Even if You Go Nekkid on Your Next Vacay ("Nakation"), Please Do Look Cute En Route

SHOP THE LOOK: Etro caftan; Lanvin sandals; Barbara Habig raffia hat; Ray-Ban Wayfarers; Sans Arcidet "Laybala" tote; "Shaken Not Stirred" - a memoir by Tim Gunn; KINDLE e-book reader; Lavanila sunscreen SPF 30; Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh; Lancome Color Fever Gloss in "Flushed Rose"; SEPHORA by OPI "Teal We Meet Again"

According to Trip Advisor's annual "nude beach survey results", nearly half of all Americans (49%) would happily bare it all at a nude beach - up from 48% in 2010 and, interestingly, a whopping jump of 31% as compared with 2009. “When it is practiced in appropriate areas, such as clothing-optional beaches and AANR member nudist clubs, parks and resorts, nude recreation is a natural way to enjoy a relaxing experience for individuals, couples and families," says Susan Weaver, president of the American Association for Nude Recreation...probably because you don't have to worry about what to wear. Except for sunscreen of course! And for when you're to'ing & fro'ing, we got you covered (literally) with this cute caftan, some chic accessories & fun footwear.

From July 4-10, it's Nude Recreation Week when member-clubs welcome non-members! So whether you decide to head for a clothing-optional beach, lake or pool, keep your experience fun and fabulous by observing proper etiquette with these helpful tips from the AANR:

Bags Bonanza & the Evolution of Online Fashion

- Once upon a time, no Internet existed and fashionistas were forced to buy from actual sellers in person. The good: you dealt with real people - you knew their face, you learned their name & if you weren't in a hurry, you chatted, relishing your connection over shared tastes in clothes, collectibles & convo. The downside: you dealt with real people - phone tag (often endless), driving to the seller's only to find they'd sold out, more phone tag & yet more driving...not to mention the issue of seller credibility.

- Mid 1990s: arrival of the web...less people-driven & more convenient, but still far from perfect.

- 1995: eBay! Buyers everywhere breath a collective sigh of relief at the newfound convenience, quickly forgetting the benefits of having real people involved in the transactions...which quickly become countless and anonymous.

- 2011: Bags Bonanza ends settling! They create an online marketplace that is human-driven, featuring the bags you're passionate about chosen by fashionistas with the same lofty tastes as your own. "Our daily "Hot and New" bags are all reviewed and moderated by our in-house fashionista," they explain. Their team also Tweets, FBs, Tumblrs, and is decidedly picky about who they RT & re-blog. "We're always trying to meaningfully reach out to the community of thrifty fashion-lover. If you talk to us, we talk back. 100% of the time."

So why not take them up on their chatty offer and "bag" some of the benefits you gave up when shopping became so faceless: negotiate in real time, browse their hand-picked selection which they dub "everything but the ordinary", browse one of their Bonanzas (their "virtual garage sales"), or just get wished a happy birthday. "Shopping with the friendliest social community online, we hope you'll discover there's a lot to like about making people relevant again."

- Lesley Scott

Win a Pair of Gorgeous Deborah Gaspar Earrings From Modnique

Modnique specializes in online boutique sales of good designer brands that last only a few days.

On May 27th, they'll be hosting a sale of Deborah Gaspar jewelry - including bangles, earrings & necklaces - with an average savings of 65%. To celebrate, they're giving away this pair of made-in-the-USA lovelies, which are taupe-tone mother of pearl on a sterling 14k gold-filled & textured hoop, and worth $245.

But you only have until May 27th to enter to win by registering - now! - at Modnique. And while you're there, maybe you should pick up a chic pair of designer eyeglass frames from names like Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang & Kenzo!

All new Modnique members receive a $5 credit upon registering to apply toward your first purchase, and shipping within the US is free - and only $4.99 for international orders.

- Lesley Scott

A Fantabulous Summery Heel by Tabitha Simmons & What to Wear it With

SHOP THE LOOK: Rag & bone "Barbette" mesh dress; Kain "Bea" linen-blend cardi; Newbark woven canvas & leather tote; Marni ribbon-tie brass-mesh cuff; Oliver Peoples "Lips of Fire" sunglasses; SEPHORA by OPI "Teal We Meet Again" polish

Oh, these basket-weave'y "Darcy" whipstitched calfskin peeptoes! Can you say F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S?!! They are by the English-born, NYC-based Tabitha Simmons who actually studied film at University prior to her career as a stylist. She now contributes regularly to mags like Vogue, Dazed & Confused, and Another - collaborating with the likes of Craig McDean, Glen Luchford, and Steven Klein - and has done runway work for Calvin, Zac, and McQueen. To show these kicks off as much as possible, we'd start with our fave white sundress, and add touches of chocolate and mocha - and draw maximum attention to our toes with a beachy teal pedi - which all adds up to a tasty summer style treat.

- Lesley Scott

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SOME OTHER "SHOP THE LOOK" POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

  SHOP THE LOOK: STYLISH FOR SUMMER

  SHOP THE LOOK: STRIPES + STRAW

 

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Sexier Abs Through Science

Summer is coming, which is a relief to your body parts that could really use a little color - like your face - but less so to the parts that really should never see the light of day (*ahem* muffin top). 

Time to invest in few interim beach sarongs while you start putting in some hard-hitting time at the gym...not to mention just saying "no" to any additional bloat, lumps & bumps caused by too much bread, sugar & booze. However, you'll wanna say "yes" to your new secret abs weapon: the FlexBelt. It stimulates your muscles electrically, dubbed EMS, which is actually quite legit & used by physical therapists in all different forms of rehab. For building your core, it increases muscle tone and endurance - but without any worry about neck strain that tends to go along with doing traditional ab exercises.

