I’m leaving for the airport in 2 hours!! Wahoo! Then a short 10 hours later… I’ll be in Maui. Above are a few of the things that I will have in my one and only carry on. (I hate when they make you pay to check bags!)

Limericki Swimsuit, Forever 21 Top, It Jeans, DownEast Cropped Pants (I have the shorts version in my bag…) DownEast Swimsuit.

I won’t be posting while I’m in Hawaii, but I am confident that the lovely Livi will give you many good posts to look at. Have a great week!

Even if I could afford it… I’m too frugal and don’t think I would ever allow myself to do it… but it is fun to dream.

Red swimsuit, Polka dot swimsuit, Red swimsuit, Black swimsuit, Purple swimsuit (my sister in law has this one and it was SO cute on her!), Gray swimsuit

Oh yeah, and I googled “old fashioned swimwear” and got the image below… I feel slightly embarrassed for this guy But if you like it, you can purchase it here.

I got an email from our reader Crystal and she ordered this swimsuit and loves it! She said “and to my surprise, it is something completely modest with a very retro feel much like the suits you would find at a high end store. The support and coverage were important to me and I didn’t think it was possible to find in something that I would still feel in style in.”

Thanks Crystal for sending me this find!

Swimsuit Top, Swimsuit Bottom

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good floral print hanging in their closet? One thing that I love about florals is how feminine they are. I also love that each pattern is so different, yet give off the same feminine feel. (minus the dress on the bottom left… that is definitely a different look than the others)

Clockwise from top Left: Dress, Top, Dress (Thanks Heather!!!)  Skirt, Swimsuit, Dress

AND here is an awesome offer from Charlotte Russe (Is this what you mean Beth???)

Get an extra 30% off sale styles! Valid from Thursday, 6/24 through Wednesday, 6/30. Enter promo code: Extra30 at CharlotteRusse.com

Tunic, Yellow Sandals, Pink Swimsuit, Straw Hat, Colorful Bag.

We decided that this week we would showcase some outfits that would be great to wear to the beach because we have had several swimsuit giveaways lately. I love the idea of wearing a tunic as a cover-up with a straw hat, something about straw hats sings: BEACH! I would probably go shoeless, but you need something on your feet from the car to the sand… Enjoy!

-Natalie

So, if I can be real here, I need a swimsuit with serious support. I have a large bust, and after having twins I have a smooshy stomach that just doesn’t know what to do with itself. Tankinis are great, but not really for me anymore. I don’t want any spillover. This swimsuit isn’t the vampiest I’ve ever seen, but it gets the job done while being decently cute.  Plus, it has an underwire in it and it comes in bust sizes D and up (as well as short torso/long torso/plus size/mastectomy/you name it). This cover-up is so lightweight and easy, and after your beach time you could add some breezy linen drawstring pants and make it a tunic.   I think this hat is so cute, and Target has a cute line of hats right now to choose from.  Of course, the most important thing here is the sunscreen.  Seriously, I saw an older lady yesterday who looked like she spent many days of her youth laying out in the sun.  I don’t want to look like that when I’m 70, so I’m going to do my best now to minimize sun damage.  If you come to central coast California, I’d love to meet you at the beach!

-Emily

swimsuit, cover-up, pants, hat, sunscreen, sandals

DON’T FORGET: the DownEast Basics Swimsuit giveaway ends tomorrow! Click here to enter.

I love coral, although I usually refer to it as “salmon pink” because my husband has a rad thrift store shirt that is very clearly pink but he calls it salmon. Anyway, this is a great spring color. I love it paired with gray, tiffany blue, or with red in a monochromatic look.  I’m a little obsessed with that wrap cardigan at the bottom, and I’m A LOT obsessed with Emersonmade’s crazy awesome flowers.  Maybe the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  What’s your favorite?

swimsuit, maternity dress, wrap dress, scoop-neck dress, thong sandals, wedge sandals, cardigan wrap, sunglasses, scarf, espadrilles, swimsuit, wrap cardigan, boyfriend cardigan, necklace, printed heels, blazer, ruffled jacket, flats, flower pin

Hey Everyone! We are hosting ANOTHER swimsuit giveaway- this time from Shade!!!

I was lucky to have the opportunity to review one of their suits. This was the first shade suit I have tried and I really like it. I chose the ‘Riviera Swim Top‘ in violet and ‘Slimmer Swim Bottom.’ I chose these because I just love the ruffle along the neckline and I wanted to own a purple swimsuit. I was so happy when I received it. It has a very flattering fit- and the size was very accurate to what I ordered. On top of that, just like I thought, the ruffle is ADORABLE! I love it!

One lucky reader will win a Shade Swimsuit of their choice!

Just leave a comment telling us what your favorite Shade Swimsuit is on this post no later then Wednesday April 28th at Midnight.

