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I love shopping for swimwear for a couple of reasons. One is that you can never have enough, and another is that you can pack tons of them in one vacation carry-on and always wear something new. You can layer them under tank tops to add color and pizazz and switch up your look a little. String bikinis look awesome underneath racerback tops and sundresses, while halter suits can look great underneath coordinating halter tops paired with shades.

My top selections are bright, cool, and fun, which can be great for beach browsing, for boardwalk shopping, and for frolicking in the waves. Check out what I have chosen for top swimwear pieces of the season, and let me know what you think!

(YumDrop Preppy Striped Bikini)
This softly striped bikini is a perfect preppy piece. I love YumDrop because the pieces are super feminine, soft, and fun, which means that they'll look amazing with shorter ruffled skirts in chiffon or silk. Imagine how comfortable this skirt will be post-swim, and how easy it will be to stow away in your beach sack.

(BCBG Maxazria Blue Paisley Ruffle Halter Top)
This is quite the sophisticated halter, and I can imagine it with jeans and clogs, '70s style. These ruffles, when paired with such a sophisticated color palette, don't seem as full-blown cutesy. Instead, it seems like the added ruffles are just a fantastic design detail addition.

(Solid Bandeau Monokini)
A monokini in blue is stunning without patterns and excess design. Let your skin peeking through do all the talking! What I especially love about this piece is the fact that you can slip a pair of shorty shorts over the one-piece and still feature a complicated silhouette that peeks out from underneath.

(Multi Polka Dot Bikini)
The bottoms on these briefs are so cool. I love how they stretch down over your hips a little (they remind me of my yoga pants) and have a slightly more modest vibe. These awesome halter top cups have impressive uplift and will make you look very voluptuous, very sexy, and very curvaceous. Pink peppermint ice cream, anyone?

(Old Navy Women's Halter Top in Blue Kaleidoscope) This top combines color and pattern in a burst of cool design. You'll be pleased at how affordable it is (just $9.99), so I recommend you spend a little down time stocking up on a couple if you can. You can also choose between string or bikini briefs to coordinate. The plunging neckline is totally come-hither and is available up to XXL.

It might be too warm for your woolly socks, but that doesn't mean you'll need to give up on whimsical sock designs and styles like these ones below. I love the shop Sock Dreams, and I've been looking up styles to wear this spring/summer.

If you have a funkier sense of style, these socks can give your skirts a boost and add a little je ne sais quoi to your longer shorts in denim and chambray.

(Diamond Knit Toe Socks) The socks I have pictured here are black, but they are also available in a creamy peach that is perfect for spring. Anklets are great to keep those tight mary janes from itching and scratching, and the diamond pattern is coolly hypnotic and refreshingly light looking. (Centered Big Stripe Over the Knee Socks) These Centered Big Stripe Socks are a good compromise if you're eyeing the rainbow striped socks below but simply can't pull them off, these are ones that you can definitely give to your teenage daughter or niece and wear these vicariously through someone else. If you're daring to wear this pink pair, try them with something light and airy, as pictured.

(Rainbow Striped Over the Knees)
Over-the-Knee Socks are an interesting departure from your usual bobby or kneesocks, and rainbow just jazzes them up even further. Leave these only to the most daring of individuals-- they'd be a great present for a teen--or save them up for a fun fancy dress party or a great costume.

(Lace Anklet with Ruffles)
For the girly girl in all of us, here's your chance to wear the most feminine socks I've ever seen. These ones feature an extra-large ruffle around the ankle and a floral lace pattern, so balance them out with a slim pencil skirt and flats.

(Sock It To Me Mini Rainbows)
Searching for your inner schoolgirl? These bright white kneesocks are a failsafe choice for those of us who need something a little bit younger-- think casual days out picking up some groceries and stopping off at the library. Even if you don't like to wear kneesocks with skirts, these would look amazing underneath some knee-length, cinched exercise trousers and a plain tee with rolled-up sleeves. How delightfully '80s!

Feeling the crunch? Don't worry. I've gathered up some of my very favorite budget shopping tips for you to use and still get a chance to kit out your wardrobe. Even if you don't shop on a budget, applying these techniques just saves more money to buy more things. . . and that's never bad. Shopping smart is always great.

Consider buying some of your office supplies online, for example, instead of picking them up at the usual shops. You can save 15% off of your purchases over a certain amount, and you can also score free shipping. Forget having to wait in line, and spending money on gas driving to the store.



Do you find that some shops are better for certain things? Make a list of where you score the best deals to avoid wasting time hunting online every time. For example, my personal list reminds me to look for books over at eBay as well as Amazon-- and to avoid Barnes and Nobles' sometimes more expensive shipping costs. Always keep that in mind as well- shipping costs can really affect what you consider to be the best deal.



