Swimwear 2013

While it is still snowing in so many parts of the globe, for those of us in the tropics, swimwear is an all-year round fashion necessity. We hit the beach when it gets even hotter, like now when summer is officially here in the Southeast Asian region of the world. And there is no better time to talk about swimwear than now when summer is already upon us. The rest of the world will just have to wait for their time to come.

Unlike fashion trends, swimwear trends move relatively slower for the simple reason that it is not that easy to reinvent the bikini or the one piece swimsuit. There is a very delicate balance between sex appeal and functionality and there are limits to what designers can do. But they are still influenced by certain fashion trends. So what swimsuits should we choose to wear to the beach this summer? Take a look at what swimwear trends are coming up in the fashion world these days.

Fringes, Flounces, Ruffles and Other Additions

Judging from what we see in the runways, a trend for swimwear this 2013 seems to be details such as ruffles, fringes and flounces. Criss-cross designs and ties are also in, judging from the swimwear collection shown by Victoria’s Secret, Herve Leger and so many more. Ruffled swimwear has been popular with celebrities for some time now and the trend seems to be continuing on to 2013. Metallic finishes and other tasteful hardware details also seem to be in fashion these days as is shown by collections from Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu and Cote d’Or. Crystal embellishments are also evident from the runway collections we have seen so far. Take a look at the breathtaking samples we have here. 

Ruffled detailing on a hot pink bikini set from CIA Maritima, a one piece swimsuit from Victoria’s Secret 2013 collection, and an off-white tankini with ruffles from Michael Kors

A two-piece number with a fringed bandeau from L Space, a fringed monokini from L Space as well, and a bikini with a fringe top and fringed ties from Seafolly

Beach Bunny presents a purple two piece with rhinestone and metal hardware, and a black number with metal-finished hardware. A third example is a bandeau with a detachable stone necklace for embellishment

Prints, Prints and More Prints

Animal prints, floral prints, stripes, polka dots and tropical prints in bold, colorful hues are the in thing this season for swimwear. Two-tone combos and mix-matching printed tops or bottoms with solid colored tops or bottoms are also in style. The variety is limitless, bold and colorful. The statement is clear; summer is all about color and fun. The spirit of adventure pervades the atmosphere of beachwear and it is all about having a good time.

Victoria’s Secret presents all types of prints for swimwear 2013 from animal prints, geometrics, dots and stripes

Retro-Inspired Swimwear

The bombshell is back in swimwear fashion for 2013 with the fabulous lineup of 1950s inspired swimsuits in the tradition of Marilyn Monroe to Jayne Mansfield. Playful with emphasis on the women’s curves, they ooze with unabashed sex appeal. Bustiers, low necklines, high-waisted bikini bottoms, bandeaus and hipster style bottoms are on the fashion runways of Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood to DSquared2. 

Retro bikinis with preppy allure in stripes, dots and colorful prints with boylegs, high waists or skirted bottoms

Jazz Things Up with a Cocktail Ring

Want to make your party outfit look extra special? Supersize rings definitely add glamour to your getup. Here are some styles that will help you sparkle. 

Triangle cocktail ring

image credit: wanelo.com

This ring flatters everyone because of its simple modern angles that help hands look more youthful. And to flatter any hand size, opt for a ring that extends to the bottom of the first knuckle.

Shield cocktail ring

image credit: notonthehighstreet.com

A stunning 3-D dome ring reads larger and heavier than any other shapes, but its rounded weight helps visually balance lengthy fingers and imparts a fun, retro '60s vibe.

Infinity cocktail ring

image credit: notonthehighstreet.com

The figure eight creates a long vertical line that optically elongates shorter fingers. Look for glittering swirls that draw the eye back and forth for extra lengthening power.

Cigar Advisor: A Useful Cigar Resource Site

Looking for a particular brand of cigar? Cigar Advisor offers honest to goodness reviews of different cigar brands so you'll know what will suit your taste best. The reviews you will find on the website are short and easy to read. Plus, they offer cigar ratings to give you an idea on what blends are the most popular. I know nothing about cigars, but this site helped a lot when I bought a bundle for my grandfather. Whether you are a premium smoker or you are buying for the first time, Cigar Advisor is a useful resource where you can find cigar info, tips, how-to's, reviews, news and a lot more.

Gorgeous Leggings

Have a great week!

Paris Fall Fashion 2013: A Review (Part 2)

Admittedly, there were quite a number of collections that I will not forget during the last Paris Fashion Week  but none impressed me as much as the Christian Dior collection done by Raf Simons. While I wrote about the Balenciaga collection first, it was more because of the strength of the collection. But I have to say that the Dior collection perhaps contained the most outfits that I would personally choose to wear.

The Dior Fall/Winter 2013 Collection

Christian Dior has been my favorite designer since I was in high school and what Raf Simons achieved in this latest Dior collection is that he ensured that there would be no shortage of what is known worldwide as classic Dior couture and glamour. It was evident in every single piece of clothing on the collection. The Dior style that is ultra-feminine and emphasizes on curves coupled well with Simons minimalist attitude which resulted in truly polished pieces that were inspiring to behold.

Surrealism and pop-art seemed to be the inspiration for his collection and the runway echoed this theme with its big mirrored-spheres and clouds. The reflections on the models and the clothes made such a visual impact that was almost like watching Warhol art happening onstage. What resulted was wearable art which I feel is what Raf Simons came up with in this fantastic collection. He was definitely in complete control and the timeless elegance, pure yet modern that is not very easily achieved if you think about the harshness of modern lines as it can sometimes be, is simply impressive, to say the least. If I am allowed to be subjective, I would have to say that the Dior collection was the strongest show of the runway season so far.

The wearable art from the Dior RTW 2013 collection by Raf Simons from classic Dior bar jackets, incredible knitwear, statement making coats, houndstooth on pants, and cocktail dresses with tulle. The asymmetrical slip dresses with Warhol sketch embroideries are definitely worth the money.
Images sourced from fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Hand-Painted Lanterns

Found this gorgeous hand-painted lanterns on display at the mall during the Chinese New Year Festival.

For Soft and Comfortable Jeans

Love wearing jeans but hate the feel of new jeans? Here's the trick to make your new pair feel like old an favorite.  Simply add a 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle the first time you wash the jeans to turn them from stiff to comfy. Manufacturers add starch during weaving to keep jeans looking crisp but the acetic acids in the vinegar will help break it down while the alkaline baking soda dissolves the residue left behind, leaving the fabric soft. Just make sure you wash your new pair inside out to prevent fading.

Great Bag for Any Kind of Trip

Had enough of cheap backpacks? Osprey Backpacks may just be what you are looking for. Their bags are not just popular because of their great designs but most users say they fit like a glove. The backpack is perfect for any sort of trip you can think of and you'll love that it is so durable, it can carry whatever load you put in it. This bag should be on top of your list if you're looking for backpacks that will last a long time.

The Pretty Hot Paris Fall Fashion 2013: A Review

By choice I did not comment on the fashion paraded during the Red Carpet event of the recently concluded Oscar Awards Night. There was nothing worth mentioning there because I found the fashion so hohumm. Translation: boring. But I could not let the Paris Fashion Week go without as much as a squeak. Here is the first of my favorite collections presented during this all-important fashion event.

   
The Balenciaga RTW Fall 2013

Boy wonder Alexander Wang presented a memorable collection this year which again brought back all the eyes on him from the fashion who’s who. What he achieved in his latest collection is a Balenciaga look that is different and very distinct from his own fashion label. No doubt, the young designer did his research and did it really well to have come up with a collection that is so unlike his own collection for his own brand, a feat that is difficult even for the most seasoned designers.

Wang came up with a mostly black lineup that emphasized a lot of curves: rounded shoulders, cutaway jackets, lean skirts and a fantastic lineup of knits that are simply to die for. To lighten his lineup, he added flashes of white here and there, such as on yokes of the sleeves, or pairing lean skirts with white, and even marbling on the fabrics. His Balenciaga collection was very dressed up and glorified the chic Power Woman. His lineup was pulled-together and polished with a touch of unmistakable sensuality that is simply irresistible. The collection was far from the expected overt commercialism that has been touted as the very reason for his appointment to the Balenciaga house. What he did with such aplomb is he stuck to the codes of the Balenciaga house and interpreted it in a modern way. What he achieved is a fine balance between edginess and elegance that only Wang could pull off. Judging from the comments of the most influential editors-in-chief of the biggest fashion magazines, Alexander Wang did a phenomenal first show as the man at the helm for Balenciaga.

A cleverly marbled knit top paired with skinny pants and a cutaway coat most likely inspired by Cristobal Balenciaga’s apron wedding dresses

Image source: ca.shine.yahoo.com

Two very inspiring coats from Alexander Wang’s Fall Collection 2013 for the house of Balenciaga
Image source: stylebistro.com

Elegantly cut dress with a pattern that translates to edgy influences without taking away from the codes of the Balenciaga house
Image source: runway.blogs.nytimes.com

Malleable Iron Clamping Handles

Nice, simple, and affordable malleable iron clamping handles are now available online. If you need adjustable handles for your shop with a strong grip I suggest you check these durable tools. The shop caters to adjustable handles for about any commercial, industrial or home use. These tools are engineered and manufactured to strict standards so you can be sure that they will last a long time.

Hand-painted Fans

Have a great week!

Wearing the Right Fit Makes a Lot of Difference

Most of us make the mistake of not wearing the right fit without even realizing it. Even if you have everything right - gorgeous outfit, perfect hair and the right accessories - you ruin your look by getting this one thing wrong. Read on to see the difference...

Too Loose

Jumbo Bermudas create a log-like look that makes thighs appear as broad as hips. Plus, saggy pockets protrude, adding extra bulk that can read as saddle bags.

 

Baggy capris with a tapered high-water hem form a V shape from hip to ankle, making hips look wider by comparison. Plus, cargo pockets break up the line of the leg for a stumpy effect.

 
Too Tight

Snug shorts pucker into a V shape at the groin, which points to the thickest part of the thighs. And if you will notice, too tight fabric cinches into small horizontal lines, making your thighs look wide.

Stretched fabric creates lines across the hips that draw the eye horizontally for a widening effect. Plus, a skin-tight fit can force pants to sit crookedly on the hips.

Just Right

A crisp side seam and slight flare at the hem tricks the eye into seeing thighs as much leaner.

 

Capri pants that are sleek through the thigh, then bell slightly where the calf starts to slim into the ankle visually balance hips' width and elongate legs.

Shop for Peavey Guitars Online

Peavey Guitars are what you should look for if you love to play funk or R&B. These instruments feature a five piece maple and mahogany neck that runs straight through the body. They also have the student electric guitar for those who are just learning to play. And if your kid loves Guitar Hero, they also offer officially licensed Marvel characters adorned junior-size acoustic guitars. Peavey is a well-known guitar brand and their prices are fairly affordable. If you're looking for durable electric guitars, shop for this brand.