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Have you ever looked at the ocean and instantly felt a sense of peace? Each fall I mourn the loss of summer and my tranquil days spent at the beach. With school starting and the holidays inching closer, you can easily lose your sunny summer mindset. To keep coasting in mellow mode, I like to listen to the sound of the waves.

I'd like to share this video so you can do the same. Summer may be fleeting, but the ocean is just a click away.

~Laci

Related Links:
Au Natural: The Detoxifying Salt Bath
Wellness 101: Hydrotherapy

Technorati Tags: Glam, Glam Media, Glam.com, Wellness, Woman, Natural, Inspiration, Balance, Healing, GlamSpirit, calm, relax, video, beach, summer, waves, ocean

See the best-dressed girls and guys at last night's phenomenal fete HERE.

Designer Jerry Tam was anything but true to form. With his structural, yet intrinsically stunning basic pieces, he makes sure that he stands apart from the crowd. Inspired by architecture, FORM uses natural fabrics for both warmth and aesthetics. Watching the show, not only was I amazed that his cleverly crafted chains and exquisitely draped fabrics had managed not to detract from the fresh simplicity of his designs, but by how he managed to unify his art with its inspiration. His collection was set on top of one of the best views of the NYC skyline, which helped to further propel this former Zac Posen designer and Parsons and FIT Alum into the fashion elite.

Tam was unfortunately one of the few Project Runway contestants to get booted in the first round of the competition. Nonetheless his spring 2009 collection would certainly silence the judges. Nina, Michael and Heidi herself, dubbed Tam’s design “too boring” before he got the inevitable boot, and I have to say this collection was anything but.

FORM was in fact launched three years ago. Tam says, “I’m already a  pretty established designer but want to use this show to get to the next level.” If he didn’t achieve what he wanted during Project Runway, he has definitely made it with his neutral tones and lightweight textures. This collection was sleek with an urban definition, cool without being too contrived, and perfect for the spring! Plus it was as far away from the serial killer-chic design he became infamous for on the Project Runway catwalk, which is definitely a very good thing. - Francine Uba

Yigal Azrouël’s Spring/Summer '09 collection during NYC Fashion Week was packed with casual cool clothes that women can wear straight off the runway. The color palette was soft overall with hushed shades of khaki, grey, blue, pink, olive, and white. Dramatic draping and asymmetrical lines, his signature, were ever-present and added to the relaxed downtown collection. Layering different pieces and fabrics was a big theme of Yigal’s along with cropped pants. That's right, you can keep you fall purchases for another season! His models wore simple slicked back fold-over ponytails (throwback to sixth grade gym class) that allowed the clothes to be the focus. Heavy black cat eyes were added for an extra bit of edge. This French-Moroccan born designer definitely has a way of making clothes exude a sort of quiet yet strong confidence that sneaks up on you. One reason why well-known photographer and ANTM judge Nigel Barker with fellow ANTM judge Jay Alexander sat front row. ELLE's Editor-at-Large, Nina Garcia, was also in attendance.

FYI: She's just as gorgeous and skinny in real life as on TV. So fabulous. When asked why she supports Yigal Azrouël, Ms. Garcia answered, “I think he’s great, Yigal. He’s a straight man that appreciates real women, and it’s a different point of view. It’s an interesting point of view when a straight man is designing, and I think it’s more feminine in a way. He’s a talented designer. The retailers love him, the press loves him.” I couldn’t agree more. ~ Maria Denardo

You already know Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik. The names practically speak for themselves. These three shoe designers are the top of the line and as popular as ever. Enter my newest obsession: Nicholas Kirkwood. His shoes simply make me swoon. They remind me of superheroes and villains. Actually, I’m pretty sure if Batman was a woman, she’d be kicking ass in one of these bad boys. His designs are aggressive, dark, and mysterious while also remaining glamorous and super feminine. This talented Brit jumpstarted his career in 2005 when he won the Conde Nast Footwear Emerging Talent award for his first collection. Later, in the spring of 2008, his signature stilettos and wedges walked the runways of designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Doo.Ri, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. Instead of bows and baubles, he opts for an architectural shoe that has power and intrigue written all over it. To go along with his unique ideas, the shoes are crafted from somewhat unlikely sources like lizard, stingray, and buffalo horn. A true one-of-a-kind; there is nothing on the market quite like them. Even if Kirkwood’s shoes aren’t up your alley, there’s no questioning his artistry and innovation. As Kirkwood says, “They’re not for everybody. Only the truly fashion-forward, which is fine with us.” While New York Fashion Week launches today, stay on the lookout for Nicholas Kirkwood’s footwear at the Spring and Summer collections of Rodarte, Alberta Ferretti, and Pollini! ~ Maria Denardo

** Photos via www.nicholaskirkwood.com **