Bargain Chic

April 25, 2009

This week Mother Nature must have had a hot flash because it hit 100 degrees in Phoenix! Not that it was totally unusual, but having it hit triple digits before May is often a tell-tale sign of a brutal summer. My fingers are crossed that this was just a freak weather occurrence.

On a positive note, however, the hot temps got me thinking about my favorite part of summer -- lounging by a pool or possibly a beach in a cute, little bikini! I started perusing the Web for some cute looks for this season, but found a lot of the same-old, same-old. The whole 50s inspired swimsuits are still popular, and they are definitely cute, but I've already been there and done that in a post last spring.

So, what I found and wanted to share are some swimsuits that cover the spectrum of styles this summer. I've got geometric prints, jewel-tones, mixed prints and stripes. Take your pick and then get ready to take a dip - ha!

Ring Bandeau & Side-Cinched Skirtini, Delias, $59

Racerback Sliding Halter & Gold-Ring Low-Rise Bottoms, Victoria's Secret, $49

Beaded Floral Triangle Top & Floral Print Double-String Bottom, Victoria's Secret $33.98

Alli Top & Bottom, ViX, $79

P.S. I know they are all bikinis, so if that isn't your style, send me some suggestions (links) to the swimsuits you'd love to wear this summer.

April 11, 2009

Ruffles... I love them! I'm not sure why, since I've never been a real girlie-girl. In fact, for most my life I was pretty much a tomboy, with a dash of fashion flair. But for some reason, ruffles just make me happy. I think they offset my classic style with a bit of whimsy and quirkiness. And, if done right, they offer an unexpected punch of soft sophistication -- a bit of a paradox, I suppose.

This season's ruffle trends afford me the ability to be girlie in my own irreverent way. Here are a couple of designer inspiration pieces and their bargain counter-parts. Be warned, though, too many ruffles are just plain silly. So keep it simple -- one ruffle piece at a time!

Designer Looks