Simple Summer Style

Finally taking a break, sitting by the pool (yay), I’m noticing that my swim/summer wardrobe is woefully shabby, and definitely not chic. As we are recovering financially from our house purchase, I need to limit my summer spree to a few essentials.

Most importantly, I need a new bathing suit. I’m not a spring chicken any longer, so my tiny bikinis are getting less and less wear. If I can find a gorgeous one piece this year, I may just wear it. After all, I’m no longer in the market for a killer tan, so covering more skin is probably better. I love these two options:

I love this little number, very surfer…but a little out of my price range – hmmm, but if I’m only buying one suit this year…..:

Lisa Marie Fernandez 
Lisa Marie Fernandez The Farrah neoprene swimsuit $395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is adorable, and I love the color….and for a bikini, it really seems modest (although the price isn’t):

Norma Kamali 
Norma Kamali Bill ruched bikini top $175 Briefs $175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once a suit is picked out, I’ll need a new coverup. I love the long kaftans, but maybe something different this year. Cover up pants are great, comfortable and I can roll them up when it’s time to wade in the baby pool. I love these and they would look great with the swimsuit!

Onda De Mar Swim - Coverup Pant
Onda De Mar Swim Coverup Pant Sale price: $118.80

Unfortunately, ballet flats are out (boo hoo), and typical flip flops, while easy and comfy, are getting rather boring. I need the speed of slip ons so, roman sandals for day to day wear are out. I hear that Chloe featured Birkenstocks on the runway. Hmmmmm, interesting. I haven’t seen these on anyone other than pseudo-hippies since my crunchier days in college. I’m not exactly a bleeding heart, so can I pull them off? Yes, I think so…in this cute, preppy, neutral orange, I believe I have my summer shoe (not a bad price, I may add):

Image
Birkenstock Gizeh, Zappos.com $89.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, how shall I carry all my swim diapers, half-used sunblock vials, spilled juice boxes, broken sunglasses and unread summer novelettes? The Beau Beach Bag is a very cool option, with space, style and eco-friendly ideals. Created by Anne Epstein of Beau Soliel, this modern and super hip bag is almost entirely dye-free with recycled cotton handles. I love the breezy beachy feel – it’s great for anywhere.

BEAU BAG
Beau Soleil Beau Bag, $68

 

Lastly, I need a loose fitting shirt and lightweight sweater to wear with my jeans and many leggings. What better designer than Vince to fill this need?

Here’s a simple V-Neck sweater and silky t-shirt that can be literally worn anywhere with just about anything – which is exactly why I love Vince.

Vince V-Neck Sweater
Vince V-Neck Sweater – $225
Vince 'Popover' Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse
Vince “Popover” Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse – $265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of these pieces are not cheap, however, they are great quality. I wear my clothes often and hard, so I’m shopping for great values. I think I may have found some.

xo

l

Who, What, When, WEAR and Why? – YOU decide and WIN….

Who?  me 🙂

What?  attending the Hampton Classic

When?  August 27 and September 1

WEAR? – NO CLUE!!!

Why?  I don’t want to look like a total frumpy amateur mess….

As I prepare my story angle(s), interview questions, photography options and other legitimate concerns, I’m worrying about what I’m going to wear. Is this important? Well, sure!

Normally, I’m pretty good at self-styling, but in this case I thought I would have some fun. I’m posting my options below and I’ll let YOU decide the final outfit. Please vote by commenting below, direct message, email, or facebook. The outfit with the most votes wins!

Okay, here’s the best part – everyone who votes will be automatically entered to win a super cute Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone 5 cover, thanks to Net-a-Porter.com (one of my favorite online retailers). marcbymarkfront

If you spread the word and have a friend sign up and vote, you’ll be entered twice! If you have two friends, we’ll enter you even more, and so on.  Just make sure they let me know who referred them to my blog so I can note who you are!! Oh, and if you think you have any better ideas, I’d like to see these too!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Contest ends Sunday, August 25th at 12pm eastern, so vote today!!

xo

lb

Please note that I may not be able to wear the winning look 😦 It may be sold out in my size, it may not be on big enough sale or just plain unavailable by the time I need it – I will do my best!!!

%d bloggers like this: