Beach Shorts

These little crocheted shorts are so cute but I can't believe the price! From the reviews on the website where they are sold, it seems that the sizing runs large.

Fresh Femme Knitwear

Isn't this colorway yummy?
Lila Hudson cable knit cape scarf - $101

I like the sweet pink yarn that makes up this sweater.
Spring and Clifton Suspender pink knit with garter clips in front and back - $106

This is a versatile piece, and will impress the grandmas in your life,
due to its handmade construction.
Finders Keep openwork crochet cardigan - $115

Ausungate

What: Screening of the film Ausangate

When: May 1, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Museum of International Folk Art

Admission: Free to NM residents, $9 out-of state

Join film director Andrea Heckman for a special screnning of Ausangate.Based on more than 20 years of anthropological research, Ausungate reveals how the Quecha weavers make textiles encoded with symbolic images that reinforce ancestral beiefs during rituals and in everday life.  Four Quecha people's stores are told against the backdrop of high Andean lakes and mountains showing a harsh existence possible only through a strong symbiotic relationship to their alpacas and llamas.  Visually cinematic, the film carries a deep message of survival and cultural continuity in an environment with elevations over 14,000 feet. By Museum admission, New Mexico residents with I.D. free on Sundays, Museum of New Mexico Foundation members and youth 16 and under always free!

For more information, contact Aurelia Gomez at 505-476-1211 or aurelia.gomez@state.nm.us

For your enjoyment, traditional Quecha woven patterns can look like this, in today's fashion:

Learn more about these designs at the Awamaki Lab and shop the Awamaki Store

Slimming and Trimming Swimwear

The Bombshell Swimsuit - PinupGirlClothing - $88

All black is of course, always beautiful and minimizing. 

This suit covers the top of the hips, slims the waist, and accentuates the bust.

Mixed Animal Underwire One Piece Faux-kini - Torrid - $78

If prints are your thing, this suit is an option, 

with slimming black panels on the sides of the waist.

Miraclesuit Solid Utopia Tankini Top - Cyberswim - $84

*note: find the bottoms on the website 

This halter holds it all in, while slimming the waist with cute shirring at the sides.

Shopping for swimsuits can be daunting, not fun, and depressing, especially with the bad lighting in fitting rooms at department stores. If you know your body type, and what bothers you most, it makes it all that much easier. I have opted for higher leg openings, or string type bikini bottoms due to fuller hips, and padded tops to give me an extra lift. When you do find that one hot number, put it on with pride, get out there and just have fun. Add stunning jewelry that gleams in the sun, to draw the eyes upward toward your beautiful face. Don't worry about others' thoughts about you because you will probably never see them again. I wish you the best of luck finding the perfect swimwear this coming up season.

Unlikely Prints

I've been attracted to Rodarte for a long time, and always seem to be engulfed while watching videos or looking at the images of their work.

Wood grain, Spring 2011, for a fabric print shocked, but intrigued me to want to see more.

The cornfields print is such an eerie, dream like idea, and the way it is used in this collection amazes me. I would love to own the grey gown in the Fall 2011 collection. It is so beautiful.

Of course, we cannot forget the knitwear ;) Rodarte really brings women back to the main elements of design in fashion, simply by the expression of the art, and strangely brings us back to our roots.

Book Review: Vogue Knitting Knitopedia

Vogue Knitting Knitopedia, The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters, released this month,  retails for $34.95. This is the book for those that want a quick reference to every knitting term, technique, tool, designer, and fiber or tradition.  The pictures are big and beautiful, and include maps, photographs, technical drawings, schematics, and tables for every curious need. This book is best left at home, however, due to its size and hard cover.

On a more entertaining note, there are essays written by top names in the knitting world, peeking out at you throughout the book, ready for your eyes to devour. If you want to try your hand at design, there is some basic information on how to do that, and how to substitute yarns. The flow of finding what you need is so easy with extensive cross referencing on practically every page. In my opinion, Vogue Knitting Kniopedia would make a great gift for the beginning knitter, and for those that want to learn a lot about knitting in a short amount of time.

American Eagle Spring Break - Create a Look and Win!

Create a look to win $250 to use at American Eagle Outfitters!!


Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

One winning set will be selected from all of the Mini Editor submissions and that reader will win a $250 American Eagle gift card. The contest runs from now until March 5, 2011. Read the official rules, here.

Crochet Conscious

 Crocheted Monokini by Anna Kosturova - $184

Gemstone Crochet Side Tie Bikini - $41.99

Lime is a surprisingly unexpected color for Summer, to wear by the beach or at the pool. Pair it with white or black for a striking combination. Silver or gold jewelry would go with it nicely as well.

Sexy Openwork

Sexy Openwork by accessfashion featuring knit tops

Arch Nemesis Knit, $100
Deborah Lindquist + Alpaca Knit Boat Neck Dress - Dresses & Skirts -..., $375
Sponge Knit Top - Trendy Juniors Clothes - Knit Tops at pinkice.com, $25

Killer Cables

Killer Cables by accessfashion featuring a knit vest

Doo.Ri / Exaggerated Cable Cardigan, $895

Julien Macdonald Knitted lamb coat, 3,633 GBP

Knitted waistcoat, 620 GBP

McQ Wool cable-knit biker jacket, 189 GBP

Bensoni features TotusMel Tats Designs

Bensoni's latest designs were beautifully embellished with tatted ankle corsets and necklaces in their Fall 2011 runway collection. Congratulations to Pamela Quevedo, owner of TotusMel Tats, and designer of the accessories used in this collection.

