BeChicMag.com

Reporting from Miami… We may be in the last half of the summer, but this past weekend thousands of buyers, stylists, journalists and celebrities were already planning for next year’s bikini season. As the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim un -covered,  next summer’s forecast calls for partly retro with a chance of Amazon prints.

Retro

Amazon

The World Cup in Brazil may still be four years away but, Swim wear designers Mara Hoffman, Trina Turk and Poko Pano are already channeling Rio in their collections. Neon amazon prints, body necklaces and fishbone braids make a splash in Mara Hoffman’s second appearance at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Poko Pano shares an ode to their native Brazil with hearts, vibrant prints and sultry cuts. Trina turk recalls her laid-back Palms Springs summers with bright swim pieces and cover ups.

Glam Cover-ups

Speaking of cover ups… Next bikini season will be covered in luxurious cover-ups! Gone are the days of wearing an over-sized men’s shirt or denim cut off shorts. Designers stretched their creative muscles for 2011′s cover-up collections.  Anything goes in  2011! Whether you prefer a glittery Toucan top like Poko Pano, romantic eyelet frock like Qiss Qiss, Native American-esque fringe vest from True Religion or satiny mini dress from Aqua Di Lara.

If this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim taught us anything it is that vibrant colors, retro styles and unique cover ups are here to stay. 2011′s collection promises to make even the most fearful bikini shopper feel beautiful.

-Shelika B.

By Mercedes Sanchez

While Penelope Cruz says she doesn’t need a husband to raise a child, we’re relieved that someone in Tinseltown still believes in the concept of family. Mario Lopez told Us Weekly that plans to marry 28-year-old Broadway dancer Courtney Mazza are “on the way” and since his girl is so hot, impregnating her a few more times might be on his agenda:

“She looks great! I want to keep her pregnant all the time…I take care of her and treat her like a princess and get her anything she wants. I try to feed her all the time because I want a real healthy fat baby.”

The lovebirds met in 2008 while Lopez co-starred in The Chorus Line, and in March they announced Courtney’s pregnancy. Mario, if you’re serious about marrying her, when’s the big day?

“We have a big year this year because she moved out here. We got a new house, a new dog, new baby… so it’s on the way. There is no rush. It’s exciting.”

No rush? That’s quite a contradiction. If you ask us, it all seems rather fast: Courtney’s relocation. House. Dog. Baby. Those are big steps to take in a matter of months, so why not just put a ring on it? Considering Lopez’s last marriage (which lasted a short two weeks), we might want to keep our expectations to a minimum. Regardless, we wish the mom-to-be a happy and safe delivery in September. We also can’t wait to see what sort of offspring their killer genes create!

- Mercedes

By Samantha Saunion

Where can you find poolside mini makeovers by Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, Blue Angel Vodka Cocktails, exclusive discounts at Michael Star’s boutique and a chance to donate and benefit Mariska Hargitay’s The Joyful Heart Foundation? No where other than ThinkThruFashion’s Accessory Swap Soiree.

ThinkThruFashion’s own Sydne Summer will be hosting the glamorous charity event on July 19^th at the Avalon Hotel.  Fashion and beauty bloggers will be given a chance to swap their hats, scarves, watches, handbags, jewelry, belts or sunglasses.  The charity raffle benefiting The Joyful Heart Foundation will feature fabulous prizes from Arcona, Diesel, Hemptress, Dermalogica and others.

The innovative Sydne Summer has given women the opportunity to release their inner fashionista in their everyday lives. Her ThinkThruFashion Staples Series shows women how to expand their wardrobe and go from ordinary to chic-tastic! The Swap Soiree is just another one of her brilliant ideas towards making women glam, all while helping out a great cause.

ThinkThruFashion’s Accessory Swap Soiree. Poolside at the Avalon Hotel, Los Angeles. Monday, July 19th. 7-10 p.m.

Something huge happened on Thursday evening: Univision’s Premios Juventud was the number one trending topic worldwide! And if you don’t know what that means, perhaps it’s time to step up your social media game. It turns out that the 7th annual award show on the Spanish-language channel was the most watched program beating NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX for the third year in a row!

While there were spectacular performances like the duo between the Spanish stud Enrique Iglesias and Dominican living legend Juan Luis Guerra, and Shakira‘s homage to the World Cup, we of course cared more about the fashion. So here’s a little recap on the celebs who captured our attention the most- from the best to the worst dressed.

BEST DRESSED

I hear not everyone agrees, but I loved former Miss Universe Amelia Vega's metallic look with the bright colors- perfect for a summer award show in Miami! Do we love the hair? Of course! She pulled off the super high faux hawk with a classic taste. And the lips? This CoverGirl knows what she's doing!

Another cutout dress. Former RBD star Anahi with a frock by Gustavo Mata. Not sure whether I love it or hate it, but she definitely looks gorgeous in it while rocking two trends at once: laces and cutouts. What do you think? Hit or Miss?

Shakira on the blue carpet donning Robert Cavalli. The strapless dress shined with gold and metallic embroidery giving her a simple yet elegant look.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

Niurka. I don't even know where to begin with her. Is it the nails, the top, skirt or the hair that I hate the most? Worst of all? This is the outfit she chose to walk down the blue carpet with her preteen son...

Ivy Queen. For sure she was trying to channel Lady Gaga onstage, but it didn't quite work out, did it? However, I am so happy to see that she got rid of those awful long nails. Good for you Ivy- it was about time!

As much as I hate to say this, Belinda's look didn't do it for me. Perhaps I'm being biased because of her new bad-girl attitude and choice to go super thin. She got the bronze down, but isn't pulling the whole look off.

We would love to hear your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know your thoughts?! – Mercedes

By Johanna Marie Ferreira

These days it’s hard to cough up money on expensive products. So one of the best ways to save on beauty care is to use natural items. Some of these are remedies my mother tried on me while others are from friends whose relatives have been using for years!

Rice Water: An Ancient Anti-Aging Treatment

Asian women are admired for their beautiful, clear and flawless skin. One of their secrets to keeping their complexions smooth, translucent and youthful is washing their faces with rice water. Rice water is simply the water that comes from washing uncooked rice. Once the rice is soaked the water becomes cloudy in appearance. This works because rice contains a high concentration of PABA (para aminobenzoic acid) and this tends to work effectively as a sunscreen. To make your own homemade rice cleanser, simply take a bowl and soak about a cup full of white rice. Clean the rise thoroughly. Once you see the water become cloudy, drain the water into another bowl. Repeatedly splash the rice water over your face. For best results, do not towel dry your face, instead leave the water on your face to air-dry. Your best bet is to do this whenever you’re planning on making rice that way you don’t waste it.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda: A Natural Whitening Remedy

Combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is a great way to whiten teeth naturally. Many dentists recommend it and it’s also an active ingredient found in many whitening toothpastes. Baking soda effectively polishes teeth without scratching the surface of the tooth, and it also works to prevent tartar buildup. Whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth or just maintain a healthy smile, hydrogen peroxide should definitely become a part of your daily oral hygiene regimen as it works as an antiseptic property, preventing infections and bacterial buildup. To make your own hydrogen peroxide and baking soda whitening treatment, take a small cup and add ½ a teaspoon of baking soda. Then pour a dash of hydrogen peroxide until the mixture turns into a paste. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush as usual. You can also brush afterwards with your regular toothpaste.

Eggs and Mayonnaise: A Deep Treatment Conditioner

Eggs and mayonnaise treatments effectively work to restore moisture and shine to dry/damaged hair. The mixture creates a deep conditioning treatment that leaves hair healthier, silky and soft. The reason why this works is because eggs contain protein and fatty acids that assist in nourishing your hair and the vitamins contained in eggs such as, vitamin A, D and E are vital to your hair’s health. The ingredients found in mayonnaise are eggs, oil and vinegar. These ingredients combined help to moisturize, add shine, and balance the pH levels of your hair. To create your own homemade egg and mayonnaise conditioning treatment, add one egg and ½ cup of mayonnaise to a bowl. Mix the ingredients well and then distribute the treatment throughout your hair from the roots to the ends. Then cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and let the mixture set for about 30 minutes. Shampoo to remove the treatment and rinse thoroughly.

Vinegar: A Natural Dandruff Solution

Vinegar has been used as a natural dandruff remedy for centuries. It’s known to kill off the fungus found in dandruff and restores the proper acid/alkaline balance of the scalp. The most common types of vinegar used to treat dandruff are white vinegar and apple cider vinegar. To create your own natural dandruff solution, simply mix an equal amount of warm water and vinegar to a bowl. Then take a cup and pour the mixture onto your scalp and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse the solution out and wash your hair with a gentle shampoo.

Brown Sugar – A Natural Body Scrub

Did you know that brown sugar is a great ingredient to exfoliate your skin? It has been discovered that brown sugar helps keep your skin smooth and radiant. To make your own brown sugar scrub, mix a cup of sugar with 1/3 cup of olive oil. Shower with lukewarm water and massage the scrub throughout your body, focusing on drier areas. Rinse off the brown sugar scrub with warm water. It’s highly suggested that you wash your body off with soap afterwards because the scrub can leave your skin a little oily.

Johanna Marie Ferreira is a freelance writer and editorial assistant for the City University of New York (CUNY).