The Great Swimsuit Search

May 13, 2015

Lord help me. It is swimsuit season.

We got hit with a warm spell the last week or so and while I was happy to break out my favorite flip flops and tanks… it hit me. This chick HAS to buy a new swimsuit.

I HATE swimsuit shopping. I LOVE shopping. I HATE swimsuit shopping.

For men to relate I share this… It is like saying you can drive a car really fast, but you have to use your current vehicle no matter the make, model or year and you have to pull it out on a Nascar Track with all the Nascar drivers and their cars whizzing by. Some men would get super excited, some would look forward to it but most would still be super apprehensive. That is me with swimsuit shopping. I am over here like, “Hey, I will sit this one out.” I will be the gas can guy (you may only get that if you have watched a pit stop on Nascar).

Okay, seriously though, who goes from swimsuits, to Nascar, back to swimsuits. This girl.

This season I decided to toy with the idea of a one piece, so Baby Lo and I can have matching swimwear in the sand. Just kidding. I have always been super jealous and in awe of the women who can rock a cute one piece. There are some very cute and stylish one pieces out there.

Little did I know in my search that a common trend this summer season is strings galore. And, these in my opinion, do not relate to my statement above about ‘stylish one pieces out there.’ I seriously can’t stop laughing at these options. Not the models. Honey, you look fab. Sorta. I mean…

1) Holy tan lines! Seriously? People make fun of the “farmers tan,” could you imagine?
2) New term for string bikini.
3) Could you imagine washing this thing? It would take me HOURS to untangle. I would feel like someone cursed me with one of those crazy brain teaser puzzles as I tried to untangle a fabric ball.
4) I keep envisioning me as a package of cinnamon rolls. You know that moment when you undo the wrapper and push in on the package line to pop the seal then POOF! The rolls explode out. Yeah.

So, after my good laugh with these, I focused my attention on what I could handle. These options are winners in mind!

1. ASOS – 96.00 | 2. Victoria Secret – 48.50 | 3. Forever21 – 24.90 | 4. Nordstrom – 68.00 | 5. J.Crew – 118.00

Are you rocking a one piece this season? Do you think they are in style? If you found a great style, please feel free to share below.

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Gingham Style

March 10, 2015

Eh – Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh
Oppa is Gingham style…

Try to get that song out of your head now! It is going to stick with you for a bit. And, to think it only took three years since it was released to finally fight the earworm off. I know I am sorry!

You know what I am not sorry for? This Spring 2015 fashion trend and these looks that hopefully will stick with you like that darn song…

Notice the trend? This Spring’s fashion points to all things Gingham and I love this look. It is a refreshing style that can be dressed up or down and as you can see from some of the inspiration pictures I pulled above, whether you are leaning on the subtle side of the Gingham fence or dare to be bold, this Spring trend is so versatile.

Ready to shop? Here are some Gingham pieces I am currently eyeing up.

From left to right: 1. Shirt – Forever 21 – 17.90 | 2. Skirt – Bloomingdale’s – 68.00 | 3. Dress – ASOS – Reg. 92.00, Sale 37.00 | 4. Coat – Nordstrom (Michael Kors) – 128.00

Now hurry up and turn on some music to get the song out of your head and start shopping!

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SALE ALERT: Extra 30% Off & Free Shipping

March 5, 2015

I am obsessed with pinning outfits on Pinterest. Have you seen MY BOARD? Problem is when you click the image and see the price points of the items that make up those outfits. WOW! Most of the time they are so out of my price range.

I like a good deal. So, I get a thrill out of replicating a look with less expensive, yet similar clothing items. What is even better? When the actual item you are eyeing up goes on sales. A really, really good sale.

Such is the case with this look I have been eyeing up on Pinterest.

Image credit

See that chain link bracelet? Yep! She has caught my eye for some time. Unfortunately, I was not willing to pay the price for her. So, when I saw that J.Crew Factory was having a FLASH SALE today I was all game to fill my shopping cart. Guess what? The bracelet… it is there and on sale too!

SAVE AN EXTRA 30% OFF with the code SHOPSALE. Below are some of my favorite sale items. Keep in mind… an extra 30% off J.Crew Factory Clearance!! It is a good day.

EDIT: Offer valid at jcrewfactory.com through March 8, 2015, through 11:59pm ET. Some exclusions apply.

Get your shopping on!

