Last week BBB attended NYC’s Curve Expo at the Jacob Javits Center and I’ve got to say this year the goodies were simply spectacular. With over 250+ brands attending, the Curve Expo is the place to check out the latest global trends in the lingerie, swimwear and men’s underwear collections for the both the big brands and the greenhorn up-n-comers.

Below are my picks for the finest and wackiest lingerie products at the show. Why listen to this gal? Well here’s something you might not know about me, I’m obsessed with lingerie. I own a ton and it ranges from low priced Fredricks, to medium priced Betsey Johnson, to high priced Agent Provocateur ($500 for a kimono?? I shouldn’t…I should…I shouldn’t…I WILL). I’m also a member of the NY Pin-up Club where hot lingerie is the name of the game. If you think my picks are lame? Just tell me, I promise my feelings won’t get hurt.

Amazing Accessories

Celebration Soak Wash: Soak is a Canadian company focused on modern wash care for fine fabrics in several heavenly fragrances (my personal favorite is “Celebration”). This deliciously scented, rinse-free soak is not only great for your undies, its great for your sweaters, sports bras, and swimwear too! I just love multi-purpose products. You can find Soak at luxury lingerie boutiques AND specialty knitting/fabric stores as well. Check their website for a location near you and go get some; I know you’ll love it.

Booty Parlor’s Don’t Stop Massage Oil: Booty Parlors got a ton of fun “gadgets” for the bedroom but this one is my favorite. I’ve used a lot of massage oil in my day (mostly due to 2 bum ankles and a bad right shoulder) and I just fell in love with the scent which is a delightful blend of plums, raspberries, jasmine, sandalwood and cedar. Perfect! Finally, a massage oil that doesn’t either smell like a 12 yr old girl or a 50 yr old man (why is there rarely an in between massage oil world? Why?) Besides the scent, the texture is great too. It’s silky without being greasy and isn’t sticky at all. You can get Booty Parlor products at most high-end lingerie or toy boutiques. Check their website for a location near you.

The Panty Prize

The Montelle Cheeky: Here’s another Canadian import I fell in love with. Montelle Intimates Lace Cheeky boy shorts are just about the most comfortable lacey boy shorts ever.  They’re a nylon-spandex combo that creates a very flattering look on just about any gal and the shorts come in 8 different lady-like colors (from Bridal Rose to Iris Blue). This brand is just starting to take-off in the US so you won’t find them in any department store. Check their website to see where the closest carrying boutique near you might be – I know, I’m going to have to travel to get myself another pair but they’re worth it to this gal.

Whats in a Name?

hotMilk’s She Blushes Nursing Bra: I’m not sure how I want to label this product. I love the concept behind it, I know I’ll be purchasing it when the time comes, but something in the name throws me a curve ball. hotMilk is a company devoted to making pregnancy specific lingerie and I absolutely love it. I think many women get caught up in the whole “gaining weight” thing when they’re preggers and start to forget just how beautiful and sexy they are. I’m glad there’s a company trying to counteract that concept/mentality. Its’ just…the name makes me feel like I’m in a bad Japanese porno. I don’t know, am I alone on this? Regardless of their ‘interesting’ name, I know I’m going to be purchasing these super cute nursing bras when I need them. I don’t think these items are sold in stores yet (if you find them in a store near you, let me know) but you can buy them online at Linda the Bra Lady andMilk Smart Mama.