I have a very frugal friend who knows who to maximize her savings. When I really think that I can't save any more, I double-check with her: she tells me exactly how to save more. If you have a friend who could compete with Amy Dacyczyn's Tightwad Gazette lifestyle, you can always learn a thing or two. Silently observe them if you don't want to ask for advice, and you're sure to discover new saving techniques that way, too.



If you are an avid eBay shopper, try to keep things in rotation. Instead of having a mountainous pile of "to donate" items, when you buy something on eBay, put something on sale of a comparable value. It's a great way to keep costs down, keep yourself more organized, and simultaneously reward yourself for it.



This tip applies for my grocery purchases, but it can also apply to family supplies and household items. If you are on a strict budget, consider buying regular-sized packages and seeing how your usage of the product changes. The psychology regarding your well-stocked items can be amazing, because when you feel like you have less, you'll probably use less. I do this with my food to eat less as well, but you need to shop for the deepest discounts to save on a comparable level with some items purchased in bulk.


Do you have any saver tips?

Have you seen an incredible amount of environmentally-inspired pieces on all your favorite sites? It's not only exciting, but it definitely gives us an easier way to help the earth. If you are going shop, you might as well do it with an organic flair, right? With these featured styles, it's a no-brainer!

(Murphy Organic Scoop Neck Dress)
Fine knit enchants in hot weather because it's delicately clingy, and that makes it super sexy. You won't need to try too hard with this onw, as everything about it spells au naturale, including that "Organic" label that serves as the icing on the cake. A thick band at the bottom of this skirt helps the dress's weight to keep it flowing downwards and making you look so slim and tall.

(Mewv Three-Quarter Length Black Dress)
Perfect for the woman who needs something classic and extra responsible, this dress will be at home in European cafes, in L.A., or whilst on the streets of London. So if you're an excess traveler and you need that piece that you can wear all the time, this could be the right selection for you.

(Organic Cardigan with Braided Belt) This piece might be a cardigan, but it really has year-round appeal. Do you know those days when you're hanging out on the beach and you realize that the temperature has dropped dramatically? You then begin to dig through your bags (unsuccessfully) and never really find something substantial. Those days are through with this organic find on Shopbop.com.

(Hemp Thong Sandals)
These sandals are suposeldy like "walking on air." If you're as curious as I am now, you should know that they're easily found online and are pretty affordable. According to the website, these thing sandals feature foam footbeds and a terry inner area.

(Stop Deforestation Knickers) Green undies don't have to be the cotton granny type, and these ones I found over at Greenknickers.org prove it. I'm sold on these panties, which are 100% organic silk and are handmade locally. Those flirty little leg ruffles are just perfect.

Have fun, and go green. It won't hurt a bit.

I don't have children, but many of our faithful readers do, and to top it off, all of us know someone with a child to whom you can direct cool gifts! If you're sick of shopping for yourself (or your closet is full to bursting), consider all the great baby doo-dads we've been seeing lately. Get inspired!

You can even hunt out adorable pieces to give to families in need if you fall in love with some of these pieces. No matter what season it is, you can donate adorable baby gear to families with newborns to give them something special. Shopping, as you know, isn't always just about you, and the thrill of the chase can get even more tantalizing when you are seeking to please.

Check out these great picks!

(Tillie the Turtle Gift Basket) My girl stop was the fun package stuffed with goodies for the bath. A white terry robe and slippers have the. cutest. turtle decoration embroidered right on, and you'll see that it's had to keep this set a secret for long. The light pink accents add a touch of femininity as well. That great got box is also included with your purchase.

(Isa Booties)
Despite having one of the best baby websites ever, these shoes are just excellent presents for anyone who needs a little extra boost to add to their children's regular socks. When their socks are constantly slipping off, these booties help to protect the feet fro exposure while looking greats, too. These chocolate moccasins are available in a microsuede fabric with impressive non-stick soles.

(Pink Olive Le Lapin d'Avril) This green felt toy was made in France and is available along with several multi-colored buddies. It has a cool provincial look that keeps you smiling all day. Now you can add a little bit of Parisian glamour into a little baby's life, too! Sounds good: a fashionista in the making.

(Personalized Infant Bodysuits)
Choose from a bevy of barnyard animals to bedeck these affordable, personalized little bodysuits. Choose from designs like lollypops, baby chicks, monkeys, and more, and don't forget to add a name onto it if it's a gift! Thee items are always in need, too, so they make a perfect donation for a local shelter, hospital, or private care center.

(Jardin Toulouse Diaper Bag Tote) Okay, this one is a little bit for you, but you've earned it! I was struck by its sophisticated appeal that escapes from the "mom" category for good. This is excellent, since you will need something to carry around all those presents in. The vibrant red color with offset your own soft spring wardrobe and add extra "punch" to it.

