I can’t believe the 4^th of July weekend is already upon us.  You know what that means; it’s time for sun dresses, mini-skirts and short shorts.  All of these clothing items have one thing in common, the need for great looking skin.  My own personal routine includes eating avocados, sardines and drinking a lot of water.  Exercise also gives the skin a great glow.  Oh, I can’t forget, you must moisturize, moisturize, moisture.  Check out this video and see the beauty tips model Alejandra uses for great looking skin in-between spa treatments.  She suggests facial masks, toners, and natural sponges to remove the masks, and believes the best beauty tip of all is to prevent problems before they begin.  I couldn’t agree more.

American designer Isabel Toledo is preparing for her upcoming exhibit at FIT, Fashion from the Inside Out.  There will also be a book of the same title.  Ms. Toledo took her turn on the world stage during the 2009 Inauguration when First Lady, Michelle Obama selected her gold dress and coat for the ceremony.  She learned that her dress was selected while watching television along with everyone else.  The Inauguration dress has since earned a place in the Smithsonian.  Isabel Toledo’s creative process is to determine how the fabric makes her feel, and then manipulate it around the body.  It’s interesting to see the many shapes and forms her designs can take on.  From all appearances, the exhibit will be a must see for those interested in fashion.

What a day!  We lost the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson, and Fashion Rollcall names him to our Rollcall list.  He died of an apparent heart attack today, and the shock of his death cannot be overstated.  Now Michael Jackson was a trendsetter; he went from the signature one glove, glittered socks, leather jacket from Thriller video, to his recent love affair with Balmain jackets.  He was an original.  Talk about an end to an era.  For better or worse, there will never be another Michael Jackson.  He was a music and style icon who was beloved worldwide.  The ‘King of Pop’ will be missed.

Ladies, the romper has come to save the day, at least the days of summer.  It does a great job of elongating the legs.  Okay, you’ll have to pair the romper with a great pair of high heeled shoes to get the job done, but it will work magic.  Wear it with caution because you’re likely to stop traffic.  It’s fun, fast and sexy.  Those are magic words for the busy lady who still wants to make an impression upon entering a room.  If you already have legs that go on forever, you can skip this video, if not, you’ll be glad you did.

Finally, someone has owned up to the fact that all models aren’t naturally rail thin. Believe it or not, they actually diet.  A male model, rising in the industry, confessed that he eats, maybe twice a day.  He’s has lost 30 pounds for his career, and it is paying off with bookings from the major fashion houses.  We’re all use to the chatter about female models being underweight, but rarely do we hear about the male models.  I guess diet is an equal opportunity tormentor.  We’ve all been there, the temptations and the hunger pains.  You can’t help, but to root for this guy because his honesty is so refreshing.  ‘Diet’ is that four letter word many of us struggle with from time to time.  Do I feel better knowing the genetically gifted have to watch what they eat too?  No.  I’m too hungry.

A Confession About the ‘D’ Word at Cavalli [New York Times]

I was thinking? Oh, oh!  My friends tend to brace themselves whenever I start a sentence that way.  Don’t worry, this time it’s harmless.  If I had $100,000 to go shopping in any of the four major fashion capitals in the world, which would I choose?  Do you have a preference?  Would it be the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, Bond Street in London or Madison Avenue in New York?  Each of these streets is lined with the most high-end stores in the world.  As a New Yorker, it will always be my first stop, and why not.  Madison Avenue offers Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Calvin Klein and Prada all within blocks of each other.  That doesn’t mean I couldn’t be persuaded with the slightest of suggestion to hop a plane and throw caution to the wind in Paris.  Who wouldn’t want to frolic in Paris?  Though I’m pretty sure there isn’t much frolicking allowed in Christian Dior, Lanvin, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, or Gucci.  Sure I don’t speak French, even though it’s been on my ‘to do’ list for the longest time.  Do I really need to know the language while shopping?  The language of shopping is universal.  No? (That’s no in a French accent.)

The Business of Luxury Summit was held in Monte Carlo and the top luxury brands were well represented.  In attendance were the CEOs of luxury brands like Burberry, Oscar de la Renta, Tod’s, and Jimmy Choo.  Even the super rich are concerned about the economy and the impact on their pocketbooks.  On the agenda was finding a strategy back to their roots, and many believe the way back is a return to exclusivity.  That means creating the best quality for a privileged few.  Is this the way out of the recession?  The luxury brands may have little choice.  If the aspirational class is struggling, they will no longer be able to afford the purchase of three or four $3,000 handbags each year.  A return to exclusivity may be a no-brainer. 

We have noticed that launching a fragrance has been in the ‘news’ lately.  Is it just me, or is everyone launching or in the process of launching a fragrance.  Tom Ford recently launched Bois Marocain.  Now Calvin Klein, Pucci, and Cartier at Sephora are offering limited edition perfumes, and Alberta Ferretti is launching her debut fragrance as well.  Fashion Rollcall has added designer fragrances to its Rollcall list this week.  The fragrance industry had stalled a bit in 2002, sales were slow.  With the increase of new fragrances, it’s likely  there has been an upswing in the sale of fragrances.  It makes sense that sales would increase during times of economic turbulence.  Everyone wants to wear that sensual scent, the one that captivates the senses and brings out a more sultry side.  I’ll have a few bottles of that, thank you.  It is also an affordable luxury, and even more, it makes us feel better.

Good news ladies, Jimmy Choo and H&M are teaming up to bring you clothing and accessories.  Being Jimmy Choo, of course the collection will be centered on the shoes.  The men also have something to cheer about; they too will have shoes, bags and accessories.  Glamour is coming to the masses.  I dared not dream of this; maybe fairy tales can come true.  For now, you will have your opportunity to don Jimmy Choo from H&M starting November 14^th.  It’s good to see high end designers continue to team up with mass retailers, and hopefully we will see many more.  These collaborations are good news for all, especially the economy.