It’s May and that means it’s time to prep for sun, sand and sizzle — in more ways than one. Some of us have been working out and some of us may have procrastinated a bit. If you’re one of the latter, don’t worry! Glamour magazine has the absolute best bikini workout to get you in shape FAST. You’ll also need to evaluate your closet. Whether you are a slave to trends or just need to add some oomph to your summer wardrobe, we’ve got the skinny on what to wear as the temperature rises!

Easy Oomph
1. Gold accessories are a must. They look great with tanned skin and are a sure way to make a modern yet classic statement.
2. A fabulous pair of sunglasses. You can never go wrong with a wayfarer, aviator or an oversized style. They protect your eyes, help hide any late night activity and instantly add attitude.
3. Colorful wedges. If it’s a pair that makes you giddy when you look at them, they will become a staple. A little bit of height always makes your legs look better too — a win-win situation!

The Trends
1. I personally live for summer fashion and this season is all about color. Wear color in a print, try color blocking or match perfectly. The array of options in denim alone cannot be ignored. Think tangerine, red or sea foam green. Whatever you do, just go for it!
2. The high-low hemline is hot. You’ll find it in dresses, skirts and tops.
3. Not surprisingly, nautical chic is making a huge splash this summer. Opt for white denim and finish with neutral accessories (think espadrilles and a rope handled bag).
4. Mix your trendiest pieces with ultra-casual basics. Try your favorite pair of white shorts paired with a white top. Complete the look with a neon belt and/or shoe.
5. Go boho. Try a bold print. Combine patterns and textures and layer on your crafty extras like beaded necklaces and bangle bracelets.

We believe in being glamourous everyday, but the foundation should be built on confidence. Feel good in your clothes and you’ll be confident. It is the most important thing you can wear!

Have a special event coming up? Have style questions? Please don’t hesitate to ask!
Twitter: @Suzetiquette
Email: suzettelevesque@gmail.com

Our favorite beauty brand, darci by Di Caprio has been chosen to include their signature brush cleaner in the 2012 “Everybody Wins at the Oscars” Nominee Gift Bag. That means on February 26th, those not walking home with an Oscar will be taking home a package full of darci by Di Caprio goodies. What’s even more exciting is Sandy Alexander designed and produced the very package that the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Glenn Close, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams and Viola Davis will be holding in their hands.

Alexander with the Oscar Nominee Gift Bag. Photo by Brenda Carpenter

The Oscar Nominee Gift Bag. Photo by Brenda Carpenter

Caroline O’Halloran, editor of Main Line Flair, wrote a wonderful article about the creative thinking behind the Gift Bag, the Oscar Gala + Auction happening Sunday, February 26th at Kiss and Makeup celebrating the momentous occasion and designer Sandy Alexander. Don’t miss it!

Are you one of those people who love to see what artists’ studios look like? Someone’s sketchbook? Well in case you are, we have a little treat for you.

Here’s a sneak peek into the studio of Dessa Lea Productions during the making of the 2012 Spring and Bridal Collections of their line of Snake Charmers — hand-crafted, snakeskin and leather cuff bracelets.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel where we’ll be posting new videos often.

Oscar Nominees Will Go Home With Liquid Gold.
The darci by Di Caprio® Brush Cleaner Hits the Red Carpet and So Will Malvern, Pennsylvania

Beauty brand darci by Di Caprio® has announced their sweet smelling, fast working solution to the dirty makeup brush — the darci by Di Caprio® Brush Cleaner — will be included in the 2012 “Everybody Wins at the Oscars Gift Bag.”

Founders Lisa Di Caprio and Darci Henry will be co-hosting their own star-studded Oscar Night Gala on Sunday, February 26, 2012 with Restaurant Alba in Malvern to celebrate this momentous occasion. A percentage of proceeds will benefit Dress for Success® South Central PA, an organization based in Di Caprio and Henry’s hometown, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

The Oscar Gala:

On Sunday, February 26, 2012, from 6 – 11 pm, Di Caprio and Henry will co-host a black tie event with Restaurant Alba in Malvern to celebrate. The $150 ticket price includes: hors d’oeuvres, champagne, a walk on the red carpet, a Kiss and Makeup gift card, a darci by Di Caprio® “Oscar® Swag Bag”, and a Restaurant Alba gift card.

