New Website Geared Toward Florida

An interesting new website is being put together. It will feature everything a Florida resident needs to know. FloridaLifestyle.com is currently being put together and will include articles on local restaurants, estates, fashion, and arts. Sign up today and you can have the monthly newsletter emailed to you.

The Sophisticated Flamingo will be keeping an eye on this sight and updating you on the progress. Hopefully the wait is worthwhile.

Lana Marks: Palm Beach's Purse Guru

Lana J. Marks is the CEO and designer for Lana Marks Handbags and Accessories, a company based out of Palm Beach, Florida.

Her collection features 150 unique styles made from crocodile, alligator, ostrich, and lizard. The handbags, clutches, and matching belts are all crafted in Italy, according to the Lana Marks website.

Pieces start at $1,000.

Jennifer Aniston, Helen Mirren, and Kate Winslet have all been spotted on the red carpet with a Lana Marks bag in hand. Below, Charlize Theron carries the $100,000 jeweled Cleopatra clutch.



This summer for a fashionable bag, try the Bells and Whistles Tote in purple alligator, as seen below:

Jimmy'z Brand at Wellington Green Closes

The Jimmy'z Brand store at Wellington Green mall is closing! Currently all items at the store are 40 percent off. Clearance items are an additional 40 percent off. The store is owned by Aeropostale and features trendy clothing for casual days and for dressing up. If you like surfing, clubbing, or South Beach, you'll like this store. Make sure to stock up on clothes before the store leaves the area.

Regulars at the store will be keeping an eye out since sales at the store should increase to 60 percent off. Make sure to grab a signature "Foil Wing Graphic Tee," like the ones seen below. These tees are the most popular item in the store, and a constant staple.

While the store didn't take off in Wellington. Fans can still buy Jimmy'z clothes and accessories on the online website. For directions to the mall visit The Mall at Wellington Green Web page.

Couture for Teens, 20s, and even Maternity

Rapunzel's Closet offers popular couture brands that kids, teens, soon-to-be-moms, and young adults will love. Randi Siegal, a Florida native, opened two stores in 2003. Siegal wanted to offer an edgier clothing choice since Palm Beach was known mainly for its well-tailored look. Jeans, vibrant patterns, and flowy fabrics are staples for the company. Since then, the company has grown to include ShopRapunzel, an online site where teens can find fashion foward clothing and designer brands, nationwide. For directions to the local stores or more information, visit ShopRapunzel or Yelp.com

The Perfect T-shirts for Summer

Two new companies provide the perfect shirts for a summer in Florida. Both Salt Life and Ocean Slayer are companies that originated in Florida. Salt Life started out in Jacksonville and brings the ocean to every design they put out. They offer shirts, rash gaurds, and hats that any diver, fisher, or surfer will love. Shirts start at $20. The latest trend popping up around Palm Beach County: Salt Life decals on cars, trucks and SUVs.


Ocean Slayer is another up-and-coming brand that started in Florida. While it started after Salt Life, the brand is quickly gaining sales and creating a fierce competition between the brands. Similar to Salt Life the company offers hats, t-shirts, and decals with a ocean theme. Shirts also start at $20.

You can purchase merchandise both online and in select stores. Gander Mountain in North Palm Beach offers both lines of clothing.

In Memory of Burdines: The Florida Store

After a merger with Macy, Inc., Burdines disappeared and Florida lost a part of its shopping history.

William Burdine opened the first Burdines in 1898 in Miami, Florida, according to the Palm Beach Post. Originally named Burdine & Son, the store sold clothing to Native Americans and construction workers. By 1912, the store had expanded into a well-known department store where the most sophisticated women in Florida shopped.

In 2003, Federated Department Stores, Inc. announced that Macy's and Burdines would be merging. Sales at the Florida store had been dropping and layoffs were at an all time high.

The store became Burdines-Macy's. Then in 2005, Federated Department Stores, Inc. decided to drop Burdines and the store officially became Macy's. Customers in Florida can still reminesce when they enter Macy's since the store kept Burdines' trademark palm tree center pieces, like the ones seen below, in Florida-based stores.

Wikipedia provides a short but accurate biography of the Burdines Stores. Read Robert Trigaux article for the St. Petersburg Times for details on the Burdines merger and other stores that have disppeared.

Metallic Nail Polish in for the Summer

Metallics are the big trend this summer for nails, according to La Mimi Fashion and Beauty Source. Since South Florida is a flip-flop wearer's heaven, it's time to get those toes and fingers looking shiny.

"Silver nail polish is a hot trend right now. It can be seen on the runway and being worn on the red carpet by celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton. Metallic shades are neutral and will perfectly work with the rest of your outfit, so you don’t have to worry about color coordinating," says fashion blogger Mimi.

Glamour Magazine published an article in their February issue: "How to Pull Off a Metallic Nail." It gives tips on perfecting your metallic manicure for the summer.

For those who like to have a professional manicure, New York magazine reports that a new nail trend is to have sheets of metallic film adhered to nails, as seen below.

Hurricane Style Dresses on the Red Carpet

Florida has had a subtle influence in red carpet fashion. Some celebrities have shown up, looking like they have just been through their first Florida hurricane. Here are our choices for top hurricane inspired styles:

1. Helena Bonham Carter the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix." Carter's dress was made from scraps she found after the hurricane.


2. Courtney Love at the Golden Globe Awards. Love's black ensemble was torn apart by a category 5.


3. Anne Hathaway at the 2009 Venice Film Festival. Hathaway had the front of her dress blown away in 75 mph winds.

Florida is for Flip Flops

National flip-flop day is the June 21st but in Florida, most people wear flip-flops everyday. So where can you find the most stylish sandals? Here are a few ideas:

1. Payless Shoesource: The affordable flip-flops found here are under twenty dollars and still stylish. American Eagle, Montego Bay Club, and Airwalk all use colorful patterns, beads, and glitter to spice up boring flip-flops.


2. Old Navy: Basic flip-flops are two pairs for $5. You can get one of every color.



3. Pac Sun: Higher in price, these sandals start at $25 but offer cute designs for men and women.


4. Nordstrom: For those with a higher budget, try Nordstrom's for stylish designer flip-flops by Ed Hardy, Diane von Furstenberg, and Havaianas.

Esteban Cortazar: Popular Designer from Miami

Popular designer, Esteban Cortazar, is a regular at New York Fashion Week. At the early age of 20, and fresh out of high school, Cortazar became the youngest designer to ever showcase a collection at NYFW. Born in Colombia, the designer was raised in Miami, near South Beach.

He put on his first fashion show at the age of 13 at South Pointe Elementary School in Miami.

Neda Ulbays states that Florida was a large influence for the designer. His designs feature bright colors and light fabrics that reflect South Beach, where Cortazar grew up.

In an article for NPR, Cortazar says:

"Coming to Miami was a culture shock because I was able to see drag queens, I saw designers, I saw fashionistas, I saw so many things. I was just a little boy, but that's all I could see!"

For a full biography of the designer, visit his website.

Vintage Show at Palm Beach Convention Center

The Palm Beach County Convention Center has announced the dates for an upcoming fashion exhibition called "Vintage- Show and Sale." The exhibit will take place on Nov. 21 and 22 of this year. It is sponsored by Zita Waters Bell, a promotional company for antiques, and will feature clothing, jewelry, and accessories from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Admission for the show is $12. Visitors can attend fashion shows, book signings, and lectures. For more information, visit the Zita Waters Bell website. Also, visit the Palm Beach County Convention Center's Web page for directions and times for the event.

Stay Stylish for the Florida Rainy Season

The Florida rainy season can put a damper on anyone's style. However, you don't have to let your style be as gloomy as the weather. Investing in a few key pieces will help you stay stylish and dry this season.

A rain jacket is essential. The North Face and Columbia Sportswear Company both offer fresh new looks in rain wear this year. Pastels are popular with both companies. Both manufacturers also offer rain jacket in lightweight fabrics that won't make you break a sweat in the Florida heat.

Rain boots became a major trend last season and continue to be one this season. Burberry, J Crew, and Michael Kors have all featured rain boots in their 2009 collections. For a more reasonable priced boot, try Target. Boots start at $20 and feature colorful patterns and cute details.

Lastly, make a boring umbrella into a a personal fashion statement. Visit the Pasotti Ombrelli website for an umbrella catered to your personality. Pasotti, exported from Italy, has been crafting unique and stylish umbrellas since 1956. Some designs are shown below, courtesy of the Pasotti Ombrelli website.

Antique Row Offers A Variety of Vintage Fashions

Vintage designer dresses are a regular on the red carpet and in everyday life for celebrities. It's often hard for regular people to find local places that offer such fashions. However, South Florida has its own little hidden vintage hotspot.

Antique Row, located on South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, offers 40 different shops and boutiques that contain hidden treasures from as far back as the 1800s.

Palm Beach Vintage, seen above right, offers clothing and accessories from the 1920s through the 1980s. Others stores, such as Objects in the Loft, offer early 20th century furnishings and artworks.

The Antiques Row website gives descriptions of each store, listings of upcoming events, and links to magazine reviews. Viewers can also obtain directions from the site.

Boca Raton Magazine reviewed Antique Row this month, calling it, "A real treasure trove."

(photo courtesy of Boca Raton Magazine)

Francesca's Collection Cute Clothes for Cheap

With locations throughout South Florida, Francesca's Collection is destined to become a major hit. The trend caters to teens and young adults with affordable clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

The chain was started in 1999, according to the website and now has 28 stores nationwide. Dresses, blouses, purses, and jewelry are all designer inspired but cost as little as $10.

The store was featured in a news story on MSNBC's Today Show and has been mentioned in Glamour and Teen Vogue. Click below to watch the newstory, courtesy of MSNBC:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Fort Lauderdale Resort Fashion Week

FTL Moda is moving to Fort Lauderdale this year for its annual fashion show. The event will take place from March 28-30th this year. The event will showcase designs from fashion capital Milan, Italy.

This year, the show is a supporter of the Institute of Diabetes, part of the University of Miami. The show will be presented at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. For information visit the FTL Moda website.

Make-Up And Florida's Climate

The humidity and hot weather in Florida can melt make-up right off of anyone's face but several websites offers great tips on avoiding a make-up meltdown.

Celebrate with Style recommends using tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. The site also says to use oil-free products that won't clog pores and cause breakouts.

Nutricraze offers tips on how to dress and apply make-up for the hot weather. Avoid dark shades of eye make-up or lipstick. Lighter shades allow you to look fresher longer.

Sparkle Shelf offers a beat-the-heat beauty routine. Start off with sun-screen to avoid skin damage and finish off with water-proof mascara.

Try some of these tips to keep your look fresh this summer.

South Florida Top 2009 Swimwear

Wrapping up its 27th year, the Swimwear Association of Florida prepares beach-goers for the upcoming heat. While the 2009 Swimshow, presented each year by SAF, has already passed, its online site prepares viewers for the summer.

The site lists local designers and stores for the best women's and children's swimsuits, flip-flops, and beach accessories. Users should view the swimwear gallery to see this summers hottest shapes and styles.

(Photo Courtesy of Jessica Simpson Swimwear)

Pro-Anorexia: A Lifestyle for Many

After the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show visited Miami this past December, normal women everywhere felt overweight and ugly. The unrealistic standards of the modeling industry and the death of three models have led Australia, Italy, and Spain to ban underweight models from the runway, according to an article in USA Today.

Today, the formation of a new community online is pushing officials to seek banning several websites. These sites encourage anorexia as a lifestyle choice. Offering tips on hiding the condition, motivational sayings, and recipes for ultra-low calorie food.

Live Journal offers a 24 hour posting board for pro-anas to talk with and encourage one another. One member, Fatcow66 writes:

"I over exceeded my 300 calorie limit today. ate about 800...so that means tomorrow is a 0 calorie limit.new rule. the start of a 3 day fast.i can not get back to 120. and i'm 118 this morning.ew.i purged today.i know it doesn't save any calories, but in my f***ed up head, it does."

Other sites that boast anorexia:
1. House of Thin
2. Fading Obsession
and 3. Pretty/Thin

Youtube.com has also been invaded by the pro-ana community. Thinspiration videos show pictures of incredibly thin models that are idealized by these groups:



Currently, the websites have not been banned but legislators are working toward their termination. Sites are required, however, to provide a disclaimer.

If you suffer from life threatening anorexia, contact the following clinics. Each have Florida locations and can help you beat the disease:
1. The Renfrew Center has a location in Coconut Creek, Fla.
2. Canopy Cove is located in Tallahassee, Fla.
or 3. Milestones in Recovery has a center in Cooper City, Fla.

Sunproof Yourself for Sunfest

Sunfest 2009, starting on April 29, will have South Florida residents out in the always harsh Florida sunshine. Smart Floridians know that the number beauty product this year will be sunscreen because healthy skin is a beauty essential.

According to the National Cancer Institute, "Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is known to be the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the US." So what are the best sunblocks to use to fight away those harmful rays?

According to Coolibar, a skin protection organization, dermatologist listed the following, in order, as the top ten sunscreens to use:

1. Neutrogena
   
2. Coppertone
   
3. Anthelios
   
4. Blue Lizard
   
5. Solbar
   
6. Aveeno
   
7. Oil of Olay
   
8. Vanicream
   
9. Bull Frog
   
10. Ombrelle

The NCI reccomends using an SPF of at least 15 and protective clothing such as a hat, long sleeves, and pants. Click the video below to view the popular song "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen:"


To hear a dermatologist's perspective on sunscreen, watch the video below.

Where to Shop on the South Florida Coast

Looking for the best shopping in South Florida? Check out these great locations:

The Gardens Mall

Mizner Park

The Sawgrass Mills Mall

The Dolphin Mall

Worth Avenue

Cityplace

The Wellington Green Mall

Click on the links to view stores, information, and directions.

Florida Native Becomes Popular Designer

Florida native, Tricia Fix, is making a big name for herself among designers. Her dresses are being worn by some of the most talked about celebrities in Hollywood. Since launching her company in 2005, Fix's designs have been seen on Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie, and Jessica Simpson. Several magazines, including In Style, Lucky, and People, have also featured her casual, floor-length summer dresses.

Fix has a store at 109 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach or shoppers can visit her website: http://www.triciafixoriginals.com/

(photo courtesy of People Magazine)

Schools for Fashion Design

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening," stated famous designer, Coco Chanel.


Once an exclusive club, fashion design became popular once every celebrity decided to open up their own line. Now that a large group wants to be part of the designing crowd, how can a true designer stand out? Simple, know what you are doing.


South Floridians have that part a little easier. There are several schools to choose from that offer courses and degrees especially for fashion design. One popular choice is the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute. The college offers both a Bachelor and Associate of Science in Fashion Design.

The International Academy of Art and Design, with campuses in Tampa and Orlando, also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Associate of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing.

For a listing of technical school that offer programs in fashion design visit the Technical Schools Guide.

Online Shopping Geared Toward Palm Beach County

It can be hard to be fashionable without breaking the bank. Palm Beach Jewelry, an online store, features name brand perfumes, jewelry, and accessories for every budget. Savings are an average 15 to 65 percent off of average retail prices. Users can also choose to make monthly payments up to four months. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, the site is rated one of the top 500 internet retailers.


To block the Florida rays, check out the great savings on sunglasses. Save 65 percent on Christian Dior Havana sunglasses. Regularly priced at $260, the glasses sell for $104 on Palm Beach Jewelry. Or find your favorite beach scent. Try Escada Sunset Heat, a fruity-floral mix. Regularly $70 for 3.4 oz., on Palm Beach Jewelry it costs a mere $42.

