Victorians never swam – they went into the water, covered head-to-toe, and called it “bathing.”
Hence the term “bathing beauties” Here are some: This summer the hottest look on the beach will be vintage, so girls….get ready to embrace Retro pin-up style! I’ve found some fine examples from years past. So it’s not a perfect world and we’re not built like Marilyn or look like Farrah (remember the poster every boy had?) but these are flattering and let’s face it, more figure forgiving. Of course, all these women had gorgeous hourglass figures, but the brilliant part about a vintage-style swimsuit is that you don’t have to.
Marisa Tomei
These styles that cover more flesh have been seen on everyone from Megan Fox and Taylor Swift to Lindsay Lohan, Meg Ryan, and Marisa Tomei (if you need this kind of assurance). Breath a sign of relief that you don’t have to suck in your gut now. The hottest looks right now come right out of the old Hollywood glamour of the ‘40s and ’50s, when pin-ups really took off. Some history:
Lindsay Lohan
In the year 2000 a platinum-haired R&B singer named Sisqó proclaimed his obsession with thong underwear, and suddenly, it got much more difficult to find bikini bottoms that actually covered the bottom. Swimwear, particularly for women, had shrunk to the smallest possible piece of fabric that retailers could justify selling as clothing. “Let it all Hang Out” bikinis were seen everywhere but not all of us look our best by letting it all hang out if you know what I mean. Remember every year around March, magazines began to scream about getting “bikini ready” for the summer. Would it ever end? Who would save us?
Believe it or not: One of the girls from Sex and the City – but the least suspecting of the bunch – Miranda (I would have guessed Charlotte). In 2008, Cynthia Nixon’s “Sex And The City” character appeared on the big screen in a stunning, red ruched one-piece swimsuit, with a halter strap and a sweetheart neckline, that hugged her curves and covered her bum. Women rushed to the stores to snatch up the Mio swimsuit designed by Norma Kamali (who, by the way still designs killer swimsuits).
This is probably the first time in 100
years that the trend has reversed from showing more skin. Interesting, right? Enjoy it! There are lotsa rappers out there so ya neva know when the trend will revert back.
Looks good on plus-sized women – a few of the plusses!
Glam it up a little with a tulle skirt! Chriselle Lim, via The Chriselle Factor
It doesn’t get cooler than wearing a simple white T-shirt and most people own at least a few of these closet classics.
Not only is the T endlessly versatile and effortlessly wearable, but it also happens to be super comfy and available at every possible price point.
Let your tee stand in for your go-to button-up the next time you wear a pantsuit. Natalie Suarez, via Natalie Off DutyTuck it into a pair of white jeans—wide-leg, boyfriend, skinny or otherwise—for a super-sleek look that fakes the effect of a jumpsuit. Emily Schuman, via Cupcakes & CashmereKnot the hem of your tee for an abbreviated top with major throwback appeal. Karla Deras, via Karla’s Closet
There’s nothing wrong with wearing Hanes but if you’re looking for something more luxe, then The Row’s got a tissue-thin version you’re guaranteed to love but it will set you back a few hundred. They’re useful all year long. In winter wear one as a layering piece under something like a flannel shirt which you can remove if it gets too warm.
Dial down the formality of a precious jacket—beaded, fringe-trimmed or otherwise embellished—with your casual tee. Julie Sariñara, via Sincerely JulesWhen paired with a tucked-in white tee, sequins suddenly feel far more wearable. Leandra Medine, via Instagram/@manrepellerWhiteout! Make your tee part of a completely monochromatic look—and prepare to be mistaken for a fashion editor. Camille Charrière, via Camille Over the Rainbow
Now that it’s officially spring—and with summer on the horizon—the white tee is more important than ever. It’s the perfect complement to your favorite cutoffs, sure, but it can also anchor a playful print or be repurposed as an of-the-moment crop top. Looking for some fun, fresh ways to wear your favorite white T-shirt this season? Here are some T-based looks that are sure to inspire you!
I admire Iris Apfel – she’s the real American Idol!
Most “it” girls fade into obscurity well before their first wrinkle but Iris found fame in her mid-80’s, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute mounted a show in her honor. The almost 93 year-old (her birthday is in August) who just recently learned how to use the internet, answered a few questions for Allure magazine about retaining style in her tenth decade.
Can you remember your first major purchase?
“I’ll never forget it. It was a brooch I found in a basement shop in Greenwich Village when I was 11. I didn’t have a penny, so I saved and I saved. I would return often to visit it. When I finally had 65 cents, I proudly went over there and haggled over it. I still have it, by the way.”