Goodluck!!!

Alright, seriously ladies, I went a little crazy with the purple this week. And I’m not even purple’s biggest fan! But I kind of found a groove for searching sites for items of a specific color, and within minutes I found so many cute things. So…this week we have double the Color Wednesday fun because I just couldn’t edit down.  I think I would love all of these things.
I think that a deep purple is definitely one color that I need to try more often.  Like the shawl collar cardigan in the first picture?  It kills me.  So cute.  Or that belted dress with the silky bodice in the second picture?  Perfection.
It’s really interesting picking things by color because I usually have my favorite colors to wear (black, gray, red, white, florals, etc.) and don’t even pay attention when something cute is available in a purple color.  But, I guess that’s the point of Color Wednesday, to get us out of a color rut and show some new options.
Let’s all add some (grape) punch to our wardrobes with pretty deep purples!

dress, top, cardigan, ruffled blouse, belt, knit dress (it’s gorgeous!), crocs, moccasin flats, scarf, capri yoga pants, boyfriend cardigan

dress with rosette, layering tank, knit henley, swimsuit, striped dress, heels with bows, crochet hat, dress with waist-tie, houndstooth shift dress, silky belted dress, suede heels

From left to right: Dress, Top, Sweater, Top thanks Brooke! Swimsuit

Clockwise from top left:

Tunic-plus size, Sweater- thanks Jenna! Top- thanks Mary! Dress, Swimsuit

Oh man, can you tell I’m craving summer? For several reasons but the main three are: one. the weather. two. the pool to open (Memorial Day Weekend). three. there is a library a stones throw away from my house (literally) that has been in the process of being built and was supposed to open “winter 2009″ Well, it’s now supposed to open July 2010. Yes, makes me mad that they tricked me, but I can’t wait for it to FINALLY open!

Okay… on to the swimsuit, at Boden for $68.00

This tankini is adorable! Thanks Jessica for sending in the link!

At Hapari for $48.00

Cute, cute swimsuit. Sent in by Jessica with this review:

I was a bit skeptical when I ordered it, but it fits great, looks great, and made me feel great on the beach – which isn’t easy! It comes in so many pretty colors and has straps that you can put on like a halter strap if you’d like!

Thanks Jessica!

At Target for $34.99

My husband and I are taking an anniversary (lucky 13) trip to Maui in a few weeks.  We will be hiking, chilling on the beaches, going to great dinners, etc.  I would love a few outfits that would look great for our different activities.  This time of year makes finding warm weather clothes especially challenging. Any ideas you have would be great.

Thanks,
Julie

Hello!  I am loving your blog and was hoping you could help me.  My name is Lynette W. and I live in West Virginia. My dh and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary with a fall trip to Maine.  Our last couple only trip was 10 years ago, so this is a very special trip for us.  We will be doing everything from a windy boat cruise, to hiking along rocky shorelines, to eating in nice restaurants.  We are also going to be Bed and Breakfast hopping, so I want to pack light, if I can.  And I want to look, well, you know, HOT! Can you help me find some interchangeable pieces that will help me do that?  Pretty please?

Thank you!

Hello Ladies! How exciting! Both of you are soon going to be celebrating your anniversaries with a much deserved vacation! I put together the most basic things needed for a vacation. (In my opinion at least) I always pack at least one of each: pants, capris, shorts. That way I can have some variety and can choose depending on weather. One great thing about taking summer trips in fall… everything is on sale! I found you guys some awesome sale items at Jcrew that will be perfect for the beach, and walking along the rocky shoreline! Super cute swimsuits matched with a super cute cover up or linen pants and a cute tank are perfect for the sand! Also, Lynette, when it is windy you can pair your linen pants with a tee and a sweater. (Oh gosh, this makes me want to take a trip out to the Oregon Coast ASAP!) These sandals from Ocean Minded, make we want to die… I think they are SO cute! Enjoy your trips and congratulations on your anniversaries!

And for a night out on the town… our reader Catherine S. sent me a style board that she made for her 5th anniversary… Thanks Catherine! It came right in time for this anniversary post! If you would like to see where to purchase these items, please visit Catherine’s blog! THANKS!!!

Links to top outfit:

Perfect Boot Jeans at Gap for $69.50

Classic Capris at Gap on sale for $9.99

Hip Slung Bermuda Shorts at Gap on sale for $9.99

Solid shirred bandeau tank on sale at Jcrew for $49.99

Solid Ruffle Tank on sale at Jcrew for $49.99

Lightweight Gauze Ruffle Cover-up Dress on sale at Jcrew for $24.99

Linen Getaway Pant on sale at Jcrew for $29.99 (Perfect name!)

