With beach trips and poolside afternoons your favorite swimsuit can take a beating: from the sun, your own perspiration and even the sunblock, you could be using. Now we do believe in buying a quality bathing suit that will last and that means digging deep into your pockets. The last thing we want to happen is ruining that suit and not getting enough use out of it. Stretching our dollars is what we are all about nowadays, aren't we?
Britney Spears
Kourtney Kardashian
Here are some tips that we have found to help lengthen the life of your suit:
1.) Avoid hot tubs with that expensive suit. Heat is not good for the color and elasticity of the suit. Opt for a cheap suit when hot tubbing!
2.) Hand wash your suit with a gentle soap like Woolite and never wash in the washing machine. Let the suit soak for about 30 minutes if possible.
3.) Do not dry your suit in the sun. Dry off excess water on teh suit with a towel after hand washing and lay it flat to dry.
4.) Don't wrap your suit in your towel after use. Your towel will contain chemicals from your body and added with the heat, it will let those chemicals manifest.
5.) Be careful where you sit. Pool edges are hard on those bottoms! Try placing a towel underneath you.
Get your kids ready to go back to school! Gap is running a sale on all of their kids and toddler clothes. Get 25% off when you enter the code "GAPBTS25" at checkout. If you spend over $50 you will get free shipping by entering the code "GAPFSJULY". This is good through Sunday the 25th of July. They have great premium jeans that start at $19.50 as well as a section for deals on uniform apparel.
Us gals can't always be blamed for all of the fashion missteps in the world! The men make just as many (if not more) mistakes as we do. Check out this list from GQ and the team who wrote Undateable (if you haven't heard of this book, it's hilarious). Is your man doing any of these fashion no-no's?
Embellished Jeans! Such a don't for men!
If your guy is like ours they suffer from fashion cluelessness. We feel it's our duty as the women in their lives to help them out and give them a little guidance. If you don't, who will? We love this list from GQ. The 10 Commandments of Style.It includes matching socks to pants (not to shoes), and how to know which undershirt to wear.
What does your guy wear that drives you crazy? Are there any fashion don'ts for men that you feel were left off the list?
Going right along with the braid trend that has taken over has been the addition of the milkmaid braid. Celbs are loving this look and have been for awhile.
Mary Kate Olsen
Sienna Miller
Nicole Richie
The name is actually quite fitting because that is what you look like: a milkmaid! Don't let that discourage you. It is an easy, casual alternative to the classic ponytail and is almost easy! It can also be made into dressier look so it is great for a fast evening updo. Gotta love a versatile hairstyle!
•Step 1
Untangle the hair and split into two sections. Each section will have its own hair braid. You may secure the top of the braid with an elastic ponytail holder, but it isn't necessary.
•Step 2
Work one hair braid into each section of hair. Hold the hair to the opposite side while you're braiding, so that when it is wrapped, it lies nice and flat.
•Step 3
Repeat this process on the opposite side of the head, making a second hair braid.
•Step 4
Wrap each braid around the head, crossing over the back center part.
•Step 5
Tuck the ends of the braids in underneath themselves, so that the elastic bands don't show. You might want to secure the braids with a bobby pin placed underneath the braid
Nautical stripes are a trend that is not going away and as the summer gets closer to an end and we get closer to fall, stripes is one of the best trends that will transition right into the new season. So embrace your sailor (well not literally) and try out these looks for that transition. Here are a few celebs that got it right!
Whitney Port and Brooklyn Decker
Eva Mendes
Tips on How to Wear:
DO be conscience of where the stripes fall. They tend to expand certain areas.
DO pair with a solid cardigan, shrug or blazer for the fall.
DO wear with a trouser pant and clog.
DON'T lose your silhouette. Use a belt to cinch your waist. Try an oversized shirt and a rope or a brown belt.
DON'T be scared to go past the striped shirt. Try a great dress as well! We are loving the ones at GAP right now.
We aren't sure which we are digging more: Jessica Alba's easy California casual summer style or the way she dresses her adorable daughter Honor.
Either way, try out her looks for a casual summer day out with your kiddos (or hubby/boyfriend/girlfriends/etc).
Silence and Noise Floral Zip Back Racerback Tank $28 at Urban Outfitters, Leather Washed Panelled Slouch Bag $76 at ASOS, Boy Fit Denim Shorts $25 at American Eagle
C and C California Racerback Twist Tank $40 at C&C California, Ralph Lauren Distressed Boyfriend Jeans $42 at Dillards, Metal Trim Peep Lens Sunglasses $8 at Old Navy, Slim Flip Flops $24 at Havaianas
Simplicity is always what we are always preaching, which we quickly follow up with "spice it up with your accessories" and this is no exception. Patterned purses are a kick back to the 70's much like braiding your hair and long maxi dresses. So if you love that era, embrace the bohemian look and throw a patterned bag over the shoulder like these stars.
Right now we are digging exposed zippers. They give a tough edge to an otherwise sweet article of clothing. Look for them in unexpected spots such as up the back of a shirt or dress, on the pocket or trim of a tank, or even an exposed zipper on shorts.
The new trend is sweeping salons all over and everyone is talking about the Brazilian Blowout. As wavy/curly haired gi rls ourselves we are excited about this new technique that takes all frizz and curl out of your hair. It lasts up to 12 weeks and no flat iron is necessary! Think about waking up, showering, and then letting your hair dry...no flat iron, no curling iron, just get up and go! Not to sound too much like an infomercial but here is what makes the Brazilian Blowout better than any of the others out there: no harsh chemicals!!! That means smoother hair. Take a look for yourself:
One of our favorite online shoe stores, Endless, is running a Fall Preview event. They are offering 30% off of their new arrivals. Click HERE to get to the shoes and HERE to get to the accessories.