Suit up.

On days like today I can hardly keep my thoughts drifting into that summer frame of mind. So much to look forward to. Sandals, shorts, and most importantly...swimsuits. I've been on a pretty serious hunt for a striking one, but haven't found THE one yet.


That's the thing about swimsuit shopping though--it's definitely one of the more frustrating shopping endevers of the year. You never know exactly what kind of punch winter packed to that once flat stomach and those used-to-be-flawless legs. That is...until you try on that vintage hot pink one piece with all of the rouching up the front.


Not only do you have to find one that suits you and your features, but also one that suits your body type. Here's a few tips to make that a little easier:


HOUR GLASS FIGURE- Go for swimsuits that flaunt what you got, sister. If you're hourglass, chances are you can't go wrong with a bikini or two piece, and one pieces with cut outs will flatter you as well. If you're busty, try the swimsuits with underwire (experiment with different amounts of support).


BOYISH FIGURE- Big benefit of having a boyish figure? The ability to wear (most) bandeau tops. Bandeau tops, especially with detailing like ruffles/rouching/etc give the allusion of a bigger chest (of course a push up type swimsuit is always helpful, as well). Try swimsuits that accentuate your favorite parts of your figure. For example: I am a huge fan of my waist and my collarbones/shoulders, so I think i may try one of those retro, high waisted, two piece pin up girl-esque swimsuits. I'm actually not sure who that style WOULDN'T flatter.


CURVY FIGURE- I'm going to completely reiterate the pin-up girl style swimsuit here, however, if you are insecure about your midsection then I would suggest going for the one piece version. Totally just as cute, but you feel more comfortable. Skirted one pieces can definitely be flattering (if they are not tacky skirts, e.g. kmart style) and so can halter two pieces that have a wider style of cup. (Excessive side boob is never cute)










A little insecure about being in your suit pool side, or while walking down the beach? Easy. Cover ups have recently taken a turn for the better and can accentuate your swimsuit, as well as your body. Thin fabric is the way to go. Maxi dresses work well, too.

As far as your hunt for the perfect swimsuit goes: I wish you good luck, and I send you off with some hopefully helpful information. Namely: where I've seen the cutest ones so far this season.

From L to R: (row 1) Victoria's Secret, Modcloth, (row 2) Betsey Johnson, and Anthropologie. I would even try etsy if you're feeling spunky! There are some very talented swimwear designers (and otherwise) who are in the beginning stages of making their grand debut.

I hope this was helpful!
Questions? comment below.


until next time
Lo




Currently Listening to: Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

Top Ten: Colors for Spring

Waking up last week with the satisfying feeling of knowing it was 70 degrees outside was such a refreshing way to wake up after this winter's brutal reign. But for it to have lasted more than a week would, clearly, have been too good to be true. Wind, rain, and gloom have encompassed this postless week for long enough, and I decided now was a great time for a spring pick-me-up post. Some things to look forward to, if you will. Namely: color.

According to Pantone these are the top 10 fashion colors for this spring. These colors were the quintessential colors seen at New York Fashion Week. They will be taking over our favorite stores, makeup counters, and accessory boutiques so might as well pick a few favorites. The colors are bright, exotic, and a definite remedy for the dark browns and blacks that have made up our winter wardrobes. 

I think the coolest thing about these colors is that a lot of them can be mix and matched. Pairing the yellow and purple would complement the two of them well, but putting the orange with the purple would give it an unexpected pop. The 3 neutrals (the brown, the pink, and the gray) are very easy to toss around every day as well. These colors not only will be big in spring, but will be easy to transition into next fall as well.

A combination of these trendy colors, a bold lip, wedges, and a pair of your favorite sunglasses are all you'll need to look drop dead fabulous this spring and summer. 

And believe me, there is nothing dull and dreary about that.

until next time
Lo

currently listening to: Ben Folds & Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue

Spring Fever

This morning when I stepped out on my balcony I expected to be faced with another morning that was a little to brisk for my taste. What happened instead is that I was suddenly over come with spring fever, and a day that was 75% completed sans cardigan. I got in a little while ago, and I want to say my car thermometer read 60 degrees. Thank you, sweet sweet groundhog, for predicting an early spring this year. I owe you one.

Outfit of the Day

I technically wore this outfit last weekend, but temperatures were pretty similar to how they were today, so I'm posting this guilt free.

Tank top- William Rast for Target. I got this tank top for my birthday from my mom. It was on clearance when we ordered it online, and with target's lack of shipping costs, it was a steal for about $8. It's a light pink color (a  current fave of mine) and made of a thin, slick, soft material. I could look on the tag to be more specific, but it's in hamper land right now, and begging not to be disturbed. I really love this top, and expect to be wearing it often this spring and summer.

Cardigan- Urban Outfitters. I got this cardigan last spring on clearance at urban. It's a really thin material, and a size up from what I normally get so it hits the big baggy notes that I crave every so often. It kept me just warm enough (and offered my hands some shelter in it's pockets) and was easy to store in my purse when it seemed to warm for it.

Jeans- Levi's. Levi's are my holy grail of jeans. Never do they fail me. The only thing I'll wear more than my Levi's this spring is my jeggings...and don't even get me started on those. They are a lighter denim and have a few rips and the perfect stretch. Skinny fit, aka the only jean fit I ever buy, but not to tight. Perfect.

