I think every lady out there needs to make a promise to herself right now: do not wear flip flops this summer unless you absolutely cannot get around it. In other words, you should only wear them while you are in a public shower or you are going to the beach. When going to the office or enjoying a night out on the town with your friends, you should leave the flip flops at home. Don’t take this the wrong way, because we definitely enjoy some open footwear on those torturous hot and humid days, but flip flops have the ability to almost instantly downgrade someone’s look. Not only that, but flip flops are extremely dangerous. I can’t tell you how many butts I have seen smack the ground because of flip flops.

Instead of sporting some flip flops this summer, why not wear T-strap sandals, instead? You will still have that open feeling that you love about flip flops, but you will have more support. Flip flops are unappealing, in my opinion, because it makes your foot look as if it has been cut in half. However, a T-strap sandal actually gives your foot a longer look and so do those nude-colored sandals.

If you want to be a little bit more covered, try wearing some gladiator type sandals. Those are perfect for just about any type of occasion you could imagine. Get rid of those boring flip flops and try something new.

Ann Romney with presidential candidate husband Mitt Romney

From Balenciaga and Helmut Lang to Michael Kors and Marchesa, the first lady has been known to wear some big name, and expensive designer fashions. Last week alone, Mrs. Obama was  scene in two different L’Wren Scott cardigans, with price tags between $2,000 and $3,000.

Last Thursday, Mrs. Obama wore the designer’s peach embroidered cardigan to a  White House event, Take Your Child To Work Day. The very next day she wore similar piece, this one white with red to greet troops at Fort Stewart, in Georgia, with the president.

It should be noted, however, that Mrs. Obama is also well-known for boosting sales at the more affordable J. Crew and has been seen shopping at the discount store Target.

Tampa Bay Fashion Week

Tampa Bay Fashion Week is now accepting applicants for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012, featuring 2013 Spring/Summer Collections.

The deadline for all applications is June 1, 2012.

If you are interested in showing your collection at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012, please e-mail designer@fashionweektampabay.com for application, registration and fees. Please be sure to provide your full name and website information so they may view your collection. Thank you!

Mix, mingle and make industry connections with fashion designers, boutique owners, store managers, models, stylists, hair & make-up artists, talent/modeling agents, fashion media and bloggers, photographers, fashion show producers and more!

Request your application online now by visiting FashionWeekTampaBay.com and clicking on the Designer tab.

“Anything to me that is part of the joy, the ritual, of getting dressed — things that women enjoy like bags, shoes, fragrance, clothes, makeup — that’s what fashion’s about for me,” said Jacobs, during an exclusive interview for his newest scent, Dot, which will be launched by Coty Prestige in July. “I love the opportunity, wherever there is one, to adorn, to decorate, to scent, to dress. That’s what fashion’s all about. It’s not necessary, it’s something you want — it’s a fancy and a whim.”

You may recall when another famous designer, Tom Ford first dabbled into make-up and the collection as grown to be a favorite among young fashionistas.

Marc Jacobs collaborating with Sephora

The 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards will be hosted by head writer and anchor of Saturday Night Live, Seth Meyers and will be part of a yearlong celebration of the CFDA’s 50^th Anniversary. The Awards will take place on Monday, June 4^th 2012 at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Broadway  New York.

Von Furstenberg started the proceedings by thanking Nadja and Swarovski for their continued support of American fashion. Von Furstenberg and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb then made the announcements of nominees and honorees.

“This year, as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the CFDA, we can see what a critical role the CFDA Fashion Awards continue to play in our efforts to promote American Fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO. “This year’s nominees truly represent the important influence of American design.  We look forward to once again honoring the best and brightest talent working today. Winning a CFDA Fashion Award is the highest and one of the most coveted honors one can receive in our industry. All of this is made possible by the long-time support of Swarovski.”

The Fashion Icon Award will be given to Johnny Depp, the first male recipient to receive the award, for his personal and eclectic sense of style.

The Founders Award, given in honor of CFDA founder Eleanor Lambert who is widely credited with putting American fashion on the map, will go to Andrew Rosen.

The International Award will go to Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons for making an outstanding creative contribution to the world of fashion.

The nominees are as follows:

Womenswear Designer of the Year Award are Hollywood’s bubbly star twins Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, and Marc Jacobs.

Menswear Designer of the Year nominees are: Billy Reid, Patrik Ervell, and Simon Spurr.

Accessory Designer of the Year Award the nominees are: Alexander Wang, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, and Reed Krakoff.

Swarovski Award for Womenswear Chris Peters & Shane Gabier for Creatures of the Wind, Joseph Altuzarra, and Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty for Suno .

Swarovski Award for Menswear are Antonio Azzuolo, Phillip Lim, and Todd Snyder.

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design, the nominees are Irene Neuwirth, Pamela Love, and Tabitha Simmons.

The Swarovski Award recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from Swarovski as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative Swarovski crystal resources.

The honorary awards go to a diverse group of people. The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the fiercely independent, four-time CFDA Fashion Award winner, will be presented to Tommy Hilfiger.

The Media Award, given in honor of Eugenia Sheppard, the influential journalist who revolutionized fashion reporting with her reports in the New York City Herald Tribune, will be given to Scott Schuman & Garance Doré.

The yearlong celebration of the CFDA’s 50^th Anniversary kicked off in February with the exhibition opening at the Museum at F.I.T. titled IMPACT: Fifty Years of the CFDA and the companion book IMPACT: 50 Years of the Council of Fashion Designers of America which explores the impact ofAmerica’s most influential designers over the last five decades.

