80’s Purple.com has a large selection of Insight swimwear. Numerous one pieces and a few bikinis in loud, playful patterns and skimpy cuts make up the lot.  The jellyfish monokini (above left) is the standout suit due to it’s sexy cut and neon colored jellyfish and coral print.

A lot more of Insight’s swimwear after the jump.

On a tip from our reader Anthony we discovered Astali , designed by New York based Shannon De Jong. The collection launched in 2008 showcases  the designer’s love of found materials and handmade design. The bullet necklaces part of the Tex Astali  transform something tough and dangerous like a bullet inta a classy piece of ‘tough chic’ jewellery. A Closer look at Astali’s Bullet Necklaces on the next page.

Having to wear a uniform in school for along time allowed me to devellop a fondness for socks, as they were the only individual  fashion statement I could  really make .  Even now  a hot pair  always gets my attention even if they end up buried under super long pants . We recently attended the US launch of swedish based legwear brand Happy Socks.   Just like the name Viktor Tell and Mikael Soderlindh have launched a concept of unisex socks that are indeed fun ,well made and priced in a way that makes them irresistible. Available  at Happy Socks online. On the next page a look at the festivities, stylish folks  and more!

Christina Manasian’s Pencey collection for Spring/ Summer 2009 just caught me eye as it is feminine, youthful but still not overly girly. The color palette is   subtle, with the warm explosion print(right) being the brightest. I think I’m in love ! A closer look  at my favorite looks from Pencey Spring/Summer 2009 on the next page.

A great feature on Eviana Hartman’s Bodkin  line of very well designed eco concious gear. Read the Feature by Emily Basenberg.Here

I have always loved ripped jeans. I love  lenghty process of distressing them on my own. Washing ,wearing  tearing, fraying,  over the years to achive the perfect  worn in look. Thankfully tough, denim design allows you to not have to wear your jeans for years to achieve the look. The Levis 531-Marie  not only does not break the bank but  is also  one of the best interpretations  of the  well worn repaired  sexy jean. Available at Levis.com.Detailed view on the next page.

Bond No. 9 and Swarovski have teamed up to create three dazzling crystal encrusted bottles.  Come Mother’s Day the three scents, Nuits de Noho (vivid sapphire), The Scent of Peace (rich amethyst) and Chelsea Flowers (golden topaz), will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

It was love at first sight with the Judi Rosen Bustier dress. The print keeps it from being too cutesy and the pockets in front are genius. You can pick it up at Bona Drag, one of my favorite online web stores. Bona Drag tends to have a small selection, keeping their store streamlined instead of filling it with fluff. It’s this to the point attitude that keeps me coming back for more. No more wading through a ton of boring stuff to find the diamonds in the rough. At Bona Drag each piece is brilliant.

Head over to the jump to check out the Bustier dress in other colorways.

I have been kind of obsessed with Esther Perbandt, who’s able to make the simplest piece of apparel stand out by deconstructing it in a way that ,  is creative, and modern while  still allowing the woman wearing it to shine. The dress upside down , a deconstructed shirtdress  proves just how talented this woman is. Available at my beloved Styleserver (also in black). Detailed images on the next page.

Named after her cutey pie daughter, Latisha Daring co-owner of the  Pieces of Brooklyn boutique , launched Ashtyn,  a capsule collection of  dresses and jumpsuits for the woman who “wants to stand out with elegance and class”. The fabrics are soft with a slight stretch, for comfort and the silhouettes are fun, sexy  and classic at the same time . It’s like that hot outfit you can always rely on. Take a closer look at the Ashtyn collection, and the  brunch launch event on the next page.