Dear Readers,
No words can express how lucky I feel that we have our darling Fashionista Vista as our guest blogger. What the heck? Shouldn’t she be busy writing books? Anyhow, I’m more than thrilled to welcome her back for a new installment on all things summer!
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Summer is peaking its head around the corner (or barreling full-steam down the corridor here in Texas), and that means its crunch-time for all of our poolside, lakeside, beachside preparations. And, for some of you lucky honeymooners out there, it means a blissful tropical vacation lingering on the horizon. Having just recently returned from my own ocean paradise, I feel obliged to share with you – lovely little fashionistas – these three items that will faithfully take you from the bedroom, to the beach, to cocktails, and back again.
: : The Cover-Up That Doesn’t Look Like a Cover-Up : :
When it comes to beach attire, think flirty – not frumpy! Leave your running shorts and old college tees in your gym bag, and please, for the love of all things couture, kick that flowered sarong back to 1999 where it belongs! Instead, pair your favorite swimsuit with a gauzy beach dress, a boldly printed tunic, or a nautical number for a look that will take you effortlessly from sunbathing to umbrella-drinks at the cabana.
Lightweight Gauze Ruffle Cover-Up Dress
Shoshanna “Poolside Paisley” Cover-Up
Knot-Front Dress
: : The Knit or Jersey Maxi Dress : :
Let’s be honest here… inevitably you’re going to have one too many of those umbrella-drinks we just mentioned and you’ll forget a step during the all-important sunscreen-reapplication / perfect-tan, stomach-to-back-rotation routine. Left in the throws of a “Oh Fudgesicle, I Look Like a Lobster” Moment, what’s a girl to do with dinner reservations looming large?
Enter: the Maxi Dress – one of this season’s hottest looks, it’s also a life-saver on sunburned skin when constructed of breezy knit or jersey. If fitted properly and double-lined, most Maxis will rid you of the need to irritate your epidermis further with pesky underwire. Or, if you belong to the more well-endowed sector of our sisterhood, choose a Maxi with a sturdy built-in bra (Victoria’s Secret has a great selection of bra-top dresses in all shapes, sizes and colors).
{A Note on selecting the right Maxi for your shape: If you’re petite and/or boast shapely curves, one solid color works best to elongate and streamline your figure. If you’re tall and/or slender, take chances with vibrant prints.}
Haven “Lanai” Printed Knit Maxi
Rachel Pally White Label One Shoulder Maxi
: : The Comfy / Sexy Nightie : :
Before your Significant Others bust out the rotten tomatoes, let me say that I fully encourage the packing of seriously seductive lingerie on any and all getaways! However, it’s hard to comfortably blow-dry your hair in that bustier and garter combo. And that lazy afternoon spent watching the movie channels during an impromptu rainstorm? Soooo not as pleasant if all you have to lounge in is that French maid getup.
Luckily, these little numbers will keep you feeling saucy even without the XXX rating (or the synthetic fibers!).
Josie Sweet Pea Chemise
Happy Packing! And, as always, Shop Strong and Walk Tall, Ladies!