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Excitement for Spring: Check Out the Fashion Trends Behind Coolibar’s 2014 Spring Line!

Coolibar Spring fashion 2014

 

We are knee deep in snow here in Minnesota, and like so many other places this year we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring!  Along with the warmer temperatures, we can’t wait to see all of you showing off the latest spring and summer fashions for 2014.

Around the world, eye-popping new trends have been making their way down the runway and into Coolibar’s spring collection. Coolibar follows international fashion trends for spring 2014.

Our design director Olga Mashkova has been planning and implementing this year’s great looks.  The new 2014 UPF 50+ spring line will perk up your look – for men, women and kids – with fun pops of pattern and color. We are especially excited about new geometric and ikat prints, along with beautiful pallets of blue.

At Coolibar, we put fashion into action by integrating the most up to date looks with the skin protection required to keep you and your family safe in the sun. Check out the fresh new lineup for spring, available now at Coolibar!

 

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Events Inside Coolibar

Live Facebook Forum with Olga Mashkova

Have you ever wanted to meet the creative mind behind Coolibar’s beautiful UPF50+ designs? Would you like to have an opportunity to tell her what you’re looking for and ask for styling advice?

Now’s your chance! Coolibar proudly presents Olga Mashkova, Coolibar Design Director of Women & Children’s for a face to face chat, live on Coolibar’s facebook wall. Olga will be standing by to answer all your burning (pun intended) questions on Coolibar fashion, sun protection and travel. To participate, just click onto the Coolibar facebook page and post away. Everyone is welcome.

Who: Olga Mashkova, Design Director

What: Live Facebook Forum

When: Tuesday, November 19th 

Time: 1:00 – 1:30pm (CST)

Where: facebook.com/Coolibar

A few ideas on what you may want to ask Olga, while we have her full undivided attention.

  • What’s your favorite Coolibar item?
  • What are the big trends for 2014?
  • Travel tips?
  • What would make the perfect gift for the traveler in my family?
  • Help me style my Coolibar wrap.

RSVP yes to the event before Monday, November 18th to be entered into a drawing to win Olga’s top pick for travel this season, our Ruche Water Jacket.

Mark your calendar for the 19th. See you there!

RSVP for a chance to win our Women’s Ruche Water Jacket
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Inside Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing What's Hot

Five ways to add sun protection with a scarf

I love scarves. They are the most versatile styling tool available (in my opinion), taking drab outfits from blah to voilà in a matter of seconds. Now that it’s fall, I try to incorporate a scarf into my look daily for both fashion and function. The Coolibar Aire Scarf is one of my favorite accessories as it does double-duty, providing some flair and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Here’s how I use my Coolibar Aire Scarf:

The Coolibar Aire Scarf saved my skin in the car, while practicing outdoor yoga, touring towns during travel, cruising on the boat and sitting on the outdoor patio.

 

Cover forehead and ears
Fold it in half the long way three times. Tie over once in back.

Cover the neck
Pull scarf tight at opposite ends. Place it in the middle back of the neck so you have equal amount of fabric on each side. Wrap it around the neck in opposite directions, slightly overlapping, until you have about 8 inches left on each side in front. Tie over once or twice (depending on your preference) and adjust so tie is off to the side.

Cover shoulders
Simply drape over the shoulders and tie once in front, looping one side of the excess fabric inside and over from the bottom.

Cover delicate chest area
Hang around neck, with equal amounts of fabric dangling in front on each side. Take one side and wrap it in a complete circle around the other until you create a loop. Pull the same side you used to create the loop, through the top of the loop. This will make a knot that will allow the fabric to drape nicely.

Cover legs fast
On vacation, or at the beach with bare legs? This scarf is even long enough to wear skirt style. Just wrap and tuck.

Enjoy!

-Amanda
Coolibar employee

Shop the Coolibar Aire Scarf.

Free shipping, no minimum on your next order at www.coolibar.com.
Offer expires September 30, 2013. Use code SEPT13. See website for promotion details.

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Inside Coolibar

Welcome Coolibar Design Director Olga Mashkova

Coolibar is pleased to introduce our new Design Director Olga Mashkova. Olga comes to Coolibar with almost a decade of experience in the fashion industry, designing everything from high fashion pieces to outdoor apparel. We look forward to introducing Olga’s UPF 50+ designs spring 2014. In the meantime, we wanted to find out more about her design inspiration and get a taste for what’s to come.

What inspired you to become a clothing and fashion designer?

