Swimwear has come a long way! Lately, we’ve been spotting some great trends for the ever-popular

bikini. Get ready to make waves in these five patterns, prints and pretty pops of color!

[Britt Bikini via NastyGal.com, $100]

[Roxy Abstract Tribal Cross Over Bikini Top ($42) and Bottom ($38)]

1. Who Needs Color with bold Black & White?

[Beach Bunny "We Found Love" Bikini Top ($88) and Bottom ($87) via Nordstrom.com]

2. All Hands on Deck for Nautical Stripes!

[ Gorever 21 Geo Stripe Bikini Top ($11.80), Bottom ($10.80)]

[Madewell Deco Dot String Bikini Top and Bottom, each $46]

3. Geometrics to Show Off  Your Shape

[Victoria's Secret The Belle Crochet Bandeau Top ($27) and Side Ruched Low-Rise Hipkini Bottom ($22)]

4. Wind Down the Day in Sexy Knits and Crochets

[Madewell.com Mara Hoffmann Tiki V-Wire Bikini, $194]

[Madewell.com Mara Hoffmann Embroidered Cheetah Bustier Bikini Set, $295... (a girl can dream!)]

5. Take You Away Tribal

Go exotic or traditional, but either way bright pops of color make this trend easy to spot.

Which trend will you plunge into for the summer? How will you custom-accessorize your look?

-Alana Quagliariello

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From our fabulous friends at thefind.com:

In the midst of all the fashion world’s excitement over color-blocked bags and blindingly bright neon satchels, it can be easy to forget about the original festive print! Nothing rings truer to summer than floral does, so if you’re having a hard time embracing the same unbridled enthusiasm towards the season that your fellow fashionistas seem to have, infusing a healthy dose of floral into your handbag arsenal is bound to do the trick! From totes and satchels to hobos and beach-ready bags, a floral handbag is an easy way to add an extra dose of femininity to even the most casual outfits, and can almost instantly transition your all-weather basics like jeans, tanks, and cardigans from tired and dull to festive and spring-ready!

Pictured above: Brahmin Elisa Hobo Bag, Tory Burch Channing Floral-Print Canvas & Leather Tote, Milly ‘Birch’ Market Tote, Dooney & Bourke Floral Satchel, and Kate Spade New York High Falls Melinda Satchel.

- Alexandra Gambardella

Mix up your looks this Spring/Summer 2012 with taste, trends and techniques offered to you exclusively by us at Fashion Pulse Daily! Let the classic cocktail be your muse or concoct a new gem for a fashion buzz.

Not-so-mellow yellow (above) is making a big statement this season. There’s nothing like this fruity citrus hue to brighten both your day and wardrobe.

[French Connection Ziggy Silk Maxi Dress, $248]

This sultry maxi dress can hold its own. The monochromatic effect encourages bold accessories or studded flats sandals.

[Rebecca Minkoff Woven Leather MAC Bag via Shopbop.com, $295]

Margaritas epitomize flirty fun, and so does this clutch! Neon accents will make any outfit pop.

[UrbanOutfitters.com Silence and Noise Boyfriend Blazer, $78]

A classic blazer in an anti-classic hue. No longer the color of ultra-girly, pink is now the new downtown feminine.

[Deborah Lippmann "Lara's Theme",$16]

“Orange” you obsessed with this color? ; ) We certainly are!

[Madewell.com Skinny Skinny Ankle Colorpop Jeans, $125]

Muddle green jeans into your wardrobe for an unexpected twist on the basic denim. Take a cue from the mojito and keep the rest of your outfit neutral.

[Marcy by Jeffrey Campbell via Lorisshoes.com, $110.95]

Rose, rosato, rosado, blush, pink. These perforated flats are the ideal neutral shade mimicking the refined, subtle wine-sisters for spring and summer.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Come June 7th, 2012, Banana Republic will offer a limited edition Trina Turk capsule collection featuring the quintessential, flirty, and still effortless Palm Springs style. The Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection is the modern woman’s dream, as it features nearly 60 pieces of quality women’s apparel, accessories, swim and lifestyle items.

