My favorite sexy tops and blouses ... for now

A splash of color, a stunning print or a little lace. The mercury may be dropping but that doesn’t mean you can’t look feminine and sexy. Unfortunately when you hit the mall all you see are bulky sweaters. Well, ladies, get those fingers clicking, I’ve rounded up some of the prettiest tops you can find on the Internet. And yes, I’m aware that it’s the holidays and we “shouldn’t” buy things for ourselves but what better way to ensure you get what you really want--and in the right size? I say, go for it!

Functionally chic women’s laptop bags are hard to come by. One of my biggest complaints, and I’ve heard this from my friends too, is finding a women’s laptop bag that’s both feminine and functional. Most business women don’t want to carry around a pink briefcase with flowers on it, or lug around a bag meant for a 6ft tall man. And why does it seem that most women’s laptop cases don’t have shoulder support? Men have so many cool options; they can go, techy or sophisticated, casual or urban. All they have to do is walk into a store and find a plethora of laptop bags to choose from.

I have gone on a search and found some pretty good options. My favorite is the bag by Hayden Harnett. It’s not stiff like a lot of the laptop bags for women that I’ve seen, and it has a long adjustable shoulder strap.

Madison Los Angeles

What it is: Madison in Los Angeles offers designer clothing including shoes, handbags, & jeans, and is the coveted secret of celebrity stylists who rely on Madison’s generous inventory of the most renowned designers--and rising stars in the fashion world.

They have a bricks-and-mortar store on Melrose Avenue, Robertson Blvd, in Brentwood on San Vicente, and in Malibu. But they also have a fashion website, www.MadisonLosAngeles.com, for those of us who don’t have a Southern California zip code.

Remember that canary yellow baby doll dress? Yes, the one that looked great in the window at the little boutique on the corner. The one that still looked great neatly folded in the shopping bag and then displayed on your bed next to your new Christian Louboutin stilettos. Yes, that one that made you look like you made a dress out of the fluorescent lighting at the DMV.

You know you've been thinking about it for the past six months. You knew swimsuit season was right around the corner. So why does it feel like it just crept up and caught you off-guard? It's okay. We're right there with you. Swimsuit styles are varied and flattering this season, with tons of 60s inspired bikinis and one pieces (Yes! One pieces are sexy and cool again!).

Here's a quick-hit list of some of my favorite suits with all the essential beach/pool gear for a red hot summer.

The return of the one-piece swimsuit

You can forget that image of the frumpy one-piece suits with the ruffles. Show off more than a little skin but leave some to the imagination in this Yellow Floral One Piece Swimsuit by Alice + Olivia and this adorable cut-out one piece in pink, aqua or black.

The classic yellow  polka dot bikini

Okay you hate the song but don't take it out on this unsuspecting and sexy bikini.

Can't go wrong with black

Slimming, sleek and sexy, this black bikini by Brette Sandler shows just the right amount of skin with a flattering halter top with double straps for extra support no wardrobe malfunctions here.

Throwback to the 70s

You either love the 70s or you hate them. Personally I love the swimsuit styles of the 70s, with the fun greens, yellows and tube top styles. This green number by Shoshanna is inspired by the 70s but not overshadowed by it. Browns was big in the 70s and Ella Moss brings it back with this striped 70s-style bikini.

Looking for a little more coverage but still like the flexibility of a two-piece? The DKNY Bandeau Tankini & tie side bottom combines the sexy hip-hugging style of the 60-70s with a flirty bandeau top for a youthful, yet sophisticated, poolside look.

Set sail for stripes

This summer, it's all about nautical themes. This nautical stripes bikini from Target is spot on for this summer's nautical trend-but with a smaller price tag than designer suits.

Calling all children of the 80s

Whether you were born in the 80s or rocked out to Flock of Seagulls at your senior prom, you'll love this geometric pattern bikini by Trina Turk.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Bohemian look is still hot, summer after summer. This indie-print bikini from Victoria's Secret pulls double duty with a Miracle BraR wireless push-up top (but it will be your little secret.

Must-have summer accessories

Cover up with these cute cherry shorts by Juicy Couture or a stylish caftan by Diane von Furstenberg. Target is giving top designers a run for the money with its trendy collection of beachwear, like this Merona Swim Tunic.

Go from beach to street in style with these black canvas espadrilles from Anthropologie.

Where the wild things live

Show your playful side with these animal print flip-flops.

Made in the shade

Protect your eyes from harmful rays (and look good at the same time) with these oversized sunglasses.

Accessorize at the beach? But of course!

