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.

Street fashion is my thing – and as my regular readers know, it’s one of my favorite things to feature on SJS postings.  Spring 2009 is a season of many neutrals from pants, tulip skirts, tanks, shoes – even make-up.  While some may shy away from the bland palette there are great ways to wear colors like this that look refreshing, current, chic, and enviable.  Who better than to show us all how to do it right?  Why this New York City hipster who obviously has the same fashion obsessions as many of us do (note the over-sized Louis tote – Love it)… What makes this lady’s ensemble so super cool?  It’s the accessories my friends – your basic bisques, khakis, and lattes will get an uber kick up with some shiny metallics or a dramatically darker shade to offset the similar colors that get lost together.  And finally, what else makes this get-up a little more interesting?  If you take a closer look you’ll see that this lassie layered her borderline filmy top over a triangle bikini top done in another seasonal must-have flower print.  The subtlety of the print adds just enough appeal while not being garish or inappropriate.  Who says swimsuits are only suited for the shore?! (Psst… I found a copy of this lassie’s Louis – Please note that a real LV will set you back far more than $78.00 – bust trust me no one will know the difference.)

While I covet my shoe and handbag collection, I am also quite enamored by my small grouping of sunglasses as well.  What better covers your peepers after a long and fun night than some over-sized shades  OR what’s a great disguise when you want to be a little more incognito than usual… You got it, sunglasses!  There are lot of great styles out these days – many of which are quite retro – the popular ones this season looking very Breakfast Club-ish circa 1980 – yes, we’re talking neon colored with flat square-ish tops and rounded bottoms – think the classic black Ray-Ban with a dose of color or pattern.  Round styles are also chic as are classic aviators. 

What to skip?  Mirrored lenses are really not stylish and actually border on creepy and wrap around sporty shades are better suited for an invigorating bike ride or run than worn with an evening cocktail dress or the like – in other words don’t go there.

1. $5.80              4.  $5.80            7.  $5.80           10. $187.00    13. $5.80    

2. $5.80              5. $5.80             8.  $5.80           11. $27.00       14. $5.80

3. $5.80              6. $153.00        9.  $15.00         12. $5.80         15. $5.80 

16. $ 5.80

Friday always gets me in the mood to shop (not that, that is hard to do) but I thought why not share some of the current items that I am lusting over with you TGIF’ers this very day that definitely won’t break the bank, but are highon the style meter.   Terrific threads sure are important, but accessories also make my heart go pitter-pat… So, enjoy dear readers I have been www’ing all morning looking for the perfect pants, most handsome handbags, beautiful bracelets, knock ‘em out necklaces, sassed-up sunglasses, jiving jumpsuits, fabulous frocks, and killer kicks.  WHEW… Oh, and ENJOY!

SEXY SHOES:

What’s better than a towering platform heel?  Not much for a shorty-pants like me.  This fab threesome above knocked my socks off (no I probably won’t do the sock trend this spring) and could be used all year round… From denim to damask these stilettos will be fabulous. 

Couldn’t you die over the “big” shoe trend?  I love gladiator styles and shoes that have multiple colors and oodles of ‘tude.  A prettied up fem floral frock would be made WAY more interesting with a pair of these gorge glads!

 DEAD-ON DRESSES:

I like this trio because I can wear them all now.  I love the architectural shape of dress #1 – very current and malleable – wear with bright tights, booties, and a shrunken leather number now and bare legs and sky-high heels later in the year.  Dress #2 would be cool with a long chunky sweater top  now and with flat fringed sandals later. Dress #3 makes florals functional all year round and would look super sassy with the first brown shoe shown above.

Jet-set Jumpsuits and Perfect Pantalones:

I have posted my love for jumpsuits already, but in case you are hungry for more, the two pictured above are simply easy to salivate over… Just think how comfortable you’ll be in your new onesie.  All you need to do is add an eye-catching belt and lots of jewels – try a wide cuff bracelet (get inspired below) and pretty long pendant necklace… Don’t forget your gladiators.

I love the high-waist pant… And you dear readers definitely know that already.  Just look at how much longer the leg looks in both of the styles shown and just think how well you can show off your new shoes with these abbreviated lengths. 

Sassy Satchels and Can’t Live Without Clutches:

Two are pretty, and one is more rock ‘n roll… Have to love them all though, right?!  The oversized black suede tote also has a convertible strap so you can wear it across the bod if you need to go hands-free.

Awesome Accessories:

Don’t have a PERFECT necklace, belt, ring, or cuff?  Try one of these on for size.  Always remeber, when piling on the sweet stuff make sure it shows up.. Skip dinky studs and mini-bracelets for something that speaks louder than words.

Cute Coats and Cover Ups:

Gotta love the ruffs on these pretty pink jackets and the petal toned bolero.  Try the sleeveless trench with over the elbow sheer gloves for a fun look or just layer over your favorite light sweater with kitchy pattern.

Shade your Peepers:

I have an abundant sunglasses collection and wouldn’t give any of them up… The bigger, the better is always my mantra.  Who doesn’t look better when their shades are on?  I totally dig the retro styles above that are totally hot right now.  Buy ‘em up and throw them on, I promise you’ll feel like a star!

Want the inside scoop on where to shop for these must-haves? Shoot me an email and I’ll help you shop til you drop!