Capris, hooded jackets make the Bahama scene

The temperature is rising and that means one thing: It’s Tommy Bahama time.

The popular line, known for a tropical but tasteful approach to dressing, has come out with its latest for spring.

For women, that means “Tiki Chic,” signature prints on capris with silk tops and zippered hooded jackets. Also making its debut is a line of sexy swimwear featuring tankinis, maillots and tanks.

On the guy front, Tommy is introducing an “Island Collection” of soft, constructed jackets. There’s even a nod to the new patriotism in the retro print “One Nation, Under the Sun.”

Bahama enthusiasts can also look for a new collection of sunglasses and better watches. The line is available locally in stores such as South Moon Under, Nordstrom, Cohen’s Clothiers and J.S. Edwards. For more information go to www.tommybahama.com.

Clinique offers body spray for blemishes

Clinique’s latest addition to its Acne Solutions collection, a body treatment spray, is a welcome one, because we all know it’s not just your face that suffers from breakouts.

The medicated spray contains salicylic acid, which helps prevent and reduce blemishes, and it won’t stain your clothes. Just spray it on, let it dry and get dressed.

It’s available at Clinique counters in major department stores or online at www.clinique.com for $18.50.

Clothing complements new auto craze

With the reintroduction of Mini cars a success, the BMW-owned brand has shifted gears to put out a line of complementary clothing.

Mini MotoringGear, with its two-tone color schemes that mirror the Mini Cooper, is “designed to support the motoring lifestyle,” according to the company.

Featured items include a “two-day” reversible T-shirt for the days the road trip went farther than you expected and a padded-elbow shirt for drivers and passengers who like to zip around with their arm resting on the window.

The Suntan T has zip-off sleeves, offering seven different lengths, allowing motorists to adjust their sun-protection factor.

Many items feature Monte Carlo rally-inspired graphics.

Belts can act as accents, body-shapers

You bought a belt. It looked great in the magazine and even better on the mannequin but now that it’s hanging in your closet, you’re unsure what to do.

Valerie Abrams, executive designer at Luxury Accessories International, says the beauty of a fashion belt is how easily it transforms an everyday look, changes a mood or spices up a silhouette all without drastic change.

Her tips include:

For long skirts and fitted shirts, try a wider belt. It not only updates the silhouette but also makes a strong statement. Try bridle leather belts for casual days, luxury exotics for dress and vintage, bohemian looks for fun.

For hip-hugging pants, which are often without loops, look for low slung, contoured belts in either wider widths or unusual skinny styles. The key is the curved shape that will hang low and hug your hips.

To belt your favorite dress choose a standard 1 1/8-inch size. Try a softer leather belt that has a smooth feel with no holes and that adjusts easily to hold in and flatter your body. This kind of style can do double duty on the waist or hip.

Abrams suggests switching belts based on the season. Try narrow, classic belts for summer short skirts and capri pants. Save colorful exotic leathers and wider sizes for fall.

Hair gel gives you the beach look

If you want beach hair, but you can’t spare the time to drive to the shore, Nolita has the answer. The hair-care line inspired by the area of New York City just north of Little Italy includes Grit Gel, a hair gel with a sandy feel that gives you a feel of that windblown look you get after a day at the beach. Plus, it has great hold to boot, and it doesn’t make your hair feel dirty.

Other products in the line include a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed to counteract pollutants’ effects on the hair, molding clay for “extreme texture and hold” and firm-hold aerosol hairspray.

The products are available at some salons and cost between $12 and $18. To find a distributor, visit www.nolitahair.com or call (800) 456-9322.

Soy makes eyes, skin look younger

Soy products have gotten a lot of press recently for their health benefits. Now Lancome is using soy along with wild yam and sea algae to help lessen signs of aging around the eyes.

The new Absolue Eye Absolute Replenishing Eye Treatment aims to restore moisture, improve skin firmness, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, revive skin clarity and radiance and brighten the eye area with light diffusers.

A half-ounce jar is available for $60, and Absolue treatments for the rest of the face cost $90 for 1.7 ounces of cream or 2.5 ounces of lotion. All the formulations are available at Lancome counters.