Fabulous Waste of Time #54

Hello everyone!

While we are waiting for k8's updates I found a place for us to waste some time.

Its an online "fashion community" that reminds me of a cross between facebook and an old LiveJournal community dedicated to showcasing dumb stylized pics of yourself...

However!

Its much more fabulous due to several reasons.  The pictures are of a high quality and significantly less dependent on skewed angles and crazy high contrast levels. It is dedicated to showing your "looks" so you photograph your outfits... its great.  And there is noooo negativity allowed.

(We all remember the mean comments that our entry post would get on that LJ community from the obese moderator of the community or the 30 year old that gets off feeling socially superior when she makes fun of a 14 year old girl's haircut)

ANYWAY.

check it out.

http://lookbook.nu/

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Kate Hall will be leaving for Japan THIS  saturday!

The best part about this is the fact that she will be updating on location!

We get to see what those sexy kids are wearing on the streets right now!

I'm completely excited.

Safe travels, K8!

-Love, love love. Anj

Bathing Suits: The Ultimate Guide!

General Know-How

Swimsuit shopping can be pretty tricky. And I am not going to lie. It is a whole lot trickier if you are not in great shape. However I am a HUGE proponent of the idea that a woman can convince everyone around that what she is wearing is fabulous(within reason here): whether this means her hair is amazing, her makeup is flawless, or she has adorable accessories... or she just oozes attitude. Here are just some standard rules to live by when swimsuit shopping.

1. Color and print are a huge deal. I truly believe that your swimsuit should not be the same tone as your skin. This will do nothing for you. 

2. Cover/hide your problem areas! You know what they are. 

3.  Don't be cheap.  You pay for quality and design when you spend on swimsuits.

Small Busted Ladies

Little boobies can do with some help.  So here's what you need:

1. Cleavage enhancement (padding or push-up).

2. Ruffling (in general texture is your friend, get some confidence because you can wear ANYTHING).

3. Look for seams that are just under the bust.

Suggestions:

Look at BCBG & Ralph Lauren & La Perla.  BCBG has so many cute two-pieces for this season, that only little boobs can pull off. Ralph Lauren caters to small boobs anyway, so their styles are pretty much a go-to for you. La Perla's bikinis are really classy, but the class is only retained when worn by the A-cups.

Large Busted Ladies

If you're top heavy, Anj can sympathize. You need that emphasis elsewhere!

1. I'm sorry ladies, bandeau tops are just a sin when you are spilling over that C-cup.

2. Think halter because they give loads of support and great cleavage! Underwires and formed cups are basically a must.

3. I prefer clean cuts around the bust (think horizontal or sweetheart... lots of structure) because when your chest is big it is so easy to look a little street-walker, especially in today's colors and patterns.

Suggestions:

Ann Taylor Loft has this super cute floral halter number that is pretty much full coverage. Check that out. Also you absolutely cannot go wrong with a bra top from Victoria's Secret in your appropriate size. They handle boobs on a regular basis, so you can trust them.

Gut Control

Got a little pot? Maybe your boyfriend thinks that cute, but that's because you let him see you naked. You have to cover that up at the beach mama!

1. Tankinis.

2. One pieces.

3. This is common sense. You want to emphasize your chest and your butt. Think structured belly areas, cleavage, and even retro-fitting swimsuits.

Suggestions:

Urban has the cutest selection of retro-cut one pieces around... be careful though, because they could get pretty popular. Macy's and Nordstrom have a great collection of one-pieces and tankinis.

Longer Torso'd

Yeah yeah, I'm jealous. But seriously, looking like a bean pole isn't glamorous. It is weird.

1. You are allowed to wear boyshorts! And tankinis are great for you!

2. Think crazy detailing like jewels or gathered fabrics. I love gathered fabric on bikini bottoms and tops, it is so elegant. You can also do offbeat materials for details... like twine or hemp-looking things.

3. You know those cut-out one pieces? If anyone should try them, it is you. But be careful, cuz boy oh boy are they easily gross.

Suggestions:

Azura swimwear, Bluefly, & SwimwearBoutique.com have really bold prints with cute ruffling and interesting details.  I like the cuts a lot as well. They would do nicely offering some distraction from your mile-long legs.

Shorter Torso'd

Again! Anj sympathizes. A short torso is just not one of the most desirable physical attributes out there, and that is okay. Here is how I remedy mine.

1. Hoist your chest upward, cleavage cleavage cleavage.

2. Conversely, go for the scooping bottoms and avoid boyshorts in your two-piece choices.

3. Vertical stripes do wonders, and I like to create length by wearing black bottoms with printed tops.

Suggestions:

Victoria's Secret and most underwire topped bikinis have great "hoisting" power in general so stick to those. I also really love JCrew's stuff for creating those nice, long lines that us shorties dream of.

Fat Bottom Girls

You are beautiful, but let's camfoulage a little "ba-dunk" from that booty, shall we?

1. You might want to try my black bottom, printed top trick as well.

2. Mini-skirted bikinis or those vintage skirted one-pieces could be your best friends.

3. In general you are looking for clean and sharply tailored lines, no bunchy fabric or embellishments around your bum, you are trying to down-play that area as much as possible.

Suggestions:

Check out Instyleswimwear.com & Newport News has a FEW, yes only a FEW cute options. The 90's high cut brief-style is NOT glamorous... yet... eep. Also I like Venus.com's selection of "skirted moderate" bikinis. They are super cute.

Note: Check out all the stores/websites listed for every category.  These are places with cute styles right now and you may find something you really like, whether it is just the top or the bottom of a swimsuit.

Hope this helps!

-AVKH

A Warm Welcome.

 Kate and Anj would like to encourage the support of our current project and most fabulous endeavor yet - this blog!  The success of this depends on the readers who frequent it, so come on friends and lovers, step up and spread the word.

Our objectives include aiding those who seek fashion advice&inspiration&ideas, informing our readers about sassy stores&locations for fashion finds in Chicago, and offering opinions on celebrity&street-style fashions.

Keep a look out for our first official post & Thanks for reading.

-AVKH