Marsala, And I Don’t Mean Chicken…

February 8, 2015

Pantone has collaborated again to bring us their Fashion Report for Spring 2015. This year’s colors have a softer theme than last season. (Here is the recap I did of their Spring 2014 picks with some style looks). Overall, looking at the colors it did resemble last seasons, with one big difference… marsala, and I don’t mean chicken! I had to go throw in a joke. A bad one, but a joke still.

Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. – Leatrice Eisema, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute^®

Photo courtesy of Pantone.com

To be honest, marsala reminds me more of a Fall / Winter look. Therefore, I found it interesting to see if Pantone’s “color of the year” pick translated well into wardrobe options for the Spring. Surprisingly, my search uncovered some great fashion items of all different price points. Here are some styles I am eyeing up this season.

From left to right – 1. Jacket – Gap – 88.00 (Currently, a 30% Off Sale! Use MORE) | 2. Long Sleeve – Forever 21 – 12.90 | 3. Pants – Old Navy – 34.94 (Currently on sale for 24.97) | 4. Flats – ModCloth – 29.99 | 5. Purse – Michael Kors – 298.00 | 6. Necklace – ModCloth – 39.99

As the season changes, I will update the Blog with some new picks. Do you have any favorite marsala items? If so, please feel free to share links in the comment section below.

Hey, Ladies… It’s Swimsuit Time!

May 1, 2014

It is the most dreaded time of year for females all over the world… Swimsuit Season. You know, the time where you psych yourself up, maybe throw back a shot or two and over and over in your head you prep yourself… “I got this!” And, then it happens. You stand there in front of three, sometimes you are lucky and there are five or maybe you have hit the jackpot and get the dressing rooms with full panoramic mirrors and, if you are like me, you cringe. Thoughts that go through your mind may include…

“I am so pale I can see my veins.”
“Who the heck invented florescent light?”
“Why does St. Patrick’s day fall between Winter and Summer? Darn dark beers!”
“Who the heck invented low-rise bikini bottoms?”
“Who the heck wears low-rise bikini bottoms?”
“Why does Easter fall between my New Year’s Resolution and Summer? Darn chocolate!”
“I could always walk sideways to the ocean.”

But Summertime comes and our mentality changes. I just love this saying…

It is true though! Especially, once you finally, finally get by the water. Cares seem to fade away. You forget about the materialistic side of life and the stress of being perfect and as you put on your summer swimsuit to head to the beach, you pass a mirror and say, “I got this!” and you mean it! Because who cares? It is summer! And hopefully, you are work and stress free with a beverage in-hand.

So, as I get into my summer mindset and face the reality that it does include swimwear of some kind. I actually push all those negative thoughts behind me and find the excitement in a new season and the carefree attitude that comes with it.

I cruise the internet instead of stepping foot in the store to find the perfect swimwear. For me, trying on my purchases in the comfort of my own home is much more appealing.

These are some of my favorite swimsuit fashion trends for summer 2014:

Bright Colors – Think Neon
One Pieces are back
Hello, Fringe and Ruffles
Lace and Vintage Looks
Bold Prints

1 – Saks Fifth Avenue – 165 | 2 – Victoria Secret – 42.50 (Top) and 18.50 (Bottom) | 3 – AE – 19.99 (Top) and 14.99 (Bottoms) | 4 – asos – 50.80 |- Anthropologie – 132

In honor of social media’s appointed #ThrowBackThursdays… I thought I would be vulnerable and share a picture of my all-time favorite swimwear. In all honest, after this winter it feels like it has been this long since I enjoyed sweet summertime!

Soul By The Sea – Nautical Trends

April 21, 2014

I am pretty sure that my soul belongs by the sea. During a stressful day or situation, when someone says, “Go to your happy place,” mine is always by the water. If I had my choice or say, I would always go with the ocean. The waves, the sand, the breeze… there is nothing better in my opinion. However, give me a lake, stream or bay and I am an equally happy girl!

Maybe it is the way of life of such waterfront towns that pull me in the most? Especially, those off the beaten path. Drive the coastal Carolina’s or even along the bay of good ol’ Maryland, and you will understand what I am saying. Kent Island, St. Micheal’s, Easton, Cambridge – all Maryland Bay towns, that you not only remember for their attractions but for the way you feel when you visit.

It is a way of life. A slower pace. A calm. I long for it this time of year.

The nautical trend is seeing its way back into stores and closets. Here are some of my favorite picks from this season’s trend. I plan on embracing the style while I work away in the mountains and long for my summer days by the sea! Enjoy!