Miniskirts, Bright Colors at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week kicked off this week in a dynamic run down catwalk in Bryant Park.

The most obvious prediction evident in the batch of new looks - by Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Catherine Malandrino, Marc Jacobs, Georges Chakra, Narciso Rodriguez and Calvin Klein - predicts lots of bright colors for Spring 2010.

To give truth to the old adage "the lower the economy, the higher the skirts," miniskirts will be the hot new look. Also on hand to help dispel the economic gloom, a rainbow of hues in violet, yellow, turquoise, coral and red will be the main colors incorporated into everything from dresses and suits to casual wear and T-shirts this spring.

The Spring 2010 edition of New York Fashion Week continues until September 17, 2009. If the crowds at the Bryant Park tents are too much, take the virtual tour via YouTube videos:

More about New York Fashion Week around the Web:

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Videos

New York Magazine Runway Photos & Videos

2009 Fall Fashion Trends

Power, shine and sparkle are the watchwords for the comming fall season as top designers react creatively to a struggling economy.

It will be the year of big shoulders when a retro 80's theme becomes an inevitable result of last year's Greek goddess look with the accent on padded blouses, or dresses and gowns accentuating the dramatic, broad shouldered look.

On the red carpet, look for copper and other metallics to be a big eye catcher as "sparkle and shine" becomes a theme incorporated into everything from haute couture gowns to sequined purses and hair pieces.

Not that PETA will be any happier, but leather also will be "the new fur" this fall with emphasis on a tough, rock-n-roll look fashioned into coats, pants, skirts and jackets.

As leather is worked into everything, boots make a natural comeback with edgy, thigh-high boots among the most powerful statements of assured sexuality. Belts also will be a signature trend of the 2009 Fall fashion season varying from sashed dresses to big buckled coats to thin, feminine belted skirts.

Continuing a traditional trend for warm fall colors, red will take the lead with deep rose and rich burnt sienna grabbing the most attention, followed by more subdued feel-good honey yellows and warm olives.

More about 2009 Fall fashion trends around the Web:

 

2009 Fall Fashion Color Trends

Nine Trends You'll Be Wearing This Fall

Colors of Summer 2009

Every season in defined by colors in the world of fashion.

This summer is bringing together the spirit of nature with the 60s to give us a palette of yellows, greens and browns for elegance.

On more casual summer days at the beach look for the blues and violets of the sky and water mixed with sunshine bright yellow or sunset oranges to reflect the back to nature feel of the season.

Mix a bit of steel grey to tone down -- or white to blend the brighter colors for a softer look... or just go wild with combos of bold colors.

Pantone fashion color report spring/summer 2009

Spring/Summer Color Trends for 2009

TFL Fashion & Color Inspirations

Spring and Summer Couture Will Glow with Mimosa, Gold, Lemon and Amber

Colors of the Spring Summer Season

How to Buy a Swimsuit That Flatters Your Body Shape

Want to flatter your shape in a stunning swimsuit at the beach or poolside this summer? Here are a couple of simple but expert tips and tricks to finding just the right swimsuit for your body shape.

General rule 1: Buy a swimsuit that's slightly larger than normal, but don't go overboard - you don't want your swimsuit swimming away! Slightly bigger sizes have the dual advantage of being more comfortable while hiding any unsightly bulges.

General rule No. 2: Choose a design featuring bright colors or patterns to accentuate your better features. Your ideal swimsuit will also feature darker colors (at the top, bottom, or middle) for the parts you want to hide or disguise. Black is fine, but any darker hue in green, blue or burgundy will do the trick to achieving a flattering, slimming effect for a large bust, hips or tummy. 

Specific advice by body type:

Long & tall banana shape -  Bandeau tops or tankinis will give the illusion of a more curvy body, while bright, colorful prints will help break up your long, vertical silhouette. Create further balance by choosing a design with horizontal lines or diagonal stripes.  

Apple shape -  There are two schools of thought on how best to accentuate an apple shape. One advises basic black and darker colors. Another puts the focus on wild and bright tropical designs or polka dots to disguise a rounder middle. We'll go for the wild design (it does the job and is lots more fun), but try both to see which one flatters your apple figure more. Whichever one you choose, be sure to opt for high-cut legs and a plunging neckline to avert attention to your middle. Also look for a fitted swimsuit with a defined waist with Lycra or spandex support.

Pear shape -  One of the most common women's body types, pear shapes can be accentuated with a bright, printed top and a subdued bottom. To achieve the look you want, experiment with mix and match separates, or a bikini or tankini top with padded bra, and a black bottom. 

Hourglass -  If you've got a Jennifer Hudson or Dolly Parton figure, lucky you! With this shape anything goes, but accentuating your waist will help to bring out your most voluptuous look.

More about choosing swimsuits around the Web:

• Find the Right Swimsuit to Suit Your Shape
  
  
• Swimsuits That Flatter Your Body Type
  
  
• Choosing the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type