Bathing Beauties - The One Piece

Without question, bikinis can be adorable, alluring and sexy, but if a couple triangles of fabric isn't quite your thing, there are also one pieces that can offer you the same benefits. Whether you go retro with ruffles and dots, surprising with plunging backs or sweet with a skirted suit, there's sure to be a one piece out there that not only flatters your body, but also speaks to your personal style and keeps you looking fashioable even while lounging in the sun.


































Although I have a drawer full of bikinis, some of which have not yet been worn, for my big summer getaway this year I opted for a modified one piece - the monokini. My aim was to still show some skin, but strategically!

With selective slits and creative cutouts the monokini is a modified, sexier version of a one piece and give bikinis a bit of a run for their money

Fashionable Couples

Ok, so it might sound a bit cheesy to some, but I think that couples who are styled in a semi-coordinating way while out and about is really cute and uber stylish. Now, I'm not talking overt homecoming/prom matchy matchy, but complimentary looks or colors that keep things a bit cohesive. You can start by choosing your look depending on where you're headed, like to a party or on a date, then pull traces of your decided look into both you and your man's outfits. 

For example, if you go for a large print on your dress find a smaller variation of that print for him to use as an under layer piece. If you have a daring guy who is fashion forward, let his piece be the eye catcher, like a summer blazer in an unconventional shade. You can then intermingle that shade or a complimentary tone into your outfit, through accessories like a scarf or shoes. Of course you don't always have to go with the same print or exact colors, but try sticking within the same color family whether it's striking black and white, neutrals, or pastels.

Here are some of my fav celeb couple who make this type of look really work:

Victoria and David

Beckham

Will and Jada Pinkett-

Smith

Of course this way of dressing you and your man can be an objective for big nights out on the town, but it can also be for a simple day of shopping and lunch. Just be careful to stay true to your guy's personal style preferences and don't try to throw him in Gucci if he's an Urban Outfitters kinda guy, know what I mean!

I've also put together a few ideas to use for points of reference. This is not to say when you go out to walk the dog, you have to look like bookends, but it's an easy and fashionable way to bring you closer when spending quality time together.

Sweets with My Sweetie by The Dazzling Diva

Romper, $39
Kenneth Cole Reaction buckle shoes, $44
Canvas handbag, $38
Beading necklace, $22
Marc by marc jacobs jewelry, $48
Antique belt, $47
Core L/s Cardigan, $40
Men's Shorts: Men's Cargo Shorts, Men's Plaid Shorts, Men's Khaki...
T-Shirt - Hand Drawn Stripe T-Shirt, £95
Brown fabric toe flip flops, £25

Beach Brunch with My Boo by The Dazzling Diva

White strappy sandals, £15
Roxy straw beach tote, £20
Guess earrings, $15
Swarovski heart pendant necklace, $35
Hello Kitty glass shades, $13
G by Guess aviator sunglasses, $29
Old Navy Mens Striped Oxford Shirt, $17
Save Khaki Cutoff Chino Shorts, $95
QUIKSILVER Stripe tank, £23
Converse 'Jack Purcell' Boat Shoe, $40
Bonfire Beach Blanket - Roxy, $40
Vero Moda SAMBA - Kleid - gentle red/optical white - Zalando.de, €22

A Night Under the Stars by The Dazzling Diva

Jumpsuits and romper, £30
Platform heel shoes, $30
Woven handbag, $28
Rachel chain jewelry, $22
TopShop leaf jewelry, $15
American Vintage brown belt, €30
Marc by Marc Jacobs gradient sunglasses, $98
Chain belt, £10
Mens Soul Cal Short Sleeved Grandad T-Shirt, £5.99
Old Navy Mens Linen-Blend Blazers, $35
Firetrap Straight fit regular jeans, £60
Mercanti Fiorentini Men's Floater Driving Moccasin, $70

Shoe Shine

A hot trend taking over red carpets has celebs matching a shoe to their look that doesn't exactly...uh...match, so to speak. But I love it! I have an obsession with shoes to begin with, so giving your bright and bold pumps a time to shine is the way to go if you ask me. It's an easy and awesome way to make a statement. There are still some "rules" obviously, since any old shoe isn't going to work with the styling of your look, regardless of how fabulous it might be.

Selena Gomez



Selena Gomez



Zoe Saldana

Brooklyn Decker

Olivia Munn

 Pay careful attention to the cut and shape of your pump, in order to rock a pair that's flattering to your particular attire. If your look is more summery, like shorts, a romper or a mini, go for sandals or peep toes. Whereas if your look is more ladylike or demure, you may want to go with a peep toe or closed toe pump. I've tried this trend out here and there and find that it works best with shorts and dresses, pants don't really give your shoe ample space for the greatest amount of highlight.

While the weather's warm why don't you give this trend a spin and put your gams and a pair of punchy pumps on center stage!

turquoise pumps

fuschia pumps

coral pumps

purple pumps

Banana Republic Goes Mad

I adore AMC's award winning drama Mad Men! Beyond an outstanding storyline and the lives of their intriguing characters, is my love of Mad Men fashion. I have a love affair with retro style anyway, so the authenticity of the nostalgic looks on the Mad Men ladies is right up my alley! My sincere respect goes out to those staff members of the costume design team.
 

I swoon over pencil skirts, sheath dresses, ankle pants and full swing skirts and often look for modern and vintage pieces that have that ladylike appeal to add to my wardrobe. And now retailer, Banana Republic, is adding a bit of Mad Men's drama to their style portfolio for the ladies and the gents! Click here to get the whole scoop from InStyle.com.

If Banana Republic's prices are a tad too steep for your pockets, maybe you'd be interested in trying a piece from one of Mad Men's own costume designers. Launched on QVC last fall, MOD by Janie Bryant, is the capsule collection inspired by the program.

I'm personally kinda loving her leopard handbag for fall and I just might snatch up a copy of The Fashion File book that's available too... You can check out all the pieces of the collection here.