The Wondrous One Piece Bathing Suit

Debra Kerr wore a one piece in her legendary love scene with Burt Lancaster in “From Here to Eternity.” The vision of Bo Derek running along the beach in her flesh colored tank suit and braided cornrows in “10”, gave new meaning to the word “sexy”. One piece suits are forever fashionable because they exude sophistication, flatter any figure, and are as comfortable as second skin. Before you do swimwear shopping for your beach vacation, consider checking out these one-piece styles:

1.      Maillot: This classic tank normally has a scoop neck, and thin shoulder straps. Exciting new maillot trends include halter necks with front key hole cutouts or ruffled bodices. The Talbots' swimwear 2011 collection features these styles in paisleys and stripes as well as bold solids.  The surplice maillot style is also popular because its faux wrap design and pronounced v neck both slenderizes and compliments the torso. If you want a maillot with a little more drama, shop PacSun for tanks with plunging necklines or side cut-outs that present the illusion of wearing a bikini. 

Maillot leg styles vary from a traditional trunk to a high cut look. The maillot also comes in a boy short length that resembles a cropped bike short or a track unitard. Lands’ End also carries the ‘Tugless Tank” that is designed not to ride up in back. Swimmers who need suits that are designed for comfort, performance and durability, can find them at Lands’ End.  Made of highly chlorine resistant fabric, these suits will keep their shape after countless pool workouts.

2.      Strapless: This summer’s favorite is also known as the bandeau style, and is built for sunbathing.  J Crew is featuring some retro inspired bandeau standouts this season. The entire front of the Jersey Lomelina Ruffle Tank is replete with layered horizontal ruffles, and the Ruched Banded Bandeau Tank both contours the torso and supports the bust line with its built in seaming details. J Crew also carries a blouson style bandeau suit with an extra chemise type overlay that ends in a gathered band at the hips. This style camouflages the midsection and is an ideal maternity swimsuit.

3.      Swim Dress: Now you can swim in the surf and then walk the boardwalk without having to put on a cover-up. the swim dress is a one piece mini with trunks underneath. Lands' End calls it the "Grecian Swimdress", and Talbots' version is the "Skirted" one piece. this style, which hits at the beginning of the thigh, is not only slimming, but it also suits those who want maximum coverage.  

If you haven’t blown your budget on your one –of –a –kind one piece, then head to a Sunglass Hut to buy your updated wayfarer Aviators or a pair of Dolce Gabana wrap shades. With the addition of this glamorous accessory, your beach photo will no doubt be “simply mahvelous”.

Sensational Style on Cinco de Mayo

I am here in my second home in Greenville, South Carolina, enjoying the many pleasures of the "upcountry". As a fashion trends and style writer for the Greenville Examiner.com, I covered a wonderful event last week called "Muy  Caliente". Yes, it was held on Cinco de Mayo, and its purpose was to raise funds for the Carolina Ballet Theatre (CBT).

As a newcomer to Greenville, I'm just beginning to learn about the extraordinary work of the CBT. Even though it is an internationally recognized company, CBT is strongly rooted in the Greenville community. Its mission is to enrich and empower the lives of others through dance. The company does much to make dance accessible to children and families who would not otherwise have this exposure. In keeping with their commitment to education, CBT partners with area teachers to develop specialized curricula and dance programs to inspire new generations of dancers and dance enthusiasts.

Attending this event gave me a prime opportunity to view the latest cocktail dress trends here in Greenville. Upon walking into the ballroom of the Pointsett Club,  I was struck with the fact that the room was awash with color. Fuchsia definitely outshone all other colors, however. It was everywhere, in solid as well as fuchsia print dresses. Color runners up were aqua, orange, and pink. Those who opted for the LBD wore bold accessories. Strapless and one shouldered designs reigned. Satin, chiffon and jersey fabrics were well represented. as were ruffles, pleats and applique embellishments.

Refusing to take a back seat to the ladies, gentlemen spiced up their neutral trousers with daring touches like lavender ties, and jewel toned shirts. The fedora, a quintessential menswear accessory, made a jaunty appearance both on and offstage.

It was the sum of all styles, together with the entertainment and participation in a shared cause, that made this truly a resplendent evening.

 

Today's Fashion Affirmation

I love who I am on the inside and out.

I accept my physical imperfections and am happy with my body as it is. I don't compare myself to others, nor do I go to extraordinary lengths to look like the women I see in the media. I don't think that I would be happier if I was just taller, thinner, prettier or younger. I like the extraordinary person I am. I strive for excellence, not perfection. I seek opportunities to know myself better, and develop my talents and abilities. I understand that life is about living wholeheartedly.

This week's affirmation focuses on self acceptance. The theme of acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses resonates in the words of Hugh Prather who said: "Unless I accept my faults I will most certainly doubt my virtues".

From this point on, I will post a new affirmation on the first Monday of each month, rather than on a weekly basis. Throughout these past nine weeks, I have thought much about the relationship between our bodies and ourselves, and the importance of paying attention to all of who we are. My hope is that you have enjoyed reading my affirmations, and that they have sparked an interest in learning more about how they foster positive change. Perhaps you have even made some of them your own. When framed properly and repeated often, they do work. Here is a list of the affirmations from previous weeks:

• When I shop for clothes, my figure and not fashion rules.
• When I look into the mirror, I see my finest attributes.
• I enjoy receiving compliments about how I look.
• When I walk into a room full of people, I feel confident and stylish.
• I wear clothes that fit me.
• I am a mindful shopper.
• I strive to look my best every day.
• I enjoy expressing my personality through my clothes.