The Search for the Perfect Suit

J.Crew

It is hard to believe that Memorial Day is one week away!  It seems like we went straight from winter into summer... The pools will be open and the beach ready. I feel so unprepared! Needless to say, I have been scrambling to find the right swimsuits.

I've always worn basic string bikinis (in my opinion, usually the most flattering kind) -- even with a big ole baby bump. But this summer, I think I am going to take my mother's advice: Mid-thirties, three-kids -- it's time for a little modesty. It's time for a one-piece.

The search for the perfect one-piece has not been an easy one. Simple, chic and with at least a little sex-appeal apparently does not a one-piece make. 

Eres

Eres

The best I found were by Eres. Sleek and showing just-enough skin. Unfortunately, however, I will no doubt be splashing about with the kiddies, smearing sunscreen all over and sitting on the edge of the pool (i.e. ruining the suit) and so, I cannot justify the steep price tag.

J.Crew

I found a couple that I liked from J.Crew. Strapless solids with some interesting detail -- a drop-waist on one and some ruching on the other. They seemed sort of sophisticated.  I also ordered a few from Old Navy -- at $30 they weren't bad at all. I particularly love the red-and-navy striped suit (although it is probably the sportiest of the bunch).

Old Navy

Old Navy

Old Navy

I think I won't know which style is best until I am actually at the pool or beach and "wear-testing" them. In the meantime, I will continue to search for the perfect suit. (Now, on to the scramble to get in shape!)

Cool Collaboration

Wow!  Amazing clothing collaboration between fashion darling Prabal Gurung and everyday-wardrobe purveyor J.Crew.  I kind of want it all...  Must have the bow-blouse and bow-dress for sure. Probably will need to act fast as it is sure to sell out in a flash.

The Right Raincoat, cont...

 Superchic mom Sarah Jessica Parker manages to keep it pulled together in inclement weather...  her raincoat could be the perfect one. Wonder if it comes with a hood? (Love their matching wellies).

The Right Raincoat

As I am dashing in and out of the pouring rain, I realize that I do not have a real raincoat. Yes, a trench is superversatile, chic wardrobe-staple and I would never give it up -- but somedays, I need something with a hood! Balancing multiple kids and an armful of bags--while picking up dropped rainboots and avoiding getting poked in the eye by a frog umbrella--I think I need something practical, and gasp, even utilitarian. But does it have to be ugly?

Stella McCartney

I like this Stella McCartney version of a mac. But if I am going for something practical, perhaps that should apply to the price tag too

TopShop

TopShop

A classic, shiny slicker in a bright color could be fun. No reason to try and go too fashion-y (I am in the suburbs, after all). 

P.S. Who knew TopShop had online shopping? 

Does anyone have a good (relatively stylish) solution to dealing with the rain?

Denim I Can Do

Stella McCartney

Derek Lam

These new takes on classic denim are pieces I defintely could work into my wardrobe.

J.Crew

J.Crew

Zara

For the mini mes:

Zara

Zara

BabyGap

Denim Dilemma

Sarah Jessica Parker in mom-mode

I've been seeing so much denim in so many different forms lately...  And this Vogue.com article on denim-on-denim caught my eye (with images below).  Can you have too much of a good thing when it comes to good ole blue jeans? 

Photo (from left): Hugues Laurent; Martin Karius/Splash News (Stella McCartney); Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW (Derek Lam)

Photo: (from left) Monica Feudi/GoRunway.com (Céline); Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW (Derek Lam); Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW (Stella McCartney)

I, for one, love mixing chambray with denim a la Sarah Jessica Parker, above. And a good denim tunic or shirtdress could be a wardrobe classic... but I am not so sure I could pull off the full "Texas tuxedo" look. What do you think?

The (White) Denim Diaries, Part IV

Found a great pair of white jeans!  Tight, skinny and with gold ankle zips -- from Zara. I have the same pair in navy blue (see prev post New Nautical) and thought they might work in white too. Had to call the store everyday to track a pair down. They are light weight (maybe a tad on the thin side) but at $39.99(!) they don't have to be perfect.  


Now summer can officially start! 

Summer Staples, cont...

Barney's fashion director Amanda Brooks in Castaner espadrilles

Cool and comfy espadrilles are warm-weather classic (see previous post Summer Staples)...  But I also love a glammed up version. The summer shoe with a platform wedge is the perfect way to give a casual look a slightly dressier feel -- and the ideal footwear for on-the-grass parties (to avoid the dreaded sunken heel syndrome).

Tory Burch

Yves Saint Laurent

Lanvin

Christian Louboutin

Rochas

Everyday Chic

Stella McCartney with husband Alasdhair Willis 

Wide-leg jeans done right. Love this pic of Stella McCartney and her husband... She looks so chic in her blouse-blazer-jeans combo.  The shades of white and cream paired with the dark denim--plus the bag: Classic. Throw a dashing man into the mix and you've got the perfect look.

What a great bag for spring/summer:

Stella McCartney Alexa shoulder bag

Orange Crush, cont... (Taking Risks)

Akris

After wearing a brightly colored cocktail frock out a couple weeks ago, I was hooked on color. And so excited to wear an electric orange evening gown to a black-tie a few nights later. I loved it. I certainly stood out in the sea of black dresses -- but it felt great. The Akris gown I wore was also pretty slinky, to say the least. And, I actually wore a "fascinator" (the party theme was "Bold & British" in honor of the Royal Wedding)! I am usually relatively restrained with it comes to what I wear but it was so fun to break out and take some fashion risks. You only live once!

Jennifer Aniston in Vivienne Westwood

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Diane Von Furstenberg

Tory Burch

Jonathan Saunders

Tibi

J.Crew

It's good to be bold and break away from black once in awhile...

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my favorite mommies... You inspire me every day! 

Summer Staples

MyMu

MyMu

Old school espadrilles are perfect summer pieces... Just the right mix of preppy, boho, and jetset. Plus, the cool and comfy factor. These MyMu espadrilles instantly caught my eye. Such pretty combinations of colors. They would look great with white jeans or shorts (and a tan).