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)