After reviewing a number of different belts all designed to make you little in the middle, AbBelts.com gave the FlexBelt their seal of approval. We promptly gave it ours when we found out you don't just have to wear them at the gym but pretty much anywhere - doing dishes, surfing "working" on the computer, or out shopping for your summer beachwear.

 The cost of the belt is around $200. Feeling confident in your fave bikini? Priceless.

- Karen McCormick, Contributing Writer

Some Summer Style Must-Haves

SHOP THE LOOK:  Babajaan "Jezebel" straw hat; Erickson Beamon Barbie sterling silver-plated feather brooch; Pauw sleeveless vest; Valentino skinny belt; Paloma Barcelo "America" wedges; Zagliani white croc bag; Gucci summer-weight scarf; Ports 1961 bermuda shorts; J. Crew "Marlon" fine-knit linen cardi

When you're hot, it's hard to look hot. But a few of the right pieces in on-trend hues can certainly up your cool factor. Sunil Ramchandani, the designer for Jockey Person to Person, recommends these key pieces. We've given you the price-no-object version, but to get the look for less, be sure to check out their collection of cotton-based sportswear separates at sporting prices:

Steal Yourself a Deal on Faith Connexion at Modnique

If you hate lines, registration fees, and fakes - then Modnique pretty much has your name on it. A retailer selling guaranteed-authentic & new designer merch at up to 85% off, they host boutique sales events typically lasting around 3 days, like FAITH CONNEXION - starting on Tuesday, May 16, 2011.

This innovative and fab French label specializes in feminine pieces that make it easy to be comfortable while staying stylish (Exhibit A: Emma-niece-of-Julia Roberts wearing the brand in the April issue of Elle).

To register, CLICK HERE (now!) & receive a "new member" credit of $5 off your first purchase. Also, shipping within the US is free & only $5 internationally.

- Lesley Scott

Want Fab Abs?

Judging by the fact that each month, a mindboggling 200,000+ people Google the term "flatten stomach", the answer is obviously a resounding "yes!" Everyone's apparently jonesing for a sexy sixpack & if the standard "diet & exercise" duo isn't getting you cut, then check out FlattenStomach.com, the Ground Zero for info on everything abs, from the orthodox to the zany.

Swayed by something possibly ab-fab-worthy you saw on (late night) TV?  "Typically these products come and go and seldom stand the test of time," sniffs the FlattenStomach.com tester, pointing out they are usually made from inferior materials, require extensive assembly, and simply aren't very practical (remember: the most effective exercise is the one you do consistently). Similarly, if you're considering investing in a pricey gym membership, it's worth remembering this warning from FlattenStomach.com: "Less than 5% of people ever make it to the gym."

And what about those Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) belts that purportedly contract your muscles and do the muscle-toning work for you; all you have to do is strap it one (and fork over the cash, of course)? "These actually work," points out the FlattenStomach reviewer. (Who knew.) "These EMS devices can be very effective, but there are cheap ones and quality ones. ALSO – make sure you only get one that is FDA Cleared. The really good EMS Ab Belts will cost anywhere from $150-$200. Don’t bother with the cheapies – they are not sophisticated enough and are simply a waste of time and money."

- Lesley Scott

Stripes, Snakeskin & Straw (Fedora) Make a Spring & Summer Getaway More Stylish

SHOP THE LOOK: 1. Vivienne Westwood jersey dress   2. L'Agence silk & cashmere duster  3. Nine West "Marguertie" heels  4. Nine West "Perfect Patch" shopper  5. Eugenia Kim raffia fedora  6. Oliver Peoples "Lips of Fire" sunglasses

We already showed another way to rock this dapper fedora (getting max mileage from all of your Fashion Investments is the new black) - and here it looks suitably snazzy with stripes and snakeskin.  Although stripes always look sharp worn with nautical accessories, for something slightly different, try pairing them with off-white shoes, a bag in a similar tone, such as python, and then toss on a coordinating cream duster to lend the overall look a slick menswear-chic vibe.

- Lesley Scott

TWO OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

  SHOP THE LOOK: COLOR EXPLOSION!

  SHOP THE LOOK: TRIBAL TOUCHES

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A Black & White Diamond Cocktail Ring Fit for Much More than Just Cocktailing from Povada

Diamonds are truly a fashionista's bestie right now: they add just the right touch of grownup glamour - a la Mad Men - that feels so on-trend right now; plus, grownup girls rock real rocks, so ditch the paste and start filling your jewelry box with the real deal. "Everyday" diamonds needn't be fussy, like this fabu statement/cocktail ring from Povada: an eyecatching swirl of black diamonds set against a glittery field of petite pave white-diamonds in handcrafted 14k white gold. We would definitely wear this while cocktailing, after drinks, before during and after dining, after hours, and, of course, first thing upon arising. 

The  team at Povada designs, creates and handcrafts all of their pieces - which means the prices have way fewer of those middleman-type markeups.  They are also a top-rated eBay seller, and willing to back up your purchase with a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee - and ship it to you for free if it's over $200.

If the ring is still a bit of a stretch budgetwise, why not chill out on the fancy iced-coffee bevvies for a while and take advantage of their layaway plan....so you'll end up with an ice-y splurge that will pay you back in huge (and shiny) style dividends!

- Lesley Scott