Some Hot Stuff For The Summer

Summer is fast approaching, with its usual coterie of fads and fashion. It changes every year, but Early Show Contributor Laurie Hibberd has been keeping an eye on the trend horizon.

How to be hot and cool at the same time? It's not an easy thing to accomplish, but Hibberd gives it a shot with a special summer "Hib List."

• Never mind about Sisquo and "The Thong Song." The thongs you'll see this summer will be on your feet. Casual footwear is all the rage, and it's a great way to show off that pedicure.
• Capri pants started as a trend last season, but this year you can't get away from them. The mid-calf look is great for people who don't want to show too much leg.
• Looking for a hot bathing suit? Well, this summer, it better be colorful. Polka dots and flowers are both very popular.
• If you want to look good in that bathing suit but don't have time for all those sit-ups, Hibberd points you toward the Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in New York City. They'll help you get rid of excess tummy flab with a mix of aroma therapy and massage that stimulates the midsection and rids the stomach of excess fluids. After going twice a week for six weeks, you're ready for the beach.

  Of course, nothing can really take the place of exercise and eating right. But if you need a quick fix, this can help.

• For kitschy summer entertainment, try the party bands B-52s and the Go-Gos. They're launching a national tour July 7 in Detroit, which could be the retro concert to see this year.
• If you prefer new music, have a listen to Lara Fabian, whose debut album just hit the stores. The Belgian singer has been compared to Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion.
• This summer, the hottest thing on two wheels is The Razor. It's a collapsible scooter that weighs 6 pounds and costs $100. It's available at the Sharper Image Web site.
• A couple of new products are designed to keep you protected. For children, Coppertone has Wacky Foam Sunblocks. They go on the skin in all different colors and smells, making it fun for kids to put on their sunblock. For the adults, Charles Booth has something called The Sun and Swim Hair Wash and Gel. These are great for protection from salt water and chlorine, and they help stop your color from fading.
• Also for adults: Buying a scooter online is one thing, but a car? Volkswagen has just released two limited edition colors for the Beetle. Vapor and Reflex are only available online at the Volkswagen Web Site, and there are only 2,000 available.