Marc Anthony has continued to rise as a star in the spotlight. From his music career, to his hefty purchases of million dollar homes and entire football teams, we are learning each day of his multitude of talents. This top selling Puerto Rican-American musician/singer-songwriter has also, recently, stepped into the role of producer and actor. Amongst these talents, is his newest venture. Marc Anthony is now using his fashion sense and formal background, to take lead with the creation of the clothing/accessory line, Nu by Marc Anthony.

Marc Anthony has dipped his hand into many varieties of talent and purchases. Now, the minority owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, Anthony is always searching for the next best thing. Born in New York City, Anthony was named after the Mexican singer Marco Antonio Muniz. As a child, in a family of eight, Anthony had always exhibited himself as on stage. A born actor and performer, this multi-talented individual started his career as soon as possible.

After a musical career erupted for Marc Anthony, he began to settled down. Although the settling process did not take this star out of the spotlight. Now the father of daughter Adrianna (born 1994), as well as twins, Emme and Maximallian (born 2008) he has a life full of family. Currently wife to Jennifer Lopez, and father to three, this entrepreneur has not stopped there. His new efforts have been placed within a booming fashion line, referred to as Nu by Marc Anthony.

Nu by Marc Anthony exhibits fresh colors, vibrant silhouettes and the overall inspiration to want to be a part of the fashion world. The modern flare to simple items are said to be wearable in most any occasion. As Anthony has always been inspired by fashion and art, he is using the customer as his conscious muse. Creating fits and comfort for all, a fine mix has been created.

With years of experience in the fashion world, from working at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, to working as a visual merchandiser, Anthony seemed anxious to take this step as into a designer role. Prior to his work with Nu, he worked as a men’s designer for an L.A. boutique. After his experience in this avenue, he decided to move to a women’s line, which he is now known for today.

Nu by Marc Anthony was formally known as Nu Collective. It is now a fashionable twist on the modern classics. Friends and followers of Anthony’s new collection include: Eva Longoria, Nicky and Paris Hilton, Lauren Conrad and Lindsay Lohan (to name a few). Anthony and Jennifer Lopez have also been known to strut this new gear at prime-time red carpet events.

Consistently featured in most all of the top publications exhibiting fashion, the reviews are almost always fantastic! Magazines such as Style, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, People and US have all featured Marc Anthony’s new clothing line.

Musician, producer, actor, father, husband, designer – who wouldn’t be excited to see what this man takes on next?

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

If you love Project Runway and the designers, you probably would appreciate season three winner Jeffrey Sebelia and his work. What is he doing these days? He of course has a brand new gig as the head designer of the company called Fluxus.

If you don’t remember Sebelia, he was the tall, punky looking guy with tattoos around his neck. Sebelia was selected to compete as one of the final four contestants with the chance to display his collections at Fashion Week, where he was also the winner. While on the show, he had been portrayed as the third season’s “villain,” notorious for his explicit language and making fellow contestant Angela Keslar’s mother cry. Of course fellow contestants like Alison Kelly disputed this saying Sebelia was far nicer than the program’s editing indicated.

Sebalia was also noted on the show for speaking of his past years of drug addiction, suicide attempts and his redemption. During the show, he was constantly pulling pranks on the other contestants, was sometimes an arrogant winner and a sore loser. In the final episode his red sundress imprinted with small white apples stole the show. His collection was the most accomplished and varied in range. Before appearing on the show he was operating his own small but modestly successful label called Cosa Nostra. He was also selling to a handful of celebrities including Dave Navarro and Gwen Stefani. Friend of Sebalia, Santino Rice from Season 2, suggested Sebalia try out for the show.

Since the show, Sebalia’s designs for Flexus have stayed true to form leaning on the side of punky but also cutting edge. Fabrics are sharp and yet comfortable. Although amazing, the collection is staying on the affordable side ranging from $60 to $200 and for this price you can get everything from sheer striped tees and tanks to batwing dresses and cozy caplets.

Fluxus, spelled fLuXuS, was founded by Martin Paquette. The store company was founded in 2007 and its name and company is stated to being from an art movement that blurs the lines between genres. The art movement has been primarily influenced by the work of John Cage and Marcel DuChamp and influenced greatly by Yoko Ono, Beck and Ben. FLuXus is said to represent the blending and connecting of all aspects of art and life, intermingling different philosophies and cultures. There is life, there is art and in between is fashion.

The company has three locations which include Larchmont Village, Brentwood and Orange County. While the company is known for its knits, pulling Sebelia on board has not only given the company a financial boost but a new look of its own. The designer has helped the company expand upon its ideas. The spring 2010 line is the first official collection for fLuXus by Sebelia where one will find dark, edgy pieces that are still soft along with 50s American sportswear and military-inspired frocks.

All of fLuXus clothing line are designed and manufactured in Los Angeles. Owner Martin Paquette said he doesn’t believe in outsourcing production due to the fact if he returned a product, by the time he got it back, the fashion trend would be over. The company states “Everything in our Los Angeles infrastructure is vertically integrated, from conceptualization and manufacturing to retail. FLuXus is committed to helping and working with local communities as well as facilitating social progress in the workplace to create a revolution in the apparel industry.”

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

Just because those long summer days are quickly giving way to cool fall evenings does not have mean that your entire summer wardrobe has seen its last days. Before you bid your favorite sundress or tank top farewell until next year or unpack that all purpose cable knit sweater, below are some helpful ways that you can take some of your key summer pieces and turn them into wearable and not to mention fashionable fall outfits.

Sundresses

A sundress is a handy staple that belongs in every woman’s summer line-up. Versatile in that it can just as easily be worn over a swimsuit on the way to the beach or be paired with bold jewelry and sandals just in time for dinner are major reasons why this piece is an obvious choice for those short on time but still need to look pulled together. Taking your favorite sundress into fall can be easy when you add one or all of the following to your outfit. Pair a well tailored denim jacket to your dress to create a structured look even when worn over the most billowy of dresses. Also, consider pairing leggings with sundresses that are a bit on the shorter side. That short dress can now be worn more like a stylish tunic that will take you from day to evening effortlessly. A slouchy boot also makes a statement with leggings when flip flops just won’t do the trick.

Camisoles

On a hot day, a camisole can be a girl’s best friend but as the seasons change so does the function of this piece. Camisoles as well as tank tops are perfect for layering and adding texture around the neckline. For example, a light weight cardigan worn over a delicate camisole adds just a touch of detail without adding unnecessary bulk to your outfit. A fitted blazer and dark washed jeans will also do your trusty camisole justice when taking this item from summer to fall.

The Capri Pant

There are about as many variations of the Capri pant as there are places to wear them. How can you take these notoriously comfortable and casual pants into fall? Ballerina flats are fun and look great with casual khaki Capri pants while pairing a pump with a more structured pant will instantly make your outfit business appropriate. Three quarter length light weight sweaters and jackets also work well when transitioning this summer favorite into fall.

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

There is no better way to update an outfit and make your look complete than with the use of jewelry. What are the latest trends in jewelry? They include layered contrasting metals, mismatched bracelets, wearing multiple watches, chunky bubble rings and large pendant necklaces.

Contrasting metals can include layering necklaces made of bright and bold gemstones with several gold and silver chains of varying length. The color from the metals and the gemstones adds a splash of color to any outfit.

What about mismatched bracelets? If you own a large number of bracelets and can’t decide on which one to wear, no need to worry as you can wear all of them. Big chunky bracelets, metallic cuff bracelets and embossed gold and silver bangles well wear together nicely. A cuff bracelet is a large bracelet that can be made of gold or silver, be embossed or adorned with gemstones, can include a number of materials such as beads, baubles, resin, stones, crystals, leather or raffia. Wearing about five or six of your favorite bangle bracelets creates a beautiful melody around your wrist.

As with bracelets, watches can be worn in multiples as well. One rarely wears a watch for the time these days as there are cell phones for that, but when wearing multiple watches, you could appear worldly, as if you are keeping time for various time zones. Whether you are wearing cuff watches, a skeleton watch, or the trendy Funqy Junque watch, the bolder the better. Watches come in numerous colors, materials and looks, depending on your style.

If wearing numerous watches isn’t something you are interested in, one colorful watch might be. A latest fashion trend in colleges is the wearing of watches of different colors, sometimes colors that match ones clothes or sometimes colors that match their mood. Many students are exchanging their colorful watches too as each color has its own meaning.

Other fashion statements you can make with jewelry? How about shoulder duster earrings? These earrings fall to the shoulders, just grazing them with their edges. They can be quite ornate made with crystals, gemstones or metals. Handmade chandelier earrings are made with silver wire wrapped with semi precious stones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. There are many vintage shoulder duster earrings out there too for the picking, these can be made of rhinestones and goldtone metals.

