palabras LINDA RIPOLL

When it comes to achieving the perfect blow out, every woman on the East Coast from Manhattan to Miami Beach knows that Dominicans serve up some serious hair! After living in Miami for four years, I found out firsthand how serious these salons were. Before Dominican salons, I almost always encountered stylists who didn’t blow my hair straight enough or tried to fry my hair with curling irons and hot combs that ended up doing more damage than good. By the time I tried my first Dominican blow-out, I was praying to the gods of hair that someone would know how to tame my oftentimes wild mane! The second the stylist finished my hair, I knew my prayers were answered and me and my curly mane have never looked back.

Known for their abilities with blow-dryers and exceptional moisturizers and conditioners, Dominican stylists and salons have steadily gained momentum in the last ten years and there’s no sign of slowing. For many clients, it’s their ease and comfort handling all textures of hair that has them singing their praises. Also it’s the Dominican philosophy of growing, conditioning and strengthening your hair which seems to be the exact opposite of traditional African American salons. And this is where the controversy lies.

Dominican salons don’t rely on harsh chemical treatments, braiding or hot combs that can permanently break or damage the hair leaving it thin, unhealthy and limp. We’ve all seen women with sections of hair either completely bald or extremely thin due to excessive braiding and weaving. African American salons also use hair care products laden with thick oils and other heavy ingredients that weigh down the hair and clog the pores on the scalp making it hard for new growth to thrive.

The rise in popularity of the Dominican hair salon has created a growing sense of tension and hostility amongst African American salons and salon owners. Even though Dominican salons are not purposely trying to steal their customers, it’s apparent that many of their clients were happy to leave their current situation for a salon that nurtured and cared for their hair.

It makes perfect sense that Dominican stylists would know a thing or two about maintaining different textures of hair. Dominicans are a mixture of African, Spanish and sometimes Native American ancestry which equals unique textures and the creation of special techniques to handle these textures. “Curly hair is our specialty. We know how to style and care for all kinds of textures. We also know the importance of using the right amount of heat to achieve a perfectly straight look. That’s the key to a beautiful wrap or flat ironed look. You need to have heat,” says Freyla, a Dominicana and salon owner in Hollywood, Florida.

There’s even an amazing website dedicated to everything about Dominican hair salons. www.roundbrushhair.com serves up the dish on hair products, tips and even testimonials of those who swear by Dominican salons and stylists. You can even find where there is a Dominican salon in your neighborhood! It’s a one stop shop for those of you out there curious about the hair phenomenon that’s taking over the nation.

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updated April 4

I hate to admit it, but I am card carrying member of the ANTM club. ANTM is not an off-roading vehicle club or a secret society. ANTM is a show that has captured the nation’s attention and given me a wonderful guilty pleasure to look forward to once a week. ANTM is America’s Next Top Model and for a show that’s been on the air for eight seasons, there’s no sign of this train slowing down.

The reason I am so excited this year is that there is a Latina contending for the top prize. Not that there hasn’t been Latinas on previous seasons but they never get far enough in the competition to warrant any real excitement. Thankfully, Jaslene, a cast-off from Season 7’s semi-finals came back for more this year and rightfully found her place amongst the cast of catty characters!

Born and raised in Chicago, this exotic model wannabe has risen to the top of the competition with striking photos week after week that have all the judges singing her praises. Even though she fights with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, she manages overcome her fears, especially when she’s posing before the camera.

Jaslene isn’t the only Latina making headlines on television. A Honduran sista by the name of Rocsi is taking over the world of music and entertainment as the co-host of BET’s top-rated BET’s 106 and Park. Rocsi, aka Raquel Diaz was born in Honduras and is of Chilean/Honduran descent. Growing up in New Orleans, she quickly became a part of the music scene after graduating from college and working as a DJ for radio stations in Texas and Boston and Chicago. Once BET came calling, Rosci was ready for the spotlight.

Interviewing some of the world’s top hip-hop and R&B superstars, Rosci holds her own and represents Latinas in a way that showcases our versatility, sexiness and confidence. Rocsi is a great example for young Latinas on the rise interested in a career in front of the camera. Just like Jaslene, she represents the Latinas to the fullest and is a trendsetter with her fashion forward ensembles. She even strutted her stuff for Rip the Runway, an annual fashion show that showcases the latest in urban fashion from some of the top African American and Latin designers in the game.

It makes me really proud to see beautiful Latinas finally getting their chance to shine and showcase the talent, intelligence and confidence that resides within each and every one of us. Go Chicas!!!!

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updated March 7

Latin style is hot. From chic, island inspired fashion to sophisticated cosmopolitan fare, when it comes to heating things up; Latin America has its sauvicito finger on the pulse of all things en fuego. With Latin fashion crossing over as often as Latin music and cuisine, millions of Americans are finally being introduced to one of the staples of Latin style, the guayabera.

The history of this popular shirt has been furiously debated. Many believe that the first guayabera was designed and created in Cuba. The story of the shirt supposedly involves a woman who decided to sew large pockets onto the front of her husband’s shirts so that he could carry guavas home from the fields.

Another possible theory is that the shirt has Asian origins. Allegedly the shirt was brought over by the Phillipinos as they traveled through Mexico; hence the guayabera’s other name- the Mexican Wedding Shirt.

It doesn’t really matter where the shirt comes from; it’s where the shirt is going. From the traditional white linen model for men to the flirty, sexy styles designed for women, the guayabera has evolved past its humble beginnings into something people worldwide immediately identify as cool, casual Latin chic.
No longer a fixture in Latin American communities, these simple, elegant linen shirts are showing up in offices, runways and cities across the nation looking better than ever.

Here are a few of the best sites to get your hands on the latest looks in guayaberas:

www.cubavera.com: This is one of the top brands for Latin fashion. A beautiful blend of Latin fashion with high style, this site showcases classy looks that go from the boardroom to dinner in minutes. This is a great site to locate the dressier styles that help make a lasting impression. Cubavera designs quality clothing for the man who lives to wear the finer things without paying sky high prices. Cubavera is distributed throughout Macy’s in South Florida as well as several specialty stores. For more information, please visit the site and get your guayabera on!

www.mycubanstore.com: A one-stop shop for all things Havana, this site is dedicated to bringing the sophistication island style better known as Estilo Cubano to the masses. The most basic guayaberas can be found here and this is a great place to start for a novice who wants to take things slow and build up to the more dressier versions found on other sites. From classic white to clean black, the guayaberas from mycubanstore.com keep things casual and cool without breaking the bank or your fashion comfort zone. A great way to gear up in the hottest look south of the border.

www.debratorres.com: A perfect site for men and women to explore a designer approach to the classic guayabera. With clean lines and minimal embroidery, the men’s selections are very basic but bring a quiet elegance that works well no matter where you are. When it comes to the women’s collection, Debra Torres goes all out with unique colors- plum, khaki and peach as well as styles – from the stretch guayabera to the tunic style. She also goes so far to create a guayabera style dress that would be the perfect vacation item for your next tropical getaway. With so many sexy styles to choose from, any chica o chico will stay cool in the heat with a Debra Torres original!

