Some swimwear manufacturers just don't get it: instead of using good design they give us ineffective choices like swimdresses (what girl ever looks better with a bunch of wet fabric hanging off her?) and tummy control to visually shave off the pounds. But this golden swimsuit from Newport News (Compare Prices) seems to get it all right.

First, it has a great lustrous golden hue (which goes perfectly with a faux tan.) Second, it has a sexy halter neck (which can't be beat for drawing all of the attention to the bust and face). And third, it has an attached, flowing top over high-waist bottoms (Muffin top? No problem with this two-piece.) $49, sizes 2-18. (Photo Credit: Newport News)

This year's party for the opening of the Met's "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" exhibition let fashion's biggest names -- and the celebrities who wear their designs -- parade gorgeous dresses down the red carpet. Some party-goers, like co-chair Anna Wintour (who wore an extravagant silver Chanel) opted for a superhero vibe. Others like Gisele Bundchen, who wore a strappy Versace look, went for pure fantasy. (Photo Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

The silver lining of a slow economy? Retailers are slashing prices earlier so we'll save more on wear-now fashion. Here's a run-down of what stores are offering:

• Saks Fifth Avenue -- up to 40% (includes Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch)
• Neiman Marcus -- up to 40% off (includes designer goods from Armani, Donna Karan and Burberry)
• eLuxury.com -- (Buy Direct labels on sale like Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture and Vince )
• JC Penney -- 25-50% off spring merchandise. If you haven't shopped JC Penney in a while you may be surprised to find brands like Nicole by Nicole Miller (which does some really cute print tops and dresses) and Liz & Co.
• Kohls -- features a variety of current promotions, including 25-50% sportswear and dresses you can wear now (including some markdowns on Simply Vera by Vera Wang)
• Land's End -- Swim Promo (Buy Direct) Save $5 on each piece from Land's End legendary swim collection (they really do have something for every body type).

How often do you see the words designer and free in the same sentence? But at iGoogle.com you can select wallpapers from some of the world's top designers -- Oscar de la Renta (I added his poppies to my page), Dolce & Gabbana (animal prints, natch), Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch -- and personalize your iGoogle home page.

The maxi dress continues to be one of those fringe trends we see on starlets and stylists (mostly Rachel Zoe), but pretty much baffles anyone larger than a 00 or under 5' 10". How to make the maxi dress work for you? Add heels. Don't let it drag on the floor (around ankle-length works great for most). And underaccessorize, especially with bold prints (a simple chunky bangle is enough).

Here's the maxi dress look at two different price points. The splurge is from Rachel Pally (Buy Direct) in a chocolate diamond knit with matching sash to make the dress convertible -- halter to belted. Sizes XS-L $224. The scrimp version is from Old Navy (Buy Direct) in black-and-white palm print with a built-in shelf bra, in sizes XXS-XXL and made from a cotton blend for $14.49.

So maybe it's been a few years since you've seen Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Don't worry: it will all come back to you before you see the "Sex and the City" movie, which comes out May 30. Of course, I know you care as much about the fashion as the plotlines, so this is strictly a "Sex and the City" fashion quiz. And it's a teensy bit hard, so if you get a decent score you must be a diehard "Sex and the City" fan (I know I am.) (Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Celebrity moms and daughters are just like us except...OK, they're nothing like us. The moms are insanely well preserved and the daughters -- teens and pre-teens alike -- get to wear fur, Gucci and Chanel.
Maybe we can't relate, but we can still judge by picking out the best dressed mothers and daughters. Flip through to decide if Miley and Tish, Gwyneth and Blythe or Demi and one of her girls make the cut. (Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Honestly, Tina Fey can do no wrong. She's brilliant, funny and women everywhere love her because we can relate. However. Maybe, just maybe, Tina might want to think about wearing something besides black.

Although she's wearing a lovely dress (and I love the gold shoes with it) Tina always wears black on the red carpet. With her coloring she would look amazing in so many colors, especially red. I can't say I'm much better, though, because I wear loads of black. But once in a while a girl needs to add color to her wardrobe. (Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Can you spot that Louis? Nail that Hermes or sniff out a Marc? Put your designer handbag-loving ways to the test with this celebrity-filled Name That Designer Bag quiz. (Tip: This bag carried by Ashley Tisdale is one of the easiest ones to recognize.) (Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Earth Day is April 22, and fashion's doing its greenest part with a blevy of cute eco-totes at everything from discount to designer prices.
My personal favorite is the organic cotton "Green is the New Pink" bag I snagged at Wal-Mart (I know, I was surprised, too) for just $9.96 (Wal-Mart is also giving away 1 million custom-made reusable shopping bags April 19).
See 5 more eco-totes that utilize everything from global recycled handicrafts to soy ink. (Photo Credit: Cynthia Nellis, licensed to About.com