Sandy in all the right places

It’s about that time of the year again, swimsuit season! Typically referred to as “bikini season” but this year it’s all about the one piece. Not only is it a great change of pace from bikinis but there are so many one piece options out there, the one piece is no longer for competitive swim, your mom or skirted! Also, you can now find one piece swimsuits that are classic and modest or just as sexy on teeny tiny bikinis. Ch Ch check it out

knotty nautical

This first one piece I found on everythingbutwater.com which is a great swimsuit and cover up website, but its Michael Kors brand, so you will likely be able to find it in stores that carry good ole MK. This is a classic, nautical and modest one piece option. The draping across the waist and chest create side rouching which is really flattering on all body types and will easily hide any tummy problems you may have! While the idea of this swim suit is flattering for everyone be warned, if you have a long torso a strapless one piece is probably not the way to go. Many one piece swimsuits have a long torso option or you can go a size or two up and the stretchy-ness of the swimsuit should easily form everywhere else. Also, a one piece strapless swimsuit may not be your best friend if you’re big busted. What if you are well in dowd and love a strapless one piece? You can pull it off, just don’t expect to play beach volleyball or go jogging (if your into those beach time activities). Finally, at 120 this swimsuit is more on the economical side. 

G-Ma is that you?

Next, this Mara Hoffman swimsuit is not for the faint of heart. I found this particular swimsuit on swell.com a surf gear and clothing website that carries a variety of really cool and edgy clothing and brands. I have been shopping at swell.com for about four years and I have really been surprised how it has grown and developed its own brand. They carry everything from your surf basics like Roxy and Quicksilver to girly-er high end stuff like Mink Pink and Tolani. Also, once you order they are one of FEW companies that send you a paper catalog any more (which I LOVEEEE) and they are really good about sending emails with promos like free shipping. Back to this swimsuit, its cool, its edgy, the straps give this mostly solid one piece some interest. The solid body of the swimsuit and deep V create a really slimming effect. Also, the back is basically open with a criss-cross making this one piece pretty revealing. That all being said I think this swimsuit would look great on lots of girls, and look really hot with a black and white print sarong. At 253.00 you’re definitely paying for the brand name Mara Hoffman, but your less likely to run into a friend or stranger wearing the same thing!

working that print

I am in LOVEEE with this Trina Turk one piece, I found on Nordstroms.com. If you don’t know Nordstroms you're living under a rock, they are hands down one of the best department stores in the US. They carry a variety high and low brands, and if you can’t tell I am a huge fan. Also, hopefully you’re familiar with Trina Turk. Her clothing and swimsuits have a very specific look and she always makes really bright and awesome prints. I want this swimsuit sooooo bad for a few reasons. This one piece really covers all angles and is in a stand out print. The top isn’t too low cut but the jeweled cut out keyhole adds a little something extra. The straps are pretty thick, so they can hold everything up and there’s an extra little dip in the back with a second backside tie to keep everything in place. This swimsuit is really great for all body times, yummy tummies, big busted, rounder tush, whatever this swimsuit has got you covered. And the print really has any problem areas covered and disguised. You could pair this with white linen shorts and a jean jacket for beach to dinner, or just a plain white sarong. This swimsuit costs $156.00, so it’s a little bit of an investment but also really wearable and would likely pay off in the long run.

can't wait to see her tan lines

Finally, this swimsuit is like the LBD of swimsuits. I don’t know what it is about solid black swimsuits but they are just classy, timeless and hot all at the same time. Even if you’re rocking a solid black string bikini it just looks so cool! This swimsuit I found on nastygal.com, a website I have talked about before. Just as a refresher nasty gal is a really fun and trendy website with a variety of clothing types, generally not too expensive, and they offer a vintage section. This swimsuit is classic, yet probably the edgy-est of all the one pieces and its almost showing the same amount of skin as a two piece. The back of this swimsuit is plain with no bells and whistles, but that really lends the attention to the front, which may or may not be where you want the focus to lie. Just like the first Michael Kors swimsuit a strapless one piece won't leave any halter tan lines but it maybe hard to keep up. With all of those negatives in mind, I love the cut out design. The center knots make an illusion of three bows, with out being over the top obnoxiously cutesy.I think the look is cool and modern, with a twist (literally).  At 235.00 this swimsuit is a commitment, but hey maybe you're not seeing anyone right now? 

What do you think? Still think one pieces are for your granny? Could you swim competitively in a monokini? Better yet would you want to? 

Wonderland or Wander Lust?

So ya’ll remember the peter pan dress I bought a few weeks back that I was so in love with, I was likely to propose on the first date? Well, when it finally arrived the dress was less awesome and more dun dun dunnnnnn (cue the shocked, surprised and horror face). Let me give you the break down

1^st- Before I even opened the package I noticed a little white stain on the collar. Mildly disappointed when I touched it, the stain felt like burnt fabric but it was white on a black collar. So I figured it was some sort of makeup stain from somebody who had been handling it or someone who had tried in on in the store (if there is a store?) and they shipped it out to me because who was going to buy that in the store right? Regardless, I was thought a white stain on black fabric would be pretty easy to cover up, I was not excited about the stain but I have a few tricks that could likely fix it. This stain was just the tip of the iceberg.

2^nd – I took the dress out of the bag and I thought wow this looks short! Don’t get me wrong, I like a mini but this was short! So I finally got the dress on the thing barely covered my backside and I do not have a huge butt. I am sure at one point or another people have gotten a sneak peak of these cheeks but this dress (if we are still calling it that) was like Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton panty gate all rolled into one. Just in case I double checked the website to make sure I wasn’t delirious when I ordered said dress, and the website confirmed this item is marketed to consumers as a “dress”.

3^rd – The third and final nail in the coffin the buttons were too tight across the chest. From my description this dress just sounds way too small, I am sure but it isn’t so. Lots of parts like the sleeves and stomach area of this dress were roomy if not large but the buttons across the chest looked like they were going to burst! So needless to say this “dress” had to go back.This is where things get even fishy-er (like that is possible right?) Romwe doesn’t handle return shipping. I realize a lot of companies don’t, like I know Victoria’s Secret doesn't either but heads up online businesses return labels are awesome! Even you just write out the label for me and I still have to pay the UPS guy that’s cool but Romwe’s return address is China! Therefore the person and address are all literally another language, so I don’t even know if I wrote the return address correctly! Not to mention the guy at the post office told me once the package gets into Chinese jurisdiction they can’t track it even if I paid more for it! While I believe Romwe is on the up and up the post guy warned me of UGG scams etc. It’s hard to believe we put a man on the moon and can make dresses out of meat (cough lady Gaga) but we can’t ship something to China and back. Or make pantyhose that don’t run, but I suppose that’s a whole other story!

So was it a mistake on my behalf or just a fluke in the online retail system? Perhaps I will pray to Tom Cruise tonight and hope this whole getting a refund goes smoothly. 

Here Comes The Sun

The summer hasn’t quite heated up across the entire United States quite yet but in plenty of towns and cities things are heating up. When its sticky hot outside or the sun is up high in the sky it’s tempting to just slap on a tank dress or loose fitting gym type clothes, DON’T DO IT! Just like on the flip side when it’s super cold you’re tempted to bundle up in straight blankets, no need! You can face any weather situation in style (I will address rain another time).  

Selma Blair is a gorgeous girl known for movies like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde. I can’t say that she’s a fashionista or that I’ve noticed her style before but this look is summer cool. First and foremost the pastel shorts and white top look awesome together and they are cool colors that don’t attract the sun’s rays. Second, the fabric choice is perfection. Linen shorts maybe difficult to keep wrinkle free but they are one of the coolest fabrics around and great for summer. Not to mention linen shorts are really comfy while still looking polished. The white top is perforated to let air breeze threw and also creates a cute pattern. The pattern of the holes in the top reminds me of lace, but is less fussy, not as delicate and more modern. Personally, I would have chosen some t-strap or gladiator sandals but ballet flats are classic and girly to complete this look. Also, I am on the fence about the handbag. The color and print of the purse are on point but the bag itself is really shapeless, which is a negative factor in my book. Finally, Selma polishes off the look with a classic watch and black shades making this cool summer outfit the essence of girly summer cool. Stay cool Miss Blair, stay cool. 

photo credit people.com

New colors on the Block

This summer there are many trends popping up on celebs and fashionista’s alike but one I am particularly feeling is bright colors and color blocking.  Many bright colors are popping up in pants, shorts, and dresses like spring flowers. Mint and turquoise are making a huge come back and often seem to be paired with coral or pink.  Another popular look are bold colored pants like red or cobalt blue, these colors can easily be paired with white or black tops. Celebrities like Lucy Hale, Bethany Frankel, and even the Duchess of Style Kate Middleton have been rocking brightly colored pants, dresses and accessories. Furthermore here are my picks on what to buy now!

