BlogHow many times have we dreaded going into the dressing room to try on swim suits? Well, this season, let’s embrace our inner Goddess selves! We can flaunt our assets by highlighting them, while we camouflage our perceived “imperfections” with certain tricks of trade. Armed with some tips for what will flatter your particular figure, you can choose a style that will not only fit well, but look great!
First things first, self acceptance is the key. Are you full-figured? Curvaceous? Slim? Celebrate your body type by choosing styles that will help you look fabulous and feel confident in your swimsuit.
For the voluptuous ladies who are more full through the hips and thighs, look for eye catching details above the waist (i.e., a pop of color, deep neckline or hardware) to draw attention to your upper body. Also, try an arched leg that hits about an inch below hip bone. Alternatively, a skirted bottom, with a slit or ruched sides, accomplishes the same thing and makes the look a bit more flirty. In addition, vertical stripes or graduated shading (light on top, dark on bottom) create a slimming effect. Just say ‘no’ to boy shorts and avoid any embellishments on the bottom.
If you have a tummy, not a worry! Marilyn Monroe had one as well, so you’re in good company. Suits that skim over the mid-section like an A-line tankini are magic. A ruched or textured fabric over the mid section works wonders too. And, guess what? You can wear a bikini, but choose high waist bands that are shirred or folded to give more coverage. Stay away from tight fitting tankinis, belts, and low rise or sting bottoms and you’re in good shape.
Underwire in the swimsuit is key for large-busted gals. Wide straps, boning and seamed cups help, too. In addition, halter tops with wide bands can offer support and show off the ‘girls’. And, let’s not forget about racer backs and high necklines. They are practical ways to keep you swimming in style and support. Skip the skimpy styles that lack structure.
Straight, slim figure? Lucky you! Try 3 dimensional details like ruffles or bold prints to make you look more curvaceous. Bottoms
with embellishments at the hip help to create a waistline; while horizontal stripes or a padded top will add volume. Opt for high cut sides that show off your hips. On the other hand, avoid vertical stripes, square necklines, or completely solid fabrics which can elongate and slim.
So, go out there, walk those beaches, or lounge by those pools in the swimsuit that’s perfect for you. Add a great hat, chic sunglasses, SPF, and a bit of attitude to complete your look. Remember…life is short, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Especially when there is so much to celebrate – and you’ll look fabulous this summer while you’re doing it!
1. Lighten Up – When it comes to staying cool for summer, it’s all about the fabric. Natural fibers pull heat away from your body, keeping you happily air conditioned. A dress made of rayon may appear lightweight and floaty, but it will do nothing other than trap heat. Look for clothing contents that include cotton, linen, and hemp, and avoid high percentages of rayon, polyester and nylon. Darker values attract high temperatures, so opt for lighter ones which actually deflect the sun and are more relevant to the season. As a side note, lighter fabrics sometimes = sheer. Just remember when see-through is and is not appropriate – and to stock up on camis!
For the Dad or Grad that has almost everything, now they will when you give them the Wenger EvoGrip Swiss Army Knife. With 15 features including a double-cut wood saw, can opener, and a Phillips head screwdriver, they’ll be equipped to handle any situation that may confront them on their upcoming adventures – whether it be opening up that imported beer that Dad enjoys while relaxing in the hammock – or the new Grad’s camping trip across the country.
Help them look spiffy with Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Pocket Squares. Pocket squares may be the quintessentially cliché Dad gift, but any guy will get a kick out of this brightly patterned set of three. And, why not set your Grad up for the fun times to come? You’ll be proud to accompany the recipient that sports one of these stylish squares. To buy: $48 for three, saks.com.
We recently spoke with Ruth Domber – owner of 10/10 Optics in NYC – to get the scoop on what to consider when buying new sunglasses this season. Combining style and safety is definitely the ticket. Even though many of us use our sunglasses to make a fashion statement, they function as our eyes’ line of defense from the sun’s damaging rays.
I love the American Express tagline, “Don’t leave home without it.” But, beyond the requisite credit card, what is ‘it’? And, is it possible to carry all of ‘it’ in a bag that won’t give you a lower back ache? The short answer is yes – and to think in terms of ‘travel’ sizes. Not knowing what surprises your day holds in store, here is a list of are some of the items (aside from the obvious: cell phone, cosmetic essentials, keys, sunglasses, and wallet) you’ll want to make sure leave the house with you. 
Even though she’ll probably say that she doesn’t “need” a thing, that doesn’t mean she won’t appreciate the gesture! What follows are a few items for your consideration, all under $100. Don’t forget to add a personalized note, which will probably mean more to her than the gift. Let’s face it…that’s just the kind of gal she is…and why you love her so much.
Who doesn’t love a pampering pedicure? Rather than just give a standard a gift certificate, why not wrap it up with a bottle of nail polish in one of this season’s hottest colors (the brighter the better). Then become partners in pedicures! Book the appointment for her and for you at your favorite nail salon and savor the time to catch up. (Under a $100, but the quality time is priceless!) Local nail salon
This set of 12 candles will light up her life, just as she has to you. Each has a plaque featuring a wish for her to focus on, such as joy, love, fun, and adventure. A tiny keepsake is revealed as these candles burn, each a reminder of the power of positive thought – and your warm wishes. ($69.95) www.redenvelope.com
Now that spring has officially sprung, it’s not only a great time to change your wardrobe, but to also change your beauty products. Before you run off to the makeup counter to purchase some of the season’s ‘must have’ cosmetics, you will want to look through your products and selectively edit. I can completely appreciate that many of us have at least a little (if not a lot) of trouble letting go of things, even makeup. However painful it may seem, you will want to edit your stash at least twice a year because cosmetics do expire. The not-so glam truth is that once you open a product and start to use it, it becomes exposed to the air and elements, not to mention bacteria, which can prove problematic for your skin 
We thought it would never come…a new season, warm weather, and a fresh start. Nature will soon do its thing as buds bloom, bulbs sprout, and green abounds. However, nothing happens without a little help from Mother Nature – and a lot of moisture! Those rainy days don’t have to be dreary. In fact, there’s no better way to welcome a few of April’s showers than to celebrate with color, texture and shine. 
If we’re talking spring trends, it’s probably time to go through our closets and pack away our winter items. It’s also a good time to weed out the clothing you haven’t worn for longer than you care to admit. (My general rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in two years, there’s a good chance you never will. BTW, if you need help determining whether something is a keeper or weeper, I can help!)
Most of us are now ready to step into spring in style. There are 7 great trends to look out for this season. Bright colors can be a fabulous mood-booster in the sunny weather, but it’s all about wearing the “right” bright. There is something for everyone! I know we’ve all done the stripe bit time and time again, but this spring, a nautical twist is in! Consider wearing a blue and white striped belt, shoe or purse if the widening effect cautions 
you.
o denying that prints predominate this season. Mixing and matching prints can turn up the volume in your wardrobe. Just make sure something is the same (i.e., the colors) to visually link the two patterns together and something is different (like the scale or motif). On a lighter note, sheer fabrics are great for this season as well. They are light enough for the spring and summer and can be layered in many ways. Just don’t forget to wear your fresh and flirty attitude with it! The last trend, which has been long overdue in my opinion, is the Midi/Maxi. Hemlines are headed south (below the knee) for spring. They look great in colder weather with a boot and just as fabulous in warmer weather with a wedge.