Even Cover Girls Cover Up

INC Printed Caftan

There may be one thing I look forward to more than bikini lines and sipping margaritas poolside. Cover ups. An excuse to wear a dress all day and more importantly eat without worrying, cover ups provide the comfort and style that skimpy bathing suits often lack. My bohemian style is most appropriate at the beach, where loose fitting and flowing tops are the perfect compliment to the relaxed atmosphere of vacation. Add bright colors and some jeweled touches, and you've got the look. While you may have limited yourself to the old terrycloth/towel look in the past, this is the year to break free of heavy materials and let yourself frolic in light satins, cottons, and polyesters. Elastics are key for feeling comfortable after one too many burgers and appletinis or playing volleyball with the boys. Don't be turned off by cover ups that look more like dresses, you can take these looks from day to night by simply adding a necklace and espadrilles. As far as colors go, don't let your skin be the only thing that's red, and go bold with your cover ups. Safari patterns are not as outlandish when worn as a pool cover up, and deep sunset colors like royal blue and purple create a romantic vibe. Just remember that you can be sexy without baring everything, and a hot cover up is the best sneak peak to what's underneath.

Forever21 Afternoon Woven Dress

Foverer21 Springtime Breeze Dress

Spring Break: Swimsuit Edition!

GOTTEX Bikini Top

Since the plane landed back home last march, we've all been awaiting this year's romp on the beach, complete with real or fake tan, and of course, the perfect bathing suit. This year, the same trends shown on the runway have been translated to bikinis, tankinis, and one-peiceinis. Whether its bright colors such as fuchsia or turquoise, animal prints, or rhine stones, pretty much anything goes this season. This year I had the fortune to discover the huge array of bathing suits Victoria Secret has to offer. The best part is that all of their tops and bottoms share the same colors so mixing and matching is so easy, and you get four different looks for the price of two bathing suits! More important than style (there is one thing) is fit. Unless you have a page in this month's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, no one wants to see "extras" coming out of your behind, so buy a bottom that fits, maybe even a size up from your normal underwear if you haven't done any squats in a while. For those small on top, bandeaus are great as well as halters with an underwire to give that extra boost. For those larger endowed, underwire shouldn't even be an option. There is such a thing as too much. Target and Zappos.com are great sites to pick up a bunch of suits for even more affordable prices. Check out these suits and don't forget to put on sunscreen!

Zappos.com Type Z Lola Bikini in Black 

Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Bandeau Top and Bright Pink String Bottom

Target Xhileration Animal Print Triangle Top

Saturday, March 5

Check out the looks that this closet inspired on the My Pieces page!

Going Green

Zara hooded anaroak

Sustainable? Powerful? Environmentally friendly? Yes. Yes. Yes. The only thing these green pieces don't have in common with their army counterparts is their ability to blend in. No, when you put on any of these new looks in camo green, heads will turn and all eyes will be on you. For years I've been on the search for the perfect spring jacket, complete with

hood, and this season has finally brought me an amazing new option: the green cargo jacket. They come in all different fabrics, weights, and lengths, but they are all sure to please. My favorite includes this Zara hooded cargo as well as a Nordstrom brand jacket with a rouged front. Why stop at a jacket when you can buy crop tops and tights in the same forest green. And while we're all still cringing over those middle school pictures of our zip-off cargo pants, the cargos of the new century are slim and hip, not baggy and well, embarrassing. Boot leg skinnys look great with any shoe, but ankle boots make your legs look extra long and lean. Pair with a longer top and a layered necklace and don't be afraid to try on a fedora. So go green, green, green and feel good about yourself and your environment.      

     

From Daddy's Little Girl to Daddy's Big Closet

My favorite old plaid button-up

Its cold outside. And all most of us want to do is curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, a corny chick flick, and another bowl of popcorn. But who wants to do that in any thing less than a big baggy shirt, preferably something worn in, and little old. That's where dad's closet comes in. The first thing to look for when sneaking into his a big, comfy sweater. Plain or patterned, doesn't matter. There's nothing better than  lounging around in a big sweater and leggings, and if you're feeling frisky, a sheer pair of stockings. Plaid button-ups from dad's closet are so much better than the tight fitting one's we're restricted too in stores and the confidence you'll feel in this oversized shirt will definitely make anyone on the couch next to you take a second look. When you can't avoid a night out, opt for one of dad's blazers and pair over an old t-shirt and jeans for a simple yet put-together look. Don't leave the room without checking for any old chain watches that dad may have discarded for a newer one. Without leaving the comfort of home, you can find so many great looks up in dad's wardrobe, and who know's, dad may be so proud he'll throw you a few bucks on your way out!

Tuesday, March 1

Check out the Your Pieces page to see my suggestions on how to add even more sparkle to this closet!