Spring/summer trend alert: white shadow

If you're looking for an alternative to your tried-and-true smoky eye to go with the flirty looks of spring and summer, our beauty gurus tell us that white isn't just "all right"—it's the shimmery look for this season.

White shadow brightens the eye area and lends a fresh, youthful aura, which makes it a perfect complement for breezy florals and easygoing nauticals. Go with a light application for daytime, then amp it up and add extra liner for a striking evening look.

A few formulas to try: Smashbox Single Eye Shadow in Oyster, Laura Mercier Mineral Eyepowder in Moonstone, Revlon Diamond Lust in White Hot (super-shimmery!), and Cover Girl Eyeslicks Gel Eyecolor in Moondust.

Need one more reason to try? It goes with anything!

(Hat tip: handbag.com)

Spring trend alert: gladiator sandals

It's been over two years since the movie 300 re-ignited our fascination with all things Greco-Roman—not to mention spawning its own ab workout—but its influence is alive and well today in Spring 2008 footwear.

Yes, ladies, the gladiator sandal, that classic flat encased in more straps than you can shake a xiphos at, is back in a colossal way this season. And this time around you'll find it in styles from ultra-dressy to might-as-well-be-barefoot and in enough colors to please any goddess.

For a happy medium, try a simply styled neutral metallic, like this "Greyson" from L.A.M.B. (leave it to Gwen to give us the ideal blend of style and practicality). Perfect with a crisp city short for strolling through the park, or pair it with a flirty floral sundress to add an edge to your girly flair.

Whether you're a lover or a fighter (or both), look to the gladiator sandal in creating a style that's truly legendary.

May flowers are here!

With April's showers behind us, it's time to indulge in some lovely May flowers. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of springtime than by slipping into our new Free People Flower Patch Slip?

Made of 100 percent silky-smooth viscose and featuring adjustable elastic straps, this springtime delight is as body-loving as it gets. Let it peek out from under a white button-down shirt while you're out and about, or enjoy it by itself while lounging around on a sun-drenched May morning.

Sure, it's also great to sleep in ... but why keep something as gorgeous as this confined to the bedroom?

Treat yourself to a Free People Flower Patch Slip today, and indulge your inner flower-child all season long.

Spring trend alert: into the nude

Every season has its star neutral—last fall, it was cozy gray, and in Spring 2008, peek-a-boo nude is the neutral of choice to accompany the season's bold florals and candy-hued brights. A few of our fave examples:

What's the best way to balance Spring 2008's bright, funky array of shoes? By pairing them with a simple, sophisticated nude dress, like this elegant cowl-neck knit creation from Calvin Klein.

Want to make your legs look a mile long? Slip on a pair of nude-colored pumps, like this scrumptious option from Cole Haan—the perfect complement for those spring florals that are often so hard to match.

Sure, last season's bright bag trend has carried over, but you still need a reliable neutral to accompany bold prints so that you don't look like a Crayola factory explosion. Might we suggest this gorgeous "St. Tropez" Cutout Handle Satchel from Botkier.


So the next time you're ready for a break from the bolder side of spring, just slip into the nude!

Spring beauty trend: earthy-rose cheeks

For Spring 2008, the hot color for cheeks is a one-two move: rose on the apples of the cheeks and a subtle sweep of bronzer in the hollows. The combination "adds natural-looking depth, warms up the face, and looks refined," makeup artist Polly Osmond tells Allure.

To make this look your own, check out Allure's product recommendations:

• For Fair Skin: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush in Vibrant (1) and Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Tranquil Pink (2).
• For Medium Skin: Max Factor ColorGenius Blush in #110 Peaches (3) and Estée Lauder Tender Blush in #213 Rosewood (4).
• For Dark Skin: Tropez Sweet Cheeks Powder Blush in Dusty Mauve (5) and Clinique blushwear in Shy Blush (6).

Spring beauty trend: headbands

Whether you're rocking long, luscious locks or a smart little bob, a headband is a fabulous way to adorn your tresses and dress up—or down—just about any outfit. And this season, they're hotter than ever.

Wanna get in touch with your inner badass? Pop on this skull-and-bones print number from Tano Jewelry ... and just for fun, pair it with the girliest sundress you can find.

Or if you'd prefer to dress things up a bit, opt for this L. Erickson USA scarf band from Hair Boutique, covered in 100% silk charmeuse (it comes in a slew of colors, but we just love this cabernet).

And if you really want to turn some heads and make a statement, nothing beats this Miu Miu Beaded Crystal Headband, just the thing for a special occasion or an extra-fabulous night out with the girls.

Whatever your favorite springtime look, there's a headband out there that's the perfect crowning touch. Explore and enjoy!

(Hat tip: The Budget Fashionista)

April showers survival guide (part II)

Rockin' umbrella in hand, you're now ready for the worst this soggy April has to throw at you, right? Ah, not quite.

You'll need some kind of overgarment to keep your silks, cashmeres, and other delicate fabrics from turning into matted, streaky messes. Save the plastic for your grandma's furniture, honey—for a true fabulista, only a sweet li'l trench will do.

To bring a dash of sunshine to even the dreariest afternoon, nothing compares to this fabulous Italian Paper-Poplin Raincoat from J. Crew.

Not quite fierce enough for you? Those who need a little more "mrowwwr" in their style will go wild for the hazy leopard print in this incredible L.A.M.B. Triple Pocket Trench Coat.

"But no," you protest. "I am the ultimate girly-girl, and nothing goes on my back that would not have been worn proudly by Grace Kelly on her way to lunch at The Ritz." Fear not, princess, we've got you covered, too. Feast your eyes on this Ramosport Iridescent Taffeta Trench Coat. Think that'll work for ya?

Let those April showers drench and douse—you'll be prepared with togs and gear so fabulous, you wouldn't mind waiting a couple weeks longer for those May flowers to take over.

April 15 treats for the tax-weary

You’ve made it through another tax season, girls, and we at Getting Underneath feel you deserve a treat for surviving all those forms, all those rules, and all those conflicting bits of random advice. Whether your 2007 tax return leaves you expecting a refund (“in the money”) or owing Uncle Sam (“in the red”), it’s time to reward yourself with a gift (not deductible, sadly) and indulge in one of this season’s hottest trends.

Red lipstick

• In the Money? Dior Addict in Positive Red ($25 at Nordstrom)
• In the Red? NYC Ultra Moist LipWear in Retro Red ($0.99 at CVS)

Big bag, bright color

• In the Money? Prada Tessuto Weave Tote in Turchese (left, $1,230 at Bergdorf Goodman)
• In the Red? Andi Tote in Light Blue (right, $29.99 at baghaus.com)

Rope-accented wedges

• In the Money? Castaner by Ibiza ($261 at Zappos.com)
• In the Red? Romance Espadrille by Montego Bay Club ($19.99 at Payless)

Flirty dress in a bold print

• In the Money? Anna Sui Deco Crown Print Minidress (left, $332 at Saks)
• In the Red? AB Studio Swirl Babydoll Dress (right, $29.50 at Kohl’s)

And if you find it just too taxing to choose, pop in a favorite CD, light a few candles, and slip into a luxurious bubble bath for a long, well-deserved soak. ($0.00 at your place)

Whatever you do, enjoy—you deserve it!

April showers survival guide (part I)

Before the May flowers begin appearing, April's showers are de rigeur—but that doesn't have to mean a girl's forced to settle for the same old waterproof gear. Over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing you some rainy-day wear that's so fabulous, you'll want to go puddle-jumping every day.

As Rihanna will attest, the first thing a girl needs to face the rainy season is a fabulous umbrella (ella ... ella ... yeah, yeah, we get it). And after a little research, we've uncovered an amazing source brought to you by those who know a thing or two about rainy weather: the Brits.

Umbrellaboutique.co.uk offers a huge selection of stylish umbrellas, featuring designs from Jean Paul Gaultier, Guy de Jean, Frank Usher and some of the world's most storied umbrella design houses (yes, they do exist). Some of our favorites:

Red Queen by Frank Usher, featuring a hand-stitched clear Swarovski crystal exterior and a red diamante encrusted handle


Black Bodice by Jean Paul Gaultier, with a provocative lace-up detail and a black Gaultier mannequin handle


Glamour by Pasotti, featuring a dark-brown sateen exterior, a funky animal print inside, and a fluted curved silver gilt metal handle


With umbrellas this fabulous, you'll be checking the forecast to make sure you catch every shower around!

Pfiff: serious glamour, funny name

If you're the kind of girl who writes with fountain pens, still sends handwritten thank-you notes, and secretly longs for the days when "dressing for dinner" involved full-length satin, we just might have the perfect ensemble for you.

Introducing the "Portrait of a Lady" line of bras and panties from luxury design house Pfiff, now available at Graffiti Pink.

The delicate Elderberry Cream Wireless Bralette features double-sided crown picot elastic back straps, an adjustable back closure, and a ladylike lace-trimmed bow in front. The coordinating Elderberry Cream Thong completes the ensemble with matching crown picot elastic and lace bows. On both pieces, scalloped eyelash lace is paired with two-toned corded stretch lace and microfiber knit for maximum comfort and unmistakable style.

Also available from Pfiff's Portrait of a Lady line: the White Lotus Full-Coverage Bra and Tanga Panty.

Add one of these sets to your springtime wardrobe and you'll feel like a lady no matter where your day takes you.

Spring trend alert: shine on, neon!

Remember all those gorgeous grays from Fall 2007? Fahgeddaboutit! This season, color is all the rage, and the more outrageous, the better.

Versace, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lanvin, and even diehard conservatives like Ralph Lauren rocked the Spring '08 runways with a rainbow of hues that would do any grade-schooler's paint set proud.

From Bermuda-sunset pink to traffic-cone orange to grape-soda purple, this is the season of the look-at-me color palette. So get in touch with your inner show-off and get ready to have all eyes on you!

(Image: style.com)

Spring trend alert: full skirts

As the weather continues to warm up, those legs of ours start begging for a little exposure—and what better way to usher in the season than with a full, flirty skirt?

Sure, you could reach for a tried-and-true neutral, but this season, the options are broader than ever before. We're particularly taken with this Mimi Chica Printed Skirt from Nordstrom, which also rocks the season's hot-hotty-hot tribal-print trend.

Just add an ultra-cute tank top and a sassy wedge or flat sandal, and you're ready strut your spring-siren stuff!

(Hat tip: Budget Fashionista)

A-tisket, a-tasket, a lovely picnic basket (part I)

With spring in full swing (and if full swing has yet to be reached in your neck of the woods, just hang tight—it's on the way) picnics are a practically mandatory pastime. And whether you're planning a romantic lakeside cuddle with your honey or a raucous romp in the park with friends, the same old chips, sandwiches, and cookies are so last year.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing you the ideas, the recipes, and the style tips you need to make your springtime sojourn an affair to remember.

Since a picnic just isn't a picnic without some yummy munchables, we're kicking things off with a terrific bite-size sandwich that just might put your local deli to shame.

Roast Beef and Bleu Cheese Tea Sandwiches

• 1/3 cup crumbled bleu cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 6 slices whole wheat bread
• 6 slices white bread
• 1 bunch watercress
• 1/2 pound sliced roast beef

In a small bowl, stir together crumbled bleu cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Set aside.

To make sandwiches, spread bleu cheese mayonnaise on bread slices. Add watercress and roast beef. Place another slice of bread on top. Cut into quarters and serve.

Stay tuned for more fabulous picnic ideas and get ready for some serious springtime skylarking!

(Source: food.com)

Graffiti Pink trend report: Get glamorous with Erika Pena

Dainty little string of pearls not your style? Good thing, because big gems are hotter than ever. Check out our latest Hot Trends video to see how Erika Pena's latest candy-colored creations can help you rock any outfit—in the bedroom or on the town.

Add Graffiti Pink Big Jewels to your page

Spring beauty trend: ooh-la-la liner

This season, you can give those old standby brown, gray, and even black eyeliners a rest (well, OK, at least keep the black on standby), because liner colors are brighter, brasher, and bolder than ever.

From intergalactic purple to kelly green to electric blue, Spring 2008's eyeliner is anything but subtle. Check out Rimmel Two-Tone Eye Definer in Party Girl, L'Oreal HIP Color Rich Cream Eyeliner in Teal, or Hard Candy's Glitter Eye Pencil in Pickle, just to name a few.

And of course, you won't forget to keep the rest of your makeup subtle, will you, ladies? We'd hate to see any unfortunate drag-queen comparisons spoiling your springtime fabulousness.

Not sure which jewel-toned liner shade is right for you? The fabulous divas over at Total Beauty have put together a simple quiz to determine your perfect hue, based on your eye, hair, and skin colors as well as your desired effect.

Time to get those peepers poppin'!

(Photo: style.com)

Shoes: the next fashion frontier?

This season, we're seeing an explosion of creativity in shoe design: funky heels, wild color combinations and patters, unexpected adornments.

Indeed, many editors have commented that, having maxed out their options with clothing and handbags, designers are now turning to footwear as their key creative outlet.

For a fun look at the funkiness that is the Spring '08 shoe (and yes, this is daytime footwear, ladies!), take a look at New York Times photojournalist Bill Cunningham's narrated slide show.

(Hat tip: Manolo's Shoe Blog ... of course!)

Spring trend alert: ombre

Spring 2008 isn't all about sweetness and light—it definitely has a shadowy side.

One of the season's hottest patterns is ombre (French for "shadow"), a look that entails one color (or more) bleeding into another. Think "gradient" from your basic PowerPoint class.

Look for this hot graphic on everything from dresses (like the stunning Alberta Ferretti number at right) to separates to scarves to bags to shoes.

So if you're tired of the same old spring florals, add some ombre to your closet and get in touch with your inner shadow.

(Hat tip: Second City Style)

Fit to be tied

If the spring season's precious pastels and innocent florals leave you craving a little naughty under your "nice," have we got a look for you.

Leave it to Carol Malony, our very own Mistress of Misbehave, to keep our inner bad girls from being bored to tears with all this springtime sweetness. Introducing the new All Tied Up Bra and Skirted Thong, just the naughty little secret to slip under even the daintiest ensemble.

The black lace underwire demi bra features girly pink ribbon corseting and adjustable mesh straps with tiny pink bows, and the coordinating thong is surrounded by a black lace skirt for just a hint of "who, me?" modesty.

So no matter how sweet and innocent your springtime look on the outside, it's all vixen, all the time underneath!

Fashion gets set to honor its own

Last night the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced its nominees for this year's awards—the Oscars of the fashion world. Nominated designers will be judged on both their Spring and Fall 2008 lines, and the winners will be honored at a ceremony at the New York Public Library on June 2.

Vying for Womenswear Designer of the Year will be Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler, and Marc Jacobs. Competing for the Menswear Designer of the Year title will be Michael Bastian, Thom Browne, and Tom Ford.

For a complete list of nominees, see FabSugar's post.

And may the best couturier win!

Spring beauty trend: peach gloss

Nothing says springtime like a ripe, juicy peach, and in Spring 2008, that's just the look that fashionable lips will be sporting.

A shiny peach gloss looks great on just about any skin tone—plus, it's the perfect complement to this season's dramatically lined eyes. A glimmer of peach is sweet and youthful, but still appropriate for fabulous faces of all ages.

And whether you're a drugstore diva or a baroness of the beauty counter, you're sure to find the perfect color and consistency to make this a very peachy season!