With Memorial Day right around the corner, swim season is officially here – and with it, the headache of finding the perfect swimsuit.
 
Luckily, figleaves.com comes to the rescue with tips for every body type. Here’s how to identify your shape – be it pear, triangle, hourglass or rectangle – and how to easily pick swimwear that works—all in three easy steps.
 
Swimwear shoppers can go to the special “Swim Solutions” department at figleaves.com, click on their body shape, and come up with a selection of styles that will work just for them.

STEP 1: pick your body type 

 

STEP 2: find out what works

Pear Shapes –  tie-side briefs can be adjusted to fit larger hips; decorative necklines draw the eye upward; halterneck tops make shoulders look wider to balance out the frame; and high-cut leg openings create the illusion of longer, more slender legs.

Inverted Triangle Shapes – plunge necklines break up the chest area; decorative briefs draw the eye downwards; boyshorts help to balance out the top half; and wider straps minimize broad shoulders.

Rectangle Shapes – ruffles and frills around the waist and hips help to create curves; push-up bikini tops and twisted bandeaus enhance cleavage; fabrics with ruching and draping help to create a waist; and boyshorts and low-leg briefs add curves to the hip area.

Hourglass Shapes – supportive tops are essential for DD cup sizes; all-over colors and prints keep the frame looking evenly balanced; high-waisted bikini briefs cover a tummy but still show off the waist; and balconette bikini tops help to emphasize the bust. 

STEP 3: find your ideal suit

 

 

What’s the best thing about Spring: Summer!  So it’s obvious that we’ll be showing more skin, right??....WRONG! Actually the forecast is predicating lush, flowing styles that tend to cover up as the weather heats up and the days grow longer… However, this does not pooh–pooh the whole idea of “short,” as the popular bubble skirt and mini have survived yet another season! What this does mean, is that you may now assume a prim & proper position without all the  dress up…These summer dresses are  really meant for the outdoors and walking barefoot in the grass, if you will- allowing you to be anything but typical!

What’s the new au natural? Surprisingly, the trend is in handbags as patent and metallics take a back seat to organic cotton and linen. This season the look is ethnic and somewhat tribal with global motifs setting the standard. The typical bikini will also be replaced by vintage inspired one-piece rompers (for those who want to be experimental)…just think 1950’s pin-up! And footwear will take on overtones from the past, putting Grecian and gladiator sandals at the fashion forefront! Ready girls?

Not since the advent of computer, has there ever been better way to shop.  So what was once a considered a cumbersome task –trying to find your size, color etc., in a brick and mortar, retail store- should now become a thing of the past. Unless you of course enjoy the thrill of the chase, in this case, competing with other rival customers over thumbed through, less-than perfect merchandise that somewhat  resembles remnants of a frenzied yard sale. Ever notice that the last dress left in your size is always missing a button or two and has a ton of make-up stains? But reluctantly in a panicky haste, you end up buying-fearing you’ll never lay eyes on something this hot again…. Yeah, I know- Sucker!!! Instead why not shop “live” on your PC-you spend about half of your life there anyway… or would you prefer to while away more time and CASH on a Sunday afternoon?? Another FYI (as if you didn’t already know, wink) you tend to part with a little less green online!! Just make sure to take advantage of all those really cool web perks!  Right now Urbanoutfitters.com and Zappos.com have free shipping for any girl who’s a ‘confirmed’ or ‘unconfirmed’ shoe fanatic…does anyone remember my shoe size?

Happy Spring Shopping!

May Yeung Jewelry announced the arrival of its Spring/Summer 2008 collection with fresh new looks for the season. This season's trends in apparel and accessories are reflected in some of her newest designs. From simple to bold, and using bold and vibrant colors such as yellow, pink and green, these pieces are sure to dazzle and impress. Other unique new pieces include aspen leaves, mother of pearl pendants and sand dollars that introduce organic elements into the collection. Check out the entire collection at www.mayyeung.com.

California Style readers can save 30% off the entire collection through April 30th with coupon code "castyle30." Happy shopping!

Items of the Week: Hilary Radley’s 3/4-sleeve patent quilted jacket and signature canvas bag
Retail: $295 and $240 respectively

Figleaves.com presents its spring sale – up to 50% off lingerie, swimwear and sleepwear
from brands such as DKNY, Betsey Johnson Intimates, Eberjey and Hanky Panky.

 
Item of the Week: Betsey Johnson Intimates “Slinky Knit” pajama set
Price: was $88, now $66
Available at: figleaves.com

Last weekend, we saw tons of designer gowns grace the red carpet. Now you can snag affordable versions for yourself in the eDressMe Celebrity Inspired Dress shop.

This memorable one-shoulder gown is sure to be a hit. At just $338, you can look like a celeb without having to afford the designer label.

Madewell 1937, the J. Crew off-shoot opened its permanent store last in New York City on Broadway and Broome. Madewell is full of fun items for this spring and summer. I love this long print dress and these lemon yellow jeans.

 

Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah have launched their own fashion line Twenty8Twelve. Sienna has long been a style icon and her sister, Savannah, has worked as a fashion designer for Alexander McQueen and Mathew Williamson. The name of the new line actually comes from Sienna's birthday - December 28th. Here is a sneak peak at some of the pieces. Most of the collection at this point is black or white and definitely has a British styling to it. Available at Shopbop.