Yes, there are going to be so many fun and lovely afternoon weddings this season. You do not want to be too dressy, but one must also remember that flip-flops and a casual beachdress are usually not appropriate. My take, buy a dress that you will wear again this season and can transform itself into an evening dress for another occasion.

All dresses available at www.nordstroms.com

They make it easy as they have a one stop shop that they have catagorized as guest of a wedding. Thanks nordstroms!

Yes, you really can find the perfect swimsuit to flatter your figure if you understand your body and realize that there are very few perfect bodies out there!  The number on the tag is not important.  What is important is how the swimsuit looks and feels on your particular shape.  Everyone has a body issue that they are trying to deal with, so learning to accentuate your best assets and have confidence is the biggest hurdle to surviving swimsuit season.

A FEW GENERAL TIPS:

- Let the activity dictate the swimsuit.  Wear a style best suited for posing by the pool, swimming in the ocean, playing volleyball, etc.

- Create a balance between tried-and-true and adventurous.  Go ahead and try on some new brands, colors and styles.  You may be surprised to find that a style you thought would never work for you is actually quite flattering.

- Be realistic with your support needs. The suit should hold you in comfortably without being confining.  Many swimsuits offer built-in support in flirty styles, so you can stay supported without losing sex appeal.  The top of the swimsuit should be as flattering as your best bra.

- Remember to stay in your color wheel. Black is slimming but if you have a pale skin tone, it will not look good.  Just because you wear a small size does not mean that you can work any color.  For instance, neon and bright colors look better on tan skin.  In fact, a light tan slenderizes everyone, so get a little color (safely) with sunless tanning products.

- Divert eyes to your assets.  Bold colors, large patterns, shiny metallic accents, ruffles, embroidery and gathers are great embellishments to draw the eye where you want and create the illusion of a fuller, curvier bust or hip.  Cutouts and motifs also help create a focal point.

- Use fabric design to your advantage.  Dark colors, vertically-lined swimsuits and delicate prints are slimming, while light colors and shiny fabrics add dimension.

BODY TYPES:

PLUS SIZE:  Seek out one pieces with ultra lycra and built-in support.  Darker colors like black and navy, shirred suiting, chevron stripes, and colorblocking all help to create a slender center.  If you love a patterned fabric, make sure it’s an all-over delicate pattern rather than a bold and busy print.  Go for thicker straps that won’t dig in at the shoulder.
Avoid:  swimsuits without lycra or support, big/loud prints, pastel colors, thin straps, ruffles, bikinis or tankinis (unless the tankini top is on the longer side).

LARGE BUST:  Built-in support is key with either an underwire or inner shelf lining. Try a swimsuit that cuts straight across the top or a bandeau-style with halter strings for a minimizing effect.  Draw attention down with more adornment on the bottom portion of the swimsuit (i.e. belts or side strings) and a more neutral top.
Avoid:  Swimsuits without built-in support, deep-scoop or v-necklines, skinny straps, and lots of adornment on the bodice.

SMALL BUST:  Accentuate and highlight the bust with padding, underwire, and bright prints such as floral or stripes paired with a dark/neutral bottom. Embroidered, sequined, ruffled or otherwise embellished tops also are great for added silhouette.  Halter ties around the neck help create more cleavage.
Avoid: bandeau tops or triangles without pads.

BOYISH FIGURE:  To create the illusion of curves, opt for a one-piece swimsuit either belted or with side cutouts or a two-piece swimsuit with adornment and cleavage enhancing halter style on the bikini top along with bikini bottoms that sport flirty ruffles or string ties or are high-cut on the hips.
Avoid: dark colors, boy shorts and bandeau tops…they won’t create curves.

SHORT-WAISTED:  Look for a bikini bottom that rides lower on the waist to lengthen the torso.  Vertical stripes will create length as well.  A one-piece with empire waist will also elongate the midsection.
Avoid: bikinis with bottoms cut too high on tummy, and horizontal lines.

PEAR SHAPE - BIG HIPS, THIGHS, AND BUTT:  First and foremost, you want to draw attention away from your hips and thigh area.  Accentuate your bust and shoulders with a light-colored or brightly-colored, embellished (ruffles, shells, etc.) swimsuit top paired with a darker, solid, more neutral swimsuit bottom. A halter-style top will help balance your shoulders with your hips.  Do not try to cover too much on the bottom–that can be unforgiving. The fit here is the most important. Find a higher cut bottom for a leg-lengthening effect.  Adjustable bottom straps will keep from digging in to sides and creating unsightly “spillover.”  A tankini will also work here.  If the tankini top comes halfway past your rear-it will visually cut it in half and make it look smaller.  A sheer sarong provides coverage without bulk.
Avoid: too skimpy bottoms, bottoms that dig into skin, brightly colored or heavy print bottoms, bottoms with ruffles or skirts, bottoms that cut too low on the leg.

ACCESSORIZING:
Fun accessories can highlight and flatter a sexy swimsuit.