Silk tops and airy tie-waist maxi dresses ($150) transition you from office to out on the town, sateen shorts ($49.50) in bold prints and patterns will become a wardrobe essential, floral swim separates ($58 bottoms, $68 tops) make polished pool-side dressing a breeze, and distinctive enamel jewelry and statement necklaces bring modernity and flair to any look.

Think resort-inspired aesthetic in iconic Trina Turk prints re-imagined! The “cocktails by the pool lifestyle” makes each unique piece lusciously covetable. Just envision yourself in any of these outfits, sipping a divinely cool drink with that 7:00 pm sun blanketing your shoulders!

The Banana Republic Trina Turk collection will be available in Banana Republic stores in the United States, Canada, and various international countries, as well as online (in 24 countries!) through www.bananarepublic.com.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Memorial Day Weekend means fun in the sun, good grillin’ and casual chic fashion. Here’s what we are craving right now to make the perfect combination for some memorable weekend outfits.

1. Casual Blazer - A blazer (see above) adds instant sophistication to any outfit. Try with shorts for daytime and over your maxi or mini dress by night.

[Forever 21 Open Weave Fedora, $12.80]

2. Straw Hat- You won’t catch me without a hat this Memorial Day. Wear those natural waves or put your hair up in a loose, on-trend braid.

[J.Crew Deck-Stripe Bandeau Bikini Top $56, Bottom $48]

3. Bikini – I love the green stripes of this “retro-done-right” bikini. Don’t shy away from brights, stripes or patterns this season. Nothing goes better with this look than plenty of SPF!

[Bop Basics Straw Day Tote, $80]

4. Beach Tote – Pack all of your essentials in this functional straw tote with adorable rope detail. And at this price point, you won’t have to feel too guilty if some sunscreen spills inside!

[Soludos Dali Flat Espadrille, $28]

5. Bright Espadrille - Easy and lightweight, these coral espadrilles are the ideal summer weekend shoe.

[J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover, $72]

6. Chambray Shirt - The fading on this chambray popover really amps up the cool factor. Chambray is so in right now and the perfect top to pair with a nautical skirt, white pants or bright shorts.

[NastyGal Twisted Peplum Dress, $58]

7. Transitional Dress -Navy will never do you wrong. The peplum detail gives this classic color a twist.  Throw on a neutral wedge and stacked bangles to make this ensemble out-to-dinner perfect.

[Zara Loose-Fit Open-Work Jumper, $79.90]

8. Open Knit Sweater - Let your bikini peek through by day, and rock this head-to-toe white look by night with neutral sandals and a bright clutch for evening festivities.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[image via Shopbop.com]

Alice + Olivia Bella Print Flat Sandals, $148: Snakeskin and brights make for a sizzling hot combo.

[image via JCrew.com]

J.Crew Audra Patent Sandals, $98: This glossy “dahlia” hue elevates these strappy thong sandals to a new realm.

[image via Shopbop.com]

Boutique 9 Piraya Multicolor T Strap Sandals, $78: A tri-color T-strap should be a girl’s best friend.

[image via Shopbop.com]

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Love Embroidered Thong Sandal, $198: It’s no wonder they’re called “Love Embroidered.”The luscious coral, green, and hot pink make this price point worthwhile.

[image via ASOS.com]

ASOS Fame Leather Flat Sandals with Beaded T-Bar, $44.36: The white whipstich edged ankle strap juxtaposed with cutting edge beading makes these sandals a wardrobe-enhancing must.

[image via Shopbop.com]

Rebecca Minkoff Bettina Flat Sandal, $125: It doesn’t get much bolder than this audacious neon yellow.

FPD Tip: Pair with a bright pedicure for a color-blocked feel, or keep your toes neutral in a pale matte pink or fluid beige to let the sandals shine on their own

Tell us: which pair is your fave?

