Miami - April 28, 2008

Smooth Criminal

Si Belle Cover-ups

Prosecutors: the fashion police.

Accused: the women of Miami.

Charges: In the first degree, frequenting beachside restaurants in a bikini. In the second degree, covering up a bathing suit with terry cloth.

Testimony: The accused claim there was no cover-up. They knew nothing of Si Belle, a luxurious collection of beachwear. The designer uses her Istanbul roots to craft silky caftans and bright tunics in Mediterranean-inspired prints, embellished with Turkish touches like oya (lace and crochet detail).

Verdict: The court strongly recommends the lingerie-like white tunic with its ruffled deep-vee neckline. Other suggested styles include the short gold and red floral print and the blood red floor-length caftan, which shrouds a bikini in a stunning mass of colorful fabric.

Sentence: Sarongs were just a red herring. Si Belle is the perfect cover-up.

Available at Savvy Girl, 5781a Southwest 40th Street (305-665-9833 or shopsavvygirl.com); online at sibellenyc.com.