after they have given birth...and they are skewered for it. Like Brittney Spears or Jessica Simpson...or Aishwarya Rai. Called the "most beautiful actress in the world" before her pregnancy, gave birth last year and is now the subject of some very mean-spirited criticism for her refusal to loose weight seven months after she has given birth. In fact, there is a website that shows a picture of pre-pregnancy Rai, and her morphing into an elephant. The elephant is supposed to be Ms. Rai after birth. That's right, an elephant. Wow.

In addition to the fact that she looks as hot as ever with the new body size, the medical community is on her side on this one. Doctors suggest that mothers (especially those who are breast feeding) should not diet or deliberately try to loose weight, but rather work on healthy food choices and exercise.

It's hard enough being a new mom. They are sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain sometimes. the last thing they need are some meanies telling them to loose weight and calling them fat or equating them to elephants if they don't.

I salute Aishwarya Rai and all the new mothers in the world. I am giving them all a big hug and a virtual babysitter, so they can have a night on the town. And here's what I suggest the new mothers wear on their night out:

http://www.nordstrom.com/ $249.00

http://www.monifc.com/ $228.00

http://www.nordstrom.com/ $148.00

http://www.nordstrom.com/ $68.00

Enjoy yourself whether it's a more casual or dressy occasion! With the right shoes and accessories, you'll be able to work anything! Celebrate your motherhood!

It's Wedding Season-This is for the Bridesmaids!

Hi all.  The official season of the weddings has begun.  We know, for some, you may have the crazy schedule that Katherine Heigl did in 27 Dresses.  For others, there may be that very special celebration of the solo wedding for the season.  Either way, we know that we want to look lovely, but that we can't  upstage the bride on her special day.  Not that we would try to, but it is something to keep in mind.  Look fabulous, don't upstage the bride.  While some people have ok'd the idea of wearing white to a wedding, where the bride is wearing white at the wedding, as long as your dress doesn't look too "bridaly", I say forget all the potential drama and pull something fierce from the rainbow of colors that you can choose from. I digress.  Here a some of my favorite examples of gorgeous bridesmaids dresses, whether you get to pick them yourself, or if your lovely bride is choosing them for you, I think these are some that you'll be able to "shorten and wear them again" long after the wedding rice has settled. 

www.monifc.com $195.00

www.igigi.com $180.00

www.igigi.com $128.00

www.igigi.com $175.00

Have a wonderful time celebrating your loved ones joy, and remember catching the bouquet is not a contact sport :)