StyleWhipped

Bikini Break

Every year, right around this time, I think "well, that whole winter thing was fun...are we back to summer yet?!" And therefore every year around this time, I also feel the need to plan multiple trips somewhere warm. And you know what that means...yup, it's time for a break from sweaters, leather, fur, and anything else warm. It's time to think (albeit briefly) about bikinis! I mean, really, what winter-time tropical vacation is complete without some fun new swimwear?! And because it IS actually winter, this is the perfect time to stock up on bathing suits that are currently on sale...

My go-to website in winter for new bikinis is Victoria's Secret. I must own at least a dozen from VS, and am never disappointed. They wear well, end up on sale for as little as $19 (for both pieces!), and are the perfect pick-me-up to get you out of the winter doldrums and excited to travel. Plus, swimwear is a great way to go a little outside your usual style comfort zone...(really, am I ever going to wear neon animal print if it's not tiny little bits of fabric?!).

With that said, it is still important to stay true to your own style...if you feel really good about your beach "look," you are more apt to feel good about your beach body as well! I personally have multiple sides to my style personality, so I've chosen two suits to feature that I would wear (and will probably buy immediately after writing this!). One, with studs and a bright abstract print, fits my edgier side...I will wear a black strapless cover-up and gold aviator sunglasses with it. And the other, a navy-and-white stripe covered in clear sequins, speaks to my put-together, fabulous-but-subtle side. This one will get a sheer white kimono cover-up and oversized turtoiseshell sunglasses (and a pair of 5-inch wedges to walk into town). But no matter what suit you choose, remember to have some fun with it...after all, this is your "break" from the winter blahs!

~ Alison.

Two Ways to "Do Good" During NY Fashion Week!

So it goes without saying that those of us who work in (or just love!) fashion are always defending ourselves with "I know we're not curing cancer, but fashion is important too! we make people feel good about themselves!" So in the spirit of actually "doing good," there are a number of groups who are offering special packages or products during New York Fashion Week (which is almost upon us...). Two of my favorites come from accessories designer Folli Follie and uber-fashionable hotel chain W Hotels.

The first, from Folli Follie, is a deep purple leather bracelet with gorgeous leather flowers, engraved in silver on the back with "Fashion Night Out" (simply click on the picture at left to enlarge!). They are only $55 each, and 100% of the proceeds go to The National September 11th Memorial & Museum! The bracelets are available at the Folli Follie store at 575 Madison Avenue between 56th & 57th Streets (or you can call 212.421.3155). From someone who lives in Tribeca not far from the World Trade Center site, this is definitely a must-have on my list...

The other, from W Hotels, is a phenomenal fantasty package called the "Catwalk Package," available only during Fashion Week! Starting at $969 per night (based on double occupancy), you can stay at the W Hotel - Union Square and be treated to 2 VIP tickets to a runway show in Bryant Park (with some of the most fabulous designers participating!), cocktails for two before the show in the W's "Living Room" lounge, two VIP passes to W's exclusive W Hotels VIP Backstage Lounge, a 3pm late check-out, and an amazing suite in the hotel. And maybe the best part? A generous portion of all proceeds will be donated to one of my personal favorite organizations, Dress For Success! For more information, please visit www.whotels.com/catwalk.

So go, love fashion. But do some good while you're at it...

~ Alison