The moral of this story is- try a guayabera and you’ll never go back to the basic button down!

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updated February 25

As a self-proclaimed fashion addict, there is something wonderful about witnessing the rise of a new designer. Even though we all love the tried and true designers that continue to build their empires one dress at a time, there is nothing better than welcoming a fresh new interpretation on the world of fashion from a burgeoning designer desperate to share his/her artistic expressions with the world. Being that the fashion is constantly evolving, I thought it would be interesting to seek out and promote some of the raw talent and visionaries coming up through the ranks in the world of style with a decidedly Latin flair.

Bacca da Silva is the first and hopefully not the last designer I will be profiling this year who has a bright future ahead of him. From his stunning craftsmanship to his love of la patria – Brazil, he lights up the style scene with wearable couture designs that boldly set him apart from the rest. I had the pleasure of interviewing the Gen Art San Francisco Fresh Face ’06 winner and introducing his casually luxurious Spring/Summer ’07 collection to you, mis lectores fieles.

What inspired you to begin designing fashion?

I was a fashion show producer back in Brazil and had the opportunity to work with several smaller fashion companies and designers. Interacting with these creative people helped guide me to my true-life calling. I guess it all started when I was a little boy back in Brazil and helped my mother sew for our family. I kept paying attention to all that handwork, knitting, etc. I used to look at these handmade products and visualize how they could be improved and made more interesting based on my personal taste and current mood.

How has your Latin heritage influenced your designs?

The Latin heritage influences me through its liveliness, the colors and the happiness of the people. Brazil is lively and colorful, generally irrespective of individual economic conditions. If you see my first collection, there are elements that tell people about Brazilian history (royalty and arts), fauna and flora (Amazon) and colors.

What is your target market?

The Bacca da Silva brand targets customers who value high quality, fine fabrics and design with a twist. I am not aiming for the mass market, but rather those people who like to make a bit of statement with their clothing choices with expressions of interesting design with elements of luxury.

Which designers do you look up to?

Hard question. I try not to look up to any one designer in specific. However, I like the work of Christopher Bailey from Burberry, Heidi Slimane from Dior’s Homme and Isabela Capeto from my home country.

How did you get involved with Gen Art San Francisco?

I love the fact they do amazing work helping up-and-coming designers and other artists. In my particular case, Mary Gehlhar was looking for new San Francisco based fashion designers for their 2006 show. I had met Mary at the San Francisco fashion week a year before and she gave me a number of helpful pointers as I launched my Bacca Da Silva brand. I kept in touch with Mary and, after she was exposed to my collection, I was invited to present my upcoming Spring / Summer collection. America is fortunate to have an organization like GenArt which promotes new talent and ideas. This complements the work of the more well-known and established fashion community. Infuses a bit of new blood if you will to help keep the community fresh.

For the current collection, what was the inspiration and what type of woman and man were you designing for?

I see my women’s and men’s collection differently. The inspiration for the women’s line is the New York younger fashion conscience woman visiting Buzios in Rio de Janeiro. They have to pack beautiful, but accessible things when traveling there. The dresses must be fluid and comfortable. The woman is sexy without being overly in your face. She pays attention to details and likes being noticed. So, she needs to dress for the occasion. She decided to have unique pieces; some with hand embroidered and beaded work as an integral part of the design. The colors are off white for the day and black for the night. She has a charming, yet strong presence.

For the men’s collection, it is a totally different ballgame. The man of Bacca da Silva has decided to visit Saint Tropez. There are colors everywhere and lots of stripes. He is an accomplished traveler who likes the glamour of the French Riviera and the fun beaches in Spain. He is well groomed and successful.

Where do you see Bacca da Silva designs in the next five years?

To avoid becoming a me-too or dated brand, I keep a keen eye on the mood of customer and trends of the industry. I then run these trends through the lens of Bacca Da Silva and come up with interpretations which reflect my brand character. Interesting and high-end fabrics, attention to details and, lets say Brasilian twists on the design theme combine to make the piece a Bacca Da Silva. Regardless of any specific trend, I firmly believe that the market will always value high quality, accessible luxury and interesting design.

I am also spending a fair amount of time on the business side of it right now. I am putting together distribution channels which are appropriate to the nature of the Bacca Da Silva brand. Higher end, interesting boutiques in the major USA markets and perhaps an affiliation with a larger fashion retailer which appreciates smaller and more unique fashion providers such as Bacca Da Silva. So, in a year’s time I hope to be able to offer my rather unique products to the customers of a Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman or Saks which have customers who appreciate and are willing to pay for quality fashion. I also want, at the right time, to show at the New York Fashion Week.

How many collections do you design a year?

I currently design two collections a year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. I also work with some clients throughout the year on customized pieces which spring from these collections.

To view more exquisite designs and to learn more about Bacca da Silva, please visit >www.baccadasilva.com.

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updated January 18

How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror the day after New Years and decided that this year would be the year you would quit smoking, balance your budget, get a new job and the most important…lose weight? It seems like every year is just another version of the year before with the same promises and wishes for a better you that vanish or fade a month or two later leaving you wondering where you went wrong. What’s worse is when your fashion resolutions turn into distant memories instead of wonderful realities you can bask in every time you step into your walk-in closet. Well, I have a wonderful way to master your fashion resolutions and turn them into stylish achievements so that this New Year, you’ll be looking better than ever!