It's round two of all those beauty goodies! I was definitely feeling unfulfilled after just scratching the surface of the Beauty.com selection, so I'm here to find more cool goodies! This time I decided to focus on going-out makeup this time, since day-to-day cosmetics can be found a lot easier, and in good quality.

Vincent Longo Vibrant Eye
Vibrant eyes are great for night, and this Longo eyeliner features a tiny little brush that never opens or fans to disrupt the seriousness that is using bright colors. Better yet, you can just remove this product with a little soap and water in a pinch.

(Smashbox Siren Sheer Color, $18.00) Lipsticks and glosses can be fun if you choose the right ones. This Stila lip color is bound for success!

(Urban Decay Santa Tanita Body Bronzer, $28.00)
This body bronzer is a new mainstay, and don't worry: this is an advanced product that shows you where you've applied the product for later, and also provides a thin layer of instant-tan for the day. Santa Tanita doesn't spare the kitschy factor, either: their containers look just like prayer candles for their imaginary saint.

(Stila Eye Shadow Batura Mineral Matte, $18.00)
Mineral makeup with a fantastic formula? Sign me up? You can choose to use this shadow as a wet application to outline and flatter your lids, or you can brush some on when it's dry to flatter in a very different (and softer) way. Stila suggests layering this deep shadow with a shimmering topcoat, and I concure!

Too Faced Refresh Oil Blotting Papers
Going out is easy to do with this shine-reducing blotting paper. If you don't want to worry about this while you're enjoying your drinks, you can always slip some of these handy papers into your pocket in their little pink holder that fits well into any type of clutch purse.

I know this blog is about fashion, but. . . sometimes you just want to go wild and really dress an outfit up, and the best way to do that can be with smoky eyes, bright lips, and fresh-picked-roses blush. While I may not be the most accomplished makeup artist around, I make up for that in my willingness to experiment with new products and obsess over books like Bobby Brown Beauty. Let's find some fun cosmetics to experiment with-- after all, it is spring and we all want to make a change, right? ;)

(Urban Decay Big Fatty)
This cool beauty bit has fun packaging, which in my world means a lot! This mega-thick mascara is sold in two-packs, so slip one into your purse and leave one at home! The mascara formula is pumped up with moizturizing elements to keep those lashes soft and to prevent flaking. It's available in black for beauty-pageant worthy, eye-poppingly nice effects.

(Crabtree and Evelyn Soothing Lip Balm)
Soothing balm might seem like more of a winter thing when you are trying to guard against uncomfortable chapping and the like, but this ultra-moisturizing balm is a new favorite of mine. It combines beeswax with peppermint and olive oil for all-natural appeal.

(Plump and Re-Plump Liquid Lipstick) I LOVE plumping lipsticks, but this one really stands out! This product re-plumps your lips every time your lick them (let's talk about amazing), and it's available in the color "healthy," which gives me a lot of hope for the cosmetics industry in general. Not everyone's a scarlet-red lipstick kind of girl.

(Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer)
Perfect for those of us plagued by the eyelid creases that seem to be the problem of at least half of us who love wearing eye shadow! This product is silicone-based to slide on and look awesome when primed with your favorite eye shadows, and from what I heard, it's quite the successful product indeed. Yay!

(Scott Barnes Eye Ice, Loose Eyeshadow)
I'm fascinated with this Ice Eyeshadow, simply because it is beautiful and fun. I certainly recommend zipping on over to Beauty.com to check out their collection of eyeshadows, because it's really quite impressive. This one in particular is easy to apply and comes in a great gem-inspired bottle.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans

Skinny Stretch
I even chose them in white-- that's how confident I am that they will look awesome! Wow, these Not Your Daughter's Jeans are no joke... slimming, classic, and super-cute to boot. Despite what the critics say, everyone should have a pair of white jeans stowed away for special occasions, just in case you head off on vacation or confront sweltering heat and need to look impossibly fresh. Really! These jeans feature a slimming criss-cross tummy and a rear lift.

Skinny Jeans

Daywash Skinny Brand Jeans
These skinny jeans have a carefully engineered shape to make the center of those thighs score a little extra Inner Thigh Clearance and grab a few extra inches of behind lift. From what I understand, these jeans don't use the usual panels and instead rely on design details to do most of the slimming via optical illusion.

Levis 512 Perfectly Slimming

(Dark Indogo Wash Perfectly Slimming Jeans)
These Levis 512 jeans are a little more refined for those of us who want more mature jean styles. You can find them in lighter washes as well as your usual dark rinses, my personal favorite. Be sure to shop around for the best deals if you like to save on your denim! I found pairs for around $25 in a quick search.

Spanx Fashion Pants

(Bod-a-Bing Pants, $72.00)
I do love my Spanx, and these are no exception. These pants incorporate the cool stretchiness that makes Spanx so wonderful as well as a nice fit to go along with longer tops, perhaps some jeweled sandals, and a neckerchief. And a straw hat! But I digress; these trousers are very impressive for semi-casual fashions. If you hate to spend money on foundation Spanx because nobody is going to see them, this is a good compromise.

I've been looking for new spring styles to flatter your hottest looks concocted for warm weather. I love the varied shapes available to all of us, from flats to pumps, not to mention some of the coolest colors I've seen in a while. Luxuriate in yellow suede, play twinkle-toes in beaded sandals, and enjoy the very best laced pumps this side of spring. Piperlime is an amazing resource for all of these, and more.

(Kenneth Cole Reaction Rich N Hitched, $79.00)
These beautiful yellow shoes feature a high, thick strap and chunky heel shapes that defy all of your stiletto collection. Balance on these confidently with a gorgeous, wide peasant skirt and a fitted top when you go all-out, or try a simple pair of black capris for a basic crowd-pleaser.

(Indigo by Clarks Pallino, $65.00) Flats are a must for any city dweller or hardcore commuter, but why are so many pairs so... not flattering? It's important to buy a pair that is trendy and that is a pleasing shape, just because they are noticed, even on the bus! This gray pair with a metallic twist blend in with pavement and grime, but are available in a pleasingly soft color to match with all of your spring florals.

(Vince Camuto Palmer, $125.00)
Jeweled sandals can be more than a cocktail-party must have. You can slip on a pair of these delicate sandals with any dress or skirt and take it to the next level right away. Now that's an investment. The adjustable back strap keeps them on tight. Forget those shoddy elastic-strapped shoes and find a pair that really fit.

(Vince Camuto Veronica, $132.00)
These are my favorite shoes so far! In fact, I just got a similar pair from Evans London today in brown and black. While these may seem very fashion-forward and therefore a little challenging, you can let them speak for themselves when you pair them with pencil skirts, classic dresses, and pegged capris. Enjoy all the complements you get while wearing them.

(Naturalizer Roberts, $65.00)
Another yellow pair of shoes for you. Can you tell my favorite spring color? This pair has moccasin details and a softer lemon color for the more delicate ones among us. Excellent craftsmanship and detailing will make these shoes stand out significantly near similar styles, and you'll relish the attention they bring you.

I am so very not petite, but I thought I would mix things up and choose some cute looks for spring. I have noticed that last fall weren't very friendly for petite women in the length department. "Tunic tops" turn into dresses, regular shirts turn into tunics, and knee-length skirts are decidedly. . . not.

Petite styles are perfect for more than those of us under 5'3" or so. Some people are a little shorter in the torso or in the legs, and instead of hunting down your local tailor, you can find proportional style that really works for you.

Button Front Ruched Shirt

I haven't been to Petite Sophisticate for a long time, and I was missing out! This top features a little bit of ruched detailing that can maximize your bust area if you need it. ;) While I liked the black top due to its potential multiple-time wearability, you can also find it in brighter colors to match with capri jeans and slip-on shoes for the weekend.

Fave Picks from Petite: Cool charmeuse draping, bold graphics, and modern shapes.

Short Sleeve Ponte Knit Jacket

This was my top pick for today! The Ponte Knit Jacket is gorgeously raspberry colored coat that's outstandingly haute couture-y looking. This shape is especially well-suited for plus women because it is almost cropped and still retains a fresh shape. Those pockets are just right for tucking your hands into in the spring breeze. I'd love to add a funky brooch to this one-- I love the ones from ShopBop.com.

Fave Picks from Ann Taylor Loft: More sophisticated items with elegant elements

Petite Polka Dot Dress

Wearing a polka dot dress might not be in every petite woman's wardrobe, but it can be when you buy the right one. A shapely item with plenty of spunk comes straight from Banana Republic, and would look just amazing with the right delicate accessories and simple shoes. I think I would hunt down a pair of satin espadrilles to wear with them, but alas... I haven't seen a pair yet on any of my hunts. Any suggestions?

Fave Picks from Banana: Anything with their ultra-classic style!

Petite Yarn-Dyed Gingham Dress

Liz Claiborne is a good bet for solid dresses that make sense. Instead of wearing a wrap dress that hits at your mid-calf level, consider a petite dress that hits in all the right places. This dress is cool because it dispenses with that traditional wrap style and instead looks very casual. Love it, just adore it, need it!

Fave Picks from Liz Claiborne: Rainbow colors in slim shapes & easy separates

Perfect Polo Layered-Look Floral

I hit up Liz Claiborne twice in my petite search. They certainly have a great range of petite styles that can extend beyond your usual collection. They have a fantastic group of casual items for the weekend, but there's lots more. You must visit this site when you've got extra browsing time.

More Fave Picks from Liz Claiborne: Cool weekend prints, vacation items.

Have a great time shopping!