Women’s Striped Toggle-Front Sweater Coat At Old Navy for $44.50

Women’s Fleece Zip Hoodie at Old Navy for $15.00

Women’s Button-Front Drop-Waist Tops at Old Navy for $14.50

La Jolla sandals from Ocean Minded for $30.00

Alright ladies, I just read on Cable Car Couture that Rey Swimwear is having a giveaway. All you have to do is follow Rey Swimwear as well as Rey Swimwear’s designer Jessica on Twitter. They will be giving away two of the swimsuits pictured! YAY!

Follow Rey Swimwear here and Jessica here.

I love the pattern and the smocking at the top!

Find it at Layers for $68.00.

Isn’t this suit SUPA DUPA cute? Holy cow. All of the swimsuits on this site are way cute.

At Rey Swimwear for $49.00, top only.

I know… a little pricey, but go on over here to All Ruby Cakes and check it out! They have a giveaway for a $25.00 gift card towards any purchase of Rey Swimwear. (Don’t worry, I already entered the giveaway!) And I’m sure I’ll be posting more on this swimwear line now that I know about it!

So cute, and what a good deal!!

Find it at Boden for $37.00.

*Sizes are listed in UK so make sure to check the sizing chart!

Adorable!

Find it at Boden for $49.00!

*Sizes are listed in UK so make sure to check the sizing chart!

How do they do it? How is everything they sell SO beautiful?

At Anthropologie for $128.00.

Is this swimsuit immodest because it doesn’t have straps? Does that make me a sinner for liking it?

At Eddie Bauer on sale for $94.00 down from $134.00.

1. Coco Dress, Toast, $150.78 (converted from English pounds, meaning…if I want to wear this to my sister-in-law’s wedding, I better order it fast!  Click on the link for more pictures, it’s a beautiful dress.)

2. Ten Multi-color Bangles, Toast, $29.18 (again, converted from pounds…as long as I’m getting the dress…right?)

3. Michael Kors Strappy Wedge Sandal, Michael Kors, $179 (yeah, right.  but, it’s on sale at least!)

4. Aubrey Tankini, Blend Fashions, $48 (bottom sold separately.  I like the pink color, but it looks like only black is available.  Still cute, though.  I love me some ruffles.)

5. Jessica Simpson ‘Brenda’, Piperlime, $69.00 (my sister has these, she always has the cutest clothes dangit, and I loved them!)

6. Ruffle Shirt, Undertease, $68.00 (I love it, but for a t-shirt kind of shirt it’s quite out of my price range.  Oh, but it’s cute.)

What’s on your wishlist?

Send us a link, we’d love to see it!

Okay, so I used to not really like animal prints, but I keep finding cute prints like these, and want them!

At Lime Ricki for $35.00 (Top only)

p.s. I used to only post one piece swimsuits, just to make sure that they were ALL modest. But now that I see all these tankinis I had to post them! Tell me, do you want to see more tankinis?

Love the colors! Those of you who know me know I would totally wear this!

At Lime Ricki for $35.00 (Top only)

Such a cute swim top! (p.s. is it just me or it this the same girl as in the picture below but with different hair? LOL)

At Lime Ricki for $35.00 (Top only)

One of our readers Brenda told me about this awesome sight! Isn’t this swimsuit cute? I love the ruffles at the top.

At Lime Ricki for $50.00.

So I stumbled across an awesome blog  ‘Cardigan Empire.’ It’s all about fashion, style and etiquette. She has posted some must-have modest clothing. You should totally check it out- I especially love the links on her sidebar that highlight  different body types- each link gives you a ‘what-to-wear’ guide. Love it!

Have you ever bought something, worn it.. and then found something you like much better afterwards… That’s the case for me. Oh I wish I hadn’t already bought a swimsuit for this summer (I don’t need anymore yet!) Anyways, Rachael from Cardigan Empire posted this suit.. and I love it! This suit is available in tons of colors and patterns.

You can find this suit and many others at Esther Williams Swimwear for $79.00.

Okay, pretty sure I need this too!!!

At Delias for $38.50, also available for Long Torsos for $42.50.

Cute. Cute.

At Delias for $34.50 down from $44.50.

I LOVE the ruffles on this suit! I need it! And it is reasonably priced! At Urban Outfitters on sale from $68.00 to $49.99.

UPDATE: sold out

I love these retro swimsuits! Found at Mod Cloth for $89.99.

Oh man, I swear every Anthropologie swimsuit will be on here sooner or later. I love them ALL!!! This one is only $168.00.

WOW. This is lovely! This beautiful swimsuit can be found at Anthropologie for $178.00.

Another simple but cute swimsuit, and it’s on sale from $29.50 to $10.00 at Old Navy!

Simple black swimsuit… who doesn’t look good in black? (Except for people who are PASTEY white like me…and even then… at least it makes you look skinny!) Found at Old Navy for only $10.00! On sale from $29.50.