1. Finding the perfect pair of jeans!
The mind is crafty in that it hears and sees what it wants so if you tell yourself that this is another New Year’s resolution, the mind is wired to treat it as such. Locating the perfect pair of jeans sounds like a search for the Holy Grail but harder. How many times have you scoured through racks and racks of jeans only to return home empty-handed? One of the best tricks in finding the perfect jeans for you is assessing your shape. Are you pear, apple, ruler or hourglass? Depending on your shape, you will have to search for jeans that flatter your figure. One universal figure flattering tip is to look for jeans with at least 2% lycra. A little stretch goes a long way. Also, remember that it's perfectly okay to have your jeans tailored to fit your physique. Many women are in between conventional sizes and need a little help getting clothes off the rack to fit flawlessly. Once you find the ideal pair of jeans, buy several pairs in different washes since you know you’ll need them. Remember, fashionable goals are something to be attained while fashion resolutions are something to be ditched.

2. Follow your heart and not the trends
It’s one thing to want to lose weight or to quit smoking while it’s another to want to be a Gold medalist in the 2008 Olympics and you’re not a world class athlete. Same goes for fashion. We are not all created equal. Even though the trendy new “bubble dress” that’s been gracing the runways and your favorite celebs toned physiques may look amazing, on your dangerously curvy body it may end up looking more like a deflated potato sack. No matter how hard it may be to resist the trends, try to remain honest about what works for your shape and what doesn’t so you can always look your best. No one wants to be a fashion victim and the more you follow the crowd, the higher your chances are of becoming a fashion don’t.

3. Take a risk and try something new
No matter how comfortable your favorite worn cable knit sweater may be, there is always a time to throw out the old and go with something new. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of your fashionable comfort zone and frolic in a color, style, look or item that you normally wouldn’t dare wear. You might be surprised at how flattering you appear. Trying new things is just one more way to become a chic fashionista. Clothes are a fun way to express oneself. The good thing is you can always change your mind.

4. Visualize yourself achieving a stylish new wardrobe
The power of visualization is so strong, it should be mandatory for all people to learn and utilize in their daily life. Seeing is believing and the more you can see yourself rocking a killer wardrobe with all the trimmings, the more certain it will happen. Start off by cutting out pictures, articles and images that catch your eye from magazines to books to posters. Keep a scrapbook of the types of clothes that you catch your attention and begin to search for similar items that both enhance your natural look as well as keep your wallet fairly full. As you believe and meditate on the goal of a fashion forward wardrobe, the universe begins to send style help your way to further speed along the process guaranteeing that you will have all that your heart and mind desire!

So, try something new this year! Throw out the old and replace them with something shiny and new! Working out your past fashion conflicts will guarantee that you will be ringing in 2007 happier, healthier and ready to conquer the world of fashion!

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updated December 24

With the New Year upon us, it's perfectly natural to wonder what trends and styles will be all the rage in 2007. From denim to designer bags, what will you be stepping out in or leaving behind in the New Year?

Do’s

1. Find your favorite metallic shade (bronze, gold, silver, copper) and flaunt it – a sexy top, a killer bag or a smokin’ pair of heels will keep you in with the trend all year long.
2. Keep channeling the 80’s with a great pair of leggings or tights. Keep them opaque and dark colored like charcoal, black and chocolate brown.
3. Skinny jeans are here to stay but don’t go too severe or run the risk of looking like a stuffed sausage.
4. Purchase something plaid- a shirt, sweater or better yet a skirt for a flirty fun look.
5. Layer, layer, layer. Nothing is sexier than taking it all off, one piece at a time.
6. Dress up in black and white for a chic, sophisticated turn on evening style.
7. Clutches have always been in but make yours an exotic skin – crocodile,
8. Stilettos may be the sexiest trend since sliced bread but thanks to the return of flats, we can all strut our stuff and save our toes.
9. Snuggle into a ¾ length sleeve coat, the perfect way to add a feminine touch to any outfit.
10. Find the ideal pair of jeans that show your best assets. Denim is the biggest trend of the last decade and is here to stay.

Don’ts

1. Try to wear something your teenage niece thinks is cute. It just makes you look silly. Trust me.
2. Wear bohemian inspired looks from head to toe.
3. Give into the urge to break out your old black jeans. Nothing says dated and old school like a pair of black jeans.
4. Carry oversized bags large enough to smuggle a small toddler in. You can still sling a large bag on your shoulder just don’t go overboard.
5. Show your assets in a pair of super low rise jeans. Its so two years ago.
6. Forget to wear underwear! Nothing’s worse than flashing your spot to the whole wide world!

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updated December 5th

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Holidays! The holidays are officially upon us and that means shorter days, colder nights and too much egg nog by the fireplace. Also, it means shopping for gifts which can be as stressful as walking a straight line for a police officer after ingesting a few too many holiday beverages! So, here is a quick step gift guide aimed at helping you finding the right item for that perfect friend, lover, relative or pet!

RELATIVES
Aunt Gladys, Uncle Ernie, Mom, Pop, Brother and Sister, these are the people that have given you unconditional love. They love you for you and want to see you happy, healthy and successful. From family dinners to family vacations, you are a team and there’s no one in the world you love more. So give them the best, they deserve it!

Mom – Tocca Bagno di Viaggio (Blood Orange Gift Set ) - $40, www.eluxury.com

Dad – Anthony Logistics for Men- The Shave Cabinet, $60, www.sephora.com

LOVERS
Your sweetie pie is the one that sends your heart into overdrive every time you see his/her face. For all of the moments you’ve shared and the times you’ve laughed and cried together, a gift that sums up your feelings for him/her is a small token of your appreciation for their love and affection.

Boyfriend/Husband – Guess Silver Tone Watch - $115, www.guess.com

Girlfriend/Wife – Tiffany’s Pearl Necklace - $395, www.tiffanys.com

FRIENDS
These are the people that deserve the heartfelt gifts. They cheer you up when you’re down. They listen to you whine about work and are the first ones to celebrate when you’ve overcome one or all of your obstacles. For the friends in your life, try some of these items and you’ll be friends for life!

Best Friend – Male – Playstation® 3 – $499/$599, www.us.playstation.com

Best Friend – Female – Monogrammed Signature Striped Reversible Tote- Coach, $268, www.coach.com

Co-Workers – Elegant Twist Bamboo, $39.99, www.proflowers.com

PETS
Rover, King, Mitsy and even little Chow Chow are just as important as anyone else when it comes to the holidays. They may not understand the significance of the Christmas tree and may even try to destroy your favorite holiday wreath but a nice gift with their name on it will keep his/her tail wagging!

