July 4th is the official picnic day of the year!  Everyone gathers together throws “stuff” on the grill and overall enjoy each other for the afternoon.  But what to wear?  Skip the stilettos to avoid sinking into the grass and instead try a fashionable wedge for height.  If you can forgo the heels for a day stick with flats – either ballet round toes or a slip on sandal.  The following are some ensembles that are sure to steal the show when you show up to your outdoor soiree.

The safari dress featured to the far left is found at Forever21.com and comes in at $28.00 while the strappy wedge sandal can be purchased at revolveclothing.com by Report Signature for $83.00.  Accessorize your jungle-y look with nature inspired colors and materials like feather earrings ($3.80 – forever21.com) and a sweet leather cuff bracelet found at lulus.com.

I also love shorts for a summer event.  When I found these ABSOLUTELY adorable ruffled be-boppers I almost fainted!  Who could resist the pseudo skirt look that is both dressed up and casual since done in a rough and tough chambray.  Pair your favorite new “skorts” with a white top that gets extra attention with an oversized bow and playful buttons, hoop earrings with bows and a playful flat shoe printed with girly flowers and secured around the ankle with a skinny strap. 

Where to shop this look?  Lulus.com:

Top: $35.00

Skort: $32.00

Earrings: $10.00

Shoes: $42.00

It sure is hard to look fresh faced and remain sweat-free during the heated days of summer.  The past week has nourished us with a healthy dose of humidity and sunshine (both of which are welcome in my world) but also ask us to reevaluate wardrobe options so as to remain not only super comfortable but also look uber chic.  So, what to love? Crisp cottons in light colors like white, yellow, pink, and green are lovely and appear cool and refreshing.  Try a shirtwaist dress with an adorned flip flop sandal or a tropical print a-line shift – I like Lily Pulitzer.

Jersey knits are nice options as well – the most flattering done in maxi dress styles.  OR, if long dresses aren’t your speed, try a trapeze shaped knit top that flows away from the bod, paired with white or denim shorts.  Finish your look with metallic gladiators.

Linen is a breathable fabric that many folks turn to when the temps go up.  My beef with linen is the wrinkle factor, however the casual rumpled look is the epitomy of a chic beachcomber, so forget the wrinkles and enjoy your slouchy look.  Find these pictured right at Bananarepublic.com

Skip: Skin-tighy poly-blends that will make you ooze moisture in unflattering places, waist cinchers that will cause your dress/top to cling to you and make you feel more bloated and heat worn, leathers and suedes, plastic shoes or belts, and denim… I know some will fight be on this but jeans to me are hot, hot, hot and not in the “you look good way” but more in the stifling “get me out of these now” way.

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.