Silvinha Oliveira, founder of Retalhos Cariocas

“It was always my dream to study fashion in college. When I got there I was a bit disheartened because it was an artificial world, but I understood that as a fashion designer I could help people change their lives,” she explains. “I started the courses because I wanted to share my knowledge and put in people’s minds that even though they live in a favela and are poor, they can go to college and succeed. I think this is a real spirit of Retalhos Cariocas.” [Rio Times]

Vera will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 2

Appropriateness: 2

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 1

Shoes: 2

Hair: 4

Makeup: 3

Pose: 3

Confidence: 4

UGH is her stylist blind?! This dress does not fit her right and is wrinkled. The shoes look awful, I don’t care if the model wore the same pair at the spring 2011 collection presentation. Vera is so beautiful, why did she go for this frumpy look?

There’s a huge trend in bike riding, and it’s not only about being trim and going green: it’s about being cute. Kate Hudson and Elle Macpherson (and other celebrities) can look gorgeous riding their bikes, there’s no reason you can’t too. Gone are the days of wearing head-to-toe spandex to ride. Thanks to B. Spoke Tailor and other clothing brands, it’s time to look pretty while pedaling. Check out our favorite bike-friendly finds:

Be as risky as Kate and wear this T by Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt dress ($85) for your 2-wheeled adventure. We do recommend a little something extra underneath… just in case.

Bloomer shorts, like these Jayden Bloomer Shorts by Genetic Denim ($154) allow your legs to move with ease and your thighs won’t be bursting out when you sit (think tight denim shorts).

Copy Elle’s style for your cruise and throw on this Topshop Straw Visor ($24). This is definitely the cutest visor I’ve ever seen and in case you pick up speed, it won’t blow away.

Safety first – gladiator sandals won’t fall off your feet while pedaling so grab a pair of Miss Me Kiki Gladiator sandals ($19.95, down from $35.95) in 1 of 6 colors.

Keep the sun and the dirt out of your eyes with these Forever 21 Aviators ($5.80). They’re cheap enough that if you do fall, you won’t worry about scratches (at least on your shades).

Check out more of our favorite celebrity styles. Shop our guides to the best summer dresses, the best flat sandals, and the best summer hats. Subscribe now for exclusive updates.

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2. What We’ve Learned From Kate Hudson About Looking Better At The Beach Kate Hudson was photographed on the set of Something…
3. Get the Look: Kate Hudson Shows Us How To Dress In Black And White We love Kate Hudson’s laid-back style, and lately she’s…

LINK LOVE:Kate Hudson & Elle MacPherson Show Us How To Look Cute On A Bike

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Gallery: Givenchy: Spring 2010 Accessories Collection

via Men’s Rag

Ok. I don’t want to offend anyone, but look. Gladiator sandals. Why, ladies? I simply don’t understand. Do you want to look like an extra from Troy? Almost no one can pull off this shoe without looking like their bottom half comes from a different century. Ok, maybe this look can be totally rocked by a half-naked Italian model who spends her time being photographed by Guy Bourdain while draped languidly over obscenely expensive furniture, but this is not you. As much as you’d like to imagine yourself as a waifish, fashion-forward lady warrior, I’m sorry to say it, but you look awkward. Pairing gladiator sandals with denim shorts and a t-shirt from the Gap is a look that says “Hey, I totally read Vogue magazine, I get it, I’m trendy. I’m also an editorial assistant who makes under thirty thousand dollars a year and can only afford clothes from Marshalls—and unfortunately, as much as I’d like to strut around Newbury Street looking like I own half of Marc Jacobs’ inventory, I can only pull off looking like someone dissected Jason and the Argonauts and paired his bottom half with a freshman college student’s torso.” Is this really the message you want to give to passers-by?

Some trends are meant to be ignored. Maybe Mischa Barton can look good in it, but you’re not her. You’re a totally normal person. So dress like one. No Uggs (seriously, I don’t care it they’re warm and comfy. You can get warm shoes that don’t look like you stole them from an unconscious Australian backpacker. Also, especially don’t tuck your jeans into them. You will look like every teenaged girl I’ve ever seen. Be your own person.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on Crocs. The only people who are allowed to wear them are nurses. And nurses, since I’ve allowed you to wear Crocs, will you do me a favor and don’t put any of those cutesy little buttons on them?