Let's Talk Swimsuits!

 I love sitting by the pool, drinking sweet iced tea, listening to smooth jazz, with no worries. This is one of my ways to relax during the summer months. Shopping for a swimsuit can be quick and easy. We've all seen those pictures that show what type of swimsuit to pick out for your body type. I'll try to simplify with words here and show examples at the end. The body type termed "boyish" figure, which I don't like by the way, is for the small figured, less curvaceous woman. If this shape belongs to you, reach for that printed 2 piece with a top that has a defined bust line and bottoms that have gathering detail on the sides for the illusion of curves. Any print will also add to the "curve appeal."  If you're really blessed on top or really blessed on the bottom, try this: Reach for the padded halter top that will keep "them" up and in; The bottoms that offer full coverage can be your go-to. Full coverage bottoms can also hide stretch marks and can also help "hold in" in a round stomach. For you hour glasses, cut out one pieces are gorgeous for you. If you "2 piece it", avoid those hipsters, aka boyshorts. Those can tend to "non-accentuate" your waistline. If you are "curvaceously curvy", one piece suits that draw the waist in are flattering-usually these suits will have a geometric pattern on them. Swimsuits, 2 piece or 1, are made to draw attention to certain parts of the body. While you're shopping, you have to decide what you don't mind showing. This is what I say about shopping for clothes in general: In the end you have to be comfortable with what's in your mirror, but have fun and try something new. 

If a 1 piece is always your go-to, choose a style similar to this, with an accentuated waist line, plenty of "top" support, and full bottom coverage. Reach for a bright color. Even though I've used this picture as an example, this color is actually gorgeous on any skin tone.

This picture shows an example of the style of bottoms that honor the hour glass figure. I mentioned avoiding hipsters in my post. Those can give the illusion of the "muffin top".

Here is the geometric pattern that will either accentuate the waist line or give an illusion of a waist line.

This is an example of bottoms that will give you the desired full coverage.

Here is the style I was referring to for the small figured woman.

This is just one example, amongst hundreds, of the "1 piece cut out" I mentioned for hour glass figures.

Beauty Outside

With the exception of this one, it seems most of my Memorial Day weekends are spent outside - eating! Depending on your location, this weekend can be tricky on the weather front. The weather can be perfect with just the right amount of sun and breeze or it can be blazing hot with no breeze (which doesn't bother me at all!). Oh wait. I forgot one. it can also be cloudy one minute, sunny the next, then intermittent rain. I digress. Regardless of your situation, other than your grilled food, here are a few items that can help get you through the elements. Don't leave home without that SPF protection. Yes I'm talking about sunscreen that some of us don't think we need. I reach for the unscented spray-on sunscreens.  The spray-on sunscreen products go on smoother than the lotions. I always wear an SPF lip balm underneath a tinted gloss to keep my lips moisturized. Although some of you can't help that you shine bright in crowds, to help control that unwanted extreme face shine- you know the kind that can give you that un-sexy, greasy look- try a loose, bronzed powder. If applied extremely light, it can be used the same as a pressed powder. Leave room in your bag for your favorite travel size scent. I prefer a roll-on scent or a small spray. I don't know if it's possible to completely avoid smelling like charcoal, but having my favorite scent at my fingertips just makes me feel better. A few of my favorite "outside" beauty products are listed below. Have a happy one.

May-be Fashionably Late

May can sometimes feel like December, when it comes to the pocket book with all the holidays, graduations, party invites and gift buying. It would be easy to spend a fabulous penny on clothes to keep you looking your best for each event. But because you know the power of mixing and matching, you don't have to spend too much (unless you want to). I think people treat graduations like weddings; just because it's warm outside doesn't mean you should wear denim shorts to a graduation. The dress for a graduation is on the same lines as dressing for a wedding. Look like you are going to a celebration, but not in a way that draws attention (Well, maybe a little attention won't hurt). Go for a classic full skirt with a loose fitting blouse. For that memorial day barbeque you have planned, here is your chance to wear denim shorts. You can pair that same blouse with shorts...and I dare you to add a pop of color by pairing with bright colored shoes-have fun with it. If you know you'll be outside for a lengthy amount of time, to save your legs from mosquitoes, opt for cropped linen pants, still keeping those bright colored shoes of course.  For you party animals that won't be satisfied with just an outside barbeque, for your night out, take that same full skirt and pair with a fitted strapless top or go backless. 10 more days of May, make it count!

"Plane" Clothes

Warm weather is moving in on us (maybe for you extra lucky ones, perhaps you are feeling the heat right now!) and so are peak traveling times. Sitting in an airport presents so many opportunities to hand out fashion violations. While going through security, the last thing we want to think about is whether we are ready for a fashion photo shoot or not. I get that. But we don't have to look like "who did it and why" when we travel. I promise. So, my ideas for "flying cute" go like this; If you don't want to freeze to death on the plane, I'd stay away from wearing shorts. I find jeans uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods of time, so I usually opt to wear leggings or jeans (bright colors of course!)  that are made of a stretch blend. Linen pants are also a great option because you don't have to think about wrinkles, they are heat friendly, but will keep your legs from turning into icicles on the plane. This is where you can reach for that maxi dress..again (it's so versatile, it's ridiculous!).  Pair it with a denim jacket or any jacket or sweater light enough to quickly fold and tuck away into your bag once you land (I know how annoying it is to walk around with bulky jackets and sweaters and luggage!).

Now, can I get a window seat?