Do you agree with the adage that before you leave the house, you should look in the mirror and remove one accessory?
“I say put another one on. I like simple, architectural clothes. With accessories, you can make 50 outfits. I learned that from my mother because I was a child of the Depression.”
What’s your everyday makeup look?
I don’t do very much for beauty. I use very simple things on my skin. I haven’t got time. I would always get facials, and then come home laden with product, and pay a lot of money and never use it. Anyway, one day a dermatologist told me to use Cetaphil to clean my face, and as a moisturizer, and that’s what I do. “I only wear Cetaphil moisturizer and lipsick. When I was younger, I did my eyes up like Miss Piggy, with heavy, big lashes, which we got with mustache wax. You put a chunk of it in a spoon and held it over a flame, then you took a brush and you kept building the lashes layer after layer, and beaded the ends. It was great-looking. But as an older woman, too much eye makeup emphasizes wrinkles, and makes your skin look like a turtle.”
What’s the secret to aging gracefully?
“Don’t show your décolleté or wear low backs or heels you can’t balance on. Worrying about getting old is the kiss of death – you have to be busy and engaged. I can feel lousy until someone says: Let’s go to the flea market. Once I’m there, no one can keep up with me. You cannot be interesting if you’re not interested.”
The Huffington Post has this to say: Iris Apfel is one of the most stylish, unique, energetic people you’ll ever meet in your life. While many of us go around in a fog of “What will people think?”-type thoughts regarding everything from clothes to decor choices, Apfel surrounds herself with what makes her happy. That’s it.
Now that’s someone worth admiring.
Born Iris Barrel in Astoria, Queens, New York. Apfel is the only child of Samuel Barrel, whose family owned a glass-and-mirror business, and his Russian-born wife, Sadye, who owned a fashion boutique. Apfel studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin.. As a young woman, Apfel worked for Women’s Wear Dailyand for interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also was an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman.
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT WEARING SUSPENDERS THAT FEELS kinda SPECIAL.
of course Beyonce can make anything look good.
They’re carefree but serve a purpose. Like some of those other midcentury essentials (pocket squares & fedoras come to mind), suspenders feel new again.
Suspenders and occasion: From casual to business – The great thing about suspenders is that they go with almost every type of outfit. They are perfect for a casual everyday outfit, but also for a business one. They look just as great on a bartender as they look on a Wall Street guy. Formal suits work well with suspenders and look really fun and elegant at the same time.
How to Master the Art of Suspense: Whether you’re a southern dandy or a new-look mod, the kind of suspenders you choose says it all.
Casual wear and suspenders
To obtain a certain look, it’s not the suspenders in themselves that make the outfit, they are just an accessory, it’s the overall vibe that sets the tone.
Power Broker
Bold, ass-kicking suspenders, to be worn with a sky blue spread collar dress shirt. Cuff links, mandatory; pinstripes, preferable. All topped off with an expression that says, “I will crush you.”
Is it Braces or Suspenders?
In the United Kingdom men put on braces to hold up their trousers, while suspenders are a belt used to hold up ladies’ tights. They’re basically a means of avoiding men’s pants from slipping down. I prefer them as a fashion statement of their own. But Nevermind all this…all you really need to know is the golden rule: Whatever you do, don’t wear suspenders with a belt.
I’m trying… I am trying to be more minimalistic…..and have almost succeeded. Don’t laugh, it’s true.
I wasn’t going to post anything about closet cleanup &
this time (did you see my post re: needing more space?) https://intrigueimports.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/personally-speaking-i-need-more-space/ Where do we even begin? Is there a certain sequence to follow? And then just as I was putting this together…Boom…a post shows up in my inbox from fellow blogger Chelsea Spear. On her blog “Seablanket” she walks us through her near perfect solution. I say “near” because it might be a tiny tad unrealistic for people like me (who have a closet elsewhere to hold items they don’t have room for at home) but I do admire Chelsea’s method and it’s something I want to aspire to. Easier said than done right?
chelsea spear
Five Solutions according to Chelsea:
One of the questions I’m asked most frequently regarding my minimalist lifestyle is where I store all my “extra stuff.” There is a very simple explanation, which is truly that I don’t have any extra stuff. I realize it’s easy to say but not to do, so I decided to take the opportunity to show you exactly what I mean, and be transparent about how this lifestyle looks for me.
Spring is here, and like many of you, I have been feeling a need to purge my closet and make room for warm weather and a fresh looking wardrobe. The hard part for me: I find it terribly hard to justify buying new items for my wardrobe when I don’t know enough about what I already have. What requires mending or replacing, what pieces I desire or exactly what I NEED?!? That’s last one is the most important. Below I’ll walk you through my own methods and hopefully help some of you as you take on the seemingly monstrous task of spring cleaning your wardrobe.
