Weird and Crazy Kentucky Derby Hats

Being a Kentucky girl and now a fashionista living in California, how could I not cover the Kentucky Derby Fashions? I love Derby day because it gives you a chance to break out those hats you buy and have absolutely no occasion to wear it to. It also gives you a chance to be as creative, weird and wacky as you want. Most of the time, the most outrageous hats are the ones that make it on TV. So, I bring you another one of my lists. The weirdest, the wackiest, and the most unusual Derby Hats!

T-shirts for a Cause

Nothing better than sporting a tshirt for a cause. Now you can get your very own trendy, cute and comfortable tshirt to benefit Visions Leadership Education Program at the same time. Both men's and women's t-shirts designed exclusively for Visions and printed on high quality Alternative Apparel shirts are now available. You can order your t-shirts online via ShopModerne.com for just $20.

 

What is Visions?
Visions is a global nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California. Visions' mission is to educate, uplift, and empower disadvantaged youth and communities globally by providing academic and professional assistance through training in Leadership & Life Skills, English, and IT. The organization works in predominantly in Sri Lanka, but also has operations in Kenya (since 2007) and India (since 2008). The focal initiative of the organization is the Visions Leadership Education Program, which trains youth and teachers in underprivileged communities in Leadership & Life Skills, Global & Local Issues, and Human Rights. visionsforthefuture.org for more information.

Hottest Swimwear and Bikini Trends for Spring / Summer 2009

The weather has been so beautiful lately and we're finally gearing up for the beach. Summer is almost here! You know what that means. Short shorts, short skirts, sandals, tank tops, tanning and most importantly....your bathing suit. I hope you guys have worked out your abs this year because in 2009, it's all about being flashy. Whether you're sporting bright colors or the cut away bikini, it is all about drawing attention to yourself with a unique swimsuit. Let's take a look at some of the trends shall we?

Big, Bold Colors!
Whether I'm covering the red carpet or giving you the latest trends on handbags and jewelry, this year is all about color! And it doesn't change when you're on the beach either. If anything, your bathing suit can be any wild color or pattern you want it to be. Hot pinks, neons, and light blues are very popular. If you want to do the bohemian look, you can go for jewel tones (green, purple, red, royal blue). Whatever suits your look best, don't be afraid of color or pattern. Go crazy with animal prints, african prints and have fun with it.

 

Monokinis
Ever since Paris Hilton's Carl's Jr. commercial, we've just stayed absolutely in love with the monokini. Who would have thought a one piece could be so sexy? Lucky for us, you can get a monokini everywhere and anywhere for such a great price. You can get some really cute ones at Forever21 for about $22.80. Or even Charlotte Russe for about $27. The only thing about this style is that if your bust is bigger than your bottom or vice versa, it may not fit as well or be as flattering. Definitely try it on before purchasing.

 

One Shoulder Bikinis
This year on the red carpet, we saw a lot of one shouldered necklines on many couture gowns. This is being carried into the summertime and we're showing the one shoulder neckline in our bathing suits as well. Whether you're wearing a 2 piece bikini or a one piece suit, having a one shoulder neckline will be sure to add interest to your summer swimwear.

 

Cut Away Bikinis
A great way to add a little sex appeal to your bathing suit is to utilize the cut away trend. It's super sexy and it can be as subtle or as shredded as you're comfortable with. I love this trend in a simple black and white suit. If you're going subtle with the cut away, you can definitely look into a bold color to sport along with this trend. So hot! Love this!

Replicate Lady Gaga’s Most Recent Look

World Entertainment News Network recently posted this photo of Lady Gaga at her friend and fellow singer Mika's house in London. Here, she's sporting a wide rimmed hat flipped upwards, her body suit with what appears to be a blazer on top, a black bra, a wide black leather belt, fishnet nude stockings, and crazy thigh high laced up tan boots. Her other accessories include an umbrella where it was neither raining or sunny, a black clutch, huge square sunglasses, and black lipstick....she is fashion candy isn't she? I seriously don't know who else could pull this off. It's as if she's going to a Gothic/Rocker Kentucky Derby. Even if you weren't really into this look, you would have to appreciate all the work that not only goes into putting it together, but wearing it all over town. She uses the streets as her runway and chooses fashion over comfort any day and that's why she is the fashion gift that keeps on giving.

But, let's take it down a couple notches. We wouldn't ever really wear anything right off the runway or right off of Lady Gaga. So, let's interpret this outfit shall we?

1. Tatiana Woven Blazer - $14.80
2. Sleek Satin Short - $13.80
3. Lace Sateen Convertible Bra - $8.80
4. Fishnet Stockings - $3.67
5. Lace Up Thigh High Boots - from $59.99
6. Christys' Crown Brim Hat - $74.00
7. Avatar Sunglasses - $5.18
8. Elastic Corset - from $9.99
9. Python Clutch - $14.99

Instead of doing all black, you can pop some color into your bra, the hat, or the clutch. Depending on the occasion, you can even go bold with red patent leather boots or even white boots. If you don't want to do the blazer, a black jumpsuit short would work well with this look also.  Be sure to add a chunky corset belt to finish off the look!