“This year, Swarovski is proud to celebrate the 11th anniversary of our partnership with the CFDA Fashion Awards,” said Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board, Swarovski Crystal Business. “Each of this year’s nominees is truly an industry leader and part of the new generation of American talent.  In particular, we are immensely delighted with the nominees for the Swarovski Awards who are exceptionally talented and extraordinarily creative.”

Nominations for each award category are submitted by the CFDA Fashion Awards Selection Committee, made up of the 400+ members of the CFDA, along with top fashion retailers, journalists, and stylists. The nominees, as well as recipients of the honorary awards, were confirmed yesterday at a meeting of the CFDA Board of Directors.

The final votes will be tabulated by Ernst & Young LLP, the official accounting firm of the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards.

CFDA Fashion Awards 2012

These black over-the-knee boots are a must have. The black, 16-inch shaft glides over the leg while hugging the calf to create a smooth, clean look that’s not too bulky. The microfiber material keeps them from having that call girl look. However, you don’t need to worry that they won’t standout since their cuff is studded with black rhinestones. The cuff keeps these boots from looking too sweet by adding an edge to any look. The wearer can rest assured she will have ample height as the four and a half-inch heel gives her proper lift. A one inch covered platform keeps the heel from feeling too steep and stops it from interfering with how you strut your stuff while wearing them. The man-made sole lets any woman do all the walking she wants without worrying about putting a hole in her new boots. The split behind these boots’ cuffs keeps them from feeling too tight around the knees, and gives you the breathing room you need to walk comfortably.

These over-the-knee boots’ versatility makes them an asset to any collection, as they work with just about any outfit. Dress them down for a movie night by pulling them over a pair of skinny jeans. Dress these shoes up by wearing them with a pair of tights and a killer dress. Scrunch the shaft down for that sloppy yet put together look. No matter how you wear these boots they will always be an attention grabber.

After mingling, meeting and greeting people in the area the W calls, Wet, I was more than happy to see the runway shaped as a W in the pool. This made a lot of sense since most of the pieces were swim suit attire and it was held at the W Hotel.  The idea behind this cat walk in the pool area was no other than the Runway Director and stylist herself, Arianna Sinclair, who I had the pleasure of meeting.  She is an L.A. based stylist who had the right idea that rocked this show!   It was a pleasure to meet her and talk about all the great pieces that was featured.

Lights dimmed and then it was bright lights as the pool lit up and music began to play.  Put me in coach! I am ready to play! All models in the first part came out in bikinis and baseball attire with mitts and bats as their props which I liked because it tied into the theme of the night. Bikinis worn by these beautiful models were by Sinfully Suited Swimwear.  I loved the uniqueness of the suits, colors and how it looked amazing with a pair of stripped pants!  But the one that slid into home plate would be the black knitted crochet one piece.  Love, Love, Love It! Take a look for yourself and you can be the judge.

The next section was all male models that showed off a little skin in Alastaire Grey Clothing. From evening to hanging around the pool, they all looked smashing in black and white shirts, muted tied dyed shirts, suspenders, shorts and easy relaxed pants. These trendy models really knew how to pump up the volume for this crowd that’s for sure!  You should have been there!

The third section of the fashion show was the ladies again with a collection that had me wanting to see more. They were wearing spring styles for women from Deegie’s Carma. Lovely dresses and cover-ups for this up coming summer or your next vacation at the beach! I tell you, that I wanted a couple of outfits for myself!  One would be the blue jump suit that looked so effortless but so elegant at the same time. With some sandals to dress it down or heels with a fancy chunky necklace from Isaac Jewelers for the evening.   Many of us women are always looking for a great white spring dress and ladies I found one tonight. It was a Deegie’s special!  I loved the simplicity of this mid thigh length, short sleeve dress that is cool as its color. The next model that came out had on a gorgeous black and white hat!  Oh boy….me and my black and white wardrobe! By the way, big hats are in again and it’s a great accessory this spring/summer! Yay! I love the brown one as well because it looked so chic! Take a look at the pictures and pick out your favorites. I can’t seem to decide because this show had something for everyone! It made me want the 100 degree weather to come back really soon! No lie!

Beyond Beauty Basics would like to thank Katie Brashear from the W Scottsdale and Gina Ferrari from Triyar Entertainment for a great evening! Also, Cedric Jones Photography for taking all of these wonderful pictures.  Until the next time Arizona! I have that passion for fashion!

Larger models are increasingly being seen on the pages of mainstream magazines. UK’s weekly Look now features larger models regularly, as does housewives’ favorite, essentials, and last year fashion bible, Elle, featured plus-size models on their cover. In addition, British designers, such as Mark Fast, have started to use larger models to showcase their collections on the catwalk. The message that women come in all shapes and sizes seems to be getting through and in turn designers and retailers are stepping up to the mark.

Although it may be some time before catwalk shows featuring all sizes are commonplace, there are some retailers out there who are already providing fashionable on-trend clothes in larger sizes. One such retailer is online brand SimplyBe. Their present collection successfully taps into the coming season’s biggest trends, including 70s chic. This selection features fantastic floral print maxi dresses, peasant-style tunics, jumpsuits and tassled bags. With reasonable prices and free delivery and returns they offer great every day and special occasion outfit solutions.

This post was provided by Simply Be women’s plus size fashion offering sizes from 10 to 28