Designers Showcase Spring Colors

These Florida cold-fronts are bound to come to an end so it's time to start buying new colorful pieces for your spring 2009 wardrobe. Designers are showcasing bright new colors including: fuchsia red, super lemon, salmon rose, and palace blue. To view popular designers and their choice of color visit pantome.com. In the picture to the left, Michael Kors uses a vibrant shade of yellow for his spring line.

To see the 2009 spring collection of the always colorful Betsey Johnson, just click below:

Jeans for Curvy Women

Palm Beach Gardens resident, Lee Ann Park, 41, is helping curvy women find the right jeans for their body type. A May 2008 article in The Palm Beach Post describes how Park's frustration with ill-fitting jeans helped her launch Little in the Middle, a line of jeans and pants for real women. The Little in the Middle website provides a sizing survey to help users find their perfect fit. Click below to watch the Little in the Middle's 2008 Miami runway show.

Designer Look-A-Likes at Irresistable Prices

If you can't afford to spend hundreds on accessories there is another alternative. Check out Vogee's Botique in The Mall at Wellington Green. The store offers designer look-a-like sunglasses and jewerly along with hats, belts, shoes, and hair accessories. Designer-inspired sunglasses, like the Chanel inpired sunglasses seen in the picture above, cost a mere $9.99 and provide 100% UV protection. Visit the botique's website to view all the latest designs or go to http://www.shopwellingtongreen.com/ to get directions to the store.

Ed Hardy Swimwear Popular for Summer

Getting ready for another summer on South Beach? Be prepared to see Ed Hardy Bikinis everywear. The swimwear of the up-and-coming designer duo, Christian Audigier and Ed Hardy, have been spotted on celebrities such as Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, and Ashley Tidsale. The suits feature vintage-inspired designs with skulls , tigers, dragons, and fish. A wide variety of the vibrantly-colored swimsuits can be found on http://www.southbeachswimsuits.com/. To view celebs in their Ed Hardy swimwear, check out: http://www.edhardyswimwear.com/.

(Photo courtesy of South Beach Swimsuits)

To view the 2008-2009 Ed Hardy Swimwear collection featured in Mercedes-Benz's Miami Fashion Week, click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vu01RuWUjk

Lily Pulitzer: Palm Beach's Most Famous Designer

Famous Palm Beach designer, Lily Pulitzer, has recently published her latest spring line. The designer, who has a long history with Palm Beach (Lily Bio) has retained her Palm Beach spirit with a line of dresses, blouses, and swimsuits that are sure to please any Preppy Florida girls. Pieces start at $42 and go upwards of $400. The designs can be found on the Lilly Pulitzer website

Youtube provides a short history of the famous designer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTpE4RveEMQ

Visit Splash of Pink, an online Lilly Pulitzer store, for vibrant dresses and bikinis from the designers 2009 spring collection.

Palm Beach Fashion Week

Palm Beach Fashion Week is scheduled to take place from Feb. 29th to Mar. 8th this year. Events will be held at Cityplace, the Gardens Mall, and Worth Avenue. The annual event was created in 2005 and brings together designers and fashion followers. This year the opening night gala will take place at the well-known Mar-a-Lago, a Palm Beach mansion owned by Donald Trump. For information on the events visit: http://pbfashionweek.com/index.html

Sperry Topsiders make Boating Fashionable

Sperry Top-sider shoes are the latest trend in footwear for women, young and old. While they have been popular in the boating community for years, the brand is popping up in local trendy stores like Journeys, Rack Room Shoes, and Famous Footwear. The shoes, averaging $75.00 a pair, have been a staple for boaters for decades because of their comfort, durability, and classic style. Now the shoes will not only be seen of the feet of Palm Beach boaters but the feet of young adults at the local malls. To order your own pair, browse: www.sperrytopsider.com

(photo courtesy of www.sperrytopsider.com)