GirlsLife.com - Get crafty to support the Special Olympics

GirlsLife.com - Get crafty to support the Special Olympics

Asymmetric Tops

 Guess Ana Top - Asymmetric design with flattering shirring and pleats. 

One flutter sleeve and one chain mesh strap - $79

Shirred Jersey Top - $24.99 - 29.99 Sale *plus sizes

BKE Boutique Criss - Cross Cable Knit Sweater - $29 Sale

Add a little interest to your outfit with the look of asymmetry. This design element is flattering for most types of figures.

Romantic Ensembles

Romantic Pastel by accessfashion featuring hair flower accessories

Pink Chiffon Pleated Long Top Dress from Quiz Clothing, 30 GBP
Clare Tough Cable-knit cotton cardigan, $1,080
DOLCE & GABBANA C11533A9N08 BEIGE LACE 3182001, 484 GBP
DOLCE & GABBANA C11533A9N08 BEIGE LACE 3182001, 484 GBP
Jennifer Zeuner Cursive Love Bracelet in Rose Gold Vermeil, $121
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories, $5.80
バラコサージュ, 5,250 JPY

To get this look, shop for pieces that are airy and feminine, in pastel hues. White or beige shoes with open work or straps like these work well. Layer on a chunky knitted cardigan for coziness and warmth. A beautiful pair of gold earrings would compliment it nicely.

Romantic Casual by accessfashion featuring hobo handbags

Rose Hand Knit Open Crop Cable Jumper, $100
BANK Fashion - Kitsch Couture I Love ?? T-Shirt, 15 GBP
UNGER Fashion - Straight Leg-Jeans 'Billy' Blue - 29/34 - 30/34, 269 EUR
Maison Martin Margiela Leather Sequin Heel from Mrs H
Jessica Simpson Karma Hobo, $78

This is a soft, casual look that can be achieved with a regular soft tee you have at home, a handmade pullover sweater, and a pair of your oldest, best fitting jeans. Add some brown boots and a floral hobo, and you're good to go.

Both of these outfits would be nice and sensual for your special date with your Valentine.

3 Way Cowl Free Pattern

The reason this cowl is named "3 Way" is because it can be worn three ways. You can wear it lifted up and open as shown in the image above, folded in half, or up and turned around so it looks like it is closed all the way up the neck. Yarnmarket has some great free pattern PDF downloads for you right now.

Unique Cardigans

Here are a few of the most unique cardigans I've ever seen.

Givenchy Cable Knit Cardigan - 100% Wool - One Button Closure - $1,266

Textile Elizabeth and James Eleanor Cocoon Cardigan 

Batwing Sleeves - Laddered panels with cables - $595

Fabulous Fair Isle

Lucky Brand - Topanga Fair Isle Sweater Dress - $50 

(30% off sale items and free upgrade to express shipping until 12/20/10)

Slouchy Fair Isle Sweater Dress - $88

D&G Fair Isle Front Zip Sweater Vest - $859

James Perse Fair Isle cashmere sweater dress - $395

The Fur Effect

Filatura Di Crosa came out with this beautiful chinchilla like yarn called "Cincilla". It knits up to create beautiful fur like garments, and accessories. It comes in eight luxurious colors to choose from. Try this instead, if you cannot come to terms with buying a real chinchilla fur coat.

Filatura Di Crosa Cincilla Knitting Yarn in Lilac - $12.85 each - YarnMarket.com

Cincilla yarn in White $12.95 each - Yarn.com

This jacket is featured in the Filatura Di Crosa Cincilla pattern booklet. It is knitted with two types of yarns, Cincilla being one of them.

Summer Crochet

Chimai Swim Retro One Piece crocheted bikini - $169

One shoulder crocheted cover up - $74

Show off your curves, and keep your goals in check with these cute crocheted pieces for this coming Spring and Summer.

Love Your Sleepwear Even More

Compression sleepwear is known to improve circulation, and can even help your muscles repair faster. They are usually priced fairly high, due to the material and construction. You do get what you pay for when buying this type of garment, so choose wisely.

Cass Luxury Sleepwear Tank - $72, Shaper Leggings - $54

The form fitting pieces can be worn under clothing too, or as nice layers under blouses, jackets, and skirts.

Women's Amp Pro2 Recovery Suit - $200

I discovered this modern suit while reading Shape Magazine, the August 2010 issue (page131). I knew I had to share it with you because of the interesting fiber content and because it is a great addition to your wardrobe. "AMP PRO2 improves oxygenated blood flow up to 32% more, versus regular compression fabrics." This means faster recovery time for your tired and aching muscles after that hard workout. You can wear this incredible design to sleep or on your daily run. Another great aspect is the fact that the suit will work as long as the life of it because washing does not effect its performance.

Visit the Saucony website (click on the technology link on the top navigation bar) and www.Celliant.com for more information.