I start by emptying my entire closet. That includes, shoes, socks, undergarments, each and every piece of clothing or accessories you own, take them out of the closet and don’t put them back until you’ve asked yourself the following questions:
1. Does it need mending or replacing? Here is where you get to weigh your options. Will mending do the trick? If so, why haven’t you gotten around to it yet?… could that be a sign that you don’t desire it any longer? Would it be best to replace the garment? Is sentimental value the only thing keeping it in your closet? Keeping items around that aren’t being worn because of the garments poor quality? Let it go!
2. Have I worn this in the last season (or if it’s “special” ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the last year)? If you answer no, get rid of it. Sell it, donate it to a Salvation Army or Goodwill near you, seal it away in your attic for safe keeping, just get it out of your closet and free yourself of the distraction. If you’re like most people you think this rule won’t apply to you, because you spent your hard earned money on it, and it’s yours. But in all reality, most clothing pieces that aren’t worn are no longer desired by the owner. Chances are if you’re not wearing it this year, you won’t be wearing it in the future.
3. Does it have stains or holes or runs?
Yes or no, bottom line?! Toss it if it’s looking gross. Even if the item is super comfortable or you’ve had it since college so it’s sentimental, quit looking like a homeless person and trade in your over-worn and over-loved garments for something fresh, clean and simple.
4. Does it fit? Is it flattering?
This one is probably the most difficult, because it requires you to be 100% honest with yourself. If it’s too hard to decide on your own, grab a trusted friend and ask them for help. I always ask my friend Bethany, because she not only understands who I am, and how I wear my clothes, but she also knows my sense of style and my fashion goals. She will tell me if I’m heading in the wrong direction with a piece, or if it’s just not achieving the look I wanted. That honest but loving input is incredibly helpful and will save you a lot of time and bad decision making.
5. How many of these do I need? Again… be honest with yourself. Do you really need all these graphic tees? Do all 15 pairs of blue jeans really look different, or are they just there cause you can’t let anything go? Go ahead… let them go, and keep the best.
While all of these spring cleaning “steps” may seem incredibly challenging, the rewards do pay off. For instance, I like to deep clean my closet with each passing season, and when I do I make a list of items that number one : I Need, and number two : I Want…. which means (say it with me) “I GO SHOPPING!” I do discipline myself to make sure that each pieces of clothing is pulling it’s own weight in my wardrobe, and if I buy something new, I make sure it’s replacing something else. That stained pair of jeans gets tossed when I bring home a new pair. That jacket goes away because it’s out of style but I know I can replace it this fall, with something more current.
My wardrobe is so streamlined these days that I can pretty much write on my calendar when I’m going to need a new pair of jeans or new socks, and when last years sweaters will need dry cleaning, mending and finally replacing. I am also able to continually update my look with each season, staying relevant to the trends or style I admire, without breaking the bank.
Every fashion blogger is posting about Spring Style and every magazine is now showing it, but some things will remain in style all season long…like the Birkin.
Pamela Anderson
For most of us unfortunately this luxury bag will remain inaccessible, but maybe that is part of the allure of having such an iconic bag.
It is not an “IT bag” it is “THE BAG.” Between the wait lists, the iconic namesake and its ladylike allure, the Birkin maintains as the bag to have.
The namesake: Jane Birkin (born in 1946) is an English actress and singer who lives in France. Why is she carrying a basket? That must have been before Hermès named it after her.
Where did it originate?
As seen in Harper’s Bazaar – Tracing the Birkin Influence.
THE LIST:
The DIE HARD
Victoria Beckam
One of fashions chicest designers, Victoria Beckam has remained loyal to the bag style.
The Stylist
Rachel Zoe
Rachel Zoe might possibly be credited with bringing the Birkin to modern heights. She has an array of colorful bags.
Jennifer Lopez
The Star Power
It hardly gets more glam than Jennifer Lopez.
The Next
Rita Ora
Generation
Leading the heritage bag an edge with trainers and a backwards hat, singer-songwriter and actress, Rita Ora is a next generation Birkin lover.
Kimye
The Devottee
Kim Kardashian can hardly be seen without the bag (surprise?) – she collects them in many colors.
The Original
Gaga
Lady Gaga’s birkin comes super-studded for that avant-garde style the songstress is synomymous with.
The Weekender
Katie HolmesAmbrosia & Moss
Katie Holmes garnered attention for her way over-
sized one version in bold red.
The Supers
The bag looks especially at home on the arms of Alessandra Ambrosia and Kate Moss
Nicole Richie
The Gym Bag
Nicole Richie carries hers even when she’s feeling sporty.
Street Style
A street style mainstay, the Birkin is the perfect finish for the expertly-styled.
Always a modern classic. Whenever I think of the Trench I envision Catherine Deneuve in the photos shown here as the ultimate Trench Woman. And who can forget Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine from Casablanca.
Bogart – Casablanca
This season we see it updated with contrast piping, as well as raw edges, softer collars and abbreviated lengths. I’ve shown them here in Beige because to me, if you’re to choose only one, then Beige be it! Otherwise Navy or Black.
Burberry Campaign
Art of the Trench is a living document of the trench coat and the people who wear it. The project is a collaboration between Burberry and some of the world’s leading image makers including a
Burberry Hearts – dress it up, dress it down
series of specially commissioned trench coat portraits by Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and the iconic Magnum photographers.
Of course you can find trench coats, long or short, in all price ranges and colors. Something like this is worth splurging on, with the most you can afford to spend since it will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
Not even only for rainy days.
Charlotte Rampling as seen in Harper’s Bazaar – April/2014 wears the trench fabulously.
If the MEN ON THE STREETS outside the European fashion shows are any indication, the double-breasted blazer is officially back, neon trainers are finding their place amongst the fashionable set, floral prints are popping
Man Jewelry & Bag
up all over, and the man bag is getting chic. Have a peek:
TODAY, instead of focusing on one particular style topic I want to share some photos of women whose STYLE I ADMIRE…..starting with Audrey. Some you will know, some you will not, but they’re all a lovely lot. Each with their own individual style (of course personal stylists & an abundance of cash always helps) but these women have plenty of fashion sense and charismatic personal flair.
Swedish blogger Elin Kling. Her resume includes Fashion Director of Swedish Magazine STYLEBY and Creative Director of Elin Kling, which has evolved from her own personal blog she started seven years ago to a daily fashion journal. Nowhere is her clothing line. I love her clean, simple lines and perfect blond hair.Victoria Beckham. NO matter what you want to say (jealousy aside) about her – there’s no denying her total put together STYLE package!
Musicians as models…
We have Sky Ferreira and Daft Punk for Saint Laurent, David Bowie for Louis Vuitton and Lady Gaga for Versace.
So why not Rhianna for Balmain? Photographed by Inez and Vinoodh.
I like Rhianna because she’s young & fearless. And her mom is adorable! Hers is not my personal style choice but then again, I’m not a rock chick. It doesn’t matter what she wears she always looks beautiful.
Diane Von Furstenburg. She created the wrap dress in 1974 & it’s still going strong but her style is always evolving.“The Conversation” Web Host Amanda de Cadenet. She’s not a skinny girl but embraces her body type & encourages other women to do so too. photo: Annie Leibovitz.
Gwyneth Paltrow rarely if ever seems to make a wrong move. She looks good in everything.
SJP – because she’s quirky a lot of the time but it suits her. She somehow manages to pull it off where as other women (like me) wouldn’t dare.Kate Moss….there’s nothing more to say. Save the BEST FOR LAST!
LOVE IT or leave it…these elaborately embroidered, richly patterned, or gilded and encrusted with jewels clothes are pure escapism.
(left to right) Prabal Gurung, Oscar de la Renta, Tom Ford.
Slipping into them transports you to another time and place (China! Italy! Brazil!), and they radiate a sense of refinement and adventure that makes you feel like a member of the jet set.
WORK IT:
Kate Spade New York Coat Cotton-polyester, $785; at Kate Spade New York, 212-988-0259.
Some of the looks are a nod to a nation, while others are a postcard for it.
ML Monique Lhuillier Dress – Embellished polyester crêpe, $448; saksfifthavenue.com for stores.
The subtle references tend to be more universally appealing (and wearable).
Adopt a when-in-Rome (or Beijing, or Rio) approach: Pile on big gold necklaces or long gemstone earrings (as long as they look chic – not like a Halloween costume) with black pants and a turtleneck.
Hair and makeup should have a regal sophistication: Part hair in the middle or pull it back, and go for bold brows or dramatic, kohl-rimmed eyes.
Swim where? This summer the hottest look on the beach will be vintage, so girls….get ready to embrace Retro pin-up style! I’ve found some fine examples from years past. So it’s not a perfect world and we’re not built like Marilyn or look like Farrah (remember the poster every boy had?)
but these are flattering and let’s face it, more figure forgiving. Of course, all these women had gorgeous hourglass figures, but the brilliant part about a vintage-style swimsuit is that you don’t have to.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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