-Alana Quagliariello

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[KORE Self Stripe Shift Dress]

For Spring/Summer 2012, the London based Greek designer Sophia Kokosalaki drew on her heritage to craft an ethically conscious collection, available exclusively at ASOS.com. The lineup gives life to a certain pure sensuality, while maintaining a youthful feel.

Even more inspiring, the brand’s pivotal focus is the empowerment of young women via social responsibility. This ethical commitment is established in a long-term relationship with a community cooperative workshop in Sri Lanka, where all of the hand crafted lace trim is produced, providing a consistent income for the all-female local team.

[KORE Self Stripe Star Tunic]

[KORE Washed Silk Pants]

You’re sure to swoon over the stunning drapery and the hand-crafted lace folded in and out of each design. The power orange halter dress is simply divine (we can’t get enough of this color this season), and also the silk pants feel fresh and visionary. Retailing from $110-$900, Sophia Kokosalaki hopes KORE will reach a broader audience, yet maintain her artistic, cultured aesthetic.

-Alana Quagliariello

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We sincerely hope you didn’t miss The Met Gala Red Carpet, but just in case you did, we have rounded up our Fashion Pulse Daily “Bests” of the evening full of glamour, in honor of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit launch.

Best Sparkle: Carey Mulligan co-chaired the evening’s event in none other than Prada (see above).

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com]

Best Use of Color: Gwyneth’s light lavender Prada mini was just the right amount of color, and did you see those sequin pockets?

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com]

Best in White: Claire Danes owned the room in a J. Mendel dress alongside Hugh Dancy in Prada.

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com]

Best in Black: Linda Evangelista looked timeless and elegant in Prada. (Renee Zellwegger looked equally as fabulous in Emilio Pucci, a close second!)

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com]

Best Stripes: Rose Huntington-Whiteley took our breath away in Burberry stripes.

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com]

Best Makeup: Camilla Belle’s dark plum/chocolate lip is so perfect with her Ralph Lauren gown.

[image via Vogue.com]

Best Duo: Chanel Iman and Tom Ford redefined classy cool. PS. Her dress was made of pheasant feathers!

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com

Best Accessories: (besides Gisele having Tom Brady on her arm...) Jessica Stam looked ravishing in Dior, and those bracelets up her arms were equally as divine.

[image via popsugar.com]

Best Metallic: Nina Dobrev’s custom designed Donna Karan number left her glowing head to toe.

[image via Vogue.com]

Best Train: Her fashionably late entrance didn’t make much of a difference. When  Beyonce entered, she stole the show in sexy, snug Givenchy.

[image via www.huffingtonpost.com]

Best Strapless: Ashley Greene hit all the right notes in angelic Donna Karan.

Now, don’t you feel like you were there on the star-studded scene? There are so many more looks to be floored by! Check out Vogue.com for more photos, fashion, and honorable Gala style. And don’t forget to tell us what you think!

-Alana Quagliariello

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We love having expectations for fashion, and then having them wildly surpassed. Dana-Maxx wowed us yet again with her Fall 2012 collection of womenswear, showcasing sexy skirts, fit and flair dresses, and her classic pops of color.

There’s something to be said about a designer who makes you feel at ease in her presence and in her clothing, and Dana-Maxx does just that. Her aesthetic is a combination of everlasting strength and femininity, with this season’s true inspiration being “desert architecture.”

[far left: Elie "Karoo" Dress $370, second from left: Emma "Badain" Coat $485, far right: Graham "Arava" Tunic Dress $340 and Nina "Palmyra Skirt $275]

This season’s neutrals are ink, black, mocha, and pumpkin with pops of gold sequins interspersed. Cobalt, ultra marine, and rhubarb will awaken your senses, especially when paired with the spicy Indonesian or alluring floral print. The sensual sweetheart neckline goes head to head with room-to-grow capes and boxy jackets. And yet, every piece can be mixed and matched according to one’s sartorial mood, albeit rumpled or refined.

-Alana Quagliariello

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