So maybe it's a little indulgent. That's okay. As long as you're happy. This Batik painted bangle bracelet looks great with all swimsuits styles.

Just because you want to prevent premature aging doesn't mean you want a ticket from the Fashion Police. This Juicy Couture Malibu Hat will get you a get-out-of-jail free card-from the Fashion Don't monitors and the sun.

If you're a celebrity looking to keep the paparazzi at bay, this Kokin Oversized Metallic Hat will keep your identity under wraps (yet give off enough mysetery to attract the right kind of attention). Keep flyaways in check with a pretty silk scarf like the Hibiscus silk scarf from Belisi.

Throw in the towel

You've thought of everything else, you can't forget a luxury beach towel. Our pick is this DVF eyelit lace beach towel.

Hot summer reads

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

The author of the Poisonwood Bible gets in touch with the southern Appalachia landscape in this earthy account.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Afraid of the mail? Can't say no to a new credit card offer? Actually believe that buying something you didn't  plan to buy on sale is making you money? Then this book is for you!

A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

by Marianne Williamson

If you don't have hope what do you have? This Oprah Book Club title explores the not-much-talked about phenomena in life : miracles. Do you believe in miracles? There's nothing like a lazy summer afternoon to get in touch with your spiritual side and to let your mind wander-and wonder.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Don't let the title fool you, this book, and its author, are anything but ordinary.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

From the author of Everything Is Illuminated comes the tale of a nine-year-old amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player and pacifist. Foer's latest work will make you laugh, revel and question.

Bag it

Carry that juicy romance novel, beach towel, mad money and sunscreen in this cute yellow mesh tote from Target, or if you want to go all out I love this Gingham Marc Atlan Bonjour Tote and the Santorini Beach Tote by Michael Kors.

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

Even if you aren’t Irish, at least you can act like it (by wearing green silly). Fortunately, green is one of those colors that looks great on everyone regardless of hair color or skin tone but it isn’t worn enough. This just isn’t right. You always notice someone wearing green. Think about the last time you wore green. You probably felt different. Maybe a little more energetic? Green, the color of money, nature and of course envy demands to be noticed. Color psychologists—yes, there are such people—suggest that job seekers wear this powerful color to job interviews. And so what better color to wear for a night out with the girls? Meeting boys is sort of like a job interview (well, for them anyway). Here are some great choices for wearing green, whether you want to swaddle yourself in it or wear it as a Spring appurtenance.

The Green Evening Dress When you wear a green dress to a party, restaurant or local bar all eyes will be on you. The Rouched Green Dress ($245)  and Marilyn Dress ($140) from Sugar in Los Angeles are good enough for the stars, so you know you’ll shine wherever the evening takes you. Go for the super short look with this pleated cami dress by Ghita ($285). The pleated V-check bodice gives this sassy piece a little swing.

The Green Day Dress Green gets you noticed during the day too, plus it’s very appropriate for Sring. This playful Adelaide Dress by Diane von Furstenberg ($325) is perfect for a poolside party, afternoon lunch or shopping spree. The 60s and 70s are back in full force, and green was a favorite color in both eras. The Sleeveless Turtleneck Mini Dress by Lauren Moffatt ($326) is 60s inspired with enough of a modern flair for a happy medium.

Green Separates Add a burst of color to a white or khaki skirt, or work pants. Pair this Rosette Silk Crepe Top ($198) with denim for a daytime or evening look. Coordinate with a white pencil skirt under a cropped jacket for an outfit that’s appropriate for work and transitions into evening. The Spritzer v-neck from Anthropologie ($78) pairs with anything white, khaki or denim. For all those bohemians out there, the trend is still alive and well. Get your green fix with this adorable Cigarro skirt ($138)  from Anthropologie.

Green Accessories Just a touch of green is all you need. A headhand, handbag, necklace or shoe is all it takes to put that extra (green) spring in your step. Here’s a roundup of our favorites:

Susan Daniels: Green and Yellow Silk Headband ($38)

Goldenbleu Luella Snap Front Patent Leather Tote

Green Rhea Heel  at Kitson L.A. ($195)

Swallowtail slingbacks  at Anthropologie ($198)

Arboretum flats at Anthropologie ($138)

Chitchat choker at Anthropologie ($58)

Brella Hat by Trina Turk ($99)

Just remember that as with any trend, don't overdo it. A green dress paired with green shoes, green earrings and a greenbag will make you look like a Leprechaun threw up on you. Instead choose one way to express your splash of green. White, gold, silver, and brown shoes look great with a summery green dress, and the same goes with a green top. Throw on a pair of lightweight white capris, free flowing skirt or khaki slim shorts (like the Fairfax Pant by Trina Turk) and you'll make the Glamour Do callouts (instead of the dreaded black bar).

