This is dedicated to all the ruffles out there gracing our Spring and Summer wardrobe. To the gathered fabric that has added the perfect touch of femininity to dresses, skirts, and even socks for so many years.

The best part about ruffles is that they work for everyone: they flatter the parts that you want them to and they give you a playful look... great for everything summer has to offer. Vera Wang has beautifully incorporated ruffles in her Spring 2010 looks with gathered black chiffon paired with printed dresses, leaving the two elements to compliment each other in a unique combination.

Embellishing the back is the latest trend for Spring and Summer. How cute is the utilization of ruffles details for new Summer arrival tanks? Yet, my favorite use of ruffles is on cardigans... I have always been a cardigan fan growing up watching Mister Rogers. I love the integration of ruffles with cardigans. Whether on the neckline or on the chest (adding a little extra oomph for those who are lacking in the breast department). FYI: Ruffles are one of the  best solutions to enhance your bust-line, keep this in mind for when you are searching for swimsuits.

A great idea that is seldom seen, is the use of ruffles on heels, but once you catch a glance I promise you there is no going back. Now that summer is near, the must have accessory is a pair of neutral toned ruffled heels: in colors such as; pastel pink, light charcoal, and nude. My must buy is Jeffrey Campbell’s  tan heels with a ruffled edge, creatively combined with a unicorn horn inspired heel. These pumps are just dying for my affection!

So stock up on some cheerful sun-dresses and a couple of high-waisted skirts with at least one ruffled accent- you are sure to turn heads... and perhaps indulge in some summer romance!

*image 1: Vera Wang: Ready to Wear Look 17

*image 2: Jeffrey Campbell: Jeffrey Campbell 'Michelle' Pump at Nordstrom: $119.95

*image 3: Magaschoni: Magaschoni Cotton ruffle cardigan $198.00 at Searle

*image 4: Vera Wang: Vera Wang Lavender Label black silk chiffon ruffle detail tiered gown $444.00$399.99 at Bluefly

"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.

SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?

KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.

SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?

KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.

SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?

KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.

SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?

KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.

SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?

KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.

SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?

KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.

SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress?

KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.

SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?

KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

For more photos: click here

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha