Ah, what a relief!  The sun is finally making an appearance today, and while the temps aren’t soaring, it still reminds me that summer is pretty much here and that bathing suit season has officially arrived.  Before dread washes over don’t fear, there are oodles of options out there that will compliment various body types, and I am also including some secret tips so help you look long, lean, and luscious while lounging poolside.

My first BIG time tip is to buy your bathing suits in a larger size than you would normally wear.  Why?  Because you don’t want to pinch and squeeze the fat of course.  We all have an area on our bodies that we would like to minimize, for many of us women out there with extra-fleshy hips buying a bigger suit (bottom – if a two piece) definitely comes in handy.  The best style to don when scaling down the hips is the tie up bottom.  If you wear a size 4 normally buy an 8 instead and tie the bows toward the front instead of the middle so that the focal point is the girly bow and not the area you’d rather forget. 

If you’re not super well-endowed, while it may seem opposite to buy larger, you should still do it… especially if you’re planning to don a triangle style.  Why?  When you go smaller, you’re drawing attention to a small bustline, however, if you go a little bigger it will cover more surface area creating the illusion of a fuller upper half.  Other good options for small chested lassies are bandeau styles adorned with ruffles again to create the illusion of more fullness

Bikinis aren’t the only swimsuits on the market… One pieces are actually making a big comeback with retro-styles taking a lead and monokinis making a definite mark.  I love the 1950’s Esther Williams styles that are done in halter styles, that almost look like ultra-mini dresses.  These styles are not only fun and flirty but also super flattering and would look good on a stick thin figure or someone with a little meat on her bones.  Monokinis on the other hand, aren’t for the shy and reserved.  These one pieces with strategically cut-out sections showing off whatever… These styles are NOT easy to wear and guarantee a second glance or two, however if you have the nerve monokinis are a great alternative to the standard bikini – but be warned, will cause strange tan lines.

What styles should you avoid altogether?!  I say a resounding “NO” to any athletic style one pieces.  (Picture the high school swim team.)  These bathing suits really don’t look good on ANYONE – they automatically take away all curves and flatten out the chest instantly!  If you want to look like a boy this is the suit for you.

I am also not partial to bikini bottoms that don’t have the ability to be adjusted – again because of the fat pinching – however if you are blessed with bones and no pudge then give it a try.

Another thing to remember, is always rinse out your suit after a day in the sun.  It’s important to get the sunscreen, chlorine, or salt water off your suit as soon as possible as these things will wear away at the elastic in the suit and make it unwearable.

So what about all the ladies out there who just can’t stand the thought of a bathing suit PERIOD?!  Beach cover ups are chic and fun to wear, and look absolutely beautiful on the sidelines.   I love caftan and tunic styles in whisper thin chiffon-like fabrics that offer a peek of what’s beneath but keep areas you want to keep a secret hidden.  If your comfortable showing some skin, mini ruffly skirts are super cute to throw on and keep your bum covered up while you make your way to the snack bar or restroom. 

Besides cover ups it’s also great to accessorize your suit with jewelry and pretty/fun hats.  1970’s inspired floppy straw hats are in right now and will shade your pretty face from the harmful rays, while straw fedoras are a trendier alternative.  Hate the hats?  Try tying on a beautiful printed silk scarf to cover up your newly highlighted or colored hair – scarves are super chic and look fabulous paired with solid hued suits.  And finally, don’t forget to throw on some colorful bracelets, a cool drape-y necklace, some hoop earrings, and of course your supersize shades for that incognito effect.

I could sit and sift through my closet and drawers for hours coming up with various combinations … I love finding old items that I forgot I had and mixing and matching them with newer items recently acquired!  Conversely, I also like surfing the web and finding cool accessories and other such things and fantasizing about how I would wear them together.  So, in the spirit of my “hobby” I am dedicating this particular posting to cute ensembles that are worthy of a fun-filled weekend.  I hope you all find some inspiration!

Lunch With The Girls

Dinner With Your Man

Mother’s Day Brunch

I attended an event this past weekend where the majority of attendees donned hats which got me thinking about wearing hats and who does it right and who gets it wrong.  The muses above look great because they chose hats that compliment and not detract from their overall look.  As you can see above, depending on the style you choose,  hats can be for dress up days or for a casual day running errands.  Remember though ladies, etiquette dictates that hats are not to be worn after 5… So if you’re attending a black tie event or cocktail party, leave your topper at home.

Sometimes, and I mean sometimes my short self neglects the skinny stiletto heel or 5 inch platform for a walk friendly flat shoe.  Of course, the problem is that I can’t always find a flat shoe that fancies me… Either they are too flat, not flat enough, or just not right PERIOD.  But, when I think about the days that I may be spending in the near future pounding the pavement or just standing more than usual I am on the hunt for some shoes that will still compliment my wardrobe and keep me stylish.

Sandals are in all of our near futures (don’t forget to paint those tooties ladies!) and will look great with everything – skirts, dresses, pants, shorts, and denim.  I am personally partial to a “substantial” sandal look as opposed to a dainty unnoticeable one this season.  I would love these black ankle sandals with leggings and a tunic for a nouveaux boho look. In keeping with the attention to ankle I also dig these gilt’ed gladiators that would be a standout paired with an all-white ensemble (or any color for that matter)… I can so picture these golden goodies, though with a flowy white sundress, and simple gold accessories!

If you truly can’t get a grasp on the in-your-face looks above, a classic flip flip with pretty embellishments may be more your speed.  I love these pictured left and can see them best paired with a simple sheath dress and cute straw satchel.  OR, don these babes with your favorite swimsuit and sarong poolside. 

Sandals aren’t the only way to flat out style… A quirky flat shoe may be all you need to max out your favorite daytime look.  I love the rainbow suede shoe featured right and would most likely match it up with ankle denim, an oversized white tank or tee, bright earrings, and perhaps a solid color (think grey) forehead headwrap.

You simply can’t escape a SJS post without a lick of leopard.  How sweet it would be to pair these lovlies with a sleek black pencil skirt and nice blouse… Oooh, La la!

For an ultra-casual cute weekend look try these bow’ed up robin’s egg blue flat sling backs.  These adorable must-haves would be the perfect punctuation for one of spring’s girly floral skirts or frocks.  Finish your look with an ultra-fem oversized straw sun hat for extra oomph!

Red is always a good shoe color choice since they go with so many things.  My favorite part of these sweet round-toed flats to the left is the Chanel-esque chain strap.  I picture these cuties with a full black and white circle skirt and simple strapless tube top. 

Flats are fabulous – buy yourself a pair and spare your feet for a day or two!

We all want to look like catwalk stalkers, but unfortunately most of us don’t have the dough to get the exact look.  While it’s fun to window shop at the high end designer stores, I revel more in finding less expensive versions that mimic the exact getup I saw on the runway.  So, now is your chance to look like a million bucks (even though you didn’t spend nearly that much!) SHOP ON!

Boy do I love Balmain and boy do I want to rock out some of the quintessential looks that make up the Sprin9 2009 collection.  What’s cool about this look?  Slashed skin-tight stretchy white denim, loose, but not too loose silk cami, broad shouldered boyfriend jacket, and get-out-of-my-way sexy studded shoes. 

Begin your hunt for denim on a budget by hitting up Wet Seal where you’ll find the second skin white ruched denim featured below for a mere $29.50.  Nope, they don’t have the hole-y knee, but with a pair of scissors I trust that you fashionistas out there won’t have a problem with a little DIY.   Jacket?  Head to Express where you’ll find a fabulous black blazer for $79.50…  Don’t fret about your shelling out lots of moolah for your white cami.  You’ll get the same effect with a $10.00 men’s Hanes undershirt, save the left-overs for your sweet shoes.  I love these from Piperlime that will have you doling out $75.00.

The collections from the fashion power house Chloe always get me going and this Spring was no different.  The buttery colors and baggy shapes exemplify style to the max.  I was pumped to have found a very cute onesie that almost perfectly imitates the high end piece!  Woo Wee! Psst… for $34.50

Want the pretty bow shoes too?  Give these a try… What a terrific way to tie it all together!  I found these cuties at endless.com for $60.00. 

Just think about all the things in your closet that you could wear these with…

Gucci, cucci, coo… Love the menswear inspired looks from Gucci Spring 2009 RTW?  It’s simple to replicate these slouchy cropped pants, floral pop, and casual appeal.

The most important part of getting this look JUST right are the pleated trousers.  I found a similar and way more affordable pair at a cool site called Pixiemarket.com – these au currant trousers come in at a cool $132.00!  What a difference from Gucci price tags!  Another great find?  A straw fedora, I was floored when I stalked out this versatile one at Target for a mere $3.25 – WHAT?!?  I am thinking it would look just as sweet poolside too…

The pretty floral top peeking from beneath adds a fem touch in the midst of all the masculine madness.  I like this one for a slick $24.50. 

You may even want to don that sparkly cropped jacket featured above to replace the basic black blazer from your Balmain look for night time!

So, are you headed to a gluttonous Super Bowl party this weekend, and want to look stylish but yet, laid back?  The following are a few quick ensembles that score high points with style but won’t look out of place next to the super fan who decided to don his or her favorite team’s jersey.  

Skinny jeans, a fun printed top, and knee-high black boots are casual enough, but still not over the top.  I love the added ruffle detail to the top which adds major interest to generic gingham.  For added warmth and appeal, try topping everything off with a black knit beanie.

Above, you will notice the focus is on on-point accessories.  Pair this full-of-style dolman sleeved basic black top with some skinny jeans or something perhaps a little more distressed and boot cut.  Make a boring knit top and jean ensemble more juiced up by adding an of-the-moment across the forehead embellished headband and choosing a drippy architectural necklace as your jewels.

Maybe comfort is your only game plan.  Forgo your favorite denim and don stretchy leggings instead.  Cover your bum by throwing on a longer-length sweater-type top and finish with some flat heeled boots.  I am particularly partial to the ones above because they have the ability to be worn over the knee, and the not-quite-brown cognac color is versatile and will go with anything.  So what will you wear to your Super Bowl party?

This year I have found myself mildly infatuated with hats and have been wearing them more often than not. I dig them not only for their cool-ness and ability to transform an outfit, but also for the warmth factor! As soon as fall struck this year I pulled out my woolen crocheted beanie for instance and pitter pattered around town in it. My first purchase was chartreuse and I loved that one so much that I have now grown my collection to include 2 black ones (different styles) and one cream. How to wear one of these babies? I think hair down is a must. If you have swept to the side long bangs wear the beanie far enough back that you are exposing your bangs but making sure your ears are covered. No bangs? Wear the hat down on your forehead just hovering above your eyebrows and again make sure your ears are covered (this helps the hat lay just right). What to wear with one? I love wide leg jeans and a slouchy knit top OR mix it up a bit and try it with a full short skirt, turtleneck, opaque tights, and to-the-knee boots! I also like this particular style paired with something super dressy as it tends to down play formality. Remember its always good to mix something glitzy with an opposite to create an interesting combination.

Cloches are big right now too! What’s that you ask? Its a more rounded shape with a brim goes straight down. These vintage-y looking numbers are the perfect accompaniments with an adorable traditional pea coat or other fitted 3/4 length coat. I also love these hats paired with a basic pair of jeans, cute ruffled blouse, and cardigan sweater. You’ll just love how the hat brings that basic ensemble to a new level!

Another cool retro look is the floppy hat circa 1970. This larger than life hat isn’t for the faint of heart nor the super petite or short sect. This fabulous fashion piece would be terrific on a taller women who enjoys wearing tailored pieces. The best way to style this hat would be with wide-legged high waisted dress pants in a pretty neutral (think gray) and a fitted ribbed knit turtleneck in the same shade with a wide belt at the waist… OH, and don’t forget the platform pumps and oversized shades to really up the ante!