Swimsuit Strategy

Swimwear is increasingly expensive these days. I mean, doesn't $50 seem like an awful lot to spend on something that you're going to get all sandy, saltwatery, chloriney, and sun-faded? But don't get me wrong, I have a bit of a knack for collecting cutesy bikinis (L*Space is one of my favorites!). In order to make bathing-suit shopping fun and economical, I have developed my very own swimsuit strategy: Buy pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Math time: If I buy a red bikini and a black bikini, that equals 2 bathing suits. BUT, if I wear the red top with the black bottoms, then that makes three bathing suits. And if I wear the black top with the red bottoms, that makes FOUR! See where I'm going with this?

So, the key is to start with a few suits in complimentary colors/prints:

Then let the mixing begin!

And then try some matching!

And all of a sudden, you've stretched your money, AND your swimwear wardrobe. You suddenly have 1,000 swimsuit combinations, when you only bought six. And that is economical AND cute!


*So you might not actually have 1,000 swimsuit combinations, but it will be close. I never said math was one of my strong points.

J Crew string bikini, $40
J Crew j crew swimwear, $38
J Crew vintage style bikini, $50
J Crew underwire bathing suit, $50
Old Navy halter swimwear, $15
Old Navy string bikini, $10
Swimwear
Dorothy Perkins gold bikini, $21
Madewell string bikini, $46
Bandeau bikini, €9,99
Dorothy Perkins leopard print bathing suit, $15
Madewell string bikini, $44

Little Black Maxi

Dress: Old Navy, Sandals: Gap, Jewelry: F21 and my own

There are few items of clothing that scream "beachy" more than a breezy maxi dress. You can dress them up with heels or wedges, or switch into smart leather sandals for walking/sightseeing/beach-going. They are comfy and cool, but still hold an air of sophistication that most shorter sundresses can't touch. Needless to say, the maxi is one of my favorite closet staples, especially for beach vacations.

Peplum Top in South Beach

Peplum Top: Parker via Nordstrom Rack (also here), Bottom: Old Navy, Shoes: Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's, Earrings: F21, Sunnies: Betsey Johnson via TJ Maxx

This past weekend I visited Miami for the first time for my bachelorette party/trip. During the day, we alternated laying out by the pool, and laying out on the beach (as implied by my lobster-colored complexion). In the evening, we headed to South Beach for dinner, mojitos, ice cream, sightseeing, and an impromptu photo shoot on the beach. What we didn't know is that South Beach was also hosting a huge hiphop music festival this weekend. Needless to say, South Beach was so crowded that we cut our visit short and headed back to the hotel for late night snacks and girl-talk. It was a quick trip, but it was the perfect amount of time to get in some much needed R & R and catch up with good friends.

Can someone please tell me why hotels always have such chintzy carpet in their hallways?

Cleveland in Miami!

The biggest (and best!) mojito I've ever had. I love normal mojitos, but this one was made with pureed peaches and a splash of champagne. If you're in South Beach, I highly recommend eating at the Cardozo Bar & Grill at the Cardozo Hotel South Beach- the food, drinks, waitstaff, and atmosphere were all outstanding! One of the locals told us an old Frank Sinatra movie was filmed there. This was definitely a highlight of the trip!

Skirt Steak Salad at Cardozo.  Probably one of the best meals I've ever eaten in my life. I would eat this every day if I could!

*Can anybody tell me what those little yellow things are? I think it was some kind of fruit, but I'm not sure. They were so tasty, and I want to get some at the grocery store, but I have no idea what they are!

Wedding Wednesday

Less than 2 months to go, folks! Today, I went in for my second dress fitting. I got to try on the dress with the veil and the shoes and the exact jewelry I'll be wearing in May. It was the first time I've been able to see the whole look together at the same time. I'm very excited, but also very panicked because there are so many little (and some not so little) tasks left to complete. Here are some of the odds and ends that I've already figured out:

{Wedding shoes with just the right amount of glitz}

{Monogram on our invitations}

{Bird-cage cardbox to go with our "Rustic Elegance" theme. And, yes, I coined that phrase all by myself.}

{Tissue-paper pomander balls with gold damask ribbon}

{Glass containers for the dessert buffet, as mentioned here}

{Wedding jewels}

Wardrobe Wishlist: May 2012

This is my current extremely shortened wardrobe wishlist, also known as my list of pieces every girl needs in her summertime wardrobe:

1. Hot Pink Blazer

-to wear with jeans+white tee, jeans+black tee, over an lbd, and about 1,000 other options

 

2. Coral Skinny Jeans

-because I don't own any colored denim, and I want a colored pair a la Kate Middleton:

*photo from Pinterest

3. Chambray Shirt

-preferably one with a soft, broken-in feel, to wear with above coral skinnies, below white skinnies, or with a sparkly skirt.

4. Soft Pink Blazer

-the muted color is more refined than its hot pink counterpart, but equally versatile. And every girl obviously needs 2 pink blazers.

I especially love the drapey front!

5. Colorful Statement Necklace

- to add a pop of color to an otherwise simple outfit. This would perfect to layer over a slouchy boyfriend tee with skinnies, a fitted white v-neck with rolled boyfriend jeans, a simple black maxi dress, etc. For maximum play on color, this turquoise necklace would look amazing with a silky blouse in a bright violet or pink.

 

6. White Skinnies

I think white pants are the poster-child for summer wear. I love a classic white linen pant for dinner on a beach vacation, but this summer I'm drawn to the sleeker cut of the skinny jean. A pair of white skinnies look so clean and crisp, and they are perfect for those cooler summer evenings.

LBD + Rope Belt

This outfit is one of my favorites to wear in the summer. A little dress in a lightweight knit is practically my go-to uniform for the summer- they are cool and breezy in the warmer temps, and they can be transformed effortlessly from day-time casual to date-night wear. This rope belt gives off a sort of nautical vibe- the rope fabric reminds me of sailboating at summer camp when I was younger.

These silver leather sandals are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. I really don't like to wear those cheap rubber flip-flops unless I'm going to the pool or beach. This leather pair from Gap felt much more sophisticated to me, especially with the metallic finish. I've had this pair for nearly 2 years, and they are literally falling apart, but I simply cannot bring myself to get rid of them until I can find an exact pair at the Gap to replace them. Sorry I'm not sorry that I'm thinking about involving some superglue.... 

Sweater: NY & Co., Belt: American Eagle, Dress: Old Navy, Sandals: Gap

Chaos

Don't worry, I haven't given up blogging. Life has just been especially chaotic right now, so I decided to take a bit of a hiatus from writing. I never want this blog to feel like work (instead of fun), so when things get crazy around here, I think its best to just take a break. The past four weeks have been jam-packed with paper-writing, long study sessions, final exams (which, in law school, are your only grade for any given course), two bridal showers, cleaning my house after it reached Hoarders-caliber messiness from said final exam period, and now I'm attempting to unpack and organize all the new goodies we got at the bridal showers. The past 2 days I've finally taken the time to relax and watch ungodly amounts of CSI and Criminal Minds. Next week I start my summer legal associate position with a local company, and I plan to jump back in the saddle and get back into the habit of blogging. So I'll see you next week!

New shoes!

Thanks for reading! See you Monday!