We’ll all be headed to the beach this summer and will want to be on trend.  The swimsuit trend this season includes ruffles, bright colors and gold rings.  It works for me.  The ruffle detail on a bikini top will even provide a little enhancement in the bust area.  If that’s the case, let’s make ruffles on trend each swimsuit season, all in favor?  Having swimsuits in all the colors of the rainbow is also appealing; it spells the end of winter and all the dreary colors and emotions that accompany it. Bright colors say that you are confident and have no intention of blending in with the background.  As far as the gold rings attached to a swimsuit, that’s just jewelry for the beach. Lisa Curran provides us with the swimsuit trends, check out the video.  Now that we’ve got the swimsuit taken care of, all we need is a beach, sunglasses and a good book.  Oh, let’s remember the sunscreen, healthy is also sexy. 

The Maxi dress is a summer must-have.  It’s sleek, sexy and sophisticated.  Isabella Oliver’s striped multi-way dress made from Italian knit jersey fits the bill.  The black and white stripes gives this dress an instant classic look.  Will you be wearing your maxi dress this summer?

The fashion community was treated to several weeks of the most innovative designers in the world.  New York, London, Milan and Paris showcased collections that rivaled their own prior success.  Each city gave us magnificent trends to follow for fall 2009.

In New York, our Showdown winner Donna Karan brought us a wealth of accessories.  She reminded us of the importance of the belt in updating and pulling a look together.  Donna Karan also previewed the role of the bold necklace on the runway for fall.

Milan’s Showdown winner was Gucci.  Gucci dazzled us with the glitz and glamour of its dresses. Milan sparkled, and the rest of the world smiled.  The festive mood in Milan is mercifully contagious.

Christian Dior was the Showdown winner in Paris.  Dior wowed us with a collection of beautiful coats and suits; all in rich luxurious fabrics and textures.  The dresses were made of the sheerest fabrics; fabrics that were as bright and colorful as a bag full of jelly beans, and possibly just as delicious.

So ladies, your fall 2009 wardrobe will consist of:

• A. Fabulous accessories, textured belts and bold necklaces;
• B. Sequin party dresses and tops; and
• C. Stunning coats and suits in fantastic prints and textures.

It is always lovely in the fall, and these collections will make it just a little lovelier.  All of the listed collections may be viewed at New York Magazine.

The belt has returned to the runway for fall 2009 and not a moment too soon.  That’s exciting news.  It may be the most under-rated accessory.  Everyone celebrates the ‘It Bag’ and must have shoes, and rightly so, but there is no such adoration for the belt. Why not?

The belt cinches the waist, creates a silhouette, improves your posture and can bring out your inner model.  Oh, if you ask nicely, it might pick up your dry cleaning. Okay it doesn’t have super powers, but close.

It often plays a supporting role to the bag and shoes, but it is a star in its own right.  The belt is fun to wear and comes in great textures, buckle shapes, widths and colors.

Several of the designers for fall 2009 have incorporated the belt into their shows, but Donna Karan and Marc by Marc Jacobs made the belt a lead.  All the belts on the runway were a feast for the eyes.  

Donna Karan used small to medium width belts with texture over finer, more luxurious fabrics.  While Marc by Marc Jacobs used wide width belts over coats and chunky sweaters.  Both shows were a sight to behold. 

The next time you place a belt around your waist, take notice of the way you start to look and feel.  The belt can transform your outfit and confidence instantly.

So what have we learned today?  The belt is not just an accessory, it is a therapist.