New York City may be a frozen tundra but I spent last night at the beach thanks to Ann Taylor's LOFT brand.

In a photo studio decked out with cabanas, palm trees and music by DJ Mia Moretti, LOFT hosted an evening to preview their terrific selection for Summer ( May deliveries). Some highlights: water color floral linens, slouchy cotton sweaters and tees, seersucker jackets, batik shifts, wide leg linen pants and a range of great looking accessories including color blocked flat sandals, embellished espadrilles and metallic canvas totes. Standout necklaces featured a chic mix of rhinestones and turquoise. The best part? Nothing costs more than $100.

Provide lift and support. 

 

Sit in the center of your torso ( front and back). The cups should shape your breasts for a symmetrical look (making your torso  appear longer and slimmer from every angle).

Have a cup shape and depth that is in exact proportion with the size and shape of your breasts: no spillage over the top or sides, or from the bottom of the cup ( really obvious in tee shirts).

Have a strap width and length that doesn't dig into or slip from your shoulders. If your straps are pulled to the tightest position, your bra is too big.

The band should fit securely across the middle of your back when fastened on the tightest set of hooks. A band that rides up creates VBL ( visible bra line known less charitably as back bacon) that flesh roll above your band. Loose also means that your breasts will drift southward from lack of support. A bra worn on the furthest set of hooks is too big since bras give a bit with wear.

Check how your bras fit every six months because even subtle weight shifts and hormones that cause fluid retention and GRAVITY can change the fit enough that you may need to do some fine tuning.

Start the new year with a new bra. And when you've weeded out any that no longer fit you perfectly - put them to good use. Between now and February 14 Soma Intimates Boutiques have partnered with Dress For Success and Bra Recyclers to collect new and gently used bras to donate to women in need across the country as the one piece of clothing that needy women most often lack is a good bra. You can drop yours off at a Soma boutique near you or contact Bra Recyclers for donation information. 

A few standout trends surfaced at The Golden Globes last night. First, pink. According to Pantone, the color for 2011 is Honeysuckle, which is described as  a dynamic reddish pink. Several variations appeared on the red carpet. The most successful looks?  Minimalists like Claire Danes and Emma Stone -both wearing Calvin Klein Collection- sidestepped the problem of pink plus ruffles equals grown-up Barbie.  Julianne Moore's choice of vivid pink satin by Lanvin looked sophisticated and suggested a kind of 40's meets 70's Hollywood glamour. Her gown has been roundly criticized but I liked the couture flash of fuchsia as a compliment to her coloring.

Look at any of these dresses and suddenly lots of cleavage looks very passé, especially when compared to Ann Hathaway's long sleeved and backless Armani Prive or Angelina Jolie's fluid, subtly beaded emerald Versace and Emma Stone's short sleeved, low backed Calvin.  And despite her electro-shock hair and nerd glasses, Annette Benning's grownup and slinky Tom Ford gown created a sexy silhouette while leaving plenty to the imagination.