2009 Spring

Shopping

Shopping: Ikat Prints For Summer

This summer it seems every brand is offering an ikat print of some variety.

This summer it seems every brand is offering an ikat print of some variety. A print that can be found in many cultures, ikat is mainly recognizable for its blurred tie-dye-like lines. We love these prints rendered in bright colors or on unexpected accessories like ballerina flats and handbags. Our favorites, above.

summer

No More Neutrals! Incase Intros Fluorescent iPhone Cases

Since Spring finally Sprung, I have been wanting bright colors everywhere — from my fingers and toes to my Nintendo DSi and bluetooth earpieces.

Since Spring finally Sprung, I have been wanting bright colors everywhere — from my fingers and toes to my Nintendo DSi and bluetooth earpieces. That means it's time to retire my boring old iPhone case and get a neon upgrade.

The Fluro Slider Case for the iPhone 3G is one hot tamale, coming in lime, neon orange, and hot pink for $35 each (leave it to the hot pink to be currently unavailable). I like how Incase plays to the current season — they went metallic in the Fall, and now they're bright and fun for the Spring and Summer months.

Layout

Shopping: Statement Motorcycle Jackets

A simple black or brown biker jacket is an instant classic and if you've already got one, feel free to indulge in other options.

A simple black or brown biker jacket is an instant classic and if you've already got one, feel free to indulge in other options. Motorcycle jackets in bright colors and interesting fabrics are a big hit this summer and can be found at a variety of price points. Choose one that suits your style (and budget) and pair it with another wardrobe staple like a men's t-shirt or a floral summer dress.

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Shopping: Neon Watches On The Cheap

Pops of neon and candy colors are a sure hit this summer and if you prefer to interpret the trend conservatively, we recommend wearing a simple bright accessory.

Pops of neon and candy colors are a sure hit this summer and if you prefer to interpret the trend conservatively, we recommend wearing a simple bright accessory. These three neon watches are all affordably priced and will add a special something to an everyday outfit. Bright color aside, we think these watches are also a great start to building a sporty but street-ready summer look.

ponytail

How-To: Make Your Ponytail More Exciting

There are many times when tossing that hair back into a ponytail is just the easiest option, particularly during the warmer months.

There are many times when tossing that hair back into a ponytail is just the easiest option, particularly during the warmer months. But, do you ever get bored by the same old, same old?

Herbal Essences stylist to the stars, Charles Baker Strahan has already shared with us a fresh haircut idea for Spring, and now, he's got some ideas on making your ponytail stand out. "Ponytails can be very chic. It is all about where you place them and the texture you have in the hair," he says.

"Stick-straight hair begs for a very high pony or a very low one, whereas I like a middle placement for more natural or wavy textures," says Strahan. Feeling more adventurous? "I enjoy seeing small braids or twists (in an odd number) on someone with a natural/wavy texture because it adds romance to a midrange pony," he added.

As far as high ponytails are concerned, Strahan likes adding three cornrows above the brow for an edgier feel. What's your favorite option for this go-to style?

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Diane Von Furstenberg

Fab Finding Follow-Up: Fab's Fresh Spring Look

Thanks to all your Fab styling, I have a fresh outfit for Spring!

Thanks to all your Fab styling, I have a fresh outfit for Spring! What do you think? I'm thrilled to be spending the rest of the season in this vibrant, luxotica outfit.

Here's what I have on:

To show my appreciation, I'm gifting each lucky winner a FabSugar thong — sexy! Congrats and thanks again for all your help. 'Til next time . . .


Shopping

Shopping: Square Statement Shoulder Bags

Eye-catching square shoulder bags are a great way to add some excitement to a simple outfit.

Eye-catching square shoulder bags are a great way to add some excitement to a simple outfit. Rather than the more formal rectangular versions, square shoulder bags denote daytime fun. Wear them cross-body with jeans and a t-shirt or hanging from one shoulder with an easy summer frock. Our favorites, above.

Spring

Fava Bean & Pecorino Salad Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

No fruit or vegetable ushers in the season of late Spring and early Summer quite like the fava bean.

No fruit or vegetable ushers in the season of late Spring and early Summer quite like the fava bean. Simply ask the denizens of southern Italy, where short-lived favas are a prized warm-weather favorite. There, the tender, creamy beans are frequently served in a delicate salad with buttery olive oil and nutty pecorino cheese. The traditional way of preparing favas is to shell and then blanch them to remove their tough outer skins — but if you're new to working with favas, you may want to stick with selecting young, thin-skinned pods, which require no blanching. Make the fava bean salad that suits you best when you read more

Eco

In Season: Rhubarb

Asparagus isn't the only stalk in season: rhubarb is also having a moment.

Asparagus isn't the only stalk in season: rhubarb is also having a moment. Rhubarb resembles celery but has a vibrant pink color. Although many people mistake it for being a fruit, rhubarb is actually a vegetable. It's a member of the buckwheat family, can grow to be two feet long, and is at its peak from April to June. While rhubarb's leaves are poisonous, the stalks are highly edible. To learn more about rhubarb and check out some serving suggestions, read more