- Sandals - A cool pair of flip-flops is classic. They look cute and protect your feet. Go for some bling with bedazzled, jeweled and even mini-heeled versions of this summer fashion staple.

- Hats - Not only will a hat bring a bit of style to your suit, it will also offer sun protection. A floppy straw hat can make you feel as though you are in St. Tropez, and a cowboy hat can show off your rowdy, playful side.

- Sarongs - Add an exotic element to your swim look with a light, sheer sarong this season. It can be worn numerous ways and is always feminine and flirty.

- Tunics - These are hot right now!!!  You can find nearly any color from one that matches your suit to a funky or retro print.

- Bags - As long as you have to carry something, you might as well do it with STYLE!  Just make sure that it is functional for the outing, made of durable material that dries easily.  Chances are you’ll be hauling everything from sunscreen to towels to shoes in it.

- Sunglasses- Like sandals, they are another staple.  UV protection is a must. Find a pair that captures the flavor of your new swimsuit.

For a great source online go to www.dianesbeachwear.com

They have a whole section for finding the right fit for your body!

Alice and Olivia has quite the following between celebs and fashionistas everywhere. Her dresses are fun and colorful, yet classy at the same time. It is the start of wedding season, and so many of us get the lines confused on attire. Here is the beginning of some blogs to help all of us women out there. This beautiful long dress is fantastic for a wedding that starts in the late afternoon and rolls into the evening. It is elegant, yet has some fashion punch. This season the long dress is great because it can be played up and down, and have many uses. I would pair this with a small heel if the it is going into the evening and add a touch of simple jewelry. You will be the hit of the wedding!

Dress by Alice and Olivia

The floral trend is back, and why not add some pep to your step with these Spring shoes.

Here is a designer that I am loving. See her full collection at Elle.com

Amanda Wakeley launched her signature label in 1990 and over the last decade and a half has developed an international reputation for designing supremely luxurious, elegant women’s wear and accessories. She is the winner of several awards including three British Fashion Awards for Glamour.

Amanda is self-taught and started designing clothes based on a personal passion to create utterly beautiful clothes that women love to wear. She has a reputation for making the women who wear her clothes feel confident, polished and always perfectly dressed.

Amanda Wakeley shows her collection as part of London Fashion Week.

The Amanda Wakeley collection is retailed from her flagship store on the Fulham Road and at Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Harrods in London. Globally, the brand is represented in such prestigious stores as Barneys in New York and Los Angeles, Holt Renfrew in Canada and Brown Thomas in Dublin (please see world map for full stockist list).

Diane Von Furstenburg - Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Spring seems to finally be coming! I love dresses in the Spring time, what girl doesn’t? This season, I for sure will be sporting many long, yet fashionable dresses. From a short bike ride, to a wedding, these dresses will work for both. I like to pair them with some great flats, especially some metallic grecian ones!

Karen Zambos Vintage - www.shopbop.com

Roxy dresses - Available at  Pac Sun

No, I am not talking about something sexual. I am referring to a color of shoe that every women in their closet should own. Yesterday in my travels, I noticed many women trying on fantastic eye popping dresses. Although it seems fun to mix and match with different colored shoes, bags, jewels….sometimes for the occasion, we do need to tone it down a notch. What better way, then to just slip on a basic and beautiful neutral pump.

Pumps in order

Kate Spade - $290.00 www.saksfifthavenue.com

Christian Louboutin - $585.00 www.barneys.com

Michael Kors - $440.00  www.neimanmarcus.com 

AG Jeans

The Cigarette is back!

Definition - Narrow pants cut to taper towards the ankle which first became popular in the 1950s.

Yes ladies, the cigarette is a bit different then the skinny. They are perfect for the Spring, and if you can see, they end just above the ankle making them perfect to show off all of our new shoes. Better yet, try a pair in a light wash for for an even bigger Spring fling.

AG Jeans (at top) www.agjeans.com

Judi Rosen Jeans - www.shopbop.com

MiH Jeans - www.shopbop.com

Paige Jeans - www.revolveclothing.com

Old-school jellies are getting a glam make-over. Once just for kids, if we all can remember, top designers are bringing back the jelly shoes to add a bit of fun into our wardrobes.

Not only are they stylish, but they will not brake the bank either! The Marc Jacobs black ballet slipper can even be worn out at night….

Marc Jacobs black ballet flat - $160.00 www.barneys.com

Marni melon flat - $153.00 www.marni.com

Kors by Michael Kors turquoise flat - $95.00 www.zappos.com

Kenneth Cole light pink flat - $29.99 www.shoes.com

Mia clear flat - $19.99 www.shoes.com 

Chanel Runway Spring 2008

YSL Runway Spring 2008

Yes, we are coming into and election year, and what better way then to show off our American pride then with some stars! There were lots of prints on the Spring 2008 Runways, but the celestial stars from YSL and Chanel have emerged as a trend for the next few months. You can go all out with a full dress, or just pop some stars into a great scarf below. Whatever way you do it, show your pride and be a star.

Dress by Lacy Parker - available at Intermix

Converse - available at Zappos

Esos Scaf - available on-line at Esos