Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2009

Sun-Block Fashion:

A Trendy Defense Against the Mighty Burning Orb

Summer is all about skin-baring clothes and enjoying the outdoors, especially along the Grand Strand. Scantily clad bodies fill the coastline each year to take advantage of the numerous outdoor amenities available - water skiing, boating, wind surfing, parasailing, and simply hitting the miles of sandy beaches. However, these activities, along with hanging out poolside or on the beach, can bank extensive time in the sun. But as fun it is to soak in the rays, it's just as important to protect yourself from them.

One recent Pawleys Island beach dweller, Colleen Sheppard, knows the importance of sunscreen. "I wear at least a 60 SPF. I use it because I have fair skin and burn easily," she says, watching her daughter splash around in the inlet. "I use it on my kids, too ... I continue to put it on throughout the day, especially when the UV is high."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), different amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light can reach the earth at any time thanks to ozone layer depletion and weather variations. Overexposure to these to UV rays can cause premature aging, immune system suppression, cataracts, other forms of eye damage, and the most dangerous - skin cancer.

Today, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that skin cancer is possibly the most common form of cancer in the United States, with the most dangerous type, especially to young people, being melanoma. Roughly 65-90 percent of melanomas are caused by UV light exposure - i.e. sunlight. In 2005 alone, the CDC reported more than 53,000 diagnoses of melanoma of the skin in the U.S. Doesn't sound healthy, does it?

It doesn't to Justin Bell of Murrells Inlet. It's his reasoning behind slathering on at least an SPF 50 when he plans to hit the beach. "I don't want to get burned! Sometimes I like to wear a shirt, or sit under an umbrella," he says, holding up the shoulder of his light colored T-shirt.

That's why the EPA joined forces with the National Weather Service (NWS) and developed the UV index. It's designed to forecast the day's amount of ultraviolent radiation levels on a 1-11+ scale, and is broken down to assist people in deciding what sun protection precautions they should take. During the summer, the Grand Strand often reaches into the high and very high levels on the UV index, which can read 6-10 on the scale, putting sun-seekers at an extreme risk.

But, how do you keep your risk of overexposure low? The CDC recommends a combination of actions for keeping safe. Seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (this is when UV rays do the most damage and are at their strongest), cover and protect exposed skin, wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses that block as close to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. In a national survey, the CDC found merely 56 percent of adults practiced only one form of sun protection behavior.

Coming on the heels of National Sun Safety Week (June 1-7), this raises the question: can someone step out in style following these steps without looking like a fashion victim?

This season, yes.

This year's spring and summer fashion has a wide variety of looks that are functional for fun in the sun. Long, lean lines, beach-inspired details, and classic shapes all provide for easy and smart ways to dress protectively. Hats, sunglasses, tunics, polos, scarves, maxi dresses and skirts, as well as one piece bathing suits, offer easy, chic coverage. Check out these fashion picks for stylish protection from head to toe.

HATS

Men and women alike can take this step for stylish protection. Resurging in fashion, the best hat style for women revolves around the "bigger, the better" theory. Large, floppy cotton and straw hats with wide brims are ideal for sheltering the face, neck, ears and scalp.

Guys should consider turning in their baseball caps, which provide minimal protection, and opt for a panama hat. The wider brim provides more face and neck coverage.

What to Buy: Stop in at Dillard's for a chic selection for women. Top off your bohemian swim suit with the Preston & York Straw Hat in Brown ($28). The brim is covered in fabric, but has a plaited straw dome for keeping cool. Pretty beading detail along the crown gives this hat a little extra oomph. Or, for a dose of Southern charm, try on the Jessica Simpson Printed Ribbon Floppy Hat ($42). Its small maroon floral pattern and pink ribbon lining adds a nice girly touch to your outdoor wardrobe.

Men, for poolside cool, throw on the Stetson Airway in Wheat (pictured left, $30). This straw Panama-styled hat has a cloth-backed brim and crown to protect against burning. The open weave of the straw allows for air flow and keeping cool.

SUNGLASSES

Protecting your eyes is a simple, chic affair this season. Large, oversized frames amp up the glamour for women, while sleek, wrap around shapes are key for men. Sunglasses are vital for protecting the eyes and delicate skin around the eye area from UV damage and premature aging. Keep in mind while shade shopping- a 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption level is recommended for optimal safety.

What to Buy: Hit the Sunglass Hut for chic, investment worthy shades that offer 100 percent UV protection.

Women, add a vibrant pop of color to your face with the Ralph by Ralph Lauren Sunglasses in Yellow/Brown (pictured above, $79.95). Also available in blue, pink and purple, these brightly hued glasses offer great protection and style. Go glam and invest in the Versace Butterfly in Shiny Black/Brown ($220). This wide wrap-around frame has a delicate X side design and is accented with small diamond details and gradient brown lenses. Or, go sporty with the Oakley Abandon in Brown ($170). Its go-with-everything-color will look chic while lying poolside or playing tennis.

Men can pull on the Maui Jim Stingray in Tortoise/Brown ($209.95) for a classic look that is also functional. This lightweight frame also sports polarized lenses which offer additional UV protection and blocks glare. Go for a sporty look and grab the Oakley Antix in Plaid (pictured above, $170). This wrap around frame looks fresh thanks to its light plaid pattern design. Or invest in the Ray Ban Wrap Around in Shiny Black/Red ($109.95). This basic black frame has a pop of vibrant red color on the stem for added sex appeal.

SCARVES

Yes, this winter must have has made the leap to summer, but never fear, this season they are crafted in lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. A favorite of celebrities like Rachel Bilson and Jennifer Aniston, scarves have transformed primarily due to their protective qualities. Wrapped around the neck 2-3 times, scarves provide optimal defense for the neck and upper chest region. Go for bright colors and patterns that will make an eye catching addition to any outfit.

What to Buy: Shop the Gap which has a complete line of scarves ranging in price from pictured left, $19.50-$24.50. Available in a wide variety of vibrant colors and patterns, these skinny scarves are super soft and made of cotton and linen. Use them to accessorize a simple v-neck t-shirt or spaghetti strap maxi dress.

TUNICS/POLOS

Women can pull on a tunic and step out in style for any summer time occasion. This long or 3/4 length sleeved top is crafted of lightweight fabrics and is perfect for covering up the arms, back, chest and stomach. For a glam day at the beach, throw one on over your swimsuit and add a large floppy hat, or take it from day to night with your favorite pair of linen pants and a belt cinched at the waist.

For guys, baring their chest is a god-given right. However, pulling on a pair of board shorts and hanging out on the beach is no longer a shirt optional affair. In down time, throw on a polo or button down shirt. The additional coverage offers the neck, arms, chest, stomach, and back appropriate UV defense.

What to Buy: New York & Company has a great assortment of women's tunics. Throw on the City Style Embellished Cotton Caftan in Dark Blue or Pink Heart ($39.95). The neckline exhibits a flower embroidery and beading that adds boho chic. Or slip on a City Style Floral Caftan in Sweet Sunrise or Sheltering Green ($39.95) for a pop of bright color and pair it with your favorite jeans.

Men can shop Dillard's for classic, cool polo shirts and button downs. Try on the Roundtree & Yorke Gold Label Pique Polo Shirt in Lime (pitured right, $39.99) to compliment a sexy tan. It also has wrinkle-free and moisture dispersion performance built in to the cotton. Not a polo type of guy? Slide on the Caribbean by Roundtree & YorkeJacquard Camp Shirt in Red ($60) instead. Its easy button down style is comfortable and has side vents built in to keep cool.

MAXI DRESSES/SKIRTS

Hemlines are hitting an all time low this season. Maxi dresses and skirts are kicking the mini to the streets and providing sun seekers with a sleeker cover up option. Keep legs under cover to prevent burning, while sporting one of the season's hottest and easiest looks. Perfect as a poolside cover up or for attending a outdoor barbecue, maxi dresses in bright, vibrant hues and patterns are super comfy and chic. Maxi skirts, paired with your favorite tank top, are another option for easy beach style.

What to Buy: Hit Dillard's for maxi dresses in a large variety of colors and patterns. Say goodbye to the little black dress and instead slip into the Karen Kane Maxi Dress in Black ($98). The black jersey will flatter any figure and show off toned arms. Or go for a colorful look and try on the Max and Cleo Maxi Dress in Sorbet (pictured left $128). Its spaghetti straps and empire waist are accented by the horizontal striped brown and pink pattern.

Rather wear a skirt? New York & Company not only offers a slew of multicolored maxi dresses, they also carry a nice selection of maxi skirts. Available for $24.95 each, pick a hue for anyoccasion: green,blue, white,pink, black, purple, yellow or taupe.

ONE-PIECE BATHING SUIT

What to Buy: Swim & Sport has a wide assortment of one-piece suits. Channel 1940s class with the La Blanca Roman One Piece Plunge in Black or Red (pictured left, $117). Its deep v-neck and ruching at the waist not only hide flaws but add a bit of classic glamour. Or parade around in the Longitude Swimwear Masquerade Surplus (pictured right, $84) for optimal coverage and sex appeal.

Remember, these fashion forward sun protection items should be worn in conjunction with an application of at least SPF 15 sunscreen. Before going out, check the day's UV index on www.weather.com and keep in mind the American Cancer Society's catch phrase for ways to protectyourself: "'Slip! Slop! Slap! ... and Wrap.' Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses"- it is an easy reminder for taking actions to keep safe while having fun in the sun.

You can find these featured items at the following stores located at the Coastal Grand Mall, 2000 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach: Dillard's, New York & Company, Gap, and Swim & Sport.

The sunglasses featured here were found at the Sunglass Hut, located at The Market Common, 3069 Howard Ave., Myrtle Beach.

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