LOCAL DESIGNERS ARE MAKING THEIR MARK AT KC BOUTIQUES

Not since the days of the garment district has Kansas City been so alive with fashion.

New designers are selling their wares at monthly Wear Haus and bimonthly Haute Market events. And from Lee’s Summit to Lawrence, locally owned shops are opening their doors to Kansas City clothing and jewelry designers. A few examples:

PUNCH UP YOUR EVENING LOOK

Forget the bleak black garb when it’s time for your next girls’ night out — this season’s nightlife is all about color.

Fuchsia, teal, turquoise and tangerine are just a few of the neon colors enhancing evening attire. Bella B’s Boutique owner Brooke Doyle shared some of her favorite evening looks with us. “Short shorts with bright frilly tops paired with fun printed shoes. Rompers are in, too — which I love! Bright colors make people happier and feel better. If you wear color, you can accessorize in so many different ways.”

SLEEK CABINETS AND EXOTIC ISLANDS MELD BEAUTY AND FUNCTION

Got lacquer? If you have contemporary, Euro-styled cabinets you probably do.

Glossy, sports car-look finishes are a hallmark of European kitchen lines by makers such as Pedini, SieMatic and Bulthaup. The decadently thick lacquer finishes can be solid colors, such as black, white, red or robin’s egg blue. But they can also be applied over exotic wood veneers such as zebra.

BOTOX ISN'T THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTIC SURGERY

Is it possible to regain a fresh, youthful appearance without undergoing extensive plastic surgery that could leave you looking stretched and unnatural?

HOMEOWNERS WANT THE FEEL OF A RESORT IN THEIR BACKYARDS

It's no secret what today's homeowners are looking for in a pool.

"They want the look and feel of a resort," said Vince Davenport, vice president of Swim Things in Blue Springs.

FOR EVENINGWEAR, WHAT'S IN STYLE IS WHAT FITS YOU BEST

Say goodbye to strict rules for eveningwear - this summer's sultry styles run the gamut from micro-short and flowing to long and body-hugging.

Fun and flirty looks for any garden party

Summer is finally here, and designers are celebrating with colorful dresses in graphic patterns. Some of the hottest colors are sunflower yellows and Kelly greens. Hemlines have lowered a little bit from last year to a more moderate knee length or right above. And there's a flattering shape for every figure.

2008 Clubman is big enough for a cello and some fun

Got cello?

No problem. It’ll fit right in a new king-sized 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman, says Andrew Cutler, Mini’s communications manager.

This limited edition Porsche Boxster is for drivers who really want to stand out

Want to get noticed without screaming? Consider the color orange...
So says about.com writer Jacci Howard Bear. You know, it worked for Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser, who selected orange for his campaign color as a reference to the Orange Revolution in Ukraine — and as a symbol that he was a candidate who was down with change. One of television’s top meal mavens even selected Rachael Ray Orange for her line of enamel nonstick cookware. You get the picture.

THE GRANTURISIMO LEAVES FERRARI AND PORSCHE IN THE DUST

Think of Maserati’s new GranTurisimo as an affordable exoticar …

If your name’s not Jay Leno, dropping six figures plus on an Italian sports car can take a toll on one’s Black American Express.

Sportier C-Class Sedan Is Larger but Still Agile

Lower. Longer. Wider. And just plain meaner.

That’s how venerable luxury carmaker Mercedes characterizes its sportier, fourth-gen C-Class. Slide over BMW and Cadillac. Cue the Led Zeppelin music.

WITH EVERY PAIR OF BEVERLY FELDMAN SHOES, YOU GET A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Beverly Feldman is many things. Internationally renowned shoe designer. Dog lover. World traveler. The one thing she’s not?

It’s a jungle out there this season

Designers have taken cues from global tribes and classic safari looks for an updated city chic style for this spring and summer. Style.com calls the trend “Style Tribes” and highlights numerous designers who have influenced the safari trend.

A LIGHT TOUCH LETS THE TRUE YOU SHINE THROUGH

Natural-looking makeup starts with healthy skin and colors inspired by Mother Nature. The best way to get your complexion ready for neutral tones is to use an exfoliator that gently sloughs off dead skin cells to smooth and brighten skin.

Designers Bring Safari and Tribal Looks to the City

Animal prints are a key ingredient in this summer’s safari trends. Anne Klein designed this roll-sleeve shirt dress and nipped it at the waist with a wide belt.

NEW YORK CITY’S REFURBISHED PLAZA HOTEL IS BACK IN GLITTERING STYLE

NEW YORK | The bill for a night’s stay at the newly refurbished Plaza Hotel is not just for gold-trimmed sheets and white-glove service. It’s for legend, history, a cocoon from the noisy, frenetic city, and for memories.

THIS YEAR, LET DAD DEFY GRAVITY OR MAKE MUSIC WITH LASERS

OK we’re all aware of the classic Father’s Day gifts: power tools, shirts, golf balls and - heaven forbid - ties. Certainly, he’ll love the new duds that Mom picks out for him, but don’t you want to surprise him with something really different this year? Here are a couple of ideas.

Breathable Fabrics Up the Comfort Quotient

Great tailoring by Armani gives this linen Nehru jacket a trim fit. An Ike Behar window pane shirt adds some pattern to the neutral color scheme. Chocolate washed linen trousers by Ballin Sport add comfort to the otherwise structured look.

Small Touches Update the Timeless Look

Neutral classics are reinvented with sheer fabrics this season. This high-waisted silk chiffon dress from Banana Republic is belted with cream ribbon and has the traditional lines of a shirt dress.

Full Proof Plans for Beautiful Container Gardening

Kristopher Dabner of the Greensman chose a collection of glazed ceramic containers with complementary lines in shades of green and yellow. The plantings were selected for form, contrasting textures and tones that would complement the planters and the trim of the house. The weeping spruce has great sculptural form and can be planted in the yard this fall.