September 15, 2016
by Julia DiNardo
During a season when shedding the sleeves is all but mandatory, it’s interesting to see the stark opposite — and an abundance of them, at that! Long sleeves, taking on new dimensions, have been spotted left and right on the runways this season, and its appearance has been everything but subtle. A “more is more” approach is certainly one way to describe it, with sleeves kissing the sky at the shoulder seams, ruffles running vertically down them, bare shoulders peaking out of cut-outs, and even pleating billowing out from the delicate wrist lines.
A bell shape, growing ever-popular this season for pants, has made its way upward and into the sleeve, in fabrics that range from filmy chiffon to starched cotton and stretch ponte knit. Favorites include a sophisticated eveningwear take on a bell sleeve at Tadashi Shoji, puckered and ruffled perfection at Marissa Webb, and a brunch-worthy blue and white striped pumped up and puffed out sleeve at Jill Stuart. Which is your favorite? See the slideshow above for our top picks of the season.
September 12, 2016
by Julia DiNardo

Right now, we are in a transitional state. The seasons are not only on the cusp of shifting, but so is the mentality regarding fashion week. Designers seem divided in their stance; some, like Rebecca Minkoff, and now, Banana Republic, bucked the traditional fashion week showing of the following season (i.e. spring/summer 2017 shown in September of 2016, fall/winter 2017 shown in February, 2017), for a “see now, buy now” approach, with items immediately available for purchase, and relevant to the time of year in which they are sold. This definitely is a great idea and caters to the consumer; I think its long term success will be based in the widespread adoption of this concept, as it can otherwise cause confusion as to what is available for sale now, or for six months from now.


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September 9, 2016
by Julia DiNardo

[Wishing my new job was as official greeter at the entrance to The Island House, Nassau]
You know that feeling of coming back from vacation, and needing another vacation? This was the first time in years that I’ve returned from a trip and not felt that urge at all, which means that The Island House is doing everything right! It took my fifth trip to Nassau with my best friend to finally find true paradise: deep relaxation, easy entertainment, state-of-the-art amenities, incredibly delicious food, and the BEST coffee ( a must!).

[A spectacular view at the heart of The Island House, from the porch at the restaurant, Shima]
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September 7, 2016
by Julia DiNardo

It’s that time of year again…which can bring both groans and excitement to any household experiencing school back in session. To help ease into a stylish start of the season, we’ve teamed up with Dove to offer this Back-To-School Essentials Giveaway, a $100 value! It includes two Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirants in the newest fragrances of Soothing Chamomile and Restore (retail value of $4.99 each), as well as a four items from ban.do! You’ll get the Ban.do Backpack, ($65), Ban.do Planner ($20), and Ban.do Notebook set ($14), which are so cool, I am almost convinced to take a couple of classes in order to put them to good use. Almost.
See the rules of entry below, and good luck!
RULES OF ENTRY:
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