Hey ladies! I wanted to share with you the Summer’s must have bras since this is the time we strut our stuff in our fabulous dresses. We want to make sure we have everything in place and looking right!

Strapless Bras When you wear a strapless dress you will need to wear a strapless bra. It should have wide sidebands with no straps and you can wear one with or without underwire depending on your support needs.

Racerback Bras When you wear a tank top make sure you wear a racerback bar so that your straps won’t show (ladies not a good look when your straps are showing) Racerback bras make an X shape in the back between your shoulder blades so that the straps are not visible  in the front of your tank top.

Plunging Bras When you are going out on the town and you are wearing that “it” dress with the plunging neck line the last thing you want to worry about is your bra. So to avoid any visible signs that you are wearing one try a plunging bra with a deep wide U  that sits really low in the back.

Convertible Bras This is a must have for every women! A convertible bra can be arranged multiple ways and goes well with a one shoulder dress, a strapless dress, or even a halter dress. The adjustable straps are the key so make sure you pick one up.

Backless/Adhesive Bras Want to show off that sexy back of yours? When you wear that low cut plunging backless dress make sure you wear a backless bra. A backless or adhesive bra will give you that support in the front without worrying about showing any straps in the back.

Seamless Bras This is my all time favorite bra. You can wear this under a close fitting t-shirt, dress or tank. Look for one that is made of foam in a shade that closely matches your skin tone. The seamless bra creates a smooth look without any lines. It is a must have!

So ladies enjoy those summer dresses and tops but make sure you wear the appropriate bra to avoid any fashion faux pas!!

Wouldn’t you love to get Fashion and Luxury Brands at prices up to 70% off retail?

Really? Yes Really. Keep reading….

Gilt Groupe was created in 2007 by two long time friends, Alexis and Alexandria. Gilt Groupe is an invitation only website with access to Women’s, Men’s and Children’s fashion and luxury brands at unbelievable prices that are up to 70% off the retail market price.

Here’s how it works…

Gilt Groupe is by invitation only, so you would have to know someone who is already a member and they then invite you to join. The membership is free and each sale usually lasts about 36 hours. New designers are offered everyday but once you see something you better grab it quick and I mean really quick because once it’s gone it’s GONE!

The sales start each day at noon so make sure your finger is on that mouse at 11:59 am ready to click. Once you find an item you like it will only stay in your shopping cart for 10 minutes. What I find to be helpful is Gilt Groupe’s shopping cart has a clock displaying how many minutes you have left remaining before the item is returned to inventory. You’re under pressure to decide “do I really need those Casadei shoes or that Marc Jacobs bag”. Most of the time we say hey why not and make that purchase right at the one minute mark. Just in time! LOL!

Once you’re a member you can invite friends to join and for each one you invite you will get a credit for $25. You will receive the credit after your friend’s first purchased has shipped. What’s great is there’s no limit to how many friends you can invite or the number of credits you can receive, but the credits do expire after a year.

There is also a waiting list that is offered. So say you see something you really want but it’s already in a member’s cart Gilt Groupe’s wait list function will let you select the item you are interested in purchasing and if the item becomes available after the sale ends you will receive an email notification. You will only have 15 minutes from the time you receive the email to make the purchase.

On last thing to check out while you’re on Gilt Groupe is their link to a website called Jetsetter. If you love to travel like I do, it’s a must see. Jetsetter is an invitation-only site offering insider access to exclusive deals on the greatest vacations across the globe.

But wait I have more….

Another great site to check out is Gilt City, pre-launched by Gilt Groupe last week.  Gilt City offers you the best deals in New York City. They scan through the five boroughs and hundreds of neighborhoods looking for the most exciting and newest events happening across the Empire State.

Here’s what they offer…

Tops chefs across the city serving up savory food, tickets to sold out shows and get this, if you need dry-cleaning delivered they can find someone to do that for you.  It’s like the best E-concierge ever!  And the best part is, if you’re already a member of Gilt Groupe, you will already have full access to Gilt City!

So what are you waiting for??

Check out both Gilt Groupe and Gilt City soon to get all of the great deals they offer!!

Ladies please believe that somewhere, there is someone that is thinking of you. The creative thinking of two women has been a blessing to our shoe game.  While many of us have been tapping into our inner wardrobe stylist to reinvent our look daily, sisters Nadia & Patricia Marci have been helping women around the world bring a stylish vigor to their new and forgotten shoes. Erica Giuliani shoe accessories are just what every woman is asking for and we didn’t even know it.

Erica Giuliani, named after the late daughter and niece of Nadia & Patricia is definitely heaven sent. While both on maternity leave, Nadia and Patricia came up with a brilliant idea. In the midst of borrowing a pair of Nadia’s boots, Patricia thought it be better if she cit off the belt around the ankle, Nadia was against this idea of course. It was then that Patricia had a thought, “wouldn’t it be great if you can simply remove the belt and put it back on?” Six months later the ladies had designed, manufactured, and opened up an on line store.

As I browse the trendy shoe accessories on http://www.ericagiuliani.com all I could think about were the shoes that I have disregarded or did away with.  But, the opportunity to adorn them now with dainty shoe clips or straps that breathe life into any pair of pumps or booties is priceless.  I was especially delighted when I came across the heel rings. If you’ve pranced down a New York City block in a stiletto I’m almost positive you have sunk your heal into a crack in the pavement. Although our good ole shoe repairperson is capable at times, there is a chance that your shoe heel is at a point of no return.  Ripped leather on a heel or unsaved suede now has a chance to see the light again. Heel rings are a perfect way to hide such damage or simply turn a plain Jane formal.

Nadia & Patricia remain inspired by today’s trends that grace the catwalks. With consideration to the fit of most women the ladies have created a plethora of options for every season.  From heel chains to fur covers there are many style options suitable for any woman anywhere. To ensure quality and comfort the accessory design concepts are sent to shoe artisans in Italy to be technically finalized. Erica Giuliani is a Canadian based company, however there are a few US boutiques that carry their accessories.

The RJM group is a full-service luxury brand development firm and showroom. The RJM group’s roster of brands are displayed in its chic mid—town showroom and represented in prestigious retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York.  I flipped through RJM’s Fall 2010 brand listing in hopes of finding a favorite and realized that was a challenge in itself. RJM’s roster includes Adriana Castro (whose bag can be found in the Sex in the City II movie trailer), Beirn (love this line), Cocotay (beautiful vintage reproduction jewelry) and H Williams (shoes!!). Rita Overzat, RJM’s founder, has an impressive resume and has held executive-level positions with fashion heavyweights such as Helen Sorel, Badgley Mischka and Trussardi. In 2007, Rita took her product development, branding and design talents to the next level with Beirn, her handbag and accessory line.

XI Magazine had the pleasure of touring the RJM showroom and chatting with the amazing Rita Overzat and her lovely team.

XI Magazine: The RJM showroom is quite impressive! The pieces in here are just gorgeous. From the beautiful snakeskin bags to the vintage jewelry, there’s such a great selection. What do you think distinguishes RJM from a traditional showroom or branding company?

RJM: RJM prides itself on being a destination showroom. Buyers  truly enjoy coming to the showroom because it is a relaxing environment and they can look through the collections with ease. What really stands out about the RJM Group is the designers which are housed here. All designers are completely unique to each other, not one designer competes with another.  Because of this, each collection is a success each season. We also pride ourselves on providing personal attention to each designer. For example, one designer might need help with pricing and finding a new factory while another may need help with trend forecasting. The RJM Group is happy to offer all these services to all of our designers.

XI Magazine: How important is one’s “brand” as well as building and marketing that brand for survival in the infamous fashion business?

RJM: RJM is a branding company, but we focus more on strategically positioning our designers. For example, just because a retailer wants to pick up a collection does not mean it is the right opportunity for the designer in terms of long term growth. RJM is clear with all our clients in communicating the message that the growth of a successful brand does not happen overnight. It is important to build an infrastructure and a long lasting relationship with each retailer.

XI Magazine: I had the pleasure of meeting a few members of the RJM team last year and a few others today. They dispel the cold cruel persona associated with those in the fashion industry. Definitely some of the nicest ladies I have met. Has it been challenging to thrive in an environment which many perceive as cutthroat?

RJM: It has not been challenging in the least. We all do what we do best and what we enjoy. We definitely do not have the “fashionista” attitude.  Everyone at RJM prides themselves on their work ethic and integrity. Because of this we have made long lasting relationships within the industry.

XI Magazine: Rita, you have been in the fashion business for many years and worn many hats. What are your three most valuable lessons learned?

Rita Overzat: The three most valuable things I have learned during my career are:

1)      Absorb every piece of information you can.

2)      Be humble.

3)      Your integrity is all you have.

XI Magazine: Now let’s switch gears a bit. RJM is such a success. What inspired you to launch Beirn?

Rita Overzat: I launched Beirn because my daughters thought it would be a fun idea to turn my passion into a family business.  With the designers I represent, I turn their artistic vision into something that is marketable to the public. I am very cautious not to change their vision. However, with Beirn it is solely based on me and my two daughters’ point of view.

XI Magazine: I was drawn to Beirn at first sight. I adore snakeskin and python, which makes me quite biased with Beirn handbags and accessories. It’s the perfect blend on my favorite animal skins and a vibrant color palette, which I love. What is your inspiration for the line?

Rita Overzat: The inspiration comes from our travels around the world, especially Bali. My mother was a gorgeous well-dressed woman so I have used some of her old vintage pieces for inspiration as well.

XI Magazine: What’s it like to work with your daughters? Is it a collaborative effort or does everyone focus on a specific part of the Beirn brand?

Rita Overzat: It is a wonderful experience working with my daughters. All three of us have an individual style that translates to our designs. All three of us collaboratively work on all aspects of the business. I am the CEO of the company. Ali manages a lot of the financial operations and Jenna is head of the sales team.

XI Magazine: What’s in store for Beirn? Would you ever branch out into jewelry or clothing?

Rita Overzat: We plan to launch men’s, home and beach collections.

There’s a lot in store for RJM and Beirn. Keep them on your radar.

The week after I met with RJM, Beirn had a sample sale. We all know how much I love a great sample sale and the thought of a hot snakeskin or python bag was just icing on the cake! When I arrived I fell in love with two bags. After some serious internal deliberations, I decided on one. To my surprise, Rita was generous enough to give me the bag I selected. I don’t know many people I can genuinely call sweet, helpful, and knows her stuff but she is definitely one of them. 

Thanks Rita and RJM!

Well, we’ve discussed about the number of ethnic women gracing the covers of major magazines globally until time and time again…well, XI Fly ladies and gents, we may be making a little headway.

From StyleList.com: Arrivederci, Seventeen!

The next “America’s Next Top Model” winner will be saying, “Ciao!” to the cover of Italian Vogue instead.

The CW reality competition is ending its long-standing relationship with Seventeen, the network has announced. For the past four years, Tyra Banks and company’s top-model picks — such as most recent winner Krista White — have received a pack of fabulous gets including a CoverGirl ad and a six-page fashion spread in the teen fashion-and-beauty bible.

Jay Manuel, an “ANTM” judge, announced the magazine switch when the CW unveiled its fall program lineup this week. “It’s so major and makes the pressure huge,” Manuel told the New York Post’s PopWrap.

Ann Shoket, editor-in-chief of Seventeen, confirmed that the mag was out for the upcoming “ANTM” cycle 15. “‘ANTM’ has been a fantastic friend with benefits — but we both thought it was time to start seeing other people,” she told WWD.

