summer read:

stopped at the local bookstore today and picked up a new summer read. i've read some good books lately and i'm excited for this one.

Cut It Out!

We’re all for showing a little skin this season, but plunging necklines and shorter–than–short minis are so history. The newest way to flaunt your summer skin is in a slightly revealing and slyly seductive cut–out dress.


Inspired by the signature slashed–and–sliced style of Narciso Rodriguez, a handful of daring designers are now doing away with fabric in the most unexpected of places. The result is a variety of fitted frocks featuring sexy slivers, which were seen all over the spring runways and on stars such as Emma Watson and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Ready to incorporate this hot trend into your summer wardrobe? A celebrity favorite is the classic Herve Leger Bandage Minidress ($990). For inexpensive alternatives, Topshop features a Bandage Dress for $110 and Asos offers a variety of cut–out dresses starting at just $22. Pair this style with sky–high heels, and be sure to keep accessories to a minimum!

—SAMANTHA MEUX

Beyond Blue

Denim is a staple in everyone's closet. Finding a way to update your jeans can be challenging, but celebrities have brought attention to this season's newest denim trend. Brightly colored jeans in every shade of the rainbow are being seen on celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Sarah Jessica Parker. These colored skinny jeans look best paired with neutral tees, ballet flats or heels.

Favored by celebrities, the brand Current/Elliott has bold colored jeans for $167 at revolveclothing.com. For a celebrity steal, delias.com has vibrant denim for $9.99! Who knew it was that easy to achieve summer's "brightest" trend?

—CARLY HILL

African Americans bias towards dark-skinned women

This is a 9-minute trailer for the upcoming documentary Dark Girls, which explores the deep-rooted biases and attitudes about skin colour within Black American culture. 

As an outsider, I was unaware of the discrimination that goes on within the Black community towards darker skinned women. I was shocked and saddened to learn that Black women judge other Black women on the darkness or lightness of their skin. One woman in the video says, "If I had a little girl, I didn't want her to be dark. I remember saying that. I didn't want her to be dark like me." 

The film is due for release in the Fall or Winter of 2011. Follow Dark Girls Movie on Facebook to stay updated.

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

VIM's Gaga for Tom's of Maine

Thanks to a segment on the news not too long ago — and the lovely Sheryl Crow — our eyes were recently opened up to an amazing company by the name of Tom's of Maine. (Seriously, what is it about companies with "Tom" in the name?)

Since the start of Tom's in 1970, co-founders Tom and Kate Chappell struggled to gain initial support for what was then a "crazy" idea — developing and producing natural, sustainable products for household consumers. The two pushed on though and have continued to grow their company and gain immense support along the way through their "good business" pillars that include remaining environmentally conscious in all production, partnership and office endeavors. Below are just some of their great products.

Crystal Confidence deodorant, $4



Wicked Fresh toothpaste, $5



Body Wash (soap), $7



Tom's products can be purchase online or at local Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreen's, Meijer and Kroger locations. Tom's also carries a variety of mouthwash and dental floss products.

Perfect For Your Pedi

The Top Summer Shades For Your Toes

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to stow away the dark, mysterious polishes of the winter and experiment with bright, warm hues for the sunny season.

1. Watermelon by Essie $8, Ulta.com
We love this refreshing, juicy fruit shade. Perfect for a picnic at the beach!

2. Ocean Dip by MAC $15, maccosmetics.com
This bright and creamy teal reminds us of the ocean waves, no matter how far you are from the shore.

3. Elephantastic Pink by OPI $9, Target stores
Inspired by the bright pinks of summer, this is the perfect hue for toes in the sand.

4. Chuffed Jelly Sheer Colour by butter LONDON $12, butterlondon.com
This cantaloupe polish is unique and perfect for any coral enthusiast.

5. No Room For the Blues by OPI $9, opi.com
This poolside blue is the perfect way to stylishly splash into the summer.

—STEPHANIE WEBER