Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

Spark envy by rocking the new oh-so-chic outfits signed Guess for spring/summer 2013 as each item has the power to make heads turn regardless if it's casual or more romantic attire you're into       

The new Guess spring/summer 201 collection seems to be created for the fun-loving California girl as the array of laid-back yet totally chic garments featured in the lineup have sizzling hotness written all over! A quick glimpse at the collection that got us quivering with excitement as we wait for the warm, sunny days to make their presence felt, so be warned before your browse through the highly wearable, retro-modern collection as each garment packs an addictive dose of fabulousness.

This year fashion designers have been turning towards past trends for inspiration and accentuated their source of inspiration more or less, depending on their vision of the modern fashionistas. Guess designers chose to subtly show these retro influences and accentuate modern boldness instead, the result being beyond our expectations. So, what to expect to see at Guess this summer? An array of super chic denim pieces ranging from sexy shorts to fabulous skinny-fit jeans, shirts, jackets and playsuits which dominated the collection but that doesn't mean that ultra-feminine, sort-of-romantic garments such as dresses featuring ruffles, lace details or bold prints, flirty tops and comfy sweaters were overlooked, on the contrary, they were quite abundant in the lineup and each design had a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that made us gasp for air!

SAHA 2013 Swimwear Collections

In the restless quest for the perfect 2013 swimsuits we head over to Columbia once again to see the new SAHA Sunrise to Sunset swimwear collection. Previous experiences with this year's collections from labels like Malai and Agua Bendita have convinced us not to overlook any creations from this region and it turns out we have plenty of interesting things to see. The new designs demonstrate a clear knowledge of the latest trends and a fabulous sense of balance between the defining elements for a spectacular set of options that make a statement and the sense of classiness needed for making the right impression every single time.

With the clear focus on reflecting the moment's hottest trends, it comes as no surprise that the SAHA spring/summer 2013 collection focuses extensively on prints and abstract touches that closely mirror the dominant style perspectives of major retailers. Since there are various needs depending on body types, the label has placed the focus beyond the regular two piece bikini and opted for a multitude of spectacular styles. From relatively modest styles like one piece swimsuits to fab bandeau styles, fab halter tops or monokinis, the selection is definitely generous.

A gorgeous bathing suit that emphasizes your best features while downplaying elements you'd rather not bring into the spotlight is without the slightest shadow of doubt the main area of focus that can instantly help you steal the spotlight. Nonetheless, this time an intensive step is not the only one that matters when it comes to being the center of attention. A few simple accessories can make a world of difference even though you're only getting ready to lay by the beach.

If you're focused on trends but cannot help but demand a perfectly comfortable swimsuit above everything else with no sacrifices in the style department, chances are you're a true SAHA girl without even realizing it. The label, which has stores and online exposure in over 25 countries has always made comfort a strong focus for each design. After all, without the right degree of comfort it can be extremely difficult to project confidence and feel completely relaxed. 

City Life in Winter: Nanook Arctic Fashions

With the arrival of bitter wind chills and snow this winter, walking in New York feels more like an expedition than a stroll. It's not surprising then to see people on the street dressed in Arctic wear. Quilted down parkas with hoods trimmed in fur or faux fur have become a common sight on the streets of the city, worn by men and women alike, and I've even seen small short-haired dogs wearing them, too. While some women still choose to show off their legs by continuing to wear leggings under short coats - brrrrr, others like me have fully embraced the Nanook of the North look. Bundled up in a knee-length quilted padded parka with a big fur-lined hood, often with a shaggy dog by my side, I feel safe setting out for the wilds of the West Village, braced against the howling wind. The only accessories I am lacking to complete the look are rugged snowshoes and a long harpoon.

Wondering how the residents of New York City have come to resemble the indigenous people of the Arctic Circle, I've spent some time learning about the history of the parka. The Caribou Intuit, the inland group of Inuit (Eskimo), are said to have invented this type of hooded jacket as protection from the bitter cold weather. The word "parka" comes from the Aleut word for skin or pelt, and the original types, as opposed to the ones on sale at Bloomingdales, were often made of caribou or seal. The lining of parkas, made of down (the fine feathers underneath the outer large feathers on birds) or with synthetic material, creates the sense of warmth. According to the Encyclopedia of American Indian Costume by Josephine Paterek (1996), Aleutian black and white parkas made of horned puffin skins were much coveted by Russian officials. The authoritative Arctic Clothing of North America - Alaska, Canada, Greenland (1995) includes first person narratives about making parkas, a labor-intensive process that not only requires art and skill but also serves as a handed-down tradition that binds generations together. I know no one in the city who has made their own parka.


The story of how parkas entered mainstream western fashion may begin in the 1920s with the screenings of explorer Robert Flaherty’s landmark documentary,Nanook of the North (1922). The film follows a year in the life of Nanook and his family as they survive the harsh climate by hunting and fishing. Though Flaherty staged many of the scenes through reenactments, the portrayal of Eskimo life, including memorable scenes such as hunting a seal and building an igloo, attracted success at the box office. Prior to Nanook, the publication of Edward S. Curtis's images of North American Indians, financed by New York's own J. P. Morgan, may have contributed to the general awareness of Arctic life and its material culture, including articles of clothing. (Like Flaherty, Curtis would sometimes dress up his subjects to make them look more traditional.) Slide lectures by veterans of polar expeditions also attracted large audiences.

According to the Aspen Historical Society's website page on Ski Fashion, designers created specific fashions for skiers beginning in the 1930s. During this time, skiers started donning parkas to protect against the cold weather and wind chill factor. According to company information, in 1936 Eddie Bauer of Seattle, Washington filed a patent for his invention of the quilted goose down jacket, and a few years later, he created the B-9 Flight Parka, just one of several types of parkas developed for Arctic duty during World War II. In the 1960s the Mods in London started picking up parkas from the Army-Navy store as retro practical fashion touches to wear while riding their scooters.

The contemporary luxury parka seen on the streets of New York is often considered part of the urban warrior style, a mix of masculine and feminine fashion tendencies that has been around since 2006. Prada, among other designers, introduced stylized versions of the parka that included more shaping tailored to the body. In time, the designer parka trickled down to the ready-to-wear collections. Expedition retailers like The North Face that helped popularize rugged outdoor clothing for the city consumer eventually introduced more chic versions of the parka to sell in department stores.

Now thousands of New Yorkers are ready to do battle with the elements. A well-made parka does a fine job in protecting against the cold and wind, especially while walking around the wind tunnels of Midtown or while getting lost in the vast wilderness of Central Park.*