San Francisco Is A Fashionably Happenin' City

Danielle Steel, eat your words!*

Who says* San Francisco has no style?! psh.

Image(s) courtesy of The SF Style.com

Jumpsuits and Rompers, Not Just For Kids

I have a thing for one-stop dressing. If I can get a complete outfit out of one garment, I'm all about it. That's why I think I've been particularly obsessed with jumpsuits. I've had one in mind since my sister announced she was getting married and all I could see flash before my eyes was my potential wedding wardrobe (I think that's a hazard of being a stylist...you can't help but fashionably fast-forward to certain events and day dream about all the sartorial possibilities!) For me it was like lightning struck and I've wanted to wear a jumpsuit to the rehearsal dinner ever since. So I started looking online and found some goodies. I've even got some advice on how to wear one beyond the warmth of Spring and Summer, in case you've been toying with the idea of wearing one too :)

Macy's, Material Girl $32

This one is my favorite! The print is fun and the cut is simple enough to transition well into the Fall. It's an ideal design for layering T-shirts or long-sleeve T-shirts underneath and the length of the pant is long enough to be tucked into boots when it starts to cool down or rains. The only problem, this little number is from the Junior's department...I'm not too old, right?!

Shopbop.com, Rachel Pally $184 on sale! She uses the softest jerseys!

Just like the saying goes, an oldie but a goodie. It has a similar simplicity in its design like the previous one but with a more effortless style so you can wear it with that elusive nonchalance you see in other fashionable gals. It's a different kind of sexy.

Club Monaco, "Selena" pants. If you're not ready for a full body print :)

I know this isn't an image of a jumpsuit but my reason for pulling this image is because the cut of the pants is similar to what you'll find in a jumpsuit. So if you want to try a print AND a jumpsuit but are apprehensive about doing it in one piece, just find a cute pair of printed bottoms and play with your tops. You still get the same idea.

Bluefly.com, BCBG $77

An alternative to those not sure they can rock a full jumpsuit but have the legs to pull off a romper. The fun option with a romper is that you can always put on a textured pair of tights to shake things up a bit. It's an easy area to add interest to your outfit as well as pulling double duty by keeping you a little bit warmer.

Shopbop.com, T-Bags $194

A nice cross between the long-sleeve romper and the tank-top bodice. The slouchy silhouette maintains the ease of the design while the shorts yield room for tights and the top has potential for your typical layering pieces like t-shirts; all areas you can add material so you can still wear this piece into the Fall.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger $35 on sale!

Once you've picked out your preferred style of jumpsuit or romper, you need to put on a couple of extra items to really pull the look together. Think about the items I mentioned already (T-shirts and boots) and also throw in sweaters and jackets. If you're rocking a printed version, a simple throw-on like the one pictured above will tone down the loudness of the print. It also happens to be a great addition for a more simple jumpsuit/romper.

American Apparel, $58

You can't go wrong with a traditional pullover with a V-neck. This will give you a "two piece" look so you'll appear to be wearing pants and a sweater instead of a jumpsuit and sweater :)

Old Navy, $34.50

Last but not least is the cardigan or in this case, the boyfriend cardigan. Always a classic cover up, the cardigan will give you warmth and again, help break up the outfit into another element so you're not visually weighed down by the design of the jumpsuit. You have to give you eye more things to look at individually so that when seen as a whole, the outfit is a ten.

Image(s) courtesy of google image search

Swimwear 101: Best Swimsuits for Men

It's just as important for guys to look good at the pool as it is for women.  Unlike the trend in womens swimwear, smaller swimsuits on men are not always sexy...

case in point

...unless you look like this...

... so stick to shorts.

But when there are so many eyesore versions to pick from, how do you choose?  Will you go the route of of the many men who've gone before you and wear what can only be described as something you picked up last-minute at a gift shop somewhere (see left)?  Or will you opt for something a little less Hawaii 5-0 this summer?  The basics of all clothing, including swimwear, is a balance of proportions.  Don't go for anything too small or too short.  Nothing too long (ie- hangs down to your calves) or too baggy.





Personal Shopper Picks: from Norsdtrom

Sundek Volley Wim Shorts $119

Simple enough to throw on a tee and sandals and head off the beach into town.  I personally prefer this shorter (not short) length because it's a little more universal for the average man's proportions.

