This morning I had just washed my hair and was staring at a white box which contained an invention publicist/co-inventor Anthony Turk sent me to try out. I decided to try it after hearing about how women’s lives have been made a little easier, at least when it comes to blow-drying their hair. Because of the heat during summer in Los Angeles, blow-drying my hair was the last thing I have wanted to do. So I have been wearing it—how should I say this—au naturel. I opened the box and stared for a minute at the contraption. It looked complicated. But I pulled the device out, followed the directions, and when I was done . . . . I emerged with salon blow-dried hair!

Nicole Saenz is the brainchild behind Nicolita, which is a swimsuit line with a Latin/Cuban flair and just the right amount of retro “old Hollywood.” Her swimsuits flatter the figure and really do justice to the woman with curves. As I sit here writing this, I’m wearing my Nicolta swimsuit that Nicole gave me when we first met all those years ago. And excuse my expression, but I do have a little junk in my trunk. As I close my eyes, I like to envision myself as maybe Raquel Welch or Sophia Loren, walking down Saint Tropez or perhaps stranded on a desert island with Carey Grant with one common theme—all cameras on me, the leading lady, wearing Nicolita.

Isabella Oliver maternity wear provides chic maternity clothing for pregnant women who won’t compromise their sense of style. Isabella Oliver offers moms cool options to wear for the summer heat and delivers fabulous, feel good and glamorous clothes that pregnant women love. What’s even better? There’s no difference in the level of style from standard non-maternity clothing.

Vivienne Tam continues to appeal to a wide demographic with inspired, fresh collections every season. And her fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection is no different. The Disney-inspired designs, coupled with Himalayan thangka paintings are an interesting juxtaposition of inspirations.

Lela Rose’s “Sporty Cocktail” look ranges from bomber jackets to zip-up parkas to racer back swimsuits, but with a cocktail feel adorned in untraditionally rich fabrics. She deems her day collection as “Susie Chapstick meets Park Avenue.” Her cocktail theme effortlessly spills over to night with the alluring rock star glamour of a young Jerry Hall, consisting of high collars and ruffles juxtaposed with rock star edge.

Tracy Reese’s fall 2008 collection features a variety of animal prints, pleated skirts, sequined pencil skirts, and a combination of oatmeal crew neck sweaters matched with gold sequined skinny skirts. She pulled off her potpourri of colors and styles quite well, lending an eclectic flavor to her fall collection.

Joanna Mastroianni launched her signature collection 15 years ago. Clean and sensuous lines describe this talented designer’s style. Fall 2008 is inspired by the Kingdom of Morocco, with Moorish architecture, elaborate grillwork and the delicacy of inlaid tiles. Descriptions like Tangerine/copper/black print cap-sleeve, and Cypress bengaline elongated jacket with mandarin collar and half-belt, matching slim pants—don’t begin to describe the intricacies of Joanna Mastroianni’s most recent designs.

Brazilian designer Vlademar Iódice’s love for design came from watching his mother hand sew their family’s clothes. Following in his family’s footsteps, he learned the technical aspects of creating and producing clothes. He launched his label in 1987 and created a trademark with his last name. Vlademar is personally involved in every step while creating his designs. He explains that his creativity and inspiration is nurtured by whatever surrounds him.

Jayson Brunsdon has been involved in the fashion industry for 20 years. He was first an illustrator and stylist and the creative director for an Australian fashion brand, Morrisey. Jayson’s client list includes HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Watts. His designs have been featured in UK Vogue , Marie Claire Australia, and Harper’s Bazaar Australia.

Gloria Bass is the wife of a fireman and a stay-at-home mom who home schools her teenage daughter. She has a hefty schedule volunteering in her community and designs beautiful vintage jewelry in her spare time. She has only been designing and selling her jewelry a short while and has already sold quite a few pieces in select boutiques. She has been featured in Ocean Magazine and Riviera Magazine. Celebrities Gloria Loring, Anastasia Brown, Leeza Gibbons, and Cathy Rigby also own pieces from the Vintage Glo collection.