OM: When I moved to the US I tried a lot of different careers trying to find what I wanted to do with my life. I came to a realization that I need to truly love my work. We spend so much of our lives working, and I knew I didn’t want to live weekend to weekend. Growing up in Russia all girls were taught how to sew and knit, and after receiving quite a few compliments on some outfits I created, I decided to pursue a Fashion Design career. I enrolled in school and loved it right away. The most inspiring thing about my job is that I love what I do every day. I have to be passionate about anything I do. Designing clothes, coming up with new ideas and creating things that make women happy and feel confident is truly exciting for me.

What helped prepare you for working in this industry?

OM: Great education. I graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and that was the best training I could have ever wished for.

Where do you get your design inspiration?

OM: All kinds of sources: fashion shows, magazines, vintage shopping, trend forecasting sites, paintings, art installations and mainly people watching. I always check out what women of all generations wear, it’s so fascinating to see how fashion changes, and even 3-4 years ago women wouldn’t wear certain clothes that they wear today. We could design whatever we want, but we need to think “Would she actually wear it? Would she find it flattering? What are her needs these days?” You have to stay tuned to the changes she’s going through in her life.

What are you most excited about now that you’ve started working at Coolibar?

OM: I’m most excited to be designing for such a great cause. Fashion can be vain and even cruel, and those are the sides of fashion I have struggled with. Since the beginning of my career I have always longed to combine my passions for design and doing something more meaningful. I am amazed by Coolibar’s concept of sun protective clothing, and I truly believe that we are helping people to live fuller lives. With our products they can enjoy being outdoors while also being safe from the sun. On top of that, we can make them feel fashionable and attractive. It’s the best of both worlds for me.

What trends do you see being big for 2014?

OM: For spring 2014 we are focusing on three major trends for ladies:
Underwater world: We’re seeing a lot of shades of blues and turquoise being used as key colors for spring—anything from light mint to periwinkle blues to deep cobalts—colors of the sea. A lot of prints are using watercolor washes, brush strokes that reflect movement of water, inks that bleed and fade, so the prints are very soft and feminine.

Black and white continues to be a big trend—very clean, bold lines that remind us of the 60’s designs. Geos are extremely important in this group.

Tribal and ikat patterns are gaining more importance: main shapes include diamonds and chevron patterns, ikats become intricate and highly decorative as well as very compact with hardly any ground color.

What are your hobbies outside of the office?

OM: My biggest passion outside work is animals. I am a huge supporter of animal rights and dedicate a lot of my time trying to save their innocent lives. Beyond that I love to run and do yoga. I am obsessed with healthy eating and always on the lookout for new recipes. Finally, I think travel is extremely important. My worldview and perspective on life has been shaped and enhanced with places and cultures I’ve explored around the world.

What is your favorite Coolibar innovation and why?

OM: The sun protective technology built into our fabrics, it literally saves lives.

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New Products What's Hot

One Item, Five Fashionable Ways: Coolibar Cardigan

Since 2002, Style Expert Bridgette Raes has transformed wardrobes for hundreds of clients. She is president of the Bridgette Raes Style Group in New York and author of the book “Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want”. Bridgette is also Coolibar’s go-to stylist. Each week, she features one closet staple on her style blog and pairs it with five different outfits for her segment: One Item, Five Fashionable Ways. In honor of New York Fashion Week, we asked Bridgette to use her expert eye and style the Coolibar Vera Coastal Wrap.

For this week’s One Item, Five Fashionable Ways, sun protection clothing company Coolibar asked me if I was interested in featuring one of their pieces for this post. The choice was mine as to which item I would showcase and I instantly picked their Vera Coastal Wrap. I own this cardigan and love it because it is not just easy and figure flattering, but it is soft, SO soft, in their modal/spandex SUNTECT® fabric. I’m not kidding when I say it may be the softest, most comfortable fabric I have ever had on my body.

Cardigans are no-brainer pieces that every wardrobe should have as functional outfit finishers. On a cool night they give you warmth. Feel shy showing your arms, they offer shy arms security and for a professional-work environment, they replace a jacket.

To get the most out of a cardigan, I like to make sure I have an ample supply of neutral colored ones which is why I chose to style the Vera Wrap Cardigan in Coolibar’s taupe shade– a versatile layering piece in a versatile color. Check out the five ways I style this cardigan for some outfit inspiration and tips on how to incorporate a cardigan into your wardrobe

Five Coolibar Cardigan Outfits

Look #1

When an outfit is based entirely in neutrals, like this cardigan look with khaki pants by Vince Camuto and a boat neck top by Modcloth, you have free range to bring in pops in any colors you like. Because it’s so trendy and popular at the moment, and because these colors go so well with taupe, I decided to go with pink and tangerine and chose these two-tone Sperry ballerinas and necklace by Stella & Dot. To complete the look, and for some sunny brightness, I chose an orange Fossil handbag and flowery studs also from Stella & Dot.