For the dog that has everything – Room with a View Cushions, 24.99, www.readysetholiday.com

For a finicky cat – Bamboo Pet Bed with Cushions, 99.99, www.readysetholiday.com

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updated November 20

Last night I learned a new beauty lesson- make-up isn't rocket science! Even though it may seem like the most challenging aspect to being a woman, there are ways to create a flawless face that doesn't involve complex tools, intricate techniques and high profile products usually reserved for cosmetology students. With the advent of Cover Girl's newest creation, a line of makeup that is already pre-determined by your skin tone from lipstick to blush to eye shadow – in January 2007 you will be able to purchase your everyday look easily and effortlessly without ever breaking a sweat! How cool is that?

I love my job! Writing about beauty is one thing but getting to try out the latest and the greatest is the icing on the cake. Arriving at the Cover Girl Event in Santa Monica at the Viceroy Hotel, I was both excited and anxious since most of my makeover memories swayed more in the negative direction. Either I end up looking like a drag queen or bozo the clown's long lost cousin. With trepidation, I walked into the room and was pleasantly surprised at how calm and relaxed everyone appeared. No stark black ensembles and pretentious vibes, just a laid back attitude that mirrored the breezy climate of Santa Monica's beach scene.

Carolina Gonzalez (a national make up artist for Cover Girl) was the makeup maestro of the evening and was wielding her tools and techniques with such ease and fluidity; she made it look like a walk in the park. Just watching her perfect the faces of the other journalists guaranteed me that I would soon be in good hands!

First, she applied Advanced Radiance Restorative Cream Foundation in my exact shade, which is a golden tawny. The foundation contains Olay which is the same Oil of Olay that has famously moisturized women's skin for generations. The creamy texture glided on smooth and silky leaving my skin feeling light and hydrated while covering any dark circles or discolorations. As someone who shies away from most foundations, I immediately fell in love with this product. Carolina also used the foundation as a concealer which was a great tip since sometimes all you need is a little touch up. This two-in-one product beautifully fits the bill.

Next she applied a mix of TruBlend Naturally Luminous Bronzer and TruBlend Luminous Blush on the apples of my cheeks for a sweet shimmer that is subtle enough for the fall and winter. Carolina then swept some of the Luminous Bronzer on both lids for a delicate glow.

Once she got to the lashes, I knew she was in for a challenge. Not being blessed with long luscious lashes, I have to admit I almost always have to fake it! Fake lashes as well as unbelievable amounts of mascara are the only way I can even possible achieve just a tiny bit of curl and volume! Well, thanks to Cover Girl, I can put away my fake lashes. With one coat of Volume Exact Mascara, I finally had lashes so long; I couldn’t believe they were mine!

Last but surely not least was a generous swipe of Tru Shine Lipcolor that goes on like a lipstick but is sheer like a gloss. The color – Cinnamon Shine, is the perfect neutral for the natural look I love to rock on a daily basis! Sheer enough to be worn under your favorite gloss but bold enough to be worn alone, this lip color goes on like a gloss and lasts like a lipstick! What more could a girl ask for?

I was truly amazed at how simple and sophisticated my make-up looked after a mere twenty minutes in the chair with Carolina. It gave me the confidence that I could recreate the same look myself at home in my bathroom mirror. With the debut of this easy to use, uncomplicated line next year, Cover Girl is sure to create another generation of loyal, flawless looking fans!

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updated November 8

palabras LINDA RIPOLL

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. This sentiment rang true at the recent Madrid Fashion Week runway shows. The Association of Fashion Designers of Spain decided that enough was enough and banned all models that were considered unhealthy, emaciated or too thin. They determined a model's healthiness by her BMI, body mass index and according to sources from the organization, over 30% of the models failed.

Spain's recent dissatisfaction with overly gaunt, heroin chic models that dominate fashion layouts, runways shows and billboards worldwide, is hopefully the beginning of a change towards promoting a healthy, naturally looking beauty that mirrors the way real women look.

For so long, women have starved themselves to fit into unreal sizes that are entirely too small for their body frame just to feel like they "fit in". Oftentimes, the designer clothes and styles that many women crave are cut to fit teensy weensy bodies with very little curves or other hallmarks of a real woman’s physique. How often have you encountered a pair of jeans or a cute dress that was cut to fit someone with no hips, thighs, butt or anything that slightly resembles a real woman's shape? Too many times to mention I'm sure.

With all this fuss about being skinny and trying to fit into a size 0 (by the way, how can someone be a size 0 – isn't that impossible since 0 isn't an actual number?), it's refreshing to remember that in the world of Latin style, a woman's curves are her most prized asset. In no other culture does a woman's fullness and sensual lines render so much attention and acceptance. Flaunting their curves with style and grace, style icons such as; Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek and Eva Mendes showcase the true beauty of a real woman. Never once have any of these beauties slimmed down to dangerously tiny proportions trying to fit in with their model thin counterparts.

Through all of the hype surrounding super skinny actresses, models, singers and celebrities, many Latina stars have continued to embrace their unique take on beauty further encouraging girls and women around the world to do the same.

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updated October 27

LA Fashion Week just wrapped up this past Sunday and femininity dominated the runway like starlets and their publicists dominated the front rows. With some of the top designers putting their fashionable foot forward for Spring/Summer 2007, it came as no surprise that there were a few standouts in the couture laden crowd. Two of the best shows of the week were from Latin designers on the verge of style stardom. Get ready to get glam this Spring with the help of two of fashion’s finest!

Joseph Domingo
No stranger to nocheLatina.com, (I profiled him in a piece on San Francisco a few months ago) Joseph Domingo is the daring designer responsible for creating some of the most exquisite women’s and menswear collections in recent years. With an eye for glamour and a flair for romance, Domingo consistently brings the drama to his ready to wear styles that not only grace the runways but the bodies of many of today’s hottest Latin and non-Latin stars.

At LA Fashion week, he kept looks light and airy with a perpetual breeze which floated through each piece that glided down the runway. From a long white wool coat that seemed destined for winter but was chic and sweet enough to drape over the barely there sundress of spring to the dainty as a doll spaghetti strapped flirty numbers that bared skin in all the right places, Domingo dresses his way around a woman’s curves. Even the men got in on the cool factor with crisp white shorts and multicolored jackets that made you want to break out ia game of volleyball somewhere beach side. There was definitely a feeling of west coast luxury and east coast pedigree mixing together for a flair that is distinctly chic.

Staying in a color palette of creams, neutrals, bronzes and the occasional turquoise, there was nothing garish or overdone about this fabulous spring collection. I could see socialites and starlets making their trendy way down Rodeo or strutting up 5th Avenue in one of these easy, breezy looks this spring. Thanks to Domingo, there won’t be a shortage of sophisticated clothes hitting a city street near you.

For more information and to view the fashion show – please visit – www.mercedesbenzfashionweek.com

Louis Verdad
Hailed as the "It Designer" of Los Angeles, Verdad has arrived and fashionably on time for someone of his talent and caliber. Known for his incredible attention to detail, tight tailoring and sexy 40’s silhouettes, Verdad doesn’t shy away from sex but wields it aptly like a skillful Samurai does his sword. Strong women flock to his fashions, dressing up in his designs as if strapping themselves in very stylish armor. From Madonna to Tyra Banks and countless others, Verdad is the go to man for a sleek style that will get and keep attention coming your way for all the right reasons.

At LA Fashion week, he definitely presented a strong look for the kind of woman he envisions will be setting the trends this spring. Coquettish with pixie bobs and barely there makeup, these looks are for the woman who consciously straddles the line between sex kitten and school girl and lives to tell about it! There were polka dotted dresses with obi belts that cinched the waist and created distorted yet sensual proportions fit for a vixen. A red leather jacket a la Michael Jackson added the much hyped eighties feel gave a more sophisticated feel when paired with black short shorts and a lacy Victorian inspired top. This is the eighties all dressed up with somewhere to go! Never shying away from his bread and butter sleek silhouettes, Verdad blessed the catwalk with some chic, streamlined dresses that dangerously hugged the curves like a Porsche on a windy mountain road. He kept it coming with sheer black and a sheer white dress that was perfect for the temptress he was channeling for this spring. Have no fear, sexuality is full blown and ready to bloom in the world of Louis Verdad. Beware, only for the grown and gorgeous!

For more information and to view the runway show, please visit www.mercedesbenzfashionweek.com

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updated October 6

Everyone loves a deal. Whether it's buying a house, a car or even something as silly as a pack of gum, if you can get it for a deal, you feel so much better about the purchase. Well, this is the sentiment that has created a mass market uproar in the world of retail. Thanks to clothing stores such as H&M and Zara, there is finally a Target style of shopping in the world of fashion. Forget scrounging through racks of worn out styles and irregular fashions in places like Ross, Mervyns or your local thrift store. Now anyone can find designer styles for less in an atmosphere that's anything like a flea market.

H&M

The hysteria surrounding this behemoth boutique chain is something straight out of a cult film. Fashionistas around the nation have all learned the power of two letters that when uttered together evoke a feeling of fashion frenzy unlike anything ever seen before.

The first time I ever heard of the boutique was back in 2002. I was flipping through the pages of InStyle, admiring the sassy styles I had always come to enjoy when I saw the most adorable pair of sunglasses that mimicked the designer Dior shades that I had been coveting for months. Astonished at how similar they looked, I glanced at the price and almost fell off the couch. These look-a-like sunglasses were $15.00 compared to Dior’s lofty $250. The second I saw the two letters H&M beside the glasses, I knew that there was a fashion god and she was gracing us with a huge fashion favor.

Soon thereafter, I found out that H&M was only located on the east coast and that there were a few stores in NYC as well as some other cities up north. I was excited to know this boutique existed in the US but saddened by the fact that there were no stores anywhere near me. I knew that eventually I would have to make a Mecca to H&M to experience the store and all its fashion forward wonder in person.

May 2004...I remember it like it was yesterday. My best friend and I ventured to the Big Apple for a graduation trip unlike any other. We stayed at the tony Waldorf Astoria hotel, wined and dined like royalty and on the third day we ventured to the one place I had been dying to shop at for the previous three years.

The second we rounded the corner on 5th Avenue, it lay before us like an oasis in the desert. Hordes of girls and women streamed through the cavernous entrance as trendy bossa nova music poured out into the streets beckoning us to experience the groovy goodness otherwise known as window shopping, H&M style.

On every rack and down every aisle were clothes I only thought existed in Bloomingdale’s, Neimans and in ridiculously expensive boutiques on Rodeo or Ocean Drive. Flirty dresses, sweet skirts, daring tops and sleek blazers hung neatly in rows awaiting my eager hands and even more eager wallet.

I was in heaven and didn't want the feeling to ever end! By the time we finished absorbing the overwhelming goodness of the store, we waltzed out with bags of clothes and a feeling of inner peace that stayed with us for the rest of the trip. We had scored the ultimate deals and soon would be taking back our treasures to cities that had yet to experience the greatness of H&M.

With the debut of H&M in Pasadena on the 21st of September, Los Angeles is finally catching onto the fashion craze that had previously consumed the entire east coast and most of the nation. All hail the mighty H&M for we are not worthy of your wonderful deals!

For more information please visit www.hm.com

Zara

Equally juicy is H&M’s Euro tinged, Spanish owned counterpart Zara. With the concept of bringing tightly tailored, beautifully crafted clothing to the masses for prices that are actually affordable, Zara has broken through the American retail market and quickly begun to spread nationwide, giving fashionistas a reason to scream – Olé with victory!

The first time I came across the Latin paradise was while I was living it up in South Florida. There shopping was a cultural experience and not your typical leisure activity just to pass the time. From Sunset Drive to Bal Harbour, there were plenty of unique boutiques to lose your mind and your money, usually simultaneously.
I accidentally came upon Zara while shopping at the most sought after mall in all of South America– Dadeland Mall. Filled to the brim with cute boutiques and high end department stores, I happened to notice an upscale looking storefront with mannequins dressed in sharp, sleek designs that looked way out of my price range. I ventured inside anyway, lured in by the amazing little black dress hanging on a rack in the center of the store like a jeweled pendant on a glimmering golden chain. To my amazement, everything was priced reasonably from the chic black slacks to the Victorian inspired cream tank that perfectly accented my deep sun-kissed complexion. I went nuts! Literally, I began scooping things off of the rack and rushing them into a fitting room as if this would be the first and last time I would ever get the chance to shop at Zara.

By the time I left, I had two large bags filled with clothes and a much clearer conscience realizing that the store wasn’t a mirage but a permanent fixture I could revisit whenever I wanted.

Zara recently opened their first location in Los Angeles on the famed Santa Monica Promenade. Just strolling past the boutique brought back so many delicious Miami memories of premium shopping and perfect prices that I thought I had died and gone to South Beach.