Did Seventeen tire of the relationship or did new “ANTM” judge and Vogue Editor-at-Large, Andre Leon Talley, wield some influence to get the winners a new place to pose?

No one is saying, but we’re betting the 25-year-old White, whom Talley predicted was destined for an “international career,” would love to be saying “formaggio” to longtime Italian Vogue cover photographer Steven Meisel.

One thing’s for sure: Talley’s “dreckitude” watch on the “ANTM” panel has invigorated the competition, which posted some of its best Wednesday-night ratings for the recent cycle 14 finale.

Although I am happy that Krista will be covering Vogue Italia, I hope that it’s not just their “Black Issue.”  But isn’t it quite a conundrum that “America’s Next Top Model” will be on a major Italian magazine, and not an American mag?

“There’s no place like Brooklyn” runs through my mind as I climbed the stairs from the underground into one of the most delicious towns of the concrete jungle. Most people flock to East Flatbush for the guarantee of a delicious Caribbean delicacy. However, this time my journey was different. Being a Brooklyn Gal myself, I typically have a detailed idea of where I’m going. Without thinking about it I can arrive at my destination no address necessary, I know who I will see along the way and I also have an exact estimation of when I can expect to inhale the aroma of some of the best jerk chicken I have ever had. However, it’s a new day and Church Avenue circa 2010 has a rare scent of something new. As I looked up to my right the moniker reads, Chouchounette… Une histoire de deux amis.

Amidst the sweet serenades of a steel pan playing nearby, Chouchounette (pronounced shoo-shoo-nette) Boutique has made itself a chic and distinctively stylish home. Chouchounette definitely lives up to its French derived name, which has garnered multiple meanings including “darling,” “precious” or my personal favorite, “the one I prefer.” Une histoire de deux amis meaning “the history of two friends,” more than signifies the power behind the owners of Chouchounette who have handed East Flatbush exactly what it needs. Zulema George of Anavaa Kisasa and Sue Monderson of Sanctuaire Beauty Bar have combined their fashionable intellect and business savvy know how to provide exclusivity, class, style, individuality and a special quality of life available for women and men under one roof.

The unquestionable tranquility surrounding the trendsetting labels drew me in further as I admired the décor. They had me from the door! I had walked off of Church Ave and stepped into an eclectic setting complete with women and menswear, candles, and accessories worthy of writing home about. After I got over adoring all the items I’d like to transfer from Chouchounette to my closet, I sat down with Zulema and Sue to chat about the role they will play in East Flatbush’s come up.

XI: So tell me how you ladies met…

Sue: Well initially, I met Zulema through my cousin but we have been friends for years. We have collaborated on other business ventures and we always spoke about combining our efforts on another level and now the time was right.

XI: Zulema, your first love is handbag design, what inspired Anavaa Kisasa?

Zulema: To be completely honest I used to be a designer handbag queen. I had purchased many great pieces until I fell victim to an extremely expensive Louis V and realized I’m paying a lot of money for bags that are not made from real leather.

XI: Tell it!

Zulema: Yes exactly, so one day in the shower I had a vision of the perfect bag and hopped out dripping wet and began sketching. I took a class at FIT and that was all she wrote.

XI: Recently you were selected to design a handbag to support Care for Kenya. That must have been a fulfilling experience.

Zulema: Yes, most definitely. Care for Kenya is an organization that aid women in Kenya affected with HIV/Aids. Anavaa Kisasa was selected to design a handbag, which was displayed during Spring 2010 fashion week. The handbags were then given to the women of Kenya afflicted with HIV. I have been to Kenya and it’s beautiful, so all around I was honored for the opportunity.

Invisible Woman – $105 & Diva - $225

XI: Sue, tell me about your success with Sanctuaire Beauty Bar?

Sue: After studying French in school I became inspired by the culture hence the name Chouchounette. I started Sanctuaire Beauty Bar in Atlanta where I would make custom products such as soaps and candles on site for my clients. I then began to branch off to and open stores in Florida and now New York.

XI: The scents are so clean, heartwarming and seductive all at once, what are some of the best sellers?

Sue: I am in the process of re-launching the line but the most popular amongst the soaps include white tea ginger, oatmeal honey and almond scents. The candles with the clean fresh scents as well as the ones that contain lavenders and vanilla are always attractive.

Santuaire candles $7-$12

XI: You two have brought you expertise together and parked in Brooklyn, why East Flatbush?

Zulema: We both grew up in East Flatbush and we have been successful everywhere else, we needed to support and give back what we’ve acquired.

XI: Yes and giving it you are, I am finding it hard to focus on this conversation due to this darling blue and white dress you have in the window!  Tell me about the designers you carry and what makes them Chouchounette material?

Zulema: A lot of designers reach out to us. But there is definitely a process to the selection.

Sue: Yes, it’s important that the merchandise fit the look and feel of the boutique. We desire quality pieces.

Zulema: The designers should be passionate about their work. We want designers who put attention and detail into the construction of the garments. They will eventually develop a following so they need to provide clothing consistently.

XI: What should your customers expect from Chouchounette?

Zulema: They CAN expect to find exclusivity given that we carry very few pieces of each garment. One of the handbag designers we carry, Cotton Pickin Naturals, only makes one of each handbag so you will never see another person with it.

Sue: They can definitely expect the best customer service, individuality in the merchandise and quality merchandise.

Amy Tangerine “Sugar” Tank $40

XI: Now that you two have come together here at home, what are your plans for Chouchounette in the next few years to come?

Sue: We are currently embarking on a new venture called the Collective. The Collective will serve as a bargaining place for independent designers. Chouchounette carries a lot of products from independent designers and we would like to continue to help promote their brands on another level. There will be lots to come with the launching of the Collective.

Zulema: We also have a jewelry line by Chouchounette that of which is my new baby. The jewelry mimics the clothing and we have plans on continuing to make clothing and jewelry by Chouchounette for all. Anyone should be able to find something they like at Chouchounette.

Chouchounette Jewelry $40-$62

Throughout our chat Sue and Zulema were handling each client that entered the store with care and understanding. It was interesting to watch people enter inquisitively and leave with a sense of excitement, understanding and assurance that Chouchounette was their new favorite place to find something new.

Each designer within Chouchounette has a distinct style but they have blended together well in this darling boutique. Designers include Substance T-shirts, Jypsea (leather accessories), Galis 24/7 have all added a unique touch. There are few pieces from each designer but multiple options regarding style, trend and affordability. I most definitely have a need-to-get list.

Sue and Zulema have created a jewel in the heart of East Flatbush. This interview happened prior to their official Grand Opening extravaganza, which I also attended and grand it was. Complete with music and models, sangria and Sanctuaire as well as Ananvaa Kisasa and a red carpet to lead the way. The event was also hosted by XI Magazine’s own, Okema T. Moore. There is no doubt that Chouchounette will continue to have an explosive impact on the community.

Attention Sportstionistas! Victoria’s Secret has heard our prayers, and are FINALLY teaming up with MLB and the NFL to make authentic feminine-fitted clothing embroidered and crystallized with our favorite team’s name and logo on them!

From USA TODAY:

Women make up nearly half of Major League Baseball’s fans.

MLB is partnering with Victoria’s Secret’s PINK brand to take aim at young women during the 2010 season with a new fashion line featuring the logos of 11 clubs, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels.

 The VS PINK brand caters to college-age women with bras, lingerie and sleepwear. The baseball-themed line of crystallized hats, jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, tanks, shorts and fleeces will roll out in more than 100 Victoria’s Secret stores in 11 markets (in March). It will also be sold online at VictoriasSecret.com.

 The youthful gear will feature sayings such as “I Only Kiss Angels Fans” and “Love Love Love Twins.” Prices will range from $19.99 for caps to $58 for fleeces. Some MLB ballplayers will appear alongside Victoria’s Secret models as they tout the line in the 11 markets.

Women account for more than 40% of fans at major league games, MLB executive vice president Tim Brosnan says. He’s hoping fashion models will wear the gear at the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show. “After we do the 11 teams, there will then be demand for all 30,” he says.

Female baseball fans, Brosnan says, want apparel that’s designed and cut for them. In his own house, for example, his wife and two daughters told him they were not interested in wearing men’s or boy’s T-shirts and jerseys that didn’t fit. They wanted their own.

“This is simple: We believe there’s an opportunity with our female fan base,” Brosnan says.

This isn’t the first time MLB has reached out to that base. In spring 2007, Hollywood star Alyssa Milano partnered with MLB and G-III Apparel Group to launch the TOUCH line. It’s available at MLB.com.

Baseball also is partnering with Soft As A Grape to roll out a line of maternity T-shirts and baby onesies.

Last month, during the NFL Draft, Victoria’s Secret PINK previewed their latest project, NFL football jerseys for the ladies! VS supermodels stopped by the NFL Draft to walk the red carpet and showcase the feminine jerseys that flaunt rather than hide. The new collection won’t be available until August, but it will kickoff right in time for the 2010 football season.

Meanwhile, ladies, show off your personal style in VS PINK MLB collection and support your favorite baseball team during the summer months!  Bat-HER up!

Thursday, April 22^nd, was not only memorable because it was the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day & its accompanying celebrations around NYC; it was also a landmark day for Couture. New York’s most fashionable neighborhood -The Meatpacking District- is home to the eponymous flagship store, Kimberly Taylor, and the location of an ultra chic launch of Taylor’s new and uber chic T-Shirt line.

“I wanted to make a T-shirt line for sophisticated women.” –Kimberly Taylor

If elegance is the must have accessory for a true lady, then the minimalist-chic aesthetic of Taylor’s designs are a definite go to for today’s modern woman. They are easily taken from day-to-night.  The Kimberly Taylor boutique opened its doors on August 1^st, 2009 and despite the looming recession, business boomed, leading Taylor to open her second location just 3 months later and launch her t-shirt line shortly there after.

Walking up to the event, it was clear that Taylor is definitely a force to be reckoned with among her heavy hitting neighbors; Alexander McQueen, Diane Von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore. The paycheck guzzling boutiques surrounding Taylor struggle to switch gears in a fashion industry finally catering to a customer who is more responsible with her shopping than her pre-recession counter part.  This customer is averse to purchasing the new must have item at an exaggerated price and has triggered a new era of price conscious designers, with Taylor acting as its harbinger;  her prices range from $95-$350.

Even more attractive than the affordable prices of these timeless pieces, is the persona of the designer herself. This 25-year-old Brooklyn native mixed, mingled and conversed with guests in the same tone that some high-end designers reserve for their personal entourage. Devoid of the pretentiousness often associated with the meatpacking fashion culture, Taylor graciously answered questions, helped a few clients find sizes and posed for pictures.

If you are a modern women who enjoys getting the most out of the pieces she adds to her personal showroom, then the Kimberly Taylor mix and match collection and her new t-shirt line, should definitely be on your wish list.

For more information on Kimberly Taylor please visit her website.

Locations: Flagship Boutique 400 W 14^th Street NY, NY 10014 212.206.0618

Brooklyn 511 Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11223-1940 382-1512

You all know just how much I love snakeskin and shopping. For all NY residents who share this love with me, please prepare yourself!

Beirn, the amazing handbag, clutch and belt brand, is having a sample sale. Trust me, this is one you must not miss! Envision beautiful snakeskin exterior bags with durable canvas lining. Can you see it? I know I can and I will. The sale starts Monday and I’m so there!

If you think you have what it takes to be the next top fashion designer…read the flyer below!