WAG FASHION

By Jené Luciani

With summer almost here, it’s time for that annual attack of swimsuit trauma ("I look like THAT?!") Never fear. This month, I present you with flattering swimsuits, skin-loving body cream, and shades glamorous enough to lift you out of any ego-shattering funk.

Swim Preview... Whether you choose one-piece or two, here are some stylish, tasteful suits that reveal just the right amount of skin.

DKNY Black Cut-out One-piece Swimsuit

Price: $108

 

Shoshanna Ring Halter Top and Shoshanna Bikini Bottom

Price: Top: $85; Bottom: $77
Where: Both at Bloomingdale's, 175 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, 684-6200

 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
We know you’re probably sick of hearing it, but you’ve got to wear sunscreen—really, no excuses! Mt. Kisco’s Dr. David E. Bank offers this advice: "Although people with light skin are at the most risk of burning, everybody, regardless of race or ethnicity, is subject to the damage caused by overexposure to the sun."

Some tips to help you get the most protection possible: Put it on: Apply 1 oz. (2 tablespoons or equivalent to the size of a shot glass) of at least SPF 15 to your entire body. If you are outside all day, especially by the pool or on the beach, use anywhere between SPF 30 to 60. Remember to apply a half-hour before going into the sun so the sun-screen has time to absorb into your skin. Reapply every two hours or immediately after getting out of the water.

Double it up: Get an extra dose of protection by using cosmetics that contain SPF, in conjunction with your regular sunscreen. However, keep in mind that although combining an SPF 15 and SPF 30 does increase protection, the number does not "add up" to an SPF 45 protection.

Read the back of the box: Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these ingredients sit atop your skin, forming a physical barrier against harmful rays. These ingredients, according to Bank, are just as good as the highly touted French ingredient Mexoryl, which is found in products like L’Oreal’s Anthelios. Mexoryl doesn’t have any added benefits, says Bank, as the level of SPF is equal to that of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Also keep in mind Anthelios only goes up to SPF 15 (that’s all that’s been approved by the FDA as of yet), so a sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide may be the better option if you’re looking for a higher level of protection.

 

Skin Luxury
Caring for your skin shouldn’t stop at the neck … especially during bikini season. That’s why La Mer, The Body Crème, is a welcome addition to our skin care routine. The cream, which comes in giant "tub" (reminiscent of those old jars of cold cream we all knew and loved), uses the same Micro-Algae Complex made famous in its face cream. Massage it in all over to not only hydrate and moisturize, but improve circulation and tone and firm skin, too.

Price: $195 for 10 oz.
Where to get: Neiman Marcus, The Westchester, White Plains, 989-4900; Saks Fifth Avenue, 205 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT, (203) 862-5300

 

Chic Shades
No swimwear ensemble is complete without a great pair of shades. And with styles getting bigger and bigger every year, don’t forget the massive attitude to go along with them! Here are some of our top picks from local stores:

Tom Ford "Whitney" Badgley Mischka Oversize Multicolor Chloe Leather Aviator

 

Balenciaga Sunglasses
You love their clothes and bags, now Balenciaga is responsible for the new "it" pair of sunglasses too. Celebs like Jennifer Lopez love the retro ‘70s-ish style with ultra-chic degradé lenses.

Price: $330 Where to get: Solstice Sunglass Boutique, The Westchester, White Plains, 682-1700 or 135 Main St., Westport, CT, (203) 227-1532

 

News and Notes

Now Calling Westchester Home
Aussie beauty company Jurlique has decided to make Westchester its U.S. home. The company, best known for its herbal skin care and hair care lines, will be housed on Bridge Street in Irvington.

Model Citizens
Lani Ridenhour (below left) of Hartsdale was chosen as a finalist for More Magazine and Wilhelmina Agency's 40+ Model Search. Ridenhour was chosen out of thousands of entrants across the country. . . Twenty-five-year-old Ricellys Duggal (below right) of New Rochelle (below middle) and 18-year-old Jennie Sam-son of Newtown, CT, were among 12 young women who were chosen as finalists in LORD & TAYLOR’s "Next Year’s Model 2008 Model Search." The girls walked in a fashion show for judges who represented top modeling agencies as well as supermodel Carol Alt and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi.