Author: KOdKeIUozW

02Mar

Better Beach Wear

Better Beach Wear

 

Wearing a Bathing Suit is No More Intimidating!

We know that wearing a swimsuit can be daunting for many women. Shopping, especially for designer swimming suits can be frustrating because not all of them are designed for everybody. So we’ve put together a list of useful tips to help you find beachwear that is flattering, stylish, and will make you look gorgeous (and thinner, even if you haven’t lost those extra pounds you’ve been trying hard to get rid of!)

10 Tips to Look Thinner in Your Bathing Suit Even Without Losing Those Extra Pounds

1. Watch What You Wear

Everyone has a different body type and have features that we are not so thrilled about. Choose flattering pieces that accentuate what according to you are your best features. Before you look for a swim suits store, make sure you know what looks best on you.

Swimwear Tip: Try putting on shapewear that can make you look thinner and beautiful.

2. Choose Dark Colors

Dark shades have a slimming effect, especially black and navy blue hues are perfect if you’re looking to hide a few pounds. To spice up things, look for fashion-forward silhouettes and styles.

Swimwear Tip: Look for pieces that have cut-outs which can add a hint of sexiness to your ensemble.

3. Opt for Cover Ups and Wraps

Get a stylish cover up and a wrap that compliments your beachwear. They give an appearance of a casual yet sexy style and are far more slimming when compared to wearing an old t-shirt or a beach towel wrapped around the waist.

Swimwear Tip: Pick cover ups that are breezy and lightweight.

4. Go For Ruffles, Color Blocking, and Bright Solids

These can draw the eye exactly where you want and are perfect for taking away attention from your not-so-good features. Moreover, strategically placed ruffles and nets can make it look like you have a bigger bust, drawing the eye up and away from less flattering areas.

Swimwear Tip: Don’t hesitate to try bolder shades.

5. Pick Either Splashy Prints or Small Patterns

Simple, big prints tend to make you appear big as well. So either opt for vibrant prints or try smaller patterns such as polka dots that have a fun vibe and can make you appear thinner effortlessly.

Swimwear Tip: Both don’t work together, so pick your beachwear accordingly.

6. Stripes Work Too

The best thing about stripes or zig-zags is that they create an illusion and can mask the problem areas that you don’t wish to highlight. You can also use these prints to mix and match swim separates.

Swimwear Tip: Try pairing a solid bikini bottom with a striped top or vice versa to enhance the outlook.

7. Be Bold, Choose Plunging Neck Lines

If you wish to show off a little skin without wearing a two-piece bikini, opt for bodysuits that have a flattering fit and a plunging neckline. It is every bit as sexy as a bikini and comes with the added advantage of making you feel comfortable.

Swimwear Tip: Up your confidence to carry off the body suit.

8. Ruched Fabric Works Perfectly

If you want to mask problem areas, ruched material can help streamline your silhouette. It gives the appearance of a slimmer waist and torso.

Swimwear Tip: Pick pieces that have a soft texture.

9. Wear Your Hair Up

Wearing your hair up makes you look leaner and gives an overall slimming effect. You could just put them into an easy bun.

Swimwear Tip: Leave out a few tendrils to create a beautiful outlook that matches the beach vibes.

10. Wear a Hat

Wearing a hat is an effortless way to take attention away from any insecurities that you may have about your body. Besides, it can protect your skin and is an amazing fashion accessory that allows you to flaunt your style.

Swimwear Tip: Try huge hats that work well with your swimwear for a dramatic effect.

Shop Online with Us for Stylish Bathing Suits

Don’t let the anxiety over wearing beachwear keep you from having a great time. Remember these tips to look gorgeous the next time you put on your swimwear and look your absolute best when you hit the beach. To know what best suits you, explore our beachwear collection and shop your favorites.

01Aug

The 16 Best Foods To Bring To The Beach That Will Last All Day In Your Cooler

  1. Hard Boiled Eggs
    • This might be one of the best bang for your buck foods to tote. Hard boiled eggs are simple to make, filling, and easy to rinse off if they happen to encounter an impromptu sand storm. They’re also delicious warm or cold if cooler space is an issue. Just peel them in advance—it’s way too much work to do it on the beach.
  2. Wraps
    • Sandwiches are great and all, but sand has a funny way of getting trapped in the nooks and crannies of the bread. Wraps, on the other hand, have a protective outer layer to help keep sand out. If you’re extra paranoid about a sand-in-food situation, you can also wrap them in foil that you peel off as you eat.
  3. Rotisserie Chicken
    • The last thing you want to do when you’re packing for the beach is spend a ton of time cooking. You can grab a rotisserie chicken in advance, store it in the fridge, and shred it right before you leave. Like eggs, this also tastes great cold or warm.
  4. Grain Salad
    • You’ve got a bunch of options with this—tabbouleh, farro salad, quinoa salad…pretty much any grain, mixed with fresh veggies and cheese, is a winner at the beach. Just store it in a plastic container, and don’t forget the plasticware (you can pitch it all when you’re done).
  5. Bars
    • Whether you want something sweet or savory, a bar is a quick and easy way to pack light. Aim for options with more filling ingredients like nuts or oats and skip ones with sticky stuff, like caramel or melty chocolate. It’ll just end up coated in sand.
  6. Kebabs
    • Eating at the beach should be easy and fun, and that’s where kebabs come into play. You can put almost anything on a skewer—steak, chicken, fruits, veggies…the potential combos are endless. Just bite off your meal and toss the skewers when you’re finished. Bonus: You can eat this one with sandy fingers.
  7. Pita Pockets
    • Another sandwich alternative, pita bread forms a nice protective shell for the goodies you’ve got stored inside. It also works as a temporary mini insulator for any stuffings you want to keep cool.
  8. Smoothie
    • Have an insulated thermos or water bottle? You’re golden. Mix up your favorite smoothie and pour it on in for a cool treat you can sip surfside.
  9. Lunchmeat Rollups
    • Perfect for when you’re limited on cooler space, rollups of your lunchmeat of choice and cheese are easy to fit in between drinks. You can add olives or mustard to the center to kick things up a notch.
  10. Grapes
    • Pretty much any fruit with a protective outer layer (plums, oranges, nectarines, etc.) are great, but grapes can serve double duty as ice if you have a small cooler. Just toss a baggie or two in the freezer in advance and pull them out when you’re ready to hit the beach. When you have a hankering for grapes, take out the fruit 15 to 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw a bit, and enjoy.
  11. Yogurt
    • For those moments when you’re pressed for packing time, a yogurt can help provide a hearty snack with zero prep. Stock up on squeezable varieties ahead of time if you’d rather eat one-handed. Or, if you prefer to use the conventional cup, don’t forget to pack a plastic spoon.
  12. Veggies and Hummus
    • Carrots and cucumber spears make a crisp, refreshing snack, especially when you pair them with a dip that can withstand the heat, like hummus. Just store them in a sturdy plastic container so they don’t get squished.
  13. Pasta
    • Whether you grab leftover spaghetti out of your fridge or take the time to make something new before you leave home, pasta tastes great cold or warm at the beach.
  14. Pretzel Rods
    • Chips are always tasty, but they can easily get soggy if you’ve been swimming. Pretzel rods are a little more hearty. They don’t get stale easily in the salt air and can take a few punches without getting crushed while rolling around in your beach bag.
  15. Trail Mix
    • Nuts and dried fruit make for a yummy and filling beach snack combo, and they’re easy enough to stash and go. Just consider taking a pass on the chocolate—it’ll turn into a gooey mess before the end of the day.
  16. Brownies
    • If you have a sweet tooth, brownies are one of the best ways to satisfy it at the beach. Since they’re baked through, they won’t melt like other chocolatey treats, and they don’t need to stay in the cooler if you’re short on space.
14Jul

Making the most of your summer vacation (and staying in shape)

 

Ahh, summer vacation is a time to travel and let it all hang loose. But if you plan ahead, you can stay healthy and fit while enjoying time off.

One of the easiest ways to exercise while on vacation is to stay in hotels that have fitness centers. Make fitness a natural part of your summer vacation. Every little bit helps. If you burn an extra 100 calories every day for a year, you can lose up to 10 pounds.

 

Walk Before You Fly

If you have long layovers in airports, walk your time away. Many airports have art exhibits or museums so your mind will stay active, too.

Sightsee by Bicycle

Find out if your destination has a bicycle path, then rent bikes and get a closer look at the area while pedaling through. For a slower pace, ask if your vacation spot has a self-guided walking tour.

 

 

Try Something New

Whether you’re traveling or enjoying a “staycation,” try something new. How about stand-up paddling or kite-surfing? Ever wanted to learn ballroom dancing? Now’s a great time. You’ll always remember this summer as the time you learned to dance.

 

 

Plan an Active Vacation

Plan a trip specifically to bicycle through mountains, ride horses through the countryside or surf on a tropical island. Tour companies specialize in providing all the arrangements for you. Your only job will be to have fun.

 

 

Pack Snacks

Pack healthy protein or nut bars in your daypack in case you find yourself out and about for hours. You can eat the bars anytime, anywhere, keeping yourself energized. When you finally sit down for lunch or dinner, you’ll be well-balanced and make healthy choices.

 

 

Lotta Water

Stay hydrated while you’re out having fun. Drinking water during your summer activities will assure a healthy, balanced body and mind.

 

When you plan fitness as part of your summer vacation, you’ll return home feeling revitalized, and ready to bring that momentum into your daily life.

12Jun

Lightweight Jackets for Summer Travel: Stylish Options for EVERY Trip

Traveling in summer is wonderful – the absolute vacation of vacations. But even with the sun in your sky and temperatures in the 80’s, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket in your day bag to avoid a trip back to your hostel or hotel before nighttime festivities begin.

The sarong, cardigan, kimono jacket, blazer, and denim shirt will all get the job done. Find out why we love these lightweight jackets for summer travel!

Lightweight Jackets for Summer Travel

Versatile Travel Jacket

 

The Anatomie Kenya jacket has a timeless, classic design that will far surpass the livelihood of most trends. It resembles a military style anorak with hidden metal popper buttons in addition to a gunmetal zipper.

It looks chic and even a little edgy. I’ve worn it with jeans or over my favorite travel dress. It’s gone with me to the city everywhere from London to Paris, Basel to Los Angeles, San Diego to Quebec City. I also wore it with shorts and trainers to explore Arizona’s national parks. It’s now a staple in all my airplane outfits, too.

Sarong

Are they scarves? Are they cover-ups? Are they the lightweight jackets of your dreams? When draped over your shoulders, a sarong can bring a bit of whimsical to any outfit.

Often found in bright colors and patterns, it’s the perfect piece to liven up a more practical daytime get-up. In addition to cooled-down nighttime-wear,sarongs are great to have for travel in general, taking up minimal space in your packing cube in your carry-on.

Wrap it around you and it becomes a changing room. Ball it up under your head and you’ve got a pillow. Hang it on your wall and you’ve just decorated the room with a tapestry! In other words, long live the sarong. Great for beach side trips!

Cardigan

A classic piece, cardigans add refinement to any outfit from your travel capsule wardrobe. They’re sold in a variety of cuts to flatter any figure and will keep you looking smart and sophisticated.

And with their thin material, they’ll take up no room in your day bag making them versatile lightweight jackets for many trips.

Grab a neutral tone to go with all your outfits, or go for turquoise or coral to add a splash of color to your look. No matter which direction you go, this old stand-by will do you justice all vacay long.

Kimono

These lightweight jackets made their grand entrance in spring at festivals like Coachella. Kimono jackets are sure to be everywhere this summer. With their oriental leanings, the kimono jacket immediately adds culture and charm to your outfit.

It can go laid-back on top of jean shorts and a white tank, or dressed-up on top of a midi dress. Talk about the perfect layering piece for travel!

Blazer

If your summer destination is known for a quick turn from hot days to chilly nights, blazers have a heavier weight than the others on this list, and might be the best lightweight jackets for you.

While the blazer used to be synonymous with work-attire, it’s been reworked to suit any style. In addition to its classic cut, you can now find it with draped lapels, flowing fabrics, and even without a collar.

Denim Shirt

Long gone are the days where we look at Justin and Britney’s matching jean outfits with shame. Jean-on-jean is in its style glory right now, which makes the denim shirt as versatile as ever.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve been sporting during the day, denim shirts act as perfectly diverse lightweight jackets and can be easily slide over overalls, a summer dress, or even running gear. And unlike others on this list, they can stand on their own when buttoned up.

How to Pack Denim Jacket

Packing cubes can help organize all the clothes you intend to bring, along with your jacket! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything.

12Jun

Best Fabrics for Travel Clothing: Pack with Purpose

When it comes to travel clothing, the fabrics you choose can make a huge difference in terms of both your comfort and luggage size. In certain parts of the world, you want clothing that keeps you warm, while in other places you want to stay cool. Fabric that holds up well in the long run is also great because that means you don’t have to keep buying new clothes over the course of several trips, or replace clothes on one longer trip. If you’re trying to travel carry-on only, certain fabrics are better than others as far as the space they take up.

 

So what are the best fabrics for travel clothing?

Merino wool

Merino wool is ideal for travel. Before you cringe at the thought of grandma’s wool sweaters from when you were a child, know that the merino wool fiber is much finer, and therefore more flexible and soft, than other types of wool. Many people who are sensitive to traditional wool garments can wear merino without irritation.

The thermoregulating properties of merino mean that you tend to stay cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold. It wicks moisture, which helps if you’re doing something active and sweating, and then brings that moisture towards the air where it can evaporate. In addition to feeling better on your skin, the natural antibacterial properties mean you can wear it longer without the garment starting to smell. And when you do wash it, it dries quickly in the shade.

Merino doesn’t wrinkle easily, which is always a plus for travel. The fabric is lightweight, so it packs up small and can easily be layered for more warmth.

Many travel gear companies create garments from merino wool these days, but the most popular one is Icebreaker whose entire range contains merino and merino blends. Owners of Icebreaker gear tend to be fanatics, but there are some downsides, specifically the high price. Others have mentioned that the thinner, lighter weights of fabrics wear more easily.

Bamboo viscose

Besides bamboo’s silky, luxurious feel, it has several properties that make the fabric beneficial to travel. Like merino, bamboo is temperature regulating, so you’ll stay cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather. Clothing made from bamboo is great for layering, so you can pack clothing that serve multiple purposes and layer up if it’s cold. It’s not to the same level as merino, but it does do a better job than many other fabrics on the market.

Like merino wool, you can wear it several times before it starts to smell. It also won’t wrinkle easily. And, it contains natural UPF. Bamboo Body, a brand in Australia, has a tested UPF rating of 50+!

While it’s a breathable, moisture wicking fabric that helps keep sweat off your skin, the major downside with bamboo is the fact that it doesn’t dry as quickly- sometimes even than cotton depending on the thickness of the fabric. That makes it difficult to hand-wash items as you travel, but then again, since it smells less, you might have to do it less often!

Nylon and Polyester

Many people shy away from these fabrics, but nylon and polyester work well for travel clothing. In fact, much of the fancy purpose-built travel clothing on the market consists of these fabrics.

Nylon and polyester wick moisture, keeping your skin dry. They’re both quick-drying fabrics, so if you have to hand wash your clothes in the sink, they shouldn’t still be wet when it’s time to pack the next morning. These two are also wrinkle-resistant and lightweight, which is always good for packing.

In terms of breathability, the design of many travel fabrics helps them to be breathable, but they are known to be less breathable than cotton, merino, and bamboo.

The major downside is that these materials might not feel as comfortable on your skin as others, and the cheaper versions of these fabrics have a tendency to hold in odor if not treated.

Rayon

Rayon feels smooth on your skin. It dries quickly and is another great wrinkle-resistant fabric. Unfortunately it doesn’t wick moisture as well as the fabrics above, so it’s not the best option for warmer climates where you might sweat a lot.

Cotton

You probably have a lot of cotton in your normal wardrobe – I know I do! It’s comfortable, breathable, and easy to care for.

But cotton doesn’t wick moisture like other fabrics do, so if you’re in a hot place, you’ll start feeling uncomfortable in that sweaty shirt. It also wrinkles easily and doesn’t dry quickly, making it a less than ideal choice for travel.

There is a time and place for cotton, though. Denim might not be the quickest drying fabric, but jeans are great on a packing list when the weather’s chilly. They’re also pretty durable and versatile- as long as you don’t need to wash them often in the sink.

Linen and Silk

Linen and silk are both comfortable, lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase. But they are probably the most wrinkle-prone fabrics out there. If you’re staying in an apartment rental or at a hotel that provides an iron, that might be ok with you, but in general, these aren’t great fabrics for travel clothing.

Other things to look for in travel clothing fabrics

Many outdoor companies make clothing that does more than simply clothe you. Some garments are treated with insecticides to help protect you from disease-carrying bugs. Others are made with ultraviolet protection to give you an extra barrier against the sun’s rays.

Water-resistant or water-proof clothing is ideal for some situations but unnecessary in others. Though it’s always a good idea to have one quick-dry outfit, if you’re staying somewhere with a washer and dryer, or you often use laundromats, a full wardrobe of quick-drying fabrics might be a lower priority for you.

Pack clothing that works with your planned activities, and know your travel style. The best fabrics for travel clothing pack up small, dry quickly, keep you warm AND cool, and hold up well so your clothing lasts longer.

12Jun

Latest Trends For Autumn Are Here!

In the months since designers presented their fall 2017 collections on the runway, we’ve had plenty of time to ponder, plan, and narrow down the list of runway-approved trends we might actually make an effort to incorporate into our autumn wardrobes. Should you be in need of a refresher, we rescanned the catwalks for the most pervasive and most wearable takeaways from the latest fall fashions. (Moody florals at Coach 1941 and Brock Collection that might just convince Miranda Priestly of their groundbreaking-ness; sheer turtlenecks at Gabriela Hearst and Delpozo that’ll up your layering game like never before…the list goes on.) And right as these very collections are set to arrive in stores, you’ll find that most of these styling tidbits have already made their way through the echelons of retail—so you don’t have to wait to break out the best fall fashion trends.

Below we highlight the six fall fashion trends that stood out from the pack, and suggest ways to shop ’em right now.

Moody Florals

Consider this the most seamless transition between seasonal wardrobes: Your fresh, springy bouquets turn a little darker (but no less lovely) come autumn. We saw it on the runways of brands like Coach 1941, Tory Burch, and Brock Collection (see above), as well as Anna Sui, Kate Spade New York, and Altuzarra. (There must’ve been a floral memo sent out among designers, right?) Designers reinterpreted the color palette for the season, reaching beyond the burnt oranges, burgundies, and browns we tend to gravitate toward in the fall, and introduced florals in deep blues, purples, and pinks.

Après-Ski-Style Zip-Ups

No surprise here, but athleisure will continue to play a role in our wardrobe planning even as temperatures start to dip. (So continue to assemble that starter pack.) For fall, designers borrowed from the après-ski lifestyle (and eighties-inspired sportswear) to introduce high, zip-up necklines on everything from parkas to tank tops and minidresses—a tiny detail that has already made its way down the ranks of retail.

Boxy Silhouettes

Though the feathered minidresses and By Appointment gowns commanded our attention at Raf Simons’ Calvin Klein debut, it was the utilitarian-minded, workwear-inspired silhouettes that resonated across the fall 2017 trend cycle. We saw the boxy shapes rehashed at Adam Selman (in denim), Creatures of Comfort (in silky sets), Rosie Assoulin (in boiler suits), and more, paving the way for a very practicality-minded autumn.

Sheer Layering

We tend to wait for fall 2017 lookbooks to drop to gather new styling intel, but there was plenty of inspiration to bookmark from the runway presentations back in February. Case in point: The sheer turtlenecks worn by the models at Gabriela Hearst, Delpozo, and Adeam, under everything from luxe midis, sculptural minidresses, and extra-long button-ups.

Pale Pink

Are you tired of hearing the term “millennial pink” thrown around endlessly in the fashion space? Well, come fall, you’ll probably come across only (or at least mostly) its toned-down sibling, pale pink. The slightly more opaque hue turned up at Sies Marjan, Christian Soriano, and Cinq à Sept in full force, with cameos at Adam Selman, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Kate Spade New York, among others. Hey, we’re just the messengers.

Gray Suiting

Get ready to get suited. Though we can always count on Thom Browne to present us with endless suiting inspiration season after season, labels like Alexander Wang and Monse offered their own unique takes on the buttoned-up look for fall 2017. Featuring deconstructed blazers, perfectly tailored trousers, and plenty of gray stripes, these runways will make you reconsider the business friendly suit for after-hours this autumn.