Hurley "Puerto Rico" Recycled Board Shorts $49

Again, could easily go from swim to walking shorts.  Think about it in terms of having to pack one less item on vacation.  Just throw this on with a polo and some slip-on shoes and you're good to go.

Ezekiel Strip Board Short $54

It's a print... It's a color... But what it's not is a suit you will regret wearing again a few years from now.

BOSS Black "Tigerfish"Volley Swim Shorts $89

While they not be the most exciting pair of trunks at the pool, it's really hard to mess up the overall look of black swim trunks.

Penguin 'Scalloped' Volley Swim Shorts $59

Goodbye Fantasy Island, hello Bay Watch.  I promise the cute girl at the bar won't miss you in these!

Additional image(s) courtesy of Gooole Search

Swimwear 101: Cover-Ups

Once you've found the perfect swimsuit that has you throwing caution to the wind and actually wanting to go out half naked in public, it's time to shop for the swimsuit cover-up.  They are, just like their name suggests, a way to cover up your newly sun-kissed skin.  I personally love a cute cover-up because they not only protect me from getting burned, they are what make a poolside outfit.  And let's be honest, the only time I actually want to see my thighs is while slathering them in sunscreen on my lounge chair.  We've come a long way from the muumuu as far as style.

Personal Shopper Picks: (from one of my favorite places to shop for swimwear, Victoria's Secret)

Trend #1: 70's Chic

VS Cotton Crochet Tunic Sweater $59.50

VS Striped Linen Cover-Up Sweater $49.50

VS Split-sleeve Romper $48

VS Tunic Cover-up $58

Trend #2: Brights

VS Solid Plunge Cover-up Tunic $33

VS Tie-waist Cover-up Dress $33

VS Neon Lace Cover-up $38

Trend #3: Neutrals & Whites

VS One-shoulder Crochet Cover-up $74

VS Beach Linen Knit-waist Short $29.50

VS T-back Romper $82

VS Beach Linen Zip-front Romper $39.50

Image(s) courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Swimwear 101: Best One-Piece Swimsuits for Women

Because of my trip I'm having to face staring down at my glaring white thighs which haven't seen the sun in quite some time.  My goal is to come home in five days actually looking like I've been on vacation- a golden brown only Hawaii sun can give you.  But that means finding the right swimsuit while I melt in the 80+ degree weather.  It has to be cute, but also functional (no Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunctions please).

When shopping for a new suit this summer, make your first stop for swimwear at Anthropologie for a great selection of suits that will make your summer look complete.  Does "sexy on-piece" sound like an oxymoron to you?  Doesn't have to be.  See for yourself...

Personal Shopper Picks:

Laughing Gull One-Piece $318

Hit the sand looking like a goddess in this white oh-so-worth-the-price-when-you-see-their-jaws-drop swimsuit.  Very 70's and right on trend.

Plunging Halter Maillot $178

Who says one-piece swimsuits aren't sexy?  Noticing this 70's trend again?

Parched Desert Maillot $218

Is your best feature in the rear?  Show off your

Elephant Ears Maillot $160

Remember you don't have to wear black or brown to be neutral.  Try this mud khaki suit on instead.

Ruffle-Wrapped Halter Suit $158

I love the way this suit still defines your waistline.  If you love a wrap dress, you'll love this suit.


And just because I know not everyone is going to throw in the towel on their bikinis for the sexy factor, here's one more I just couldn't resist posting...

Golden Days Bikini Top $78

Golden Days Bikini Bottom $68

Tips for shopping for your next swimsuit:

Shop on a ‘good’ day. Don’t shop for your skimpiest items of clothing on days you’d rather not even be seen out of your home! Don’t set foot in a fitting room when you’re having a bad day, PMSing, going through a break-up or otherwise. Even if your feet or back hurt, stop.

A slightly snug fit in the changing room will keep your decency intact as you hit the pool. Remember that fabrics expand in the water! Second, remember that swimsuit sizing generally runs small because they need to be fitted. If you’re more of a sun worshiper than a water baby, go for what feels most comfortable and gives you the least amount of tan lines.

Take the stress out of the trying on. Shop online and turn your home into a stress-free fitting room.
Go custom! Online stores like Victoria’s Secret swim shop have a large selection of suits, many of which are separates that you can mix-n-match.

-excerpt from my interview with 944 magazine

 

Swimwear 101: Plus-Size Gals Celebrating Their Curves

I'm about to head off on a last-minute (much needed) vacation to Hawaii with my husband.  The first since we were married in 2009.  When he told me we were going I was first very excited thinking about the hot sun, warm sand and cool blue waters.  Then I realized, thanks to a substantial injury and a lack of self-control when it came to chocolate, that I didn't have a swimsuit that fit me anymore.  All of a sudden my shock and awe at the good news was blown to bits by my worry over having to swimsuit shop for myself.  Sure, it's much easier to help other people show for swimwear.  I'm a wardrobe stylist, I'm supposed to know how to do this- which I do.  But the pace I had made with my thighs was on shaky ground when I knew I wasn't going to be able to hide them in clothing all the time.

So I set about to find myself a plus-sized swimsuit.  I'm one of those weird body shapes that is not plus-sized everywhere, but my bust has grown so much over the last year (38E) that regular misses sized suits let my cups runneth over (Psalm 23:5).  After an exhaustive online search of plus-sized swimwear, including ordering and truing many of them on myself, here are my favorites...

Personal Shopper Picks:

OneStopPlus.com $79.99

This is the little number I will be sporting this week.  The little ruffled skirt hides the top of my thighs, but not so much that it looks like a dress.  It actually has a cute vintage feeling to it.

Monif C. $118

Who says plus-sized has to nothing but a swim dress?  I think this ruffle is great, and would nicely play up your bust line to proportionally minimize the size of your thighs.

Torrid $34

Have a top that you love, but a bottom that you don't (I can't help but laugh at the pun)?  These shorts are great because they will match pretty much any top you already have, and they are adjustable via the draw strong cords on the sides.

OneStopPlus.com $49.40

A not-so-fitted tankini is a great way to hide any lumps and bumps in your midsection.  It's also a good option for those of us with longer torsos.

Lane Bryant $119.95

This large print will keep the eye moving and won't linger over any spots you don't want seen.  The ruched sides also help disguise and bulges.

This summer I vow:

...not to hide my curves under a matronly swim dress.
...to go beyond black and wear colorful swimwear.
...to celebrate my curves by not hiding in my clothes all summer.

How to Dress Well When You're Feeling Fat

You can't sit there and tell me you've never felt fat. You just can't. Guys, same thing. We ALL have felt fat at one point or another, regardless if it's true or not. Considering I have been in this bloated bubble myself the last few days I figured I would do myself- and you- a favor and discuss easy ways to dress stylishly when your figure feels fuller than usual. It's times like these that I'm thankful for being a stylist in the bay area as we're still in the trend of drape-y tops, skinny bottoms, and soft sweaters- key pieces to solving this particular gut-busting problem.

It's hard to work around your own fatheaded funk and see your closet as an area with potential to make you feel great when all you see is your gut. Ladies, here are a few looks to prevent the plump from showing:

The interesting use of draping in this otherwise simple tank skims the body without hugging it and also hangs perfectly around the middle, hiding any bulges below.

A dress with interesting details (like the wrapping detail on the bodice) distracts the eye from any "problem areas". Plus, the sewn-in waist gives you shape with the soft folds in the skirt providing additional tummy security.

A shirtwaist dress is never a bad idea. The A-line draws the eye out along the hips making your waist look that much slimmer. (Think Kate Middleton at her wedding...her hips were padded!)

Don't forget, a standard go-to outfit for any fat day is leggings and a tunic. You've got the best of both worlds: comfort and coverage.

Guys, you're a little bit trickier. You don't have fun flowy tops or dresses available to help you with any belly bloat that can appear. So, how do we fix that? Easy! Use what you (more than likely) already have and, as a general rule, stay away form hoodies. There are more stylish ways to hide the chub:

Start with a simple T. If it's a little big, that's ok! It should hug you in the shoulders and across your chest and drape in the middle.

Don't be afraid of sweaters. The vertical closure in the front brings in your shape while at the time hiding any bulge and visually cutting your torso in half, making you appear slimmer.

Another sweater option if you really just can't get into cardigans. The key with any sweater is body SKIMMING, not body HUGGING. The structured shirt underneath in this example also adds a touch of volume to hide your own personal bulk.

Hopefully I've given you a little more confidence the next time you face your closet feeling like you need to "trim the fat" (and it doesn't relate to an over abundance of clothes).

Image(s) courtesy of google image search