There will also be a special Oscar® Menu available for purchase. The Oscars® will be broadcast live. Caroline O’Halloran and Kim Douglas will serve as hosts for the evening. A red carpet and tent will span the street between the corners of Kiss and Makeup and Restaurant Alba. A team of photographers will be on hand to capture the event. The Silent Auction will have items such as a signed guitar by Darius Rucker, A Taste of Baja with Legendary Excursions, a Loews Hotel Philadelphia Weekend Staycation Package, a Personal In-Home Dinner for Six from chef Sean Weinberg and Meet-And-Greets with top Country Music Stars and more to come!

A portion of the ticket price may be tax deductible. Twenty five dollars of the ticket price and 100% of proceeds from a Silent Auction will go directly to Dress for Success® South Central PA. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.KissAndMakeupMalvern.com/oscars

Event produced by Dessa Lea Productions

Are you ready to wrap up your holiday shopping? We have pulled together a few of our favorite gifts - sure to be coveted by the girly girls on your list. Perhaps a few for yourself too!

#1. A Snake Charmer. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful skin and a lot of sparkle. One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted snakeskin and leather cuff bracelets. Starting at $74

#2. The darci by Di Caprio Brush Cleaner. Not only does this brush cleaner work, it works instantly to rid makeup brushes of all the unpleasantries that lie within. It smells great too. $22.50

#3. Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses. These shades are seriously bad-ass and they look fab on everyone. $139

#4. Monogrammed All-Purpose Tub. For the Hostess with the Mostest, this hand-crafted metal tub with golden ring handles is hand painted in a meticulous 18-step French tole process. Perfect for that French champagne. $79

#5. Henri Bendel Travel Trio. A great gift for the jet setter and one of our favorites. The set of zippered canvas bags includes a shoe pouch, lingerie pouch and laundry bag. $48

Sandy Alexander and Suzette Levesque are excited to announce their new line - Snake Charmer - a collection of hand-crafted snakeskin and leather cuffs.

Each cuff is one-of-a-kind and the 2011 Holiday Collection is small by design. Don’t miss your chance to own one. Shop the collection now. They won’t last long…

Check out our latest video about the Bucklette — The inspiration, how it works and a few Lookbook ideas from designer and creator Sandy Alexander and Resident Style Guru Suzette Levesque.

During Fall Fashion Week, how does anyone on or near the Main Line celebrate? With Fashion’s Night Out at Nordstrom of course! Bucklette BFFs Sandy Alexander and Suzette Levesque enjoyed every fashionable moment, sipping champagne while perusing the latest.

Our top picks: Vince (who seems to be designing the line just for us), Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenburg (always) and Andrew Marc. What we walked away with? New shades (Chanel for Suzette, Rayban aviators for Sandy), a versatile blazer (great for work, but with ruched sleeves for an edge), a cashmere, striped Design History sweater, a fun yet very ladylike mesh skirt, and the softest, most fabulous Free People wrap in white faux fur.

Not to be missed were a few “springspirations” - big, bold prints, mesh knits to layer (Vince makes quite a few of these) and spicy hues of orange and tangerine ruled the runways. We saw maxi-skirts, cozy sweaters, plaids and bright pants. Too much for one night. I guess that’s why you need a week.

The Style Guru Reminder: Your style is your story! Stay true to yourself and know what works for you. Confidence is always in style and it’s the most important thing you can wear!

We’d like to extend a special invitation to all the Bucklette BFFs out there. Kiss and Makeup (our favorite beauty boutique) is hosting an exciting Fall event on Tuesday, September 20th from 3 - 9 pm. There will be food (courtesy of Aneu Bistro in Berwyn), drinks (courtesy of Harlan Beverage), special promotions and pricing on products and services, raffles, and makeup demonstrations that will be informative and useful.

Don’t miss what’s sure to be a fun event. Hope to see you there! Tuesday, September 20th from 3 - 9 pm at Kiss and Makeup in Malvern, Pa.

If you’re in need of some fashion inspiration, check out one of our favorite web sites - Polyvore.com. It’s the ultimate Lookbook, enabling you to pull the latest clothes and accessories from across the web and compose them into sweet little sets of your own. It’s the ultimate closet!

Here’s a set inspired by Gisele Bundchen. You’ve got to admit - even in jeans and a t, the girls’ got killer style!