For many years now, some in the world of clothing and apparel have been seeking a new way of doing business. Like the trendy coffee shops and other food related businesses, some consumers have wanted to see the so called fair trade standards be applied to fashion, but as most experts will say: even though fashion is first for a great many things, when it comes to major changes this is often the last and most stubborn industry to make a switch. A good example of this is the comparative slowness the induystry took to embrace the digital web and also the use of computers in its design tools. It turns out that from the San Francisco Bay Area of California there is a new United States non profit organization that is stepping forward to certify certain fashion companies as true fair trade businesses. The organization is based in Oakland and called TransFair USA, the 1st in the world to certify clothing companies for the fair trade of cotton. They have developed standards designed to cover the factories used and other worker controlled situations and farm worker collectives.

Apparel and linens are the prime target for the new certification and so far TransFair has managed to certify 2 of the 12 brands it is now working with: Hae Now the organic cotton clothing maker based in El Sobrante and Thompkins Point Apparel that makes cotton men’s shirts. Both of these companies offer their apparel online. TransFair hopes to expand its certification as rapidly as possible in the coming years to help the fashion world shift over to a more sustainable industry model.

As always, fashion designers like to be ahead of the curve in translating the desires of the masses into physical goods to be worn in the summer sun. This year will be no exception with designers already hinting at new trends to come in women’s swimwear, among them a range of truly revolutionary looks that will define Summer 2010 as one of the most scorching departures from the average that fashion has seen in some time now. The monokini is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after and talked about articles of summer swimwear and it is not surprise that hot designers are rapidly working up a whole new look for this new classic. From Carmen Marc to Miss Sixty, hot new looks are coming out such as the cutaway monokini which takes parts of the fabric out of the design to create striking patterns that are sure to draw plenty of attention to the bodies of those who choose to indulge in this latest trend. Tight bodies and full tans are in once again in 2010 and the swim suits are certainly setting out to prove this is sharp style.

Of course, no summer would be complete without the style of ladies attire that has become a true establishment in the beach tradition: the bikinis that come out every summer. This year the colors are moving to more neutral territory as designers lash back against the brilliance of past years where super bright colors became the rage. All the top designers seemed to be embracing earth tones and other neutral hues this year more than ever in an effort to reinvent the bikini look as we know it today. The over the shoulder monokini has become another big favorite, designed to emphasize the womanly curves of the shoulder region and bring the eye up towards the face. Fashion columnists are commenting that this year a bikini is going to be an absolute necessity for those who want to look their best at the beach, but the selection of designers involved is broader in 2010 so women will have far more choices than in years past.

Most of us have no trouble keeping up with the latest and greatest trends in our youth. But as the years pass we may fall a little behind, and start making little errors in judgment where our clothes are concerned. Just think of that old lady with the floral prints you see hobbling down the driveway to yell after the paper boy.

But you don’t have to end up like her. Age does not mean a fading of beauty, however the saying goes, and it doesn’t mean an automatic fashion failure, either. There are just a few things to keep in mind. For one, stay away from over complicated prints. Solid colors look more sophisticated then wild swirls, and will also give you a sleek, professional look.

Make sure your clothes fit. So many women seem to increase their wardrobe size with their age. This is a big no-no, and almost as bad as going too tight. This also means staying away from anything obviously meant for the ‘Miss’ aisle at your local department store.

Be realistic. Know what your body looks like, and shop accordingly. This means being careful of your colors, cuts, and types of clothes. You can be fashionable, functional, and fabulous with a little thought.