Summer Pool Party Fashion

by admin on April 10, 2012

With summer just around the corner it’s time to shift your focus to more important things: parties, swimming pools and bathing suits!
Nothing says summertime like lounging by the pool, sipping a cold drink and soaking up some sun. The only problem? You have to look good doing it. Last year’s swimsuit probably isn’t going to cut it. And though swimsuit shopping can be stressful, don’t fret. The swimwear trends for this year are vibrant, energetic and great for any skin tone.
Whether you are hosting the first party of summer or heading off for a weekend lounging poolside in Vegas, you need to make sure your pool party fashion is both trendy and flattering.

Choosing Swimwear by Shape

Unless you are a supermodel, chances are you are very concerned about the way you look in your barely-there clothing. After all, if you plan to walk around in an outfit that resembles your undergarments, you want it to flatter you in all the right places while hiding your trouble areas. Before you head off to shop for swimwear, identify the areas of your body that you are most proud of, as well as the ones that you prefer to keep to yourself.

For example, if you are well endowed on top, but are self-conscious about your tummy area, consider a one-piece suit with ruching along the stomach. If you are lacking in the bust, try looking for a swimsuit that balances your figure with a little padding or an underwire. Other tips include purchasing a swimsuit with a high-cut thigh to lengthen short legs or wearing a slimming swim-skirt with an embellished top if you’re more pear-shaped.

Choosing Swimwear by Trend

The 2012 swim season is all about pastel and neon colors. Pastel colors are great for girls who have skin with rosy pink undertones, while neon colors have a way of accentuating a dark tan. If neon makes you nervous, don’t knock it before you try it. Neon colors are incredibly flattering and aesthetically pleasing — especially in the summer sun. As for cut, the bandeau bikini top is back with a

vengeance this year, as is the more modest, yet seductive monokini with strategically placed cutouts and plunging necklines.

Accessorizing Your Look

Sunglasses an essential part of pool party fashion!

When choosing accessories, be sure to avoid pricey items that could easily slip off in the water. Instead, start with a pair of affordable big-rimmed sunglasses. For your swimsuit cover-up, pick a color that is flattering and also complimentary to your swimwear. Finally, wear some cute bangles or earrings but skip the necklace which could pose a choking hazard near the water. Also, keep in mind that while flip-flops are comfortable and standard summertime apparel, a great pair of wedges in a nude color will do wonders for elongating your legs and appearing to shave pounds off your body.
For transporting your towel, snacks, sunscreen and personal items to and from the pool, choose an oversize tote in a canvas or woven vinyl. Be sure the tote matches your swimsuit and is large enough to hold your beach towel.

Poolside Make-Up

Regardless of how awesome your swimwear looks on you, nothing can ruin it faster than caked on make-up. Summertime is all about that girl-next-door look, which includes wearing minimal make-up. Fortunately, there are ways of wearing your make-up poolside without looking overdone. To start, invest in a quality facial moisturizer to keep your skin fresh and glowing. To even out your skin tone, use a tinted moisturizer in place of your foundation. Dust over it with a little pink blush and a golden bronzer. Finish off your look with water-proof mascara, a pretty pink lip gloss and a little bit of shimmer lotion on your décolletage.

With these few tips you’ll have great time at the pool or beach this summer — and you’ll look pretty fly while you’re at it. Remember to start shopping sooner rather than later. The last thing you want to do is choose a swimsuit from the leftovers no one else wanted!

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Five Things to Do About Dry Cleaning

by admin on December 2, 2011

Back in the day, dry cleaning was considered essential for any respectable adult.  It was unheard of to leave the house without impeccably-pressed shirt and slacks.  Nowadays, however, more is known about the potential health risks from dry cleaning, and when combined with the cost and effects on the environment, dry cleaning has fallen out of favor with some consumers.  However, it is still important to look your best, so what should you do?  Below are five suggestions for what to do about dry cleaning:

Buy Fewer Dry Clean Only Clothes

Just Say No

Say no to dry cleaning!

This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but it is often difficult to find good quality clothing that can be washed in a washing machine.  By taking a few extra moments to look at the tags of clothing you are thinking about buying, you can weed out all of the dry clean only clothes and implement a simpler wardrobe that won’t necessitate a weekly trip to the dry cleaner’s.

Wash on Delicate Cycle

Many clothes that are labeled as “Dry Clean Only” can actually be washed in a washing machine, on the delicate cycle.  If you choose this option, be sure to hang or lay flat to dry, as the heat from a dryer can weaken fibers and damage delicate clothing items.  If you go this route, I recommend using cold water every time, as this will help to ensure that colors stay put.

When in Doubt, Hand Wash

In this go-go-go world, it is easy to think that you don’t have enough time to hand wash clothes and allow them to air dry, but this option takes approximately as much time as sending your clothes to the cleaner overnight.  Use a gentle detergent, such as Woolite, and change water between garments if there is even a hint of color in the water.  If you are worried about lengthy drying times, gently roll your clothes into a bath towel to avoid as much excess water as you can and place them close to an air vent to dry.

Invest in a Handheld Garment Steamer

If you are worried that your clothes will stop looking spectacular once you break free from your dry cleaner, why not look into a handheld garment steamer?  This way, you can still have wrinkle-free clothes without having to pay someone else to do it for you.  This one-time investment will quickly pay for itself, and your wardrobe will be as spiffy as ever.  An alternative is to hang your clothes in your bathroom prior to taking a steamy shower; same effects, £0 price tag.

Learn a Few Tricks

There are several dry cleaning alternatives which can be found through minimal Internet research.  Among these are handwashing wool items and adding a little vinegar during rinse; using castile soap, Dryel sheets, and baby shampoo in lieu of more expensive “special” detergents; and throwing an unopened bar of Ivory soap in with stored clothing to maintain that fresh scent and help to prevent mildew.

The next time you find yourself perusing your wardrobe and beginning to plan a trip to the dry cleaner’s take a moment to rethink those plans.  With a minimal effort and maximum ingenuity, you can have a fresh, clean, wrinkle-free wardrobe without forking over money and putting your health at risk.


Sarah Stone, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys writing about fitness, fashion, and the latest beauty trends. Read her work at beltsandbangles.com.

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