Swimmates - a great swimsuit!

Hello ladies!  Summer is upon us, and so is the dreaded BATHING SUIT SHOPPING.  But worry no more!  I have found an adorable swim suit system by Land's End, called "SwimMates".  I could not get an image of it, so you will have to go to www.landsend.com to see for yourself!  But trust me it is CUTE!

Here is how Swim Mates works:
1)  Select a bikini top (don't worry if you don't want to show midriff, you can cover it!)
2)  Select a cami top (either the Henley (my fave!), scoopneck, or racerback...all three cover the midriff)
3)  Select a bikini bottom (they come in two coverages, low rise bikini and mid rise for more coverage)
4)  Optional:  Select a swim skirt or cover up shorts to layer over your bottoms.

Then all you need to do is layer your look.  I am in love with the Halter Bikini top, low rise dot bikini bottoms and striped henley cami.  Have fun building your own swim suit look!

Your new outfit

Shibori top in purple, $98, anthropologie

Cream cords, $79.50, www.bananarepublic.com

Okay ladies, here is your new uniform.  A beautifully colored top paired with light colored cords.  So chic!  This top at Anthropologie by Guinevere is my latest find that I adore.  What a stunning eggplant color!  I can't imagine a complexion that wouldn't be highlighted in this top.  The deep v-neck is begging for a statement necklace.  The front knot is a great tummy minimizer...it will just skim over those trouble spots (back fat anyone???  Or is that just me?)!  Pair it with these bootcut cream colored cords from Banana Republic and you've got a unique & show-stopping outfit.  Happy shopping!

P.S.  Banana Republic online carries the cream color.  Stores do not carry this color.  As another option, Banana Republic stocks skinny cream cords in their Heritage line.

New British purse line

Radley London "Cambridge" satchel, $278, www.nordstrom.com

I've seen Radley London bags in fashion magazines for years and have always thought they look amazing.  I've looked online for them, and could only find them sold in the UK.  I was walking through my neighborhood Nordstrom and absolutely stopped in my tracks when I saw this bag.  I am so excited they are now carrying this line!  The leather is sumptuous, the stitching is perfect, the color is exquisite (it is called regal (very fitting), but also comes in tan and black).  The only thing I would remove is the little scottie that is hanging on the left (it is removable...it's the company's logo).  This bag is so classically beautiful that you could carry it for years on end, and it would still look fashionable.  I am in love with this bag!

A poncho that flatters...

I love the poncho trend, but I hate how it envelopes me and make me look like I've recently gained serious amounts of weight!  I was searching and searching for a poncho that was a bit more fitted and found this Ella Moss "Stockholm" poncho from www.nordstrom.com ($278).  I love that it is a bit cropped so that you can show off your waist and has a cowl neck (have I mentioned how much I love a cowl neck??).  These details equal a SLIMMING PONCHO!  Yes, it exists!  It is pricey, but ponchos aren't going out of style anytime soon.  It's going on my Christmas wish list.  Maybe it will even go on sale!

Edward or Jacob?

Okay, are you as big of a fan of Twilight as I am?  I tell you truthfully, when I read these books, I could not put them down.  My house suffered, my son was not fed, and I completely ignored my husband.  He was thankful when I was finished reading the series!  We all looked a little wild!

Breaking Dawn is coming out in about a month and I found these notepads for all you diehard fans out there.  So adorable!  Love the "Dream" and "Do" section.  Notice the silhouette of Edward!  At www.lobotome.com

Christmas dishtowel

I feel like a broken record about dishtowels, but I just can't get enough of them!  Although it is only October, and Halloween hasn't even occurred, I am ga-ga over Crate and Barrel's new holiday Wreath dishtowel.  It has the most beautiful gold accents.  Again, think inexpensive, but classic gift for a gift-exchange or office friend, OR just for yourself!  $5.95 at Crate and Barrel.

Bobbi Brown Holiday

Yes, I am a certified Bobbi Brown junkie.  I love everything about her makeup, but mostly I love how it gives the skin and eyes a beautiful glow.  Truly, even men notice it!  I also adore the "no-budge" quality of her gel eyeliner and cream shadows.

Bobbi Brown usually comes out with beautiful holiday palettes and this season is no exception.  There isn't a bad one in the bunch!  If you are looking for an inexpensive but "WOW" gift for a girlfriend, her small classic and party palettes are only $25!  For three eye shadows, two lipstick pots and a gloss, that is an absolute steal!  I've listed all my favorites below.  Available at Nordstrom and www.bobbibrown.com.  Enjoy!

Classic palette $25

Party Palette, $25

Mini Brush set, $60

Neutral eye palette, $60