There’s no shame in zoning out on a Sunday afternoon watching the pre-Oscar special on E! Unfortunately, all those martinis the night before caused you to doze in and out of a splendid nap. In between dreams of Leonardo DiCaprio you caught snippets of seemingly useful fashion and beauty advice (imagine that, information you can actually use from a celebrity gossip station). Don’t worry, I’ve got the lo down for all you Sunday nappers. And I’ve put a more approachable slant on it too—so us normal gals can look star-studded even if we’re just going to pick up the dry cleaning (you know, when our personal assistants have the day off).

While most of us won’t be hitting the red carpet (well, at least not the Hollywood kind), there is absolutely no reason why you can’t look like an Oscar starlet.

From clutch trends to the right undergarments, here are some essentials for looking extraordinary, award-winning actor or boardroom diva:

First, get your skin ready with a gorgeous tan (and don’t even think about hitting a tanning salon, unless it’s to get Mystic Tan). Instead of subjecting your skin to harmful UV rays, salons and spas like Elite Spa in Miami, and even dermatologists offer airbrush tans that are much more even than self applied tanners. The key to keeping your tan is using a good moisturizer. The Napoleon Perdis Whipped Dream Tan Enhancer moisturizes with Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Shea Butter and Hazelnut Oil, helping you to maintain and enhance your enviable sun goddess tan. Whipped Dream Tan Enhancer will hit Napoleon Perdis stores, Saks Fifth Avenue and select independent retailers March 2007.

Seamless beauty

Before you put on any dress, you’ve got to have the right undergarments. VPL, bra straps, unsightly bulges. So not Oscar appropriate. If you show up to any social event with lines and bumps of any kind, you’ll invoke the wrath of Jay Manuel faster than you can say I should have worn Spanx.

When wearing any dress, think seamless. Victoria’s Secret has “reinvented” the bra (again). Wearing a strapless gown? A dress with a plunging neckline? A sexy backless number? No problem.
 

The new, Very Sexy® Secret Embrace™ vertical cup bra is perfect for a deep neckline. Get the support you need with seamless underwire and lightly lined cutaway cups.

Get an “enhanced,” seamless look with the Very Sexy Secret Embrace push-up bra, and the vertical cup convertible push-up bra looks great with any backless dress.

Clutches galore

It wasn’t long ago that everything was getting smaller. Not so anymore! Belts are big, phones are big and purses are big—even “smaller” bags are big—with the one exception of hard-shell clutches, like this crystal shell pillbox by Leiber. For a special event, a clutch like this  Chase Satin Clutch from Net-a-porter screams Academy Award.

For the “real” world, you need something more practical. The  is great for an evening out—not too big, not too small (so you can stash more than your I.D. and breath mints), and it folds out into a tote for daytime. With so many uses you can totally justify dropping the cash on this show-stopping bag.

The red carpet is a hodge-podge of fashion risks and safe ensembles. It’s the same in the real world—and it’s perfectly okay to opt for simplicity. After all, this spring is all about understated style. The clutch by Ananas easily transitions day to night, casual to dress up, and is anything but pedestrian.

If you want to take a walk on the wild side, this soft crocodile clutch by Bottega Veneta is a happy medium.

Take the platform

Platform shoes were seen all over the red carpet, and they work for everyday too. According to the style mavens, the shorter the hemline, the heavier the shoe should be, so if you plan to cash in on the mini dress trend, make sure you have at least one pair (and what fashionista only has one pair?) of platform shoes. On the carpet you may have seen kicks like these Valentino Halter Sandal Pumps.

Satin is great for charity dinners and weddings, but try patent leather for a night on the town like these peep-toe patent leather Marc by Marc Jacobs platforms.

For budget conscious—or just value conscious—ladies, these platforms by Oh Deer Shoes are inspired by high-end labels you see on the red carpet.

And the award goes to …. The mini dress

SoI saved the best for last. You’ve got the lingerie, the shoes, bag and a gorgeous tan. Now you need a fabulous dress. And if you’ve been salsa dancing those gams to perfection, now’s your time to flaunt it if you’ve got it. Just keep in mind that while teeny hemlines are in style, looking trashy is not. Knock ‘em dead and still look like a class act in this sophisticated and sexy LaRok gathered chemise dress or the V mini dress by Woo . For special events Diane Von Furstenberg and Vera Wang  are always leading ladies.

~Amy N. Covington for Belisi Fashions