Oh Wacky Brazil…

Lindelucy Lingerie with GPS: First I want to say, I LOVE some of Lindelucy’s lingerie collections. The use of rhinestones and feathers in the all black “Fashion Club” line is terrific and of course, being based in Brazil, their bikinis are super hot. However, it’s their use of a GPS tracking device in their babydolls and camisoles that kinda throws me for a loop. Maybe it’s because I live in a small apartment, but I don’t see the sexy fun in wearing a tracking device. Plus, the GPS is a little bulky.  It’s not heavy really but its 2 inches long and can easily be seen through the sheer lingerie lining. Am I alone on thinking this is unnecessary? Apparently I am since this is their #1 seller.

via Amber Katz at DailyMakeover.com

The glamour, the flashbulbs, the towering stilettos! We staked out the Tents at Fashion Week Fall 2010 to bring you the top beauty trends of the season. Here are our favorites that emerged again and again backstage:

Celestial Makeup

Lela Rose looked skyward to the moon and the stars for the beauty inspiration of her fall 2010 fashion show. It’s all about the variance of greys and blues reminiscent of starry night.

Read more about this trend.

Red Lips

Each fall, we see no shortage of red lips raging on the runway. But this year’s matte version is best achieved with a healthy does of lip liner filled in to create a bullet-proof pout. Read more about the best red lips for fall 2010.

Read more about this trend.

Funky, Chunky Streaks Haircolor

Thick Crayola-esque streaks in all shades of the rainbow are hot for fall. This rebellious look is all about unleashing your inner wild child. But can this runway look be interpreted in the real world?

Read more about this trend.

Glampire Beauty

Move over vampires, glampires are all the rage for fall 2010. From a deep scarlett lip at George Chakra to the bejeweled blood red lips at Doo.ri, the chicest way to feel alive next fall…. is to channel the undead.

Read more about this trend.

Blunt Bangs

Thick, straight-across fringes are back in a big way. This mod hairstyle is great for straight-haired ladies and is perfect for cooler fall weather. From a rounded ’30s-style to a shiny, brow-grazing version, blunt bangs are it for 2010.

Read more about this trend.

Which trend are you most looking forward to rocking this autumn?

Related Articles:
Fashion Week: Funky, Chunky Haircolor
Vampire Inspired Fashion Week
Fashion Week: The Bold And The Beautiful
The Best Red Lips For Fall 2010
Stellar Beauties Float Down The Runway

Sunday, Valentine’s Day, was the SIMON SPURR Fall 2010 fashion show.  This was Simon’s first runway show after several successful seasons of menswear presentations.  He debuted his new high-end tailored collection SIMON SPURR.

Designer Simon Spurr said of his collection, “I am English and my brand is decidedly American.  I really wanted to establish my British roots and deliver something modern and elegant into American fashion week.”

Models walked on the runway to songs such as:

1) Who Dares Wins – The Streets
2) Impossible – Daniel Merriweather
3) Dream City – Free Energy
4) She Loves Everybody – Chester French
5) You Talk – Babyshambles
6) Nobody Could Change Your Mind – The Generationals

Notable attendees included:  Milo Ventimiglia (NBC’s Heroes), Anna Wintour, Robert Verdi,  and Arden Wohl.

The collection was an eclectic mix of colorful pieces in aubergine, blueberry, and eggplant as well as tailored classic pinstriped suiting.  The fabrics had a lot of pattern, texture, and sheen.  I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of these trends in menswear this coming Fall!

Victoria Beckham received rave reviews for the gorgeous collection of dresses she showed at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010, and the makeup was equally praise worthy. Victoria’s vision for the show was minimal makeup with maximum impact. The result: nude lips, silvery eyes and shimmery skin with a play on textures.

Victoria’s Fall 2010 collection is full of gorgeously structured silhouettes with beautiful draping detail and her signature zippers. The color palette–rich emerald, paprika and sapphire hues paired with nudes, metallics and black–added to the collection’s modernity. Make sure to check out the collection on Style.com.

A fun fact?  The private residence where the show took place, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was featured in the “Sex and the City” movie. Remember the scene where Big shows Carrie the apartment he has bought her, complete with fashionista (read: MY) dream closet? It was filmed in the room where Victoria did the presentations.

