Be the First to Shop: Madonna's "Material Girl" Collection launches at Macy's in Miami

Madonna is back and hotter than ever! The American Icon is finally launching her first clothing line, "Material Girl," along with her daughter, Lourdes (a.k.a. "Lola"), at Macy's Dadeland Mall. If you haven't heard the recent buzz about their new juniors collection, then start marking your calendars! On Tuesday, August 3rd, the first 200 shoppers to line-up and walk the "Pink Carpet" to shop the new collection will receive a Material Girl bandeau and a Macy's gift card to use that day. Arrive at Macy's by 10 a.m. for your chance to win additional prizes including Material Girl tees autographed by Madonna and Macy's gift cards up to $500! Material Girl offers fun prints, accessories and embellishments for every Miami trendsetter. All of the merchandise including apparel, footwear, handbags and jewelry retails from $12 to $40. You can choose from funky tutu dresses, over-sized boyfriend sweatshirts or studded combat boots. Whether you're inspired by the 80's flare or Madonna's aura, you'll definitely have a great time at this shopping event!

Dadeland Mall is located at 7303 S.W. 88th Street in Miami. The "Material Girl" event will be held by Macy's main entrance facing Kendall Drive (lower level- Junior's Department).

For more information on Material Girl, familiarize yourself with Macy's campaign at www.Macys.com/MaterialGirl. Make sure to read Lola's personal blog, Material World, to learn about Lola and her fashion inspirations. PLUS: Don't miss your chance to meet the original Material Girl, Madonna, along with 3 of your friends in NYC on September 22nd at Macy's Herald Square!!! Here's an interview by the AP's Alicia Quarles to get you excited about the collection:

Special Interview: Tori Praver debuts her 2011 Resort collection during Miami's Swim Week

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Tori Praver, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model, surfer and designer, at the W South Beach to preview her 2011 Resort collection. This Hawaii native (pictured on the right) has an amazing taste for swimwear since she grew up on the pristine beaches of Maui. Today, Tori travels the world to find inspiration for her unique swimwear line while modeling for international brands. You may have seen her gracing the covers of magazines like Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Elle. To view Tori's entire 2011 Resort collection, make sure you visit her website. This season, Tori has added full-coverage boy briefs and high-waisted bottoms to her line. I sat down to speak with Tori about her new swimwear, her inspiration and her future projects.

MBS: When did you realize you wanted to shift from the modeling industry into your new career: a swimwear designer?
TORI: Well, I grew up in Hawaii so the beach culture and the ocean is second nature to me. I always had a passion for swimwear. I had drawers full of bikinis growing up so I knew I wanted to design my own line at some point. It wasn't until I started modeling for Sports Illustrated when the editor, Diane Smith, really encouraged me and inspired me to get started with my own line.

MBS: How would you describe your 2011 Resort collection?
TORI: For my third collection, I've introduced many new prints and hardware like zippers. I started off by strictly using solid colors. Now, I have carried over my signature ruching and I feel like it represents my style really well. The colors come from various earth tones and the prints are inspired by my travels (like a boutique in Bali).
MBS: I know you're from Hawaii, BUT, where would you say is your favorite destination for a swimwear photoshoot?
TORI: Actually, whenever I hear that I'll be going back to Hawaii for a photoshoot it's like a dream come true! That's my favorite place for sure. Other than that, I would say the Caribbean and Costa Rica. I was recently there and I loved Costa Rica.

MBS: Is this your first time in Miami? If not, which "hot spot" would you recommend to my readers?
TORI: I've been to Miami many times and I love the spa at The Standard.
MBS: Where can people buy your bathing suits?
TORI: You can check out www.ToriPraverSwimwear.com for a complete list of stores or visit Shop Bop as well.
MBS: Do you have any upcoming projects you'd like to share?
TORI: I'm working with the Surfrider Foundation to design a collection that will benefit their charity that supports clean water around the world. My biggest goal is to collaborate with a charity and integrate my swimwear with their mission.
Thank you Tori Praver for a wonderful interview and I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Miami! xoxo

Final show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim: Australian Beauties & a HOT Lifeguard!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has officially come to an end in Miami. It has truly been an amazing experience to attend this prestigious international event full of talented designers and breathtaking runway shows. On Monday, July 19th, I attended a group show at The Raleigh Hotel featuring Lisa Maree, Kooey Swimwear Australia, Aquarella Swimwear and Lisa Blue. The night kicked off with an energetic vibe thanks to a special guest on the runway: Lisa Maree's Lifeguard (pictured above). It was definitely a clever way to grab everyone's attention! Throughout the show, each designer presented their 2011 swim collection by adding their own exciting element to the night. Check out my photos from the evening:

Top Left: Elaine Lancaster struck a pose for MBS at The Raleigh Hotel. Top Right: Derek Girdhani and Taryn Hipwell before they entered the Mercedes-Benz show.

Top Left: Suzie Ketcham and Royce Reed from VH1's Basketball Wives sat in the front row to preview the 2011 swim collections. Top Right: Annie Vazquez from NBC Miami along with yours truly!

Lisa Maree was the first collection to hit the runway on Monday night. This is a new line designed by model Lisa Maree. Inspired by Australia's beach culture, the collection gave the audience a dose of intricate patterns like the criss-crossed swimsuit shown above.

Above: These were my favorite looks from the Lisa Maree fashion show. I can't get over the rich blue color on the left and the details woven into the swimsuit on the right.

Above: Ladies, here's a second look at Lisa Maree's Lifeguard. I know you like the eye candy...enjoy!!!

Above: A stunning black bikini from the 2011 Lisa Blue collection. I was truly impressed by the Australian designer behind this brand, Lisa Burke, who's passion for swimwear has allowed her to protect the marine environment. A full 25% of the net profit from Lisa Blue is donated to the Australian Whale Conservation Society. It is inspiring to see a designer who gives back to an important cause.

Above: Lisa Burke (pictured on the right) is known for incorporating Australia's unique Aboriginal style into her swimwear designs. To read Lisa Burke's complete story, visit her website and listen to the call of the whales. Cheers to a fabulous week of swimwear and thank you to all of my Sazoneros who have been keeping up with my special coverage! xoxo

Mara Hoffman presents 2011 Resort Swim collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

On Saturday, July 17th, New York based ready-to-wear and swimwear designer Mara Hoffman presented her Swim Resort 2011 collection at this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami. At The Raleigh Hotel, guests enjoyed viewing Hoffman's colorful prints and intricate designs. Miami trendsetters now have an exclusive insight into the line's newest beach bags, sun dresses and swimwear. The theme of the collection was inspired by a mystical journey through the jungle. There were lots of interesting shades of highlighter yellow, red, mint, neon pink and black. My favorite look is pictured above: a one piece bathing suit with a criss-cross lattice detail along both sides. GORGEOUS!!! To find a local boutique that carries Mara Hoffman, visit the designer's website and click on "where to buy."

I am obsessed with Mara Hoffman's newest swim accessory: a fabulous new printed canvas beach bag with brown leather detailing! It has such a cool and unique pattern. As I watched the fashion show, the huge blue eyes on the bag definitely got my attention!









This season Hoffman partnered with Alternative Apparel, known for their vintage soft tees and basics, for a special mini-collaboration for the show. During the show, the "Mara Hoffman for Alternative Apparel" poncho made its runway debut. The poncho was designed with Alternative's ultra soft and cozy Eco-Fleece fabric and can be worn after a long day on the beach. Enjoy!

Ed Hardy brings an eclectic and edgy mix to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011

On Friday, July 16th, designer Christian Audigier presented his new Ed Hardy collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at The Raleigh Hotel in South Beach. Ed Hardy maintained its tattoo edge with a stellar line-up of funky art patterns and neon colors. Models were adorned with extravagant feathered hair pieces to complete each swimwear look. There were many new tie-dye combinations with shades of lime, mango, hot pink and blues on the catwalk which added a nice tropical flare to the 2011 collection. During the show, the DJ played the hottest hip-hop songs to heighten the show's edgy theme. It was a very fun show to watch!!! Did I mention Snoop Dogg's oldest son, Corde Broadus, and Chris Brown's girlfriend, Jasmine Sanders, modeled at the show?

Top: The fabulous Lisa Pliner (wife of Donald Pliner), Evelyn Lozada (star of Basketball Wives on VH1) and Aliza Sudry sat in the first row to view Ed Hardy's 2011 swimwear collection.

Top Left: Fabian and Martina Basabe, owners of Da Vittorio Restaurant in Coral Gables, also attended the show.

Top: Corde Broadus, Snoop Dogg's oldest son, rocking the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim wearing Ed Hardy board shorts.



Top: I LOVED this last swimwear ensemble at the show. It was a simple black bikini but it had an amazing long chainlink to add an extra touch of elegance. This totally works for South Beach!

Remember to visit Ed Hardy's website to check out their collections and get your edgy bikini for the summer!

The Kardashians arrive at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim for Beach Bunny Swimwear

On Friday, July 16th, the Kardashian sisters arrived at The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach to watch the debut of the 2011 Beach Bunny Swimwear collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney sat in the front row to watch "Kardashians for Beach Bunny" (their special line for the brand) hit the runway for the first time! Kim Kardashian (photo on the right by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz) also sat next to Selena Gomez from the Disney Channel. It was definitely a star-studded night in Miami! The designer of Beach Bunny, Angela Chittenden, showcased her fashion forward designs with a whole new level of glam, embellishments and colors. During the show, the audience saw some of the world's sexiest supermodels including Sports Illustrated's Jessica White, Chrissy Teigen, Dominique Piek and Lisalla Montenegro. Did I mention I sat right behind the Kardashians during the show? Yes, I have some great photos and a fabulous video to share. Enjoy!!!
The Kardashians at the this year's Beach Bunny Swimwear Show (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/ALTA Images).

Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian watching the Beach Bunny Show (photo by Alexander Tamargo/ ALTA Images). Yours truly is also featured on the top left corner!


Beach Bunny Swimwear has an amazing Resort 2011 collection. For the ladies who love super sultry glam, the show featured Beach Bunny's Old Hollywood collection with sexy solid black swimsuits.

Beach Bunny Swimwear's signature inspiration has always been lingerie. I LOVE this cool twist on swimwear! Don't you?



Top Right: After the show, I headed backstage to meet Angela Chittenden, Beach Bunny Swimwear designer, who struck a pose for MBS! Beach Bunny Swimwear was the hottest show I've attended so far at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim! Make sure you visit their website to check out more photos of the Kardashians and their new 2011 line for the brand! If you missed last night's fashion show in Miami, here is a video I took during the grand finale.