For more information, please visit www.zara.com

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updated September 20

As the weather cools and the days become shorter, more than your wardrobe needs to change. A change in your skincare regimen also becomes an important factor in keeping skin healthy, hydrated and happy. Toss out those lightweight gel cleansers, shine control moisturizers and grease eliminating masks. It’s time to infuse your skincare system with some much needed moisture and that means adding creamy cleansers, hydrating moisturizers and nutrient rich masks to your regular skincare routine.

Here are three product lines that will keep your skin drenched and dazzling this Fall.

Pangea
Organic skincare is no longer niche vegetable based products with weird names and even stranger fragrances found in non-descript health food stores. Organic skincare like organic vegetables, meat and other food products has become a mainstream commodity with a growing customer base. With everyone wanting to go organic, it can be quite confusing choosing the right products or system that both works well and is easy to use. Pangea is a wonderful organic line that blends high quality certified organic ingredients with skin nourishing bases for skin care that cleanses, purifies, tightens, moisturizers and calms without the usual harsh chemicals, parabens and other skin irritants for beautiful, healthy skin.

Try:

CLEANSER: Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange
TONER: French Rosemary with Sweet Orange
CREAM: Italian Red Mandarin with Roses

www.pangeaorganics.com

Clinique
Tried and true and oftentimes the first skincare system for many young women, Clinique is a mainstay in many beauty regimens. From basic cleansers to simple moisturizers, there is something for every skin type in this highly celebrated line and no hassle equals gorgeous skin. This Fall, Clinique has introduced the Three Step Kit, making sensational skin easy as 1.2.3. no matter what the season. The biggest aspect to this new line is the reformulation of the celebrated facial soap into a liquid formula. Skin will be refreshed and relaxed after smoothing away dirt, grime and impurities with one swipe of this soft liquid. Check out the 411 on the 1.2.3 kit and watch your skin go from sallow to spectacular in seconds!

CLEANSER: Liquid Facial Soap
TONER: Clarifying Lotion
CREAM: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

www.clinique.com

Malin+Goetz
Women aren’t the only ones who want to give fabulous face this Fall. Men are getting into the grooming game and luckily there are products both men and women can use without having to be ashamed of borrowing, begging or stealing! Malin + Goetz is a full skin care and body care line that caters to the modern woman and man in need of quality skin care. With no muss, no fuss ingredients and a simplistic approach to problem skin, these skin care products aim to replenish skin with moisture, decrease excess oil and smooth out skin’s texture and appearance for a smooth, healthy looking complexion. For the Fall, you and your man can swap skincare secrets with these amazingly simplistic products.

CLEANSER:Grapefruit Cleanser
TONER:Jojoba Face Scrub
CREAM: Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

www.malinangoetz.com

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updated September 14

Spring is in the air and it has a decidedly Latin flair thanks to some of the hottest Latin designers in the world. From September 8-15 the best and the brightest showcased their exciting, eccentric and energetic new designs for the world to covet in the city that doesn’t sleep and considers itself the fashion capital of the world!

With the loveliest time of the year as their inspiration, the world's top designers created dresses, skirts and slacks that emanated a feeling of unapologetic femininity coupled with sophistication. The color palettes ranged from brights to pastels but the consistent look was gorgeous, gorgeous and more gorgeous. These springtime designs displayed silhouettes that any woman would be proud to wear.

With fashion now playing to a global audience, there were more than enough American, European and Asian designers to quench the fashion world’s thirst for international faire. Thankfully, the Latin American designers came out in full force, representing today’s women in a variety of looks that are anything but bashful. Beautiful flouncy skirts that set the stage for glam gams, exquisite dresses that bare arms, backs and shoulders and skinny slacks that conjure up images of 50’s silver screen sirens and 60’s seductresses- these three Latin designers served up the goods, piping hot and ready for Spring ’07.

Carolina Herrera
The queen of sophistication has done it again. She has graced her loyal fans and fashionistas with styles that are timeless, elegant and classy but with the right touch of sass. Color was a key component to many of the looks that glided down the runway. From a delicate blush pink print dress that subtly swayed with every move to the bold combination of fuchsia and red that brilliantly caught the eye, Herrera pulled out all the stops when it came to creating the ideal balance of sensual and sophisticated. With her love of the classic, many of the dresses and skirts that were on display stayed true to the simplistic silhouettes we have come to know and love. Just as was hot on the Fall ’06 runways, many of the styles were belted giving them that nice dose of sensuality drawing eyes to the narrow waistlines of the gazelle like models stalking up and down the catwalk. Thanks to Herrera, there will be color blossoming all around as her fashionable Spring ‘07 line soon hits the streets.

ww.carolinaherrera.com

Narcisco Rodriguez
A Hollywood heavyweight when it comes keeping stars and starlets red carpet ready, Rodriguez’s name was put on the map after dressing the most stylish of the fabulous foursome better known as Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex in the City fame. Known for his sleek, chic silhouettes that highlight everything sexy about a woman’s body, Rodriguez never overloads his designs with too much embellishment or in your face opulence. His simple cuts and exquisite fabrics create a look that is beautifully all his own. His Spring ’07 collection is as magnificent as anything you will want to be seen wearing next year. Playing with color but not afraid to keep things clean and white, Rodriguez had the perfect mix of elegance and coolness that permeated every single item in the line. From the bold use of color with sheer, sweet separates to the dominant use of white, white, white in almost 80% of the collection, there was nothing Rodriguez designed that wasn’t tailor made for today’s style conscious woman. Ethereal dresses with smooth layers that flowed over the body elongated the already impossibly linear looking models so you can imagine what a dress like that would do for the everyday woman! Prepare to stop traffic and float on a cloud of fashion forward energy with the looks in Rodriguez’s gorgeous Spring ’07 line!

www.narciscorodriguez.com

Gustavo Arango
Colombian born Gustavo Arango is one of the newer kids on the block but just because his name isn’t as recognizable as his powerhouse counterparts, doesn’t mean he isn’t a design force all his own. With an eye for detail and a love of the female form, Arango creates a diverse array of shapes, styles and fashions that are perfect for the spring. Airy skirts that flow with each step, structured tops in sorbet hues and ethereal dresses glimmering in gold are just a few of his winning looks for the most beautiful season of the year! A heart stopping red dress that drapes off the shoulder dazzles as the color pops perfectly making it feel like the color of the season. Red seems to sizzle rather than overpower when Arango handles things. For the woman who needs a little drama in their wardrobe, Arango is sure to fulfill your everyday fashionable desire.

www.gustavoarango.com
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updated September 7

With the South blazing new trails in fashion, music and style, it makes perfect sense that one of the fastest growing cities in the nation is also one of the most fashion forward. Known for its hip-hop sensibilities, southern hospitality and preference for all things "bling bling," Atlanta is all about wearing your style for the world to see and never making any apologies for it. From hanging out downtown at some of the hottest clubs to shopping at some of Buckhead's trendiest boutiques, there is something for everyone in this Southern Fried City!

