When millions of kids head back to school this fall, many parents (and kids) feel overwhelmed with all the choices out there - the shopping lists seem endless - sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, backpacks, etc. Whether you've got a little kid in preschool or a tween who loves Hannah Montana or a high schooler who's into the High School Musical groove, it's a great idea to do your homework says Bradley O'Brien, vice president of design ... [full story]

As fall fashions trickle into stores, it's tempting to step out of the bikini for a moment and slip into a new season of clothes that are nothing like the shorts and swimsuits we've been wearing for the past few months. Instead, think ahead and think polished and put together.   FALL MUST-HAVE - The cropped jacket is one of fall's must-have items: shown here a black leather version by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti at www.eluxury.com. ... [full story]

It snaps. It crackles. It pops. Bright hits of color wake up all those blacks and grays in your wardrobe this fall. We're not talking head-to-toe neon here. One kick is all you need. Layering color on top of dark neutrals is a trick used by many fashion pros. So start searching now for those special ways to give your clothes a spirited twist with one explosion of color. Here's the shopping list:   FALL COLOR ... [full story]

Summer is usually the time we let down our hair and ease up on all the fashion rules. But there are a few blaring blunders we should all avoid even if we're just lounging around the pool or flip-flopping down a city street. Here are a few "don'ts" to keep in mind when you're chilling out:   KEEP IT SIMPLE - Don't make the mistake of overdressing in the hot summer months. Pare down to cool ... [full story]

Who doesn't like a little glimmer and glitz every once in a while? Crystals have long caught the eye of discriminating fashion legends like glamorous Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. You didn't think those ruby slippers were covered in dozens of plastic sequins, did you?   THE GEM INSIDE US ALL - Now anyone can sparkle thanks to the work of Beadwork magazine Editor in Chief Marlene Blessing and designer Jamie Hogsett, ... [full story]

Pour it on. The dress that is. It's one of summer's coolest fashion trends, and hot weather is the perfect excuse to wear one when just the thought of putting on a suit makes you break out into a sweat.   SUMMER DRESS - Be cool this summer with a spaghetti strap empire dress, such as this one from designer Kathryn Conover. CNS Photo. And don't worry. Even if you're a die-hard fan of separates, there's a ... [full story]

Every year there's a fashion book that pops up during the summer that makes a great read for those lazy days. The title this year that's making headlines is "The Goddess Guide" by Gisele Scanlon (Harper Entertainment, 20). We all have images of our own fashion goddesses, but this particular expert who makes her home in Dublin, puts a funky spin on the industry, giving us a glimpse into the "cool" stuff around the world ... [full story]

Some like it hot - but most of us don't. When the temperature soars, it's time to take a break from tiresome beauty routines and refresh this summer with some cool relief: So pamper yourself and create your own spa vacation at home with a few of these chilling treats. Take it from the top - Kick that sticky and stiff gel off the beach. Instead, try some of the hottest new lightweight hair products ... [full story]

What is the one accessory you can't live without in the summer? Sunglasses, of course, and they've got to look so cool you could chill a margarita with them. And it does help if you can see out of them too.   SUNGLASSES - What is the one accessory you can't live without in the summer? Sunglasses. CNS Photo courtesy of Embry Rucker for Angel Eyewear. "The demand for fashionable eyewear is enormous," says Rene Soltis, optician ... [full story]

Woman Within, the new name of Lane Bryant Catalog, has enlisted Christine Alt, a noted plus-size model, to serve as the face and voice for its brand. Woman Within, a Redcats USA brand, offers a wide assortment of apparel for the plus-size woman, including sportswear, suiting, lingerie and special occasion wear, plus accessories.   Christine Alt is the new spokesperson for 'Woman Within', formerly called the Lane Bryant catalog This new initiative by Woman Within to feature Christine Alt ... [full story]

It's easy to look cool this summer when you pare down your wardrobe and stick to a simple plan of mixing and matching fashion's newest casual essential. Whether you're packing for a quick vacation getaway or you're just hanging out in your own backyard, you can count on these seven easy pieces to make dressing this season a stylish snap.   COOL IT - The long gauze maxi dress from Max Studio is a great piece ... [full story]

NEW YORK -- Charles Evans, co-founder of Evan-Picone sportswear for women, a philanthropist and movie producer, has died at 81. Evans, a brother of film producer Robert Evans, died of complications from pneumonia at New York Presbyterian Hospital, his sister, Alice Shure, said. Evans lived in New York. Evans was a fashion salesman in the 1940s when he and tailor Joseph Picone began producing women's skirts with a menswear look of a zipper in front. ... [full story]

Before you buy another polo shirt, another pair of khaki shorts or another predictable tie, stop and rethink your dad's (and your) sense of style. It may be time for dad to get a makeover, and you may be the one to bring him into the modern world of fashion.   JUST FOR DAD - Choose classic fashion gifts for dad in updated prints and fabrics like Tommy Bahama's stylish blue linen shirt and shorts. CNS ... [full story]