Boots- Lucky Brand. I got these boots for my birthday, and ohhhh my lord do I love them. They are military/work boot style, olive green, lace up, and comfortable as can be. They tops and tongue can be worn up or folded down (depending on the look you are going for). I got mine at Belk, but as far as I know they are still available on Lucky's website, and are available in the green color I have as well as black. They are made very well and I can tell I'll be wearing them for a few years before they give out.

I already know this spring/summer I'll be doing the half tuck I did with my shirt this day. I love the way an outfit looks with a tucked in top, but leaving it untucked makes it look more relaxed...the solution? If you tuck in a bit of your shirt in the front you still get the length in your torso, but the remaining part of the shirt that is left untucked keeps your outfit looking easy going and comfortable. Voila, an easy way to amp up your outfit.

Spring Fling
When it feels as good as it did today outside it is hard for me NOT to drive with my windows down and my music turned up ridiculously high. Here's my driving playlist of the moment:

• Annie waits - Ben Folds
• Howling for You- Black Keys 
• Wagon Wheel-Old Crow Medicine Show
• Calamity Song-The Decemberists
• Dog Days are Over-Florence and the machine 
• All the Pretty Girls -Fun.
• Tight rope-Janelle Monae
• Camera Talk-Local Natives
• Kids-MGMT
• Winter Winds-Mumford and Sons
• Mutiny, I Promise You-The New Pornographers
• Badman-Newton Faulkner
• Little Secret-Passion Pit
• Holiday-Vampire Weekend
• Let's Dance to Joy Division-The Wombats

**click on the link above to hear the whole playlist**


Spring trends I'm Stoked About
According to the magazines, blog posts, youtube videos, and websites I've been reading there is a lot to look forward to this spring, but to narrow down the huge, intimidating list of trends that is going to be enveloping our malls and boutiques within the coming weeks, I'm just going to rant about a couple of my favorite up and comings.


BALLERINA
The ballerina trend is something I've been a fan of since I realized what it entailed: pretty girly dresses, chiffon (aka sheer, my fave), flowy silhouettes, frills, neutral colors, and bodysuits. All of the above are something I crave to wear in the springtime. I love the femininity they bring to the table.

white top-topshop, chiffon skirt-urban outfitters, 

rouched blue dress-topshop 

SIDEBAR: I am a sucker for neutral colors and chiffon, so those will definitely be a huge part in my spring wardrobe.

70'S

 I never hear anything positive about fashion in the 70s. Even when I was in a history of fashion class, the teacher did nothing but grimace through that chapter in the book. This seasons modern take of the 70s style is really intriguing to me. Bold colors, longer hemlines, crochet, and bright patterns made for a delicious spectacle on the runway. I cannot wait to wear rompers, crop tops, and MAYBE even a maxi dress.. but I think we all know about how I feel about those on short people. Either way, whether this spring trend lives in fame or infamy, i'm excited about it.

both the top and dress are from topshop

until next time

Lo

currently listening to: The Avett Brothers Live: Volume 3

Pinks and Hyperlinks

"This whole bipolar login situation is killing me. I want to have a semi-regular posting schedule. But at the moment this desire of mine seems a little bit impossible. Fingers crossed though. I have a big post due during this weekend :)


2011 Color of the Year

"Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."


Honey suckle is going to be the source of inspiration for many a color schemes in design this year. A seemingly spring/summer color, honeysuckle has already proven it's diversity, appearing in fall shows in Berlin's fashion week last week. Color's that would work well when paired with honey suckle include: neutrals (white, black, tan, cream, etc), reds, oranges, turquoise, yellow, blue,  and many pastel type colors (except, what i'm going to call, orange sherbert. You can picture it. I know you can).  This color has the potential to look amazing on every skintone (especially in cosmetics, but do be weary of how pigmented the certain item is. If it's blush: use sparingly. Clown doesn't look good on anyone.)


Don't forget: this color won't just be relevant for fashion, but for all types of design: interior, graphic, web, etc.


Keep your eyes peeled for the pink.

all images/quotes in this segment cited to pantone

Feather Hair Extensions

I am in love with my feather extensions. My obsession started around Christmas time when I noticed my friend Holly (and several of her friends I didn't know) had them in at her Christmas party. While I was at home for the holidays they were all I could think about so, immediately, when I got back I got some put in! 

Feather extensions are put in using a method called "cold fusion." This means, the placement of the feathers are determined, a bead is slid around the hair and feathers, and then the bead is secured to the hair. The cold fusion method is damage free and will hold until you get it removed. Feather extensions can be blow dried and styled, but can only take minimal heat. What does this mean for straightening and curling? You must must must allow your heat tools to cool before you use them on your feathers. Otherwise you risk damaging them.


I know from experience that they are easy to manage, add edge to any look, and are quite the conversation starter. I got mine done at Lucy Pop Salon in Nashville. All of the stylists there are super stylish, super cool, and super good at what they do. If you're looking for a salon in the 615 I highly recommend them.


Wishlist-Cocktail Dresses
Because every girl has that list of things she drools over when she's online shopping.
all dresses are available for purchase on modcloth.com

starting from top left and going across then starting at bottom left etc: 1) Romantic Incarnation dress, $89.99 (2) Under the Dark Sky dress, $84.99 (3) Classic Combination dress, $72.99 (4) Break Fashion Myths frock, 74.99 (5) Gold Deposit dress, $97.99 (6) Debut of Venus dress, out of stock. 




until next time
Lo

Currently Listening To: 

Kid Cudi : Man on the Moon-End of Day