Favorite Fashion Boutique...and the winner is...Blue Genes
You can never have enough pairs of jeans. From the skinny jean that makes you feel like a punk rocker circa 1985 to a bootcut pair that shows off your ample assets- you can never get enough of searching for that ultimate pair of denim. Thanks to the super chic Blue Genes boutique in Atlanta’s trend savvy Buckhead, you're destined to find the perfect pair under this highly coveted roof. Owned and operated by three sisters, this amazing mini-department store houses some of the hottest jeans and other trendy apparel for men, women and kids! Some of the brands that keep the men looking modern and metrosexual are Diesel, Habitual, James Perse and True Religion. Ladies who like to look their best are privy to several hard to find brands such as 2BFree, Alice + Olivia, La Rok and Ya Ya to name a few. Even the kiddies get in on the designer label action with cuter than cute ensembles from City Threads, Junk Food and Fresh Los Angeles. For the ultimate in designer jeans or just a hotter than hot item that’s sure to send all the right signals, be sure to stop off at Blue Genes.

For more information, please visit www.shopbluegenes.com

Favorite Beauty Boutique/Spa...and the winner is...Sugarcoat
Billed as Atlanta’s first nail and beauty bar, Sugarcoat is all about the posh mani/pedi experience. Located in a small space in the trendy neighborhood of Buckhead, this one of a kind shrine to all things pampering is the perfect place to sit back, relax and get treated like the prince (yes, there is a sports manicure/pedicure for the manly men in need of some grooming) princess you know you are. From the extensive menu that ranges from a basic manicure or pedicure to the signature mani/pedi that utilizes the luxuriousness of Cake beauty products, there is something for everyone at this one stop beauty palace. Not only does Sugarcoat take care of the fingers and toes, they also do waxing for that extra polish we all crave. Once you've been plucked, tweezed, waxed and refined, there are several fabulous products you can purchase to keep your beauty regimen going strong. From Cake Beauty to Terax Hair Care, you're bound to find something beautylicious at the sweetest spot in town!

For more information, please visit www.sugarcoatbeauty.com

Favorite Upcoming Designer….and the winner is...Coleccion Luna by Stephanie JolluckBorn and raised in Atlanta, no one would ever have guessed that Stephanie Jolluck would become a well-known designer of Guatemalan handbags and other accessories. Growing up she was surrounded by beautiful antiques, artwork and other unusual artifacts. Her parents ran a highly successful antique import business which fueled her curiosity and desire to know more about the world around her. This very fascination prompted her to study both Latin American literature and Anthropology while attending college. After graduating, she traveled to Mexico where she immersed herself in the language and the culture of Latin America. After this life changing trip, she decided that she wanted to delve deeper into the culture and traditions of the native peoples of Mexico and soon was volunteering at a Mayan Indian co-op. She began to work with the Indians learning the traditional customs of weaving and textile making. Jolluck took this information back to Atlanta and soon thereafter, Coleccion Luna was born. Coleccion Luna soon became one of the hottest ethnic accessories lines on the market. She still works side by side with the native peoples of Mexico and Guatemala to create one of a kind bags that keep centuries old traditions alive. Jolluck donates a certain percentage of the proceeds of each bag sold to the Indian villages where she creates her designs!

For more information, please visit www.coleccionluna.com

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updated August 24

As beautiful as a diamond glittering in the sea, this gorgeous, enchanted island is one of the most romantic and utterly enrapturing locales anywhere in the world. Cobble stone streets are the sounding board for old Spanish guitars while the spicy echoes of salsa rhythms dance with the sounds of lovers against the tropical, humid night sky. If Puerto Rico is the innovator for style, culture and music in the Caribbean, San Juan is the epicenter of all things fashion forward and hot! Pack your bags for some sugar and spice and definitely a tall glass of Puerto Rican rum!

Favorite Fashion Boutique…and the winner is...Nativa
For the fearless and fashionable, this trendy yet edgy boutique offers just the right amount of skin baring, body hugging dresses, skirts and tops to keep you dancing in the streets or at least channeling your sexier side for quite some time to come. One of the best aspects to this progressive boutique is that you will be shopping right alongside locals for some of the hottest looks in San Juan instead of pouring through tourist laden shops with nothing but souvenir tee-shirts and baseball hats. Take a piece of the island home with you! For more information, please contact 787/724-1396.

Favorite Beauty Spa or boutique...and the winner is...El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa
Just the breathtaking landscape alone is enough to send you into a state of sublime bliss so it comes as no surprise that this sensual spa is a cut above the rest when it comes to pampering and indulging its guests. With a Zen-like appeal, this peaceful sanctuary offers up some delectable treatments and services guaranteed to take the edge off of the most weary of travelers. Start off with a Golden Taste of Puerto Rico which includes three of the most scintillating body treatments you could possibly ever imagine. The first is the Caribbean Piña Colada which combines a pineapple polish, ground almond and apricot seeds scrub and chamomile, rose and orange blossom oils for the ultimate in creating soft, smooth, silky skin. To top things off, you will bask in the warmth of a light coconut oil massage. If this doesn’t seem to relax you enough, there’s always the Mojito, a decadent body scrub using Sea Salts, lemon and peppermint oils and crushed mint leaves or the Mango Tango which utilizes crushed mango with coconut oils and a full body mud scrub. Can we say delicioso? For more information, please visit www.elconresort.com

Best Upcoming Designer...and the winner is...Stella Nolasco
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Stella Nolasco is one of the island’s brightest and most promising fashion stars on the rise. With her avant garde style and slightly whimsical approach to fashion, Nolasco approaches her craft with a bold sense of styling and a confidence that belies her years in the business. With a strong sense of cosmopolitan chicness, Nolasco never relies on overtly sexualized designs but rather indulges in subtle, more effective cuts and fashions that showcase the attitude and persona of the person wearing the ensemble. As a favorite of some of Latin America’s most beautiful and stylish women, Nolasco is well on her way to gaining major notoriety in the US. Her Spring 2006 collection was just snatched up by Neiman Marcus and will soon be seen on the chic streets from coast to coast. With fashion forces like Stella Nolasco making moves, Puerto Rico is becoming more than just the leading exporter in rum and sugar, soon it will be known as the Caribbean fashion capital.For more information, please visit www.stellanolasco.com

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updated August 24

Everything in Dallas is bigger. The cars, the homes, the food and yes even style is supersized in the lone star state. From big bodacious hair to larger than life platinum belt buckles and turquoise brooches, there is nothing demure about dressing up or even dressing down in Dallas. This amazingly down home city is becoming an upscale outpost for all things glam. From Carolina Herrera’s new boutique opening in the tony North Park Center shopping complex to the ultra hip boutiques popping up everywhere you look, Latinos y Latinas will find themselves living the Southern life in this beautifully bountiful city!

Best Fashion Boutique...and the winner is: Julian Gold. Known for fashions that inspire and accessories that delight, Julian Gold is where fashionista’s spend their time and money adding unique pieces to their already massive wardrobes. At Julian Gold one can find all types of special styles, ranging from casual to bridal to couture and beyond. If there is an occasion, Julian Gold has the exclusive apparel to outfit you perfectly. Not only do they sell some of the most exquisite high fashion, they also carry exclusive shoes and accessories that one will not find in the local mall. From high end designers such as Bill Blass, St. John Knit and Armani to local up and coming designers such as Cosa Monna, there are so many amazing items on the racks, you’ll be hard pressed not to leave with a light bounce in your step, a signature dress in hand and a much lighter bank account! Give Julian Gold a chance to glam you up, Dallas style!
For more information, please visit www.juliangold.com.

Best beauty boutique…and the winner is...Pure Salon and Spa. Pure ecstasy comes to mind once you visit this amazingly indulgent and utterly relaxing salon and spa. For the true spa aficionado, Pure Salon and Spa offers up just the right amount of pampering perfection and beauty adornment to give you the glow from head to toe! You can stop in for a facial and massage, cut, color and perfect Brazilian bikini wax, all within one elegant spa. With high end skin care products used in the treatments and sold in the retail boutique, no expense has been spared when it comes to your happiness and satisfaction. Known for the majestic Waterhouse – where a whirlpool, rain shower and steam cave purify the body and soothe the soul, this incredibly chic spa is exactly what you’ll be craving after a long day of shopping! For more information, please visit www.purespaandsalon.com

Best new designer...and the winner is: Gia Rodriguez. Designing beautiful work out wear is more than a challenge, it’s a necessity! So many women complain about looking dowdy when working up a sweat but thanks to Gia Rodriguez, a Dallas born and raised fashion designer, there is now no excuse not to look like a million bucks even when you’re climbing the Stairmaster™ to heaven! From sweats that flatter to tanks that show off those toned muscles you’ve been pumping iron for, Gia has recreated the world of workout wear and brought it to the fashion forward masses! Her line includes baby gear and even menswear. There is no shortage of sporty style with this one of a kind line. For more information, please visit www.wearbare.com.

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updated August 7

The red clay sands and the endless blue skies are more than enough to satisfy your taste for God's Country. New Mexico boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the entire US and with a large Latin influence, specifically Mexican and Native cultures, there is a decidedly Southwest flair that is anything but ordinary. Santa Fe is where it all happens from the power shopping to the sensational spa hopping. Pack your bags today and soon you'll be on your way to Santa Fe!

Best Fashion Boutique...and the winner is: Back at the Ranch. With nothing but your boots on, you’ll be as sexy as a gun-toting cowgirl in any of the original, custom made boots and belt buckles sold at this one-stop accessories shop. Back at the Ranch sells accessories that are purely for the Southwestern style setter! Nowhere else will you find a pair of Weddin’ Boots that would actually work under many a designer gown depending on your style and personality! These gorgeous leather boots are handmade with love and care and will quickly become the piece of Santa Fe you won’t want to forget. Wear them with your favorite jeans or skirts for a kick of color and dash of personality. The belt buckles in gold, silver and turquoise are also a wonderful way of incorporating the beauty of Santa Fe into any wardrobe. Made with real 14kt gold, sterling silver and real turquoise, these belt buckles are works of art and a must have souvenir for the trip back home! For more information or to view the collections, please visit www.backattheranch.com

Best Spa...and the winner is: SháNah Spa and Wellness Center. With a name that means vitality and energy, this unique spa and wellness center is exactly what you’ll be craving as soon as you experience the serenity known as the Southwest. Nestled deep in Sangre de Cristos, a small, remote town tucked away from is a wondrous little getaway where you can indulge to your heart's content in Pueblo as well as Latin beauty customs and rituals guaranteed to give you the gorgeous glow you've always wanted inside and out. Step into the serene space overflowing with peace, tranquility and relaxation and prepare your mind, body and soul for the ultimate in natural pampering. With treatments such as the Native Stone Massage, Tesuque Clay Wrap and the Herbal Detoxification, there is no short supply of an authentic New Mexico spa experience at the SháNah Spa and Wellness Center. For more information or to make reservations please visit, www.bishopslodge.com/shanah/index.cfm

Best Local Designer...and the winner is: Virgil Ortiz. With his Cochiti Pueblo Native culture as his guide, Virgil Ortiz is quickly blazing trails in the world of design. From jewelry to fashion to artwork, Ortiz has illuminated the face of fashion with his decidedly bold yet regal flair. Known for his amazing pottery, Ortiz has ventured into jewelry design with his signature sterling silver pendants, and cuffs emblazoned with the symbols for water and the sun. These tough as nails cuffs and pendants are not for the dainty. Worn as a style statement, Ortiz's jewelry is like everything else he creates a conversation starter. Alongside his bold and beautiful jewelry line is his equally celebrated Indigene handbag collection created with furs, suede and leathers giving each bag a customized, individual look that is impossible to duplicate. With a men’s and women's line on the horizon, this fashion maverick is sure to stir up some much needed attention for the Southwestern style scene! For more information on Virgil Ortiz or to view his collections, please visit www.virgilortiz.com

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updated July 27

Where trends originate and stars roam the streets in their eco-friendly electric cars, there is no other city in the world where fashion means more except for our lovely sister to the east New York. Its do or die on the glitterati strewn streets of Angels. From the Hollywood fast crowd that lives above Sunset to the laid back artists who call Los Feliz and Silverlake home, what you wear is almost as important as what you drive, almost! All Angelenos are aware that your car is the ultimate accessory with a high end track suit and a great pair of jeans coming i