Swimsuit Report

Luckily, this past Memorial Day weekend offered up plenty of sunshine and pool time -- and opportunities to try out a few of my new swimsuits (see previous post The Search for the Perfect Suit).  The verdict? Hit and miss.


I loved my sporty striped suit from Old Navy. While it was cut a little low in the hips for me, it seemed perfectly appropriate for splashing around with the kiddies. I also thought the striped pattern did a decent job of camouflaging any hints of mummy-tummy. (Note: this suit is on sale at Old Navy right now.)

Old Navy

The black one-piece felt a little more sophisticated... and the slight ruching in the midriff was also a good disguiser. Much to my surprise, when I showed up at the pool in this suit, my six-months-pregnant sister had on the same one -- and it looked great on her. A very universally flattering suit! (This suit is sold out on Old Navy but there is a similar one at J.Crew.)

Old Navy

J.Crew

I also wore this white-and-gray striped suit this past weekend. I loved the cut and the colors, however, my mother told me I was a little too pale for it.  I thought it was a very grown-up color combination and it looked great paired with a breezy, white coverup and silver flip-flops. But I guess those light shades weren't doing me any favors! Maybe I'll try it again later in the season... (This suit is also on sale at Old Navy right now).

Old Navy

I have a few more suits to try out... I will keep you posted. 

Did you have any luck with the first swimsuit-wearing of summer?

Perfect Summer Sandal

Seems like sunny days are actually here... The beautiful warm weather calls for Tuccia Di Capri Jackie flats. The perfect sandal for summer.

I think my wardrobe would be complete with a pair in every color. So classic, so chic... I wouldn't mind adding a little feel of Capri to my everyday.


The inspiration:

Jackie O on Capri

Happy summer!

First Lady of Fashion, cont...

The President and First Lady, in Ralph Lauren. Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

MObama has been looking amazing on her trip to the UK... So modern, so chic. She even wore Tom Ford! 

In Tom Ford. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Michelle Obama, in Tracey Reese, with Samantha Cameron. Photo: Matt Dunham-WPA Pool/Getty Images

In Alexander McQueen. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

With the Camerons, wearing Roksanda Ilincic and Narciso Rodriguez. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

MObama in Barbara Tfank and Princess Kate in Reiss. Photo: Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Touching down in London, wearing Preen. Photo: Chris Radbur WPA Pool/Getty Images

Wearing Peter Som to meet the wife of the Irish PM. Photo: Staff/AFP/Getty Images

Clearly, she knows what works for her shape, etc but I love that fact that she mixes it up so much... colors, patterns, fabrics, cuts. She embraces fashions and seems to have a little fun with it -- all while staying pretty appropriate. A great role model in style (among other things!).

Chic Colorblocking

Pippa Middleton looks great in this little frock from Zara... So into the kelly green and navy pairing. More and more I am loving the idea of easy summer dresses. Simple, fuss-free and instant polish. What could be better than that? 

Perfect Summer Combo

Elle MacPherson

This is the perfect combo for summer -- stark white, bright orange and neutral tan. Throw in some gold jewelry and you are jet-set ready to go!

Cute & Easy

I saw these on an always-well-dressed girl the other day and they looked supercute. In fact, the burlap actually looked pretty chic.  They are a great alternative to the espadrille and could be a perfect everyday summer shoe -- the boho fabric pairs so well with denim (blue and white), army green and brights.

I love what Toms does (with every pair of shoes purchased, they donate a pair to a child in need), and at $54 it is a no-brainer.

While I'm at it, I'll have to get a pair of "Tiny Toms" for my minis! How cute are they?

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