PRODUCTS USED

• Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow in Optic and Crème Lustré Lancôme
• Lancôme Ombre Magnetique in Silver (NEW for Fall 2010)
• Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black
• Lancôme Ageless Minérale Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder in Translucent
• Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #1
• Lancôme Blush Subtil in Miel Glace
• Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Concealer (used on the lips)
• Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Rich Cashmere

For the makeup, Francelle did a modern take on 1930’s Hollywood glamour in keeping with Victoria’s “Dick Tracy” inspiration for the clothes.  She paired a metallic eye with a pale, nude lip. First, Francelle swept Color Design Eyeshadow in Optic on the entire lid to the brow bone and added Color Design Eyeshadow in Crème Lustré to the lower lid. Ombre Magnetique in Silver (coming this fall!) was used in the crease for a shiny, metallic finish. The new Hypnôse Drama Mascara coated the top lashes only. The skin was dusted with Ageless Minérale Powder in Translucent for a luminous complexion. Blush Subtil in Miel Glace was applied lightly to the cheekbones for an added touch of color. For the lips, Francelle first dotted them with concealer (a great trick for ensuring you get a super nude pout with staying power) then applied L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Rich Cashmere. The nails were short and groomed with just clear nail polish and the hair, by Didier Malige, was pulled back in messy version of a French twist.

Lebanese Couturier Abed Mahfouz to Launch Ready-to-Wear Collection at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall / Winter 2010-2011.  Mahfouz, who presented his couture collections in Paris this past January,  debuted the Ready-to-Wear collection Wednesday, February 17^th at the Altman Building.

Located away from the tents of Bryant Park, the Altman Building is in the heart of the architecturally interesting downtown Chelsea area.  The building itself is a landmark with some retail history – it was originally built in 1896 as the carriage house for the B. Altman’s Department Store.  The elegantly-styled and recently restored Altman Building is a perfect fit for this ready-to-wear collection.

My favorite look is this draped v-neck dress.  It’s so feminine and echoes old-world Hollywood elegance.   It’s so wearable for women with a variety of shapes, the forgiving drape is flattering to curvy shapes and adds curves for ladies who need them.

Inspired by a woman’s femininity, Mahfouz has created a glamorous and modern line for his induction into the prêt-à-porter category; Mahfouz’s designs celebrate the female form, accenting structured silhouettes through draping, highlighting a woman’s elegant shoulders and slim waist.

Mahfouz establishes the mood for fall through his color palette, which varies from black and ruby red, to cobalt blue and grey marine.  Deep, rich jewel tones that are not only undeniably elegant, but also reflective of the season.

Mahfouz has also paired unlikely fabrics, such as wool with silk, to create movement, and incorporating snakeskin jersey, jacquard with embossed circles and 3D-like accessories, to add texture.

The strong shoulder in both this slim jacket and this boat neck gown slim the waist and balance the hips.  I can’t wait to see the Abed Mahfouz  Ready-to-Wear Collection in stores!

If you hadn’t heard of T-Swizzle before a week ago, you certainly know her now—she’s the girl who walked away with four Grammys. The country songstress is known for her Western style, and can carry a look just as well as she carries her tunes. Check out her polished yellow trench. The large chocolate brown buttons add a stylish twist, and the belt keeps the look together. She paired her coat with a luxurious pair of Christian Louboutin knee-highs and sexy v-striped tights. Upon arrival at Sydney Airport in March, Taylor wowed in a girlie embroidered pink dress and her signature cowboy boots. The scarf that she tied to her purse is cute and fresh.

The singer’s curly blonde locks keep her style vibe young, even when she’s dressed in designer duds from head to toe. Although she sings about her affinity for sneakers, the lyric queen doesn’t shy away from pumps. “I am obsessed with high heels,” she told Teen Vogue in March 2009. At the Grammys this year, her periwinkle Kaufman Franco dress got the nod of approval from hard-to-please celebrity stylist Jay Manuel on E! “Fashion Police.” The geometric neckline and shimmery fabric are a perfect look for the 20-year-old superstar. I can’t wait to see how her style will evolve.

It’s January in New York City and at about 20 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees with the wind chill factor), one of the trickiest things for me is to find a really cute outfit that still keeps me warm.  Spring, where art thou?!

My number one staple this year has been the skinny jean. I found great Stella skinny jeans at Express last year and this year I am a huge fan of their low rise skinny Zelda jean.  What I like the most about a nice, dark-wash skinny jean is that they are very versatile.  They can be dressed up or dressed down.  Shown here with high heels (a look I LOVE), they also a great for tucking into boots, whether they are flat or heels, ankle boots, or knee-high.  Skinny jeans go great bulky winter sweaters and sexy tops for going out.  Because they are so versatile, I treat them as an investment piece.  Don’t skip on fit and quality!

It took me a long time to get into flat boots.  At a modest 5′5″, I am addicted to high heels.  Alas, I shall never be a supermodel, so I have come to terms with it.   I was scared that flat boots would make me look casual, short, or chunky, but the key is finding a great-looking multifunctional pair.  If you need a little more arch support, you can put in an insert or go for a boot like Tecce from Nine West, which has a tiny wedge heel.  I picked these up and they look great with my skinny jeans, cute denim skirts, and sweater dresses.  Plus, they keep my feet warm!

Speaking of sweater dresses, what else can be cozier?  I absolutely love this dress from Ann Taylor Loft.   It’s an online exclusive and I am ordering it right now!  What I love is that sweater dresses are warm, comfortable, and looks fashionable with minimal effort.  They are also a great layering piece and can be dressed up or dressed down with accessories.  This particular dress, for instance, can be paired with a great blouse underneath, or works well with tights or leggings, boots (flats and heels) and pumps.  Another option is a great belt at the waist, a scarf, or a chunky statement necklace.  It’s a great look for work that keeps you warm all day long!

So until Spring comes, I’ll be warm and cozy indoors sipping some hot chocolate, with marshmallows, of course!

When I am not scouring the web for new fashion, I am checking the red carpets to see what celebs are wearing. Last week was the People’s Choice Awards, and I cannot stop thinking about the one-shoulder dress from Monique L’Huillier worn by Olivia Wilde of Grey’s Anatomy.

I wish it wasn’t taboo to wear white at a wedding, because this is definitely an evening look I’d rock to a formal event. Note to self: find more black-tie events to attend. I love the black belt and the subtle tone-on-tone greys (pun intended!). Wilde gets an A+ for this look!

I am pretty happy to see the one-shoulder look is still on the red carpets.  Olivia’s dress looks so easy to wear, which often isn’t true for many red carpet dresses.  The A-line skirt makes the shape extremely feminine, emphasizing a defined waist and the skirt floats away from the body, creating an hourglass shape for those with straight hips, and camouflaging some extra weight for pear shapes.

For a similar look, less formal look, I like this simple  drapey jersey dress from D&G. with a smooth satin waist and fluttering hem. The A-line skirt and one-shoulder neckline is beautifully topped with a lace-covered bow, which echoes the floral detail on the Monique L’Huillier.   $595 at Nordstrom.

Always a classy choice, St. John has a gorgeous black and white option.   This dress has a very similar cut to the Monique L’Huillier, complete with a black belt.

This dress follows the same feminine hourglass shape.  In shades of vanilla with an abstract floral pattern in black, I am loving it for a spring affair.

I’m thinking a sassy clutch and peep toes would be a great Paris look for this dress.  A girl can dream, right?  $1,195 from St. John.

One of the easiest, more effortless looks for a great night out like a New Year’s Eve bash, is the classic little black dress.  The drawback?  If it’s easy for you, it’s easy for every other hot lady in your area who will be out partying!

I love black and white (I even had a black and white wedding, um… circa 2004).  One of my favorite places for fun pieces to wear with my LBDs is White House | Black Market.  They have these great embellished silk opera belts.  I picked up the Silk Mimi Opera Sash Belt for $68.  It looks great with the LBD pictured (which I also got, call me a shopaholic!).  If you don’t have the budget, you can find great rayon sashes that look silky for a fun splash of color.  This is a great project for fashion DIY-ers, too!