Look #2

If you’re are going to buy and wear colored casual pants this fall, investing in a neutral colored cardigan is a great idea as it will work with all of the colored bottoms you purchase. Here I chose to pair Coolibar’s cardigan with an eggplant pair of Boden skinny pants and layered an Anthropologie printed tank underneath. The look is finished with a versatile pair of grey rhinestone ballerinas by Sperry, a purple pair of statement earrings by Blu Bijoux and, for a third punch of color, a grey and yellow handbag from R+J Handbags to make the whole look casually colorblocked for fall.

Look #3

To bring your summer tanks into fall, a cardigan is a great choice. Plus, remember, all Coolibar clothing offers 50+ UVA and UVB sun protection. With their Vera Coastal Wrap you can give yourself some coverage while still wearing a flimsier top, like this one by Zara. Once Labor Day arrives, don’t assume that you don’t need sun protection. The sun is still shining and you should still be thinking about shielding yourself from the rays of the sun when necessary.

This cardigan works well with a pair of jeans, like this boyfriend style by Levi’s. Pop the look with a bright shoe, like coral wedges by Seychelles, to pull in the colors of the print, along with Furla’s navy handbag and Privileged Gold coral earrings.

Look #4

A cardigan is a great way to bring a summer dress into fall or to layer some warmth at the office. This flattering print dress by Eliza J. has tones of the taupe right in the print, along with coral. Wanting to maximize all the items used in this post, I chose the same coral wedges and earrings from the previous look. The last component is an off white handbag by Melie Bianco.

Look #5

This cardigan is easy with a pair of camel pants, like these cotton trousers from Ann Taylor. I layered Modcloth’s pink top underneath and used the handbag and shoes from previous looks in this outfit as well. The outfit is finished with a Trina Turk disc necklace, Michael Kors studs and Cole Haan skinny metallic belt.

Learn more about the Bridgette Raes Style Group

Bridgette is hosting a shopping party to benefit the Melanoma Research Foundation, and you’re invited. Learn more.

Shop the Coolibar UPF 50+ Vera Coastal Wrap.

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Sun Protection Clothing What's Hot

High Heat Calls for Cool Fashion at the State Fair and Beyond

The Midwest is in the midst of a late summer heat wave. Being Midwesterners, we typically welcome warm weather; however, with the Minnesota State Fair going strong and other outdoor activities planned for the last week of summer, it’s not necessarily ideal timing. If you’re experiencing this uncomfortable heat, be sure to take the extra precautionary measures to prevent heat related illness. We’ll show you how to, in style!

Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, breathable sun protective clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Wearing long-sleeves and pants can actually cool you off when the sun causes overheating. Also, protect your face and scalp from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a 3” brim or greater.

For Her

Coolibar UPF 50+ Sunwear: Marina Sun Hat; Ruche Water Jacket; Swim Skort

 

For Him

Coolibar UPF 50+ Sunwear: Beach Comber Sun Hat; Adventure Jacket; Fitness Shorts

 

For Kids

Coolibar UPF 50+ Sunwear: Camp Hat; ZnO T-Shirt; Board Shorts

Stay SunAWARE, hydrated and enjoy your time outdoors.

Shop Coolibar during the End of Summer Sale. Take an additional 30% off everything. Ends September 2, 2013. See website for details.

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Inside Coolibar Wear Sun Protection What's Hot

Sun Protective Fashions on the Runway

Skin for Life, an annual fundraiser hosted by Advanced Dermatology in Lincolnshire, IL not only raised over $14,000 for the Skin Cancer Foundation, but put on a stellar runway show featuring Coolibar sun protective clothing. Check out photos from the runway.

