BATHING SUIT BONANZA

As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to shop for new bathing suit looks.  I always suggest purging first and trying on the suits your currently have to know what fits you well, what fabrics look worn out, or suits that have lost their shape and need to be thrown out or given away.

Colors and prints are big for spring and summer.  Pastel hues,citrus colors, metallics, and animal skin are great options.  Not ready to try these trends?  Deep hues such as amethyst, navy, and chocolate brown are the new black and make you look slim.  

Fit Tips:

If you have a small chest...ruffles, ruching, shirring and flowy fabrics work great to add fullness to your upper half.  Halter tops also gives the illusion of a larger chest when enhanced with padding or structure.

If you are busty or curvy...give your chest enough support and coverage.  Bra or molded cup styles with under-wiring give you additional support.  Bottoms with eye-catching embellishments like rings, buckles, elaborate ties, etc. draw the eye down and provide a balance to your chest.  Ruffled bottoms draw the eye and make the bottom appear to be in proportion with your top.

If you are hippy...tops with wide-set straps give the illusion of a broader shoulder area.  High-cut string bottoms with adjustable ties narrow the hips and allow the suit to be tied to fit you correctly in that area.  AVOID:  boy shorts which brings focus to your widest point, and halters and triangle tops which will make your bust look smaller and not in proportion with your hips.  Smaller bottoms are more flattering.

If you are boyish...ruching is a great option as it creates curves.  Colorblocking is a great option as are geographic prints.  This creates interest and the dimensions add the look of curves.

One Piece Suits

Inca "Cameron" nylon-spandex suit, $275, Rebel, 305-758-2369

Miraclesuit "Camilla", available at Lord & Taylor's in black, $156 (makes you look 10 lbs. slimmer)

JETS by Jessika Allen White Label, $495

Full Figure

Sorella Swimwear, $198 (sizes 10-24)

 

Monif C. Plus Sizes Swimwear, $148 (sizes 14-24)

 

Monokini

L *Space Monokini, $145

L *Space Riviera Monokini, $132

 

Beach Bunny Gold Dust Monokini, $279

Bikini's

Beach Bunny Kiss A Girl Bikini, $259

L *Space Monaco Citrus Bikini, $140

L *Space Buttercup Diva Bikini, $156

Becca Colorblock Bikini, $64 (top), $58 (bottoms)

 

Looking Slimmer Ladies and Gentlemen...

How many times have you found that perfect dress, top, or skirt but it shows some lumps or ripples you wish weren't there?  Today I'm going to show you options of what you can wear underneath to look smoother and skinnier.  There are many new options out there.

Everyone has heard of Spanx.  Here is a strapless slip dress that you can wear underneath any fitted dress or where you need to look smooth all over.  The true benefit of this undergarment is that it looks nice so don't be afraid to undress in front of your significant other.  This is available in black or rose gold (nude)-which is a skin tone version.  Called Spanx Slimmer and Shine strapless slip.  S-XL.  Available almost everywhere you shop.  Featured from Nordstrom's for $98.  A similar version called the convertible strapless dress (where you can attach straps) is $76 and also in black and nude.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-slimmer-shine-strapless-shaping-slip/3195473?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=704

To emphasize your behind, Spanx also offers a booty boy short.  This is ideal for ladies who are wearing a skinny dress and don't have much in the behind.  It will make you look much fuller, though not quite Kim Kardashian!  This is called the Spanx Simplicity Butt Boosting Boy Shorts, for $68 also available at Nordstrom's.  Available in black or nude, S-XL.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-slimplicity-butt-boosting-girl-shorts/3194972?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=1224

The next garment can be worn with fitted tops or sweaters.  It is great to take away the "bra bulge" that women get all the time or back fat that I hear all ladies (and men too!) complain about.  There are different versions of this camisole with wider straps as well so look at the concept and then select the style that works best for you.  Shown is a Spanx adjustable strap camisole, available in black or nude (see a theme) for $52 at Nordstrom's and quite a few other stores.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-adjustable-strap-camisole/3209441?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=1249

If you are looking for a little support but don't want to wear a separate undergarment, Spanx tights or pantyhose might be right for you.  They come in prints and plain.  Available in regular A-D or plus sizes.  $28 in a variety of shades from Nordstrom's.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-in-power-line-high-waisted-shaping-sheers/3079975?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=2808

Target has shapewear also at a much cheaper price, so if you aren't sure if you are sold on wearing it I would suggest starting here.  These are there butt boosting boy shorts for $20.

http://www.target.com/p/Women-s-Booty-Pop-Enhancing-Panties-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13788177

Gentlemen, its time for you to look slimmer and well put together.  Slim fit sweaters and shirts are hot for guys but not every guy has the build to pull that off.  These compression shirts for men slim away any rolls, back fat, or boobage.  Spanx offers compression t-shirts and tank tops, similar to wearing an undershirt or under thin t-shirt.  Crewneck and v neck versions are available.  Here is one version offered by Spanx, available in white or black, for $78, in S-XXL.  Cotton versions are available for $58.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-v-neck-compression-t-shirt/3121491?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=4630

Most major department stores carry Spanx or there own version of slimming undergarments.  So shop around or when you are purchasing an outfit and need something underneath to accompany it, ask your sales associate.  Make sure your undergarment fits.  So many women have told me that they do not wear it because it is so uncomfortable.  While it should be fitted and suck things in, you definitely need to be able to move around and breathe.