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August calls for smaller bikinis, more sunscreen and of course sunglasses! Michelle Smith has introduced her new collection of eyewear to her amazing line Milly. As we all know- whether on vacation or on a regular relaxing day- nothing is more perfect than the right pair of shades.

If you don’t know about Milly, I suggest looking this fashion line up. Milly has become successful launching in specialty department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. From department stores to worldwide markets, Michelle Smith’s timeless line of clothing, eyewear and jewelry, will catch anyone’s attention.

There’s no doubt that her first eyewear collection will be a great success, for her eyewear designs, as well as her clothing are fashions that never go out of style! Go traditional with classic black and gold rimmed shades, or spice it up with sophisticated fun style all for under $200 each. To find out more about Michelle Smith’s line, Milly, visit MillyNy.com.

Remember, be chic and top that summer outfit with a great pair of shades! - Camlyn V.

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 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.

Before the Heatpocalypse struck New York City a few days ago, I was already applying sunscreen throughout my body but often forgot one particular area: my feet! And since they seem to always be exposed, my toes are now slightly darker than the rest of my body which looks a little funny. That’s when I knew something had to be done. As much as I love my sandals and have a not-so-chic obsession with my year old FitFlops, I decided to get a pair of comfortable Converse sneakers.

There are two things I don’t necessarily like shopping for: jeans and sneakers. For me, finding the perfect fit and style is challenging. So I spent at least 30 minutes before deciding to go with these.

BONUS: I also purchased these Vans leather shoes, $55

When I asked for a 6.5 after trying on a size 7 of the classic low version, the guy helping me responded with, “You’ve never had Converse sneakers, right?” How could he have possibly known that? This only made me more uncomfortable. “This style runs big.” When he returned with the smaller size, I felt as if I was wearing clown shoes! Unfortunately, my legs are too thin to be rocking the low canvas.

So I went with the navy, skinny high tops that I actually wore today under my bootcut Levi jeans for comfort as I ran my morning errands. I have to admit since I almost never wear sneakers it was a little awkward at first, but it felt so good after a few minutes! -Mercedes

For tips on finding the perfect kicks for you, watch my interview with the owner of MySneakers App- the latest iPhone application:

Whether you’re into sneakers or not, MySneakers is a fun and informative application for everyone. Developed by Brooklyn native Louis W. Colon III, MySneakers became a hit app on the iPhone.

“Sneakers is an individual thing. It’s something we grew up doing, and it becomes a part of fashion. It’s a part of style- a part of your individual taste,” says Colon. “Some people just want a running shoe to be casual. Others want a Jordan shoe to be reminiscent of Michael Jordan. Some people just want a fashion shoe while others wear Van skate shoes.”

Colon is more than just an aficionado; he’s a professional expert unlike the many self-titled “sneaker heads” we come across on a daily basis. A few years ago he launched the magazine Kicksclusive and later opened a sneaker boutique in NoLita called Laces. Before launching MySneakers, he worked with the product development team at New Balance in Boston! -Mercedes

To find out how the MySneakers app works, watch our segment by clicking on the photo above.