Photo credits: Photo Affair Studios

[nggallery id=33]

Shop the look:

Photo 1: Aire Wrap and Shapeable Travel Hat

Photo 2: Aqua Dress and Packable Wide Brim Hat

Photo 3: Beach Tunic

Photo 4: Fitness Jacket

Photo 5: Convertible Polo

Photo 6: Convertible Polo

Photo 7: Fitness Jacket and Fitness Shorts

Photo 8: Pareo

Photo 9: Shoreline Cover Up and Wide Leg Pant

Photo 10: Sunblock Jacket

Photo 11: Vera Ruched Hoodie and Swim Tights

Photo 12: Vera Shores Tunic

Photo 13: ZnO Seaside Hoodie and Beach Pants

Photo 14: ZnO Sun Wrap and Beach Hat

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What's Hot

Coolibar Shopping Spree

Bloggers, are you ready to start Getting Gorgeous? We are and we’re thrilled to be a part of Getting Gorgeous 2013!

Because you’re in the know, the Tanning is Out concept is probably not new to you, but here’s why we incessantly talk about it. Sun protection is important for healthy & radiant skin because excessive UV light exposure, natural or artificial, not only increases skin cancer risk, but also prematurely ages skin. Need a visual? Check out this pin. Your best defense is to cover-up and #PracticeSafeSun.

Your Coolibar Gift UPF 50+ Beach Sun Hat

Our Getting Gorgeous UPF 50+ gift to you is the Beach Sun Hat, yours free and included in your goodie bag. This best selling sun hat has a reinforced 7” brim for superior face and neck coverage and is crushable for travel.

You say you want more UPF 50+ coverage from Coolibar? You got it!

WIN a $500 Coolibar Shopping Spree! Here’s how:

1. Like us on Facebook, Facebook.com/Coolibar

2. Follow us on Twitter, @Coolibar.

3. Snap a photo of yourself being SunAWARE with Coolibar – in your hat, at our Getting Gorgeous Booth, perhaps pose with Elvis…

4. Share your photo, tag @Coolibar and use hashtag #GettingGorgeous. Tell your friends and followers about Getting Gorgous and Coolibar Sun Protection You Wear.

That’s it. Our winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday, April 30th.

Can’t wait to Get Gorgeous with you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Winner will be drawn at random on April 30, 2013. Entries accepted until 4/30/13 noon CST. No purchase necessary. To enter you must be an attendee of the Getting Gorgeous 2013 blogger event. Prize is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Cannot be used toward third-party merchandise such as sun shelters and sunglasses. One entry per person. Rules subject to change at the discretion of Coolibar, Inc.

 

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Inside Coolibar New Products Sun Protection Clothing

Choose the Right Print for You

Coolibar has new prints and colors galore this spring. Choosing a print that complements your facial features can be a daunting task. Our favorite go to stylist, Bridgette Raes, knows all about choosing the right print for your complexion, so we decided to take some advice from her blog.

Bridgette’s Advice:

“When choosing prints, one must consider their own personal coloring to decide just how much bold contrast to wear.

Print Intensity – Combining two colors together in a print creates a contrast between those two colors. For example, if those two colors are extreme opposites (like black and white) you have created a high amount contrast, which gives the print a high level of intensity. If, however, the color combinations found in the print are closer in relationship to each other (a combination of soft pastels, for example) you have created a low amount of contrast between the colors and that combination has a low level of intensity.

Coolibar UPF 50+ clothing: Long Sleeve Swim Shirt, Sun Tunic, Paddle Swim Shirt, ZnO Cabana Hoodie

Just like color combinations in prints have an intensity level, so does your own personal coloring. Intensity levels vary from person to person, and can be high, low, or somewhere in between, which would be referred to as medium. Your own level is determined by the relationship of contrast between your hair, skin and eyes. The model on the right has a lot of contrast between her hair skin and eyes which creates a lot of contrast or an intensity in her coloring. The model on the left has much softer features, with her hair, skin and eyes being closer in color; therefore her intensity level, would be low.

Why does this matter?

When choosing prints, it is important to consider your own personal intensity level as you’ll always look best when your personal intensity matches the intensity in the prints you choose.

When someone with a low level of intensity in their personal coloring wears too much contrast in the color combinations they choose they look drowned out. When a person with a high level of intensity in their coloring chooses a color combination that is too soft or low in contrast, they look washed out.”

Keep these guidelines in mind if you’re unsure of a print choice, but at the end of the day, if you love a print, go for it!

About Bridgette:  Since 2002, Style Expert Bridgette Raes has transformed the wardrobes and styles of hundreds of clients. She is the president of Bridgette Raes Style Group in New York and author of the book Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want. Her witty, down-to-earth and educational advice has made her a sought-after writer, spokesperson and style expert for many media outlets.

Read Bridgette’s original post here: Ann Romney’s Fashion Mistake a Lesson for Us All on How to Choose Prints

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