These super cute pink pants are from jack wills. Jack Wills is a really cool company that’s a cross between Vineyard Vines and Abercrombie & Fitch.  They embrace current trends while maintaining a classic look and British flair. These pants in particular are actually colored skinny jeans mostly cotton with 2% elastic will make them comfy enough to wear every week. This color is my favorite but these pants come in a bunch of other bright colors, and jack wills actually has a whole section on “super brights” that follow this trend, check it out at jackwills.com. I would wear these jeans with a black cotton top or navy tank. Those colors would really play up a contrast and bring out the soft pink. To get a more romantic look pair these jeans with a looser tan, cream or white blouse with pearls or gold jewelry. 

This mint and white stripe sweater is from nastygal.com.  Nasty gal is a website that has a variety of fashionable clothes, accessories, shoes and vintage finds.  I picked this particular sweater for a couple of different reasons. First, the color mint and white is really fun and could be worn with the pink jeans above or regular denim skinnies, white shorts, khakis, etc, the choices are really endless.  The sweater itself is a looser knit so you would likely need some underpinnings like a tank top, bodysuit or bandeau.  This sweater would be great for spring, cool summer nights and could even be layered on chilly fall/winter days. It’s a loose fitting look and to top off the cuteness factor it has a big pocket on the left chest. 

This bright orange dress I found on shopbop.com and is Milly brand. Shopbop is an incredible website that features a large assortment of high ender designer brand names. I originally started shopping on shopbop because they carry juicy couture and I kept shopping there for their variety. This dress is right on trend with the bright color but the lines of the dress are retro classic. The belted waist with a sweet bow will be flattering on most every body type, and the fabric is medium weight meaning the dress will maintain its structure.  The puff sleeves add a ladylike element great for work or brunch. The slit neckline brings attention to the collarbone which means no need for excessive jewelry. This dress could easily transition into the fall with a jean jacket and textured tights! This dress is a little more expensive than the other pieces but great wardrobes are made by mixing high and low pieces.  Also, most all dresses are investment pieces because they act as both top and bottom, no need to decide on matching, fit, lines, etc. This dress could really be dressed up or dressed down depending on the shoes and accessories you pair with it. 

Finally this purse is a perfect touch of bright colors.This bad is from Lulus, a 

really fun website carrying lower priced items and alternative chic brands like RVCA and billabong.  Lulus is a website that moves product fast, so if you see an item you like buy it because they will be out tomorrow! A cult favorite for the past year was a one shoulder dress with a quarter length sleeve. Each season launched different colors according to trend with the same silhouette and they sell out like hotcakes. If you’re not daring enough to rock red pants or color blocked sweaters this bright clutch would be great for you.  This bag is really a statement piece. The way the colors are arranged on the bag reminds me a of a Pucci print scarf. Plus, you can carry this clutch as a bag with the chain or tuck the strap in and carry it in hand like a clutch. Believe it or not this clutch is pretty versatile, it could go along with a bright color blocked outfit, or an LBD (Little Black Dress), or with a simple jeans and white shirt combo. 

Are you loving this trend? Do you own any of these pieces? 

Her Majesty Duchess of Style

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Kate Middle or K-Middy and her incredible sense of style. Let’s be honest this was a long time coming, the Duchess of Cambridge is one chic lady. Not only is Kate Middleton a gorgeous girl, with a hot hubby, great hair and a fit physique but she also has a closet are to die for.

K-Middy has had many memorable fashion moments like the gorgeous Jenny Packham dress Kate wore to the ARK 10^TH anniversary gala event or the gorgeous blue Issa dress she wore for the royal engagement announcement. But, Kate doesn't need a Royal event to look awesome, her everyday look is something the Brits refer to as Sloane Ranger style. Historically a Sloanie referred to middle and upper class men and women in the Chelsea area of London. The term Sloane Ranger truly developed and blossomed during Princess Diana's reign. The official Sloane Ranger handbook and diary was published in 1982. Today the term is getting a broader usage and audience. Modern times refers to a "Sloane Ranger" is a girl fashionably dressed from specific streets of trendy shops in London. Another thing that makes K-Mids style so awesome is she RECYCLES! And I am not talking about giving her things away to the poor, which I am sure she wouldn't object to. I am talking about she wears outfits or pieces of clothing more than once! HOLY MOLEY WHAT AN IDEA! Okay, you get what point. But let’s face it, us commoners can’t afford to throw out a dress after one use. And truly there are things you should invest in like shoes, jeans, and handbags. If you buy quality staples you'll wear them again, again and again. 

Recently, Kate Middleton has out done herself yet again. When attending a black tie gala in celebration of the upcoming Olympics K-Middy wore this gorgeous turquoise Jenny Packham dress with lace, pearl and pleated details. This dress is fabulous for so many reasons but let’s start with this hot number is a little out of character for Kate. The bright color, the low neckline, the braided up do, so not typical Duchess of Cambridge but I LIKE IT! The color is great, it looks great on Kate’s skin tone and compliments her dark hair. The lace detail in front creates delicate sleeves and the lace detail in back is so lady like with sweet little buttons from collar to waist. The belt creates more of an hourglass shape for Kate’s slim figure and the stone  applique adds another regal element to the dress. Finally, the small pleats are right on trend and really play up the formal factor of this gorgeous dress. K-Mids lets this dress shine all on its own with minimal dainty jewelry.  Although this is the Duchess of Styles first appearance on Last Thursdays Fashion I doubt it will be her last <3

If you want to rock a look inspired by Kate Middleton’s gorgeous frock but don’t have a ball to go to, no worries! This turquoise top from Banana Republic mimics Kate’s pleats in the bust detail pin tucking. Also these two lacy dresses from Lulus combine similar elements of K-Mids dress like lace, and lady like belts but can be worn every day. 

photo credit: all4women.com, peoplestylewatch.com, bananarepublic.com, and lulus.com

never growing up, peter pan style

LAST THURSDAY’S FASHION IS BACK! Re-vamped, re-energized, re-whatever else you please! A brief hiatus due to homework, projects, responsibilities, etc it happens to the best of us. Regardless we are back in action bringing the fashion, style and trends to you. 

     Having recently graduated (which I have really mixed feelings about) I have new funds in my pocket. The smart girl would save it away for a security deposit on a fabulous loft, or do some sort of crazy investments scheme Suze Orman style but me I am going to invest in my wardrobe. Considering my size hasn’t changed too much over the past 4-5 years give or a take a size, I keep certain items forever! I have a pair of jeans from sophomore year of high school (I wear those on skinny days, like after a stomach flu), so I see fashion as a solid investment.

    This all being said my most recent and fabulous purchase is a peter pan collared shirt dress from ROMWE. I will admit this is my first purchase with ROMWE and I found their check out process a little confusing but they have some pretty awesome stuff. If you read a little about their background they are a pretty new company established in 2009 and started as a vintage shop.  Also they heavily feature fashion bloggers which to me says they are on the pulse of current style and meet a variety of tastes which is egg-cellent!

     The dress is about to be my favorite for many reasons. Let’s start with the color, nude and black are a classic combo and I think it’s pretty sexy. If you where a spice girls fan circa 1996 and owned their SPICEWORLD album you saw the group artwork inside styled in tan and black clothing. When I saw that picture I remember thinking what a sophisticated, classy look and their pouty faces probably heighted the mood factor. So that’s likely where my love of tan and black sparked. Also, these colors are great together because black and white are HIGH contrast and often create a graphic or modern feeling, while tan and black are a related combo (probably like cousins or something) the contrast is there but more subdue, creating a classy and flirty look! I also think this piece is an investment because of the shape. A peter pan collar with an empire waist, baby doll cut dress or playsuit creates a really youthful look. But, ultimately I think the straight lines in the shirt dress style are going to give this piece longevity. Plus, you can wear this dress with black tights in the winter, bonus points.

Caroline Flack 

       

Caroline&Collar=LOVE

       Furthermore my recent obsession of the peter pan collar is rooted in Caroline Flack. For those of you who aren't familiar Caroline Flack is an English TV host, popular for UK shows like “I’m a Celebrity, get me out of here” and “The Xtra Factor”. I would say Caroline has become quite a style icon in her own right but girlfriend seems to put a peter pan collar on everything. Caroline rocks the cute collar on dresses, playsuits, and maybe even her pj's? That being said I’ve fallen for her signature look and purchased this lovely dress. I would forecast the peter pan collar being a big look this fall (considering Mrs. Becks rocked a similar look recently), and if not I still like it. Furthermore, the collar look is becoming big in necklaces in a bib or choker style!

Vicki B rocking a collar dress

What do you think high class or just stuffy? Does Caroline Flack wear collared pjs? Do you remember that iconic spice girl’s picture? Let me know what you think! 

photo credit: ROMWE.com, Sugarscape.com, www.victoriabeckham.com