A vintage style swimsuit

My friend Misty has asked for help finding a cute one-piece or tankini with a vintage look.  Since this is a style I've been wanting to try myself, I was kind of excited about searching for options.  However, I will say that as a firm believer in sturdy, well made swimsuits, I found this very difficult!

I cringe when I see women whose suits don't fit well.  I think a lot of it has a lot to do with the cost of a well made suit - they're rarely under $50 and even $100+ is common.  To me, swimsuits fall into the same category as boots, either get a nice one or don't get one at all.  That may mean wearing the same suit for 2-3 summers to justify the cost.  Obviously, you shouldn't spend more than you can afford, but don't walk around with sagging boobs and no lining to save $45.

Lecture over.  Now time for the suits!

Aerin Rose Shirred Convertible Halter - $130
I cannot recommend this brand more.  The construction is fantastic and there are hidden underwires in the suits.  Plus, you buy according to your bra size for the most support.  Unfortunately, they cost as much as 5 Target bikinis.

Tommy Bahama Midnight Pearl Tankini - $98

a.n.a. Side Shirred One Piece (JCPenney) - $33.99
No idea if this is well made, but it sure is cute.

Allen B Bandeau Swimdress (JCPenney) - $33.99
You can attach straps to this suit, but it's still definitely intended for those with a C-cup or below

Ballet Casablanca Halter and Shorts (Figleaves.com) - $61
Katy Perry goes to the beach, no?  This suit is offered in a huge ranges of sizes

Ballet Casablanca Bandeau Swimsuit (Figleaves.com) - $63
This suit has a hidden underwire and comes in sizes up to G cup.  I think I may order this one if I can find a coupon code.

For the biggest selection and range of prices, I would check out www.figleaves.com as there were over 800 suits and I picked two of them to show you.  Good luck!

Who are these people?

First of all, this isn't meant as a shot at anyone, merely an observation. 

Last night I was reading a magazine and started thinking about all the clothing brands out there where every piece is over $100.  Almost every outfit shown featured something in the $300 range and I hadn't even heard of the brands. These aren't the Gucci and Donna Karan's that you've heard of, or even J.Crew and their $60 tank tops, but small labels selling $269 skirts.  Who buys those clothes? 

Clearly they have customers or they wouldn't be around.  If you go shopping in Dallas, it would appear that every other person drops $130 on a shirt or there wouldn't be so many places to buy them.  InStyle and Lucky act as though we should all jump at the chance to buy a $90 black skirt since it is $400 cheaper than the designer version, but it's still expensive to me.  Perhaps I'm in some low class demographic and don't even know it? 

Maybe when I'm super successful and have money to burn I'll drop $1000 on an outfit, but I don't think I'll ever go "$68 is a steal for this thin cotton tank" when I know what I can get for $19.   Clearly I'm far too practical for my own good.

A test of my willpower...

I would say that I usually like about 40% of the offerings at Ann Taylor LOFT.  However, whoever is buying their jewelry this year deserves a raise.  I have never grabbed so many screen shots from one page!  Of course the prices are more than I will spend, but I will now be stalking these necklaces and waiting for a coupon code or sale.

Feast your eyes on these... imagine how chic they would look with simple tops all year round.

I want one (or three) so very badly.

Whatcha think? Engagement picture outfits

I must admit that when it comes to picking out an outfit for my engagement photos, following my own advice has been difficult.   I have jewel tone cardigans galore, but nothing with the right shape/color combination to photograph well.  After seeing just how bad a cardigan can look in our Easter photos, I scoured my closet (and sale racks) for the right outfits. 

I've finally arrived at the two options below (for now).  What do you think?  Seriously?

The shirt dress I ordered last week fits perfectly.  The band under the bust keeps my shape from looking too round, and my new platforms (similar to below) will bring my face up closer to N's if we take photos standing up.  However, I'm a little worried that the sleeves may not be as flattering in the picture as they are in real life.

Then, for my more casual option, I bought the shirt below since the color works well with my skin and hair.  The elbow sleeves are cute, and I'll pair with my existing dark jeans and chunky silver necklace and flat sandals.

Cardigan Junkie won't be wearing a cardigan... imagine that. 

Summery sale items... since it's hot outside

I love 80 degree weather.  It's the perfect, not that hot, afternoon where you can wear whatever you want.  I finally made the seasonal closet switch last week and am having fun working new pieces into my warm weather wardrobe.  However, if your wardrobe needs some new life, here are a few cheap finds in keeping with the season (in Texas, anyway).

I saw all of these at The Limited this weekend when shopping for an engagement party top.  I have verified that they seem well made and aren't paper thin:

The Limited Tiny Ruffle Cami - $16.99
This is really cute and nicely made in person.  I have a similar tank in blue from last year, so I left it for the next girl...

The Limited Striped Tunic - $19.99
For my friends who can rock a strapless knit... just don't wear with leggings, despite the suggestion on the page

The Limited Delicate Ruffle Shell - $29.99
This top is also very nicely made in person.  I was impressed with how thick it was and the drape was well done.

The Limited Overlap Sheath Dress - $59.99
This dress just says 'summer wedding guest' to me.  The criss-cross detail would look nice on someone with a smaller chest so the woven pattern can lay flat

Happy sale shopping!

A great brand you've never heard of

I must give credit where it is due - I did not discover this site on my own.  AK over at Tipsy Society posted some adorable skirts from Down East Basics and I am now quite impressed by the offerings.

From what I can gather Down East Basics is a brand catering to the LDS population and offers stylish basics that are also fairly modest.  However, since I like knee length skirts and non-strappy tops they also cater to me! Plus, the prices are dirt cheap.  I will say I don't know whether the quality is good or not, but I will probably find out after I place my first order for something summery.

Here are a few of the standout items I noticed today - enjoy!

Kaleidoscope Top - $22.99

Tuxedo Top (In 9 colors!) - $12.99 to $19.99

Longitude Cardigan - $29.99

Pacific Paisley Skirt - $29.99

Hot to Trot Skirt - $44.99
Try finding a basic denim skirt when you need one... nearly impossible.

Le Petit Linen Dress - $36.99

Tall and Trim Trouser Jean - $54.99

Silver Beaded Cuff - $7.99

Reunited Wrap Top - $27.99

Beaded Leaf Necklace - $11.99

Rows of Ruffles Dress (Girls) - $19.99

These should not come in Women's sizes

Old Navy, you should know better.  Nobody over the age of 14 and over 110 lbs has any business wearing one of these, let alone with a matching terry cloth hoodie. 

Old Navy Loop Terry Tier Skirt