Suiting Up for the Beach 2013

Image: Zimmerman 2013 lookbook

We all strive for the perfect bikini body so we thought we'd make it easier to strive for the perfect bikini! Summer is just around the corner which means our dreams of sipping out of a coconut while listening to the soothing crash of the waves is about to come true. Now you can look good doing it too with this season's most stylish trends. We present our favorite swimwear for the 2013 season and, I have to admit, I think you'll enjoy them!

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I picked the following 3 themes for beachwear: Retro Sporty, Neon Pool Party and Lady Like. I've always been a fan of retro styles in fashion. This year, the uniforms from Star Trek struck a chord with me, I like the streamlined simple design and how well fitted they are. I translated that style into retro sporty beachwear. The simple lines would really accentuate one's body, doesn't matter you are lean or curvy. As for neon, I've never personally wore any neon beachwear, but whenever I see other girls in neon at a pool party, they always stand out and give out a fun party vibe. Lastly, if you are more of a lying- down-and-get-tanned-with-a-margarita type, maybe you'll like more feminine pieces from Anthropologie. Also don't forget your floppy hat: that is one of the most identifiable pieces for a fine lady on the beach.

Retro Sporty

1. