Cynthia Rowley is quite the busy woman: not only did she collaborate with Roxy to design an uber-cool line of surf-inspired swimwear and apparel, but she also released a line of bridesmaid dresses, all while juggling the needs and demands of two children. And now she can add Pampers diaper designer to that ever-growing resumé!

That’s right, for a fraction of the cost of designer clothing, you can adorn your baby’s tush in fashion-forward diapers that will have him or her the envy of their playgroup peers. Not to mention they’ll be, um, pooping in style.

While admittedly not what you’d anticipate from a designer known for her frilly frocks, Rowley’s collaboration with Pampers does have its assets. For one, she does have children, so she obviously knows that quality and practicality are the utmost important factors in designing for tots, never mind she’s probably changed a gazillion diapers over the years. But it’s her cute designs that are appealing to fashionable moms everywhere.

Available at Target stores and online, the diapers will be sold in 11 styles for both boys and girls, from babies to toddlers. The disposable diapers feature patterns which include madras, stripes, gingham, ruffle patterns — even faux back pockets!

Of her partnership with Pampers, Rowley released this statement:

“As a mom, I wanted other parents to have more options in every part of their lives — even diapers, […] It’s the first piece of clothing your baby will ever wear, and it should be special.”

While your baby may not wear designer diapers on a daily basis, they do make an undeniably thoughtful gift for the parent with discerning taste.

To have your baby cruising in style, Cynthia Rowley for Pampers diapers are currently available online at target.com and in stores.

Today’s savvy modern bride, seeking a fashionable twist on the “something old, something new” adage, is rediscovering the centuries-old tradition of assembling a lingerie trousseau.

Traditionally — well, at least during the Victorian era and still in many cultures today — the bridal trousseau is a collection of exquisite lingerie that the bride-to-be will wear on her wedding day, honeymoon and the happily thereafter.

Trousseaus, although no longer considered a modern wedding “must-have”, were an absolute necessity for the brides of earlier eras (during the Victorian period, young women would lovingly assemble their own trousseaus before they were even engaged!). Often compiled and placed into a ‘hope chest’ or cedar chest for the bride to receive on her wedding day, a bridal trousseau often consisted not only of lingerie but also fine linens and numerous gowns.

The great thing about a modern bridal trousseau is that you can assemble the collection of lingerie based on your needs and personal fashion style — although it still makes for a sentimental gift if given to you prior to your nuptials.

Seeing as how I conveniently own a cedar chest (my grandfather crafted it years ago and has since passed away, thus it has immense sentimental value), I thought I would create my very own imaginary bridal trousseau — lingerie pieces I would most definitely want, were I to become engaged.

The three main types of lingerie you may want to consider when selecting pieces for your bridal trousseau are undergarments for your wedding day, romantic styles for the wedding night and seductive head-turners for the honeymoon.

On your wedding day, you’ll most likely want supportive pieces that will smooth out any lumps and bumps and create an enviable silhouette. Also, you’ll want to select shaping undergarments that will work under your style of dress  — if you have yet to select your dress, you can always toss in a thigh garter! I especially love Agent Provocateur‘s “Cynthia” thigh garter with a touch of blue ribbon and La Perla‘s white ruffle bridal garter.

As for shapewear, DKNY‘s strapless Auto Stripe bra will give you minimal support and a seamless look, while Ender Legard Corsetry’s “Carmen” stretch-silk bodice provides ample coverage and support in the front, but has a low-cut back for more back-baring dresses. La Perla‘s seamless lace corset gives you the best of both worlds: from the front, the corset features a smooth appearance with molded cups, but the back features sexy sheer lace paneling. Simply gorge.

Once the memorable ceremony and after-party have ended, it’s on to celebrate your first night together as husband and wife! Even if you’ve been together for 10 years prior to getting hitched, it’s still arguably one of the most important, romantic and significant nights you’ll share with your husband — obviously, a girl’s gonna want to look her best.

Seeing as though we’re all different when it comes to our fashion choices — one may prefer a slinky negligee while another may feel more comfortable and sensual in a silk camisole and boyshort — I’ve compiled different styles to suit various fashion style personalities for the special night.

Go-to label for sexy lingerie, Agent Provocateur‘s “Cara” Ivory short slip will definitely entice your lover paired with a thigh garter and kitten mules.

For the more demure woman, La Perla‘s elegant “Croisette” long nightgown makes a grand entrance while Layla L’Obatti‘s “Nadia” set, with its soft cup bra and boyshort, is perfect for the feminine woman. Similarly, Fleur of England‘s “Something Blue” silk cuffed boudoir bra and bow-tie panty will most definitely appeal to the traditional girly-girl.