Not afraid of mixing black with bright colors?  Try a great pair of colorful tights to make your little black dress stand out!  You can find steals on tights at places like Target and Urban Outfitters.

Go for a statement necklace.  This is one of my favorite trends!  I had a hard time picking a favorite, but I really love the Mykonos bib necklace from Banana Republic (pictured, right).  No budget for statement necklaces?  They were a huge trend this season, so you may be able to re-purpose one, borrow from a friend, or score a great deal on one while shops are having their huge holiday sales.

Fun shoes! I love when I see a woman who has gone with a simple head-to-toe look and punched it up with a gorgeous stand-out pair of shoes.  You can find a lot of statement shoes and shoes in fun colors and prints, but I have my eye on the Gim Me sandal from Luichiny, available in several colors at Endless.com.  Personally, I am all about the purple.  They’re also under $80, which is a pretty good price for a quality stand-out shoe!

Flirty hair accessories are a fun, less expensive way to punch up your party look.  There are lots of pins that you can wear on your dress that are also interchangeable with a bobby pin, like the one from J.Crew pictured right.  This trend is not for everyone, but I like it with a simple chignon or smooth up-do.  Other options include headbands with similar bows and embellishment.  One caution about headbands is to be careful not to go for something that is not age-appropriate.

If you’re like me, these in-between seasons bits on the year may make for confusing mornings getting ready for work (too early in the season for turtlenecks/cords/tweed??).  The not-so Fall weather in New York City this year has made it extra confusing.  I haven’t even had to break out my winter coat yet!  While I hope it does not mean December will bring a record chill, it has helped me carry a few of my summer pieces into the chillier Fall months.

1. Layering: The easiest way to get more mileage out of those lighter fabrics is to layer, layer, layer. Some essential layering items include cardigans, t-shirts, blazers, and those gorgeous little summer tanks and camis you thought you’d miss all winter.
2. Leggings & Tights: Think of this as an addendum to the layering rule.  Florals are very in this season, and a great way to bring your cotton skirts into the colder months is with leggings and opaque tights.  Tights are also so hot with open-toed this year, so you can continue wearing those (well, until your toes get too cold!).
3. Splurge on a Statement Coat: While you generally want to buy as little as possible in this economy, a great way to update your look is with a coat that makes a statement.  Nothing is worse than ratty outerwear!  The most people will probably see of you is in your winter coat.  If you already have a great coat, some great updates include a great patterned scarf, a brooch, or updating your buttons.  The Double-cloth Lady Day Coat from J.Crew comes in basic colors to modern brights and is sure to punch up your winter wardrobe.
4. Dress Up Your Classics With Accessories: Some basic wardrobe pieces for winter are cardigans. This season, cardigans are everywhere, both classic and with embellishments such as ruffles and beading.  These extra details can be expensive, but you can get this look with your existing classics.  Like with a statement coat, a scarf, brooch or new buttons can make a huge difference.  Layering a great simple cardi with a trendier ruffled blouse (try to avoid ruffles on ruffles, too), or adding a great belt in a punch of color or a great print, like J.Crew’s Cheetah calf-hair belt (left).   Another trendy favorite is adding a fantastic necklace to your wardrobe, like the Nouveau Gem Necklace (pictured right) also by J.Crew (J.Crew is just a great place for classic looks).  Pieces like this also work great with basic turtleneck sweaters for a simple, classic, stylish look.
5. Resole or re-heel last year’s boots: A lot of boots are just classic and can work from year to year.  A good idea is to update last year’s boots by getting them polished and resoled. Last year I got a great pair of knee-high boots by Dolce Vita.  They need some fixing-up on the heels, but I’d be so sad if I had to find a new pair instead!