Elie Saab Summer 2011 Fashion
While everyone else is bombarding you with images of fall clothing, we say enjoy each season in its fullness. What can I say; we’re rebels that way. With that being said, feast your eyes on the opulent goodness that is Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Crisp colors and tons of sparkle? Count me all the way in!

From tailor cut casual wear to draped dresses and gowns, every piece does its part to pay homage to the feminine physique. Inspired by the grooviness of the 70s, Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2011 collection is all about wide leg satin jumpsuits, menswear cuts, and lots of sequins for a fabulously posh finish. The looks are finished off with chunky, statement jewelry, sky-high platforms, and high shine locks.
His take on evening wear is a mix of hiked up hemlines and flowing gowns to show off killer gams. Asymmetrical ruching shows off curves or graciously gives the illusion of curves where there actually are none. Paired with futuristic hardware and sleek hair, it’s a look that any woman can pull off. And isn’t that what great fashion is all about?

It’s almost too much to take, and we mean that in a good way. The 70s was awesome the first time around, but Elie Saab’s interpretation on the era makes us want to strike a pose under a disco ball. For more Elie Saab visit ElieSaab.com.
Waves & Braids: Coverings’ Favorite Summer Hairstyles
Summer is just around the corner, and the key to great summer hair is texture. Create fun-in-the-sun coifs with beachy waves and braids. Not sure how to get the look? Our guide of warm-weather hairstyles will keep you in-vogue as you soak up some rays.

The Messy Side Braid (or Fishtail)
Why do we love this look? Because it’s a slightly messy braid that falls to the side. That means your just 5 minutes away from a chic, red-carpet look. It’s perfect for a day at the beach or a night out with your beau. And because the “messiness” is what makes it charming, there are no superior braiding skills required. Simply, give yourself a deep side-part (lining your part with the natural arch in your eyebrow is a good way to go). Sweep your hair to one side and start braidin’. Be sure not to pull your hair to tight. You want it loose and a little voluminous. Secure the end with a rubberband and you’re good to go.

The Front Braid with Beach Waves
If the messy side braid only takes 5 minutes, then this look with a partial front braid only takes about 2 1/2. It’s a quick hairdo that works at the beach or a summer church picnic. Give yourself a deep side-part and section off the front of your hair. Do a partial braid across the front hairline, and secure the braid with a bobby-pin. To get perfect beach waves, loosely twist your tresses around a 1″ barrel curling iron or throw your hair into some hot rollers for a few minutes. It’s all about looking natural. Then, just finger comb the waves so they separate and look seaside fresh.

The Milkmaid Braid
This Swiss Miss look has us going cray cray and our Editor-in-Chief is itching to rock the look herself. While the milkmaid braid takes a little more time to create, it’s a little bit old-school Swede and a little bit 70s beatnik with a modern update. Start with a modestly off-center part. Braid your hair loosely. Pull each braid across the crown and secure on the opposite side. Pull out some face framing fringe and your ready for a day at the beach or a night of clog dancing.
Check out more summer hairdos.
Spring Clean Your Wardrobe: Escada 2011
March 28, 2011 by Paulette
Filed under Featured, Stuff We Love
Your Women’s Conference is almost here, or it’s Sunday morning and you don’t have a thing to wear. Right? May I recommend Escada?
This designer label works for our lifestyle. Escada is well known for it’s classy international image. It does color exquisitely and is devoted to detail. Escada has a great sense of what many women of faith desire – femininity and elegance that doesn’t shy away from bright contrasts and striking silhouettes. Escada is the master of bold color and pattern combinations. These combinations can come off completely amatuerish if you do not know the rules of design elements. COVERINGS trusts Escada to show us how it is done.
This spring, the look is “Cool Glamour.” The trendy neutral tones are the perfect base for a shock of color.
This can be done with a brilliant tank, fabulous piece of jewelry or bag. Personally, we like the very clean crisp all over neutral look. There is an innocent freshness about it. This collection is understated chic. It has a more casual edge for women who are dramatic with a more youthful spirit. If you love easy,uncomplicated style then this collection is for you.
Many of the items can be mixed and matched. We like that, because you would definitely choose the white or neutral shirt to go over the one shoulder look for a Sunday service. The duster or jacket would work well, also. Escada shoes, bags and accessories can be interchanged as well. This season, add some of these pieces to spring clean you wardrobe.
Where to buy: www.esdada.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, or find the location nearest you.
Donna Karan 2010 Summer Resort Wear

Donna Karan stated that she was inspired by the elements to create her fall collection. Once again, she has dreamed up the summer collection of breezy designs with wearable fabrics and color like draped dresses and soft skirts. Karan’s fashions display a strong sense of movement and femininity that is not easily achieved by
other designers.
Off the runway, the models donned in slight dresses and suits in pale neutrals the appear simply weightless. The dresses have simple folds or wrap styles that are absolutely fabulous for any woman’s frame. These stunning designs will prove to complete any summer wardrobe. I can see it all now, Cayman Islands here I come!
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2010/resort/main/newyork/womenrunway/donnakaran/
Great Styles Under $60
Most people love a bargain. I know I do, and so do the ladies over at GoodHouseKeeping.com. Check out some great styles under $60 that will give a mush needed style upgrade to your wardrobe.
The white denim jacket is a must-have for anyone because it has sustained over time. Add a tank and a skirt for you sense of style, and an oversized belt.
Tropic or floral prints to celebrate the summer season will start you off on the right foot. This look is effortless, yet fun enough that it can be worn for work or for play.
This affordable piece brings plenty of style and pizzazz with its green trim and lavish print.
Complete an ensemble to a concert with pencil straight pants, a flower print, and a crisp white shirt. Play up bold colors like coral, gold, reds, and yellows this summer to turn up the temperature of your wardrobe.
To see more styles visit www.goodhousekeeping.com.
Ralph Lauren’s Summer 2010 Collection

Summer is in full swing and no one does “summer wear” quite like Ralph Lauren. While I’m sure he didn’t invent “nautical chic,” he definitely perfected it!He’s one of, in my opinion, a handful of designers who can make me salivate at the sight of a basic striped top. In this season’s collection he manages to do it again. Ralph blends East Coast “Hamptons,” Mid-Western “cowboy,” and West Coast “slacker” styles to compose a collection that is ripe with pieces that can easily be mixed and matched to create signature looks.
Pictured above are three of my favorite looks from his Blue Label line. For summer 2010 Ralph is mixing western wear pieces, with lightweight long line linen cardigans, and classic khakis. The result is effortless All-American girl style that seamlessly transitions from work time to play time. See more of the Ralph Lauren Blue Line at RalphLauren.com.
Clever Slimming Tips for Dress Styles
This dress has the color blocking that creates a proportioned hourglass figure, a wide belt and interior shapewear for that smooth finished look. ShapeFX.com

Another style to look for is the side ruching. This dress has inner Lycra panels for a wrap design and it provides the elusion of a slimmer wasitline. This dress is available at Macy’s called the B-Slim Dress.

Dresses that have pleats at the waistband will emphasize the narrowest part of the body.

Finally, seams that are strategically placed help drape the fabric in all of the right places. This dress can be found at LuLus.com called Lush.

Merona Has Style
Merona has brought back ruffles in his line available at Target. There is a shirt version of the BCBG ruffle dress now. The shirts come in brilliant colors like salmon, yellow, black and white.

This dress is affordable and adorable at the same time. I like the shimmering fabric
and party length of it. I could wear this for a nice evening at a jazz concert or dinner with my boss. A cardigan and black handbag will certainly finish the look to near perfection!

How about this exception dress. Perfect for work or lunch with your best friend this summer. I especially like the cowlneck with daffodils make for a masterful piece of artistry.

Merona has donned this cardigan in ruffles and gold buttons. Just another fav to add to my long list of “surefire keepers”. I see this cardigan as a mainstay to fashion and not a fad. It is classic.

All of these fashionable pieces were made affordable and available at a Target store near you.
Look Your Best in a Swimsuit
The first thing I look at when buying a swimsuit is coverage because I am body conscious. However, I found that the stress of trying to find the best swimsuit for me is to follow these tips. If you focus on a suit that will alleviate your most critical area, you have accomplished much.

Shop for a swimsuit that will flatter your shape an not take anything away from it. Finding a suit that will compliment your flaws and create the confidence you want is also the key. This swimsuit is to flatter women with a smaller bust. The key here is to look for suits with the underwire, and maybe a little padding, or ruffles to present the illusion of a bigger bustline. Victoria Secret has some of these styles starting at $40.

If you want to target the the tummy, try a swimsuit that takes the eye away from the midsection. An attractive neckline or detail will subtly distract attention from the waist to the cut of the suit. Anthropologie has an asymmetrical one-piece for $168 that focuses the eye on your top half of your body.

For women who want to improve their curves, a swimsuit that has the detailing along the bottom and on the sides. It is important to accent with ties, folds at the waist, and ruching to give you a shaplier figure. Delia’s “skirtini” bottom with cinching at the sides is available in seven different patterns and colors for only $30.

Women who have been blessed with more bust should look for tops made specifically for large-breasted women. For example, find fabric that provides more support- thicker straps, and underwire designs. Figleaves has some designs to target this area starting at $40 that should give you the support you need.
Harvey Faircloth Designs for Real Women
Abby Clawson Low, Mara Papa, and Katie Hatch are the three designers of Harvey Faircloth for the past ten years. Hatch was an editor in chief of Martha Stewart Weddings, Papa was an executive assistant, and Clawson Low was a graphic designer and former art director for Kate Spade. In 2008, these women decided to launch their label despite the recession. The Harvey Faircloth name was conjured from a chance encounter with a gentlemen Hatch met at a wedding.
Equipped with only their creative minds in tout, the women sought to change the fashion industry with ingenuity. “People thought we were out of our minds,” says Papa, “but it made sense for us at that time in our lives to just go for it.” “Our references aren’t as obvious as those you might already see in the fashion world,” says Clawson Low. “And we don’t take ourselves too seriously, which I hope can be refreshing in this industry.”
Katie designs the initial sketches for each season full of eye catching prints, silohouttes, and brilliant construction. Hatch calls the Faircloth look “classic sportswear with a twist”.
What is their unique vision? “She’s the ideal Harvey Faircloth girl: well-read, smart, witty, fun, and creative,” Hatch says. She is not the typical thin, long- legged model to launch their spring look. Harvey Faircloth label is sold at Castor + Pollux, A. Cheng, and the Harvey Faircloth e- commerce site, and they’re featured designers on Fadmashion.com.

