Swimsuit FX 09

It's officially bathing suit season. Finding just the right one is quite the task with so many options. Earth tones and neutrals are simply sexy, exotic patterns and bold neons will get you noticed, and there's nothing sweeter than floral prints on bronzed skin. As with all your wardrobe choices, you want something that reflects your personal style and fits properly. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for swimsuits.

• bold graphics and prints work best on slim beach beauties while subtle florals and petite patterns compliment buxom figures.
• a tankini with spandex in the waist flattens your tummy while a built in bra increases support, lifts and flatters an ample bosom.
• opt for string ties that allow you to make adjustments as needed to avoid the dreaded muffin top.
• a strategically placed ruffle on a bikini top enhances a small bust and adds curves at the hips on the bottom half.

SWIMSUIT SURVIVAL: A mild soap gently removes salt and chlorine without stripping fabric, weakening elasticity or fading color. At www.thelaundress.com/ you'll find a non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen free detergent designed especially for swimwear. Air dry your swimsuit instead of drying it...heat breaks down fabric and fades color over time.

FACE & BODY: Stay fully protected with sunblock and a sleek pair of shades with UV protection! Beach bag essentials include a tube of CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER OIL-FREE DAILY FACE PROTECTOR with SPF 25 --only $17 at the brand's site. Be sure to apply every two hours at minimum. Tame beach hair with SUMMER HAIR ZERO HUMIDITY FRIZZ CONTROL by FREDERIC FEKKAI. This alcohol free mist seals the hair cuticle to keep it sleek and shiny for $22 at select salons and department stores. Other options: a wide rimmed hat (think J.Lo) or a colorful scarf (bohemian babe). My favorite thing is to fully wet hair and slick it back w/ conditioner and gel! Très chic (and easy!!!) For those of us who can't bear to bare it all even at the beach, keep it simple. Sweep dark waterproof mascara on lashes, stroke a sheer shimmery pinky/bronze blush on the apples of your cheeks, and apply a hydrating salve to lips. ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM VINTAGE 1960's LIP PROTECTANT with SPF15 @ www.elizabetharden.com/. Grab your water bottle and a towel and you're all set to soak up some rays!!!

NOTE: Always open to recommendations! If there is a topic you want to know more about, please post your suggestions or questions on the blog OR email me direct @ catwalk226@gmail.com!

SPECIAL EDITION: Daddy Dearest

Who says we have to wait around til mid-month to celebrate the men in our life? Any day that we choose is ideal to show how much we care for them!

TIME AFTER TIME: They make wonderful gifts...fashionable and useful. In leather or stainless steel, a luxe or conventional brand, you can't go wrong with a good timepiece. Kenneth Cole New York Men's Strap Watch for $150 @ http://www.macys.com/ is simple and classic for days at the office. For a sporty option, the striped Lacoste Mainsail Men's Round Watch is water resistant and comes in three vibrant colors which compliment a stainless steel logo dial. Smart price: $235! http://www.lacoste.com/

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN: This cliche is so true...to an extent. A man in a tailored suit is a lovely sight indeed. But it only works for a man who conveys the proper attitude. Yes! Confidence...Swagger... Savoire faire! Coupled with good posture, it's a sure sign of self assurance since he won't be taken seriously if he slouches. For more grooming and etiquette tips, pick up a copy of MANIFEST X.O @ http://www.amazon.com/ for him.

BE THE BOSS: Make an executive decision with these traditional gifts. Check out http://www.thomaspink.com/ for shirts, cuff links, pocket squares and ties. Or http://www.theartofshaving.com/com/ for aromatherapy-based products, handcrafted accessories and expert shaving techniques to prevent ingrown hairs, razor burn and treat sensitive skin...a true value @ $100. Encourage a daily skin care regime as well. Kiehls' Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub sloughs away dead skin and minimizes skin irritations. Zirh Shave Cream landed the Men's Health Grooming Award 2009 in the best shave category -- known to reduce razor drag and burn! And yes, men need to moisturize too! L'Oreal's Men's Expert Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Moisturizer does the job and protects with SPF 15!

USE A BIT OF COMMON SCENTS: Gift sets are plentiful at our favorite department stores...Take advantage! Colognes paired with free duffel bags, shower gels or travel toiletries are a steal! Try Black by Kenneth Cole, Chrome by Azzaro or Sean John's I AM KING. These fragrances will surely make you want to linger a bit longer when he comes in the room!

WHAT EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE: Still floored for presents to present to the special man in your life??? These items are essentials for the modern man and make great gifts all year round!

* A monogrammed pen set
* A leather wallet or passport holder
* Brief case or laptop case
* A good cookbook

Hot Fun in the Summer Shine

EASY BREEZY SUMMER! Summer is all about fun and simplicity! Your summer makeup routine should be the same! Quick beauty buzzes: CoverGirl's New Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Mascara has light reflecting metallics to enhance your eye color in four shades of black. Try Black Gold for hazel eyes, Black Sapphire for baby blues, Black Pearl for brown eyes and if your eyes are green, Black Ruby works best for you. Go to www.covergirl.com/exact for more details. Pair with a subtle shadow for a polished look.

For lips, The Balm Shelter Tinted Gloss SPF 17 comes in a dozen shades. Each contains jojoba oil to smooth, moisturize, and protect your pout from damaging sun rays. Check the nearest Sephora. Also try L'Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Jelly Balms: six shades of sheer shine with a soft smooth texture! One of my personal faves! Liquid sun in a jar is what you'll find with NARS Body Glow -- rich chocolate shimmer in a lightweight absorbent oil...instant healthy glow! I like to apply it all over after a shower.

TIP: Before heading outdoors, we know sunscreen is a must! Without it, the sun strips away moisture and creates dull dehydrated skin. Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 15 with hemp seed oil has a non-whitening formula that dries down quickly. For easy travel and application, try Desert Essence Sunscreen Towelettes with SPF 30, infused with jojoba oil and Vitamin E. For $7.79 at http://www.drugstore.com/, the convenient container holds 25 wipes...a true triple threat as it prevents sunburn, is water resistant and perspiration resistant.

VARIOUS STAGES OF UNDRESS: "From the catwalk to the sidewalk..." The infamous quote familiar to fashionistas abroad. HOWEVER, not everything from a magazine or runway works in the real world! What does work for everyone? CONFIDENCE! I was in the West Village today and saw a medley of styles, trends, and a few eclectic ensembles. The folks downtown know that confidence is a necessory accessory. It is essential to your style mode!

FEMME FATALE 411:

1. Real style comes from your personality. Your style ID should shine through, not the model in an ad or your best friend's!
2. A proper fit is key to your body type, silhouette, and lifestyle.
3. Play with trends sparingly. Accessories and patterned ensembles add fun and sophistication, not overwhelm!
4. A full skirt or flared leg perfectly balances a fitted top and vice versa.
5. Flowy dresses read flirty and feminine. Off the shoulder tops and tunics are always sexy and gladiator sandals add an edge to any ensemble. (Sergio Rossi Momo Bis Painted Python Gladitor Sandal @ http://www.shopbop.com/w.shopbop.com/ -- sale $696.50) or Steve Madden Motif @ http://www.stevemadden.com/ -- sale $39.99).