Tennis anyone?

Looking for some smashing outfits?
Take a look at some of the top ladies playing right now at the US Open.
Two in particular deserve kudos for their fashion sense and style on the court.


Venus Williams.
Beautiful, vibrant color and I love the pleated skirt. Venus has also shown off an all-white ensemble, but that's so blah. This isn't Wimbledon after all.



Maria Sharapova.
I get a bit weary of all the focus on Sharapova's looks. But you have to hand it to the reigning US Open champ - she does have a great sense of style. This year, her nighttime look features 600 Swarovski crystals on a vibrant red tennis dress.
As her first round opponent, Roberta Vinci of Italy, said, "Strong player. Nice girl. She has a nice dress."

Jersey Woman Wins Design Contest

Leave it to a Jersey Girl.
Hanah Kim of East Brunswick submitted the winning design for the Third Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest sponsored by cheap-chic-weddings.com, Chryscrossbridal.com and Chick Chat Radio.
Kim wins $500 and the pride in knowing that she produced a couture-worthy gown that is biodegradable and multipurpose to boot!
This year's top three entries were deemed so stunning that Chryscrossbridal.com will make Kim's design into a real dress.
Entrants had to create gowns and headpieces using only toilet paper, glue and/or tape.
Photos from the finalists - Kim; second place winner, Katrina Chalifoux of Rockford, IL; and three Honorable Mention designs, as well as other entries - can all be seen at www.cheap-chic-weddings.com.
Here's Kim's award-winning creation.
Congratulations!

Limited edition Teslar watch part of Neiman Marcus anniversary

Remember those beautiful Teslar watches that Oprah has featured as one of her favorite things?
A special limited edition Teslar watch is now being sold in Neiman Marcus stores to celebrate the famed retailer's 100th anniversary this year. You can find a wide assortment of limited edition products by a host of luxury brands as part of the anniversary.
Fans of the Philip Stein Teslar watch say it's more than just another luxury item. The watch contains healing technology, a process that naturally strengthens the body’s own electromagnetic field by protecting it against the negative electronic pollution emitted around us from everyday devices such as cell phones, blackberries and PDAs.
The Teslar limited edition watches feature special diamond "celebration" dials.



The gold watch is a small (size 6) double diamond 18K yellow case on a black shiny alligator strap. A limited edition of 10 pieces is being sold in select Neiman Marcus stores including the one at the Mall at Short Hills. Retail price is $9,200.




The steel bracelet watch is a large (size 7) steel case with interchangeable steel bracelet. A limited edition of 100 pieces is being offered in all Neiman Marcus stores and online at Neiman Marcus.com. Retail price is $1,600.

Dog days of summer tips for looking professional ...

Dear reader:

I know that this is the time of year when it gets harder and harder to stay cool and look chic and professional at work. But maybe it's a generational thing or just a move towards people not caring, but I can see that some of us need a few words of advice.

Here are some tips and gentle words of advice for keeping your look professional in the office during the dog days of summer:

1) If you're in the office, resist the urge to go for the flip flops.
Yes, I know they're easy and cute. But if you're going for chic or professional, just say no. Sorry, but even in 2007, flip flops are a no-no for the office if you're going for a professional look.

2) The magic of camisoles.
Dog days mean you want to put on those sleeveless tops. But, no matter how hot it is (or where you are), it is not okay to show bra straps, or to have that color bleed thing happen where you can see the bra under your top. The exception is if you're in a go-go bar or work as a stripper. You get my point.

3) Freezer fresh.
I know a lot of offices tend towards overkill with the air conditioner (not that we would rather not have air conditioning), but you can cover up chicly. Consider a suit jacket, a blazer or a shawl. Do not, I repeat do not opt for a hoodie in the office. The exception is if you're in an office where jeans and t's are standard.

4) The skinny on shorts.
In general, my rule is that shorts do not belong in the office, even on dress down day, unless you're wearing some tailored Bermudas. Again, the exception is if you work in a casual wear environment. Of course, outside of the office, you can wear whatever you want.

Here are some other no-no's and don't-eve-think-about-its for the office:

- Cleavage. No one in the office wants to see it. Save it for your man. At home!

- Midriffs. Do the raise the arms test. Can you raise your arms over your head without your top coming up and showing your midriff? If the answer is no then you need to put on a different top or wear a camisole underneath. If you want to show your stomach, go to the beach or do it at home.

- Muffin tops and feet. We all have problem areas. All of us. You know what yours are; we don't want to know or see it and you shouldn't want us to.


I know some of this may sound old-fashioned