Speaking of vintage, how about pendant necklaces? Large pendants can make a wonderful accessory for any outfit. Vintage pendants can have pretty etchings or embossed detail. Some come with large stones, unique shapes or funky designs. Depending on your budget, you can get these pendants made of real precious metals and gemstones or something as pretty as Czech glass or rhinestones.

Last, how about white jewelry. Yes, jewelry that is all one color. While mixing and matching color is fun, sometimes going all white is just as eye popping. By simply putting together a pair of white and gold earrings, a pearl necklace or earrings, a pendant, a handful of white bracelets (yes, definitely more than one), and even a white enamel ring – you can see how your outfit comes to life with no color at all.

Your choices are unlimited in how you can accessorize your outfit with the simple addition of jewelry and watches.

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

Linen clothing is becoming one of the most comfortable, and popular types of clothing available. Linen fabric makes for extremely breathable beach apparel, and has recently become a stylish wear in weddings and special events. Since the early 1970’s, linen has continued to increase in popularity. Over sixty percent more linen is being produced and sold, worldwide today, than thirty years ago.

The fabric is also being used in the kitchen and bedroom, regularly. Although the texture is far less smooth than that of cotton, it is highly absorbent, breathable and more durable. Linen today is being used for such items as: tablecloths, hand towels and window coverings. Although there are many uses for this diverse fabric, linen is produced mostly for clothing and accessorizing products.
　
As it is made from flax, the natural yarns of the product pull moisture away from the skin. Linen as a general fabric has less elasticity than that of cotton or silk. This makes for a more difficult weave when creating linen clothing or bedding. For this reason, linen is often elevated in pricing, as compared to cotton, latex, nylon, etc.

Machine Wash: Linen can be machine washed, which tends to be easier to wash than a fabric such as satin. A gentle wash cycle, with warm water, is often required. After washing, it is not best to machine-dry the material. Linen should be laid flat and allowed to air-dry. It is important to let linen dry complete, so that it does not attract mildew. This will also assist in pressing some of the wrinkles out of the fabric before ironing.

Hand Wash: If hand-washing linen, place in a small container of warm water, and soap. Allow the garment to soak, rubbing the fabric together gently every so often. After the fabric is cleaned thoroughly, place in a warm water container, and rinse completely. To dry, would be the same directions as with machine wash. It is important to allow the garment to dry completely, lying flat, and pressing out as many wrinkles as possible.

Dry-Clean: Dry cleaning is always the most preferred type of washing, with respects to linen clothing. Dry-cleaning, can give linen a fresh pressed look, eliminating a fair share of wrinkles. Although, it can get quite pricey if you have a large collection of linen, that is worn on a regular basis.

It is always best to read the manufacture’s care label before performing any type of wash to clothing. Some clothing may appear to be completely created from linen, but in fact, include other types of fabrics. If a label informs a consumer to dry clean an item, it is often in best interest to do so.

When ironing linen, it is best to do so when the fabric is still somewhat damp. Most irons will have settings marked ‘for linen’, or ‘linens’. When fabric is damp is may protect linen from getting burned from the heat of the iron. Ironing clothing on the inside of the fabric can also prevent from completely ruining or burning a garment. After ironing, hanging linen will prevent some wrinkles from remaining within the fabric.

In maintaining linen clothing with proper care, the pieces can be worn for years to come. With its uber-comfort and natural look, it is hard to believe that linen will ever go out of fashion.

　
Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

The clog, a type of footwear now in fashion, evolved from a shoe traditionally worn by mining workers and farmers. Then, used as a protective piece of clothing, the clog has now developed into: sandals, high-heeled footwear, as well as boots. This spring, and what seems to be, fall seasons, clogs are hitting stores in a variety of designs.

There are so many types of clogs; it is virtually impossible to name them all. The original clog was made out of wood (willow, poplar or birch), and was regularly associated with countries such as: Sweden, Belgium, Denmark and The Netherlands. The thick soles of the shoe served as protective gear against heat, rock and some acids. Some of the original clogs were also developed with ‘toecaps’ (steel or variant metal reinforced toes). Factory workers handling large equipment most often wore this style of shoe.

Although the clog has now developed into a footwear statement, worn by women and men worldwide, some gardeners and farmers continue to wear the original wooden clog in Holland. Clog dancing, or clogging is also still a pastime that is practiced today. During the mid-nineteenth century competitions were even held for such traditional dancing.

It was not until the early 1970’s that the clog began to be worn as a fashion accessory. Men in Sweden would wear the clogs with socks. Women would wear them, more as a sandal. Women also wore raised clogs that had soles as high as six to eight inches. In the late seventies, the fad came to the United States and other western countries. Clogs came equipped with buckles, laces, straps and zippers. They were also created from raw wood and leather to match a look of freedom that some hippies exhibited. In the disco era, the taller clogs were worn to dances and clubs.

Today, such designers as Steve Madden, Stewart Weitzman and Nicole Richie have developed their own style of the clog. Madden has designed an airy, light model, while Stewart Weitzman has developed a clog from a vintage point of view. Nicole Richie is keeping it raw with her animal prints and thick leather wears this season.

This 2010 spring season, Chanel even rocked clogs down the runway as an accessory to be exhibited. Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted on several occasions wearing flirty clogs, with ribbon or leather straps up the calf. This past summer Morgan Yakus’s version of the lined clog bootie was completely sold out in Manhattan last winter. Patent leather, suede and printed clogs are also on the verge of becoming insanely over-popular.

Whether you have an idea of a clog being a fad from the seventies, or dance shoes for countries possessing an overabundance of tulips, the fad is back. Clogs can change up any fashion statement. Whether with denim, shorts or perhaps a classy romper, these shoes are definitely making the news.

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

Steve Madden’s footwear company has been a front-running seller of designer shoes for years. The company has also expanded to include handbags, accessories and girl’s apparel. With a creative eye for fashion and marketing, Steve Madden’s company continues to expand.

Steve Madden, founder of Steve Madden Ltd., grew up in New York. He and his wife Wendy are the parents of two children. Madden did not complete his college degree, but instead took a job at a shoe store in Cedarhurt. After two years of working in sales for Jildor shoes, he acquired a position with L.J. Simone. This wholesale shoe and boot company was known for footwear with fringe and gemstones.

In gaining knowledge of shoe styles, Madden also started to absorb marketing and manufacturing techniques. In July of 1988 Steve’s career with Jildor ended. With under $1,500 in his bank account, Madden designed his first western style clog, entitled ‘Marilyn’. He continued to produce new styles of shoes, which became popular quite quickly.

Steve Madden’s career bending shoe was the ‘Mary Lou’. This patent-leather Mary Jane style shoe became popular with teenagers almost immediately. Madden claimed, “I started getting calls from mothers all over the tri-state area. The kids had nothing to wear to the bat mitzvahs… This was something”.

In 1999 Madden’s company began to skyrocket as he placed his product in specialty boutiques and department stores. Steve’s company also began to evolve. Quickly, accessories started to bloom, as well as fashion necessities for young girls. On December 5, 2006, Steve Madden, Ltd was named “Company of the Year” at the Footwear News Achievement Awards. Madden stated, “What inspires me is what I see people wearing on the streets of the world…from New York to London and beyond. I get my ideas and inspiration from pounding the pavement all over the world. To me, the fashion of the future is anything that a young guy or girl feels good wearing, as long as it’s put together in the right way”.

In 2010, Steve Madden started re-designing and marketing. Always looking into the future, the business begins to grow because of its fashionable popularity. Steve Madden now has designer: watches, dresses, eyewear, handbags, and of course, more shoes. Madden’s trendy shoes can be found in: Europe, Canada, South America, Australia, Asia and the United States. Steve Madden’s sandals are ‘all the rage’ right now, exhibiting beadwork and embroidery of high fashion.

With shoe sales and marketing knowledge, Steve Madden, Ltd. (now headquartered in New York City) is an ever-growing fashion giant. In expanding such a company into varieties of other fashion neccessities, we should expect to see even more great things in the future.

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

Nicole Richie: declared ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by Glamour, at the Women of the Year awards (London), has newly defined herself as a celebrity designer. Moving from a long-run television series into the world of fashion designers, Nicole continues to prove herself. With her trendy bohemian look and her costume jewelry creations, the woman continues to create products that sell.

Adopted daughter of Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey, Nicole was interviewed even in her toddler years. Later, starring in the hit television series, The Simple Life (1-5), Nicole’s popularity grew in the public eye. Working with childhood friend and Hilton heiress, Paris, magazines flocked to get a glimpse of Richie’s personal life. Under the radar, Nicole developed lines of clothing, accessories, and jewelry. This hip star isn’t stopping there. She plans on starring in a television sitcom in the near future, as well as continuing to awe fashion magazines with her own vintage looks. Richie states, “I’m a big vintage shopper… The beauty of anything vintage is that you’re not going to see lots of other people in the same thing. I like to be different.”

House of Harlow 1960 is a jewelry line created collaboratively by both Mouawad and Nicole Richie. The line debuted online in 2008. Nicole named her stitch of creativity after she and Joel Madden’s child, Harlow. Celebrities such as Madonna and Ashley Simpson have been seen wearing the jewelry in and out of their stage and daily lives. The pieces include feathers, gold plating and numerous fabric types. Nicole says, “You could be wearing jeans and a t-shirt and just throw on one of those pieces. – Easy. It reflects my personal style.”

Beyond that of jewelry, the star has now added some sheik shoes and perfume varieties to her line. The mother of two is additionally planning on creating: sunglasses, shoes and accessories for children in the near future. “Becoming a mother hasn’t changed my style,” Nicole says.

This year, Richie has moved her jewelry into a vision consisting more of a retro look. The clothing includes that of: vests, jackets, and even kimonos. Fabrics in both the jewelry and clothing lines this summer have artfully included: crêpe, silk chiffon, fringe and embroidery. Nicole explains, “… fashion is really fun and I think you just have to have fun with it – and experiment with different looks. It’s the fun part of being a girl…”

When not creating media-worthy clothing and accessories, Nicole donates her time to the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation. This charitable organization, started by Nicole Richie, and beau Joel Madden, gives clothing, needed goods and hope to children worldwide. The organization also provides unique entertainment for children in need, filling their lives with smiles and laughter.

Nicole Richie has done much for the better of human kind through her works, and continues to inspire young individuals to care for a cause. The fashion world looks forward to what she will produce next as a leading celebrity designer. With a wide spectrum of talent, who knows what this diva will turn into gold next?

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.

Whether you come from the city or the country, fashionable accessories continue to be a spark of creativity. The number of ingredients that make up a look can vary from accessory: color, shape, type and texture. From scarves to bracelets, each choice can change the feel of what you are wearing. The options are endless, and it is always important to have fun when accessorizing. Here are the top five accessories for summer:

Handbags: This type of accessory has been around for ages, but is every changing in the world of fashion. From the clutch, to the strappy shoulder bag, the evolving characteristics of this accessory can immensely alter an outfit. This summer, handbags can dress up a casual outfit, or turn a dress into casual summer attire. Try to stick to solid colors when your outfit is busy. Choosing clutch that highlights the color least used in your outfit can make all colors pop.

Shoes: The bohemian look is still raging popularity for the summer heat. Gladiator or wedge sandals with beads, straps, leatherwork or embroidery are seen on almost every celebrity in the news. Don’t be afraid to purchase shoes that overemphasize a feature. The bigger the beads, or the strappier the look – the better. Shoes should always be worn to reflect your daily activity. If you’re heading down to the beach, a flip-flop or lightweight sandal may work best. If you are shopping the streets of the city, perhaps a covered-toe shoe is in order. There are plenty of fashionable shoes for any occasion.

Fragrances: Most forget that fragrance, perfume or cologne, is an accessory. The bohemian look may require a musk, oil or patchouli fragrance. A night on the town may gear you toward something more crisp and floral. There is a distinct difference between a good fragrance, and a bad fragrance. Your local or online boutique can provide some amazing scents, without stretching your wallet.

Belts: Big and chunky belts have been gaining popularity; especially those with brass or vintage metals stitched into them. Belts are no longer just a means to hold up your denim, but instead, strap loosely around your waist as an additional accessory. Play with varieties of widths and textures. A simple belt may tone down a loud outfit, while a belt with more edge may blend nicely with simple blouse.

Fashion Necklaces: Glass beads, and natural stones are making up some fantastic summer necklaces this season. A necklace can bring a lot of attention to a shirt, as well as blend a complete outfit together. It is common to choose necklace bead colors that match a shirt, skirt or pants, but also match jewelry to your natural features. A piece of jewelry can bring the colors out in your eyes, skin tones and hair. So, be sure to consider all elements when making your purchase.

When accessorizing, always make the choices your own. Although fashions come and go, pieces you choose can be mix and matched, always. Accessorize to your personality, modeling the hip new trends of fashion.

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a womens fashion boutique. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The womens boutique can be found at http://www.cottonisland.com.