For the morning, La Perla‘s “Maison” short silk robe with matching camisole and boyshort is a relaxed but luxurious option to unwind in.

Hopefully, once your wedding day has passed, you’re off to celebrate your union with a blissful honeymoon! Wherever you’re going (Bali, Italy or Thailand), you can choose seductive lingerie that also suits the local in which you’ll be — for instance, you wouldn’t only want overly fussy corsets in Thailand. Regardless of destination, however, there are some traditional sexy pieces that one can add to their trousseau. Again, there are no rules, but unlike your wedding night (where romantic and sensual styles are predominant) color and more adventurous styles are definitely encouraged!

A heart-stopping no-brainer? Anything in va-va-voom red. Never dull, AP’s “Love Basque” combines femininity and major sex appeal. With its balconette  push-up, bows and lace, it’s a ravishing look that will give your partner serious heart palpitations.

Another no-fail option is a style in smoldering black. Choose from DKNY‘s lace “Belle du Jour” balconette push-up bra and matching thong, or Kiki de Montparnasse’s playful silk Wrap Teddy. La Perla‘s “New Venus” bodysuit is a bold and seductive teddy with its sheer bodice and scalloped inserts — pair with a high-waisted pencil skirt and jacket for a sleek and sexy evening look.

So whether you’re recently engaged or have set the date, start a new tradition by creating a modern bridal trousseau! With exquisite and carefully selected lingerie, a trousseau will ease your stress on the exciting day and have you looking picture perfect.


Products Mentioned (hover or click on images for more information)

Ready or not, August is creeping quickly upon us, which means two things: firstly,  you’re either dreading going back to school (me) or rejoicing at the thought of it (parents); and, secondly, (this I am actually excited for), August marks the month of fall fashion forecasts.

September issues of magazines the size of medical encyclopedias will deem what fashion trends you should fall for this autumn. Having seen some of the recent fashion shows, designers seem to share some common threads —  luxe shearlings, camel coats, and maxi skirts appeared on catwalks from Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Michael Kors and Acne, to name a few.

As for accessories this autumn, much of the focus is on legs. From thigh-highs to legwarmers, ankle socks and patterned hosiery, Wolford’s latest fall/winter 2010-2011  legwear collection will adorn your gams in enviable styles.

Taking style cues from the runway, the Wolford legwear collection features Leo leopard printed tights (a huge trend this upcoming season); jewel tones like the Quaint in sheer and opaque styles; and art deco-esque geometric legwear such as Aston and Fence, worthy of being paired with the 1950s full-skirt trend.

Luckily for you legwear aficionados, there are a multitude of ways to wear them this fall. Pair ankle socks with open-toed platform sandals and bare legs, let thick knee-high socks peek out from under tall boots (but don’t cover your knees!) and pair woolly socks over tights for a cozy layered effect.

Wolford’s fall offerings are currently available on its UK online shop, wolfordshop.co.uk. Below are some images from the collection that are sure to give your limbs a lift!

As the saying goes, there’s no rest for the wickedly hot.

Case in point: VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio, who had to work last week while the rest of us were lying on a dock or skimming our boogie boards somewhere.

Of course, “work” for the Brazilian lingerie supermodel means heading down to the Caribbean island of St Barts for a photoshoot of the latest bikini pieces in the Victoria’s Secret 2010 VS Swim collection. I guess someone had to pick up the slack while Miranda was off honeymooning!

The pieces in the accompanying gallery are pretty much what you’d expect from VS Swim, the company’s bikini brand. Lots of animal prints and polka dots, in styles that include bandeau tops, tie-side bottoms, triangle bras and other designs we’ve come to expect from Victoria’s Secret. In other words, another sure-fire line of hot sellers.

We were especially excited to see the tie-dye bikini set in the photo above. Check out our feature report on the return of tie-dye bikinis, and put this VS piece up there at the top of the must-have list!

Good news for lovers of classy retro lingerie styles: Kiss Me Deadly, the London-based label specializing in faux vintage girdles, stockings and related pieces, has finally added an online shop to its website.

This will be welcome news indeed to femme fatales everywhere, especially in North America where you take your chances finding your favorite Kiss Me Deadly piece at local boutiques.

KMD last week launched a revamped version its website entirely and, to kick off its online sales effort, is offering a 25% discount to the first 200 customers who sign up, log in and make a purchase.

If that’s not enough incentive, the company has just brought out a new edition of its much-sought-after Jezebel Longline Knicker (above), with a cute red taffeta bow as an accent. Better move fast, though, as these will sell out quickly.

Hopefully the new website will let customers everywhere access Kiss Me Deadly‘s alluring and amusing collection, especially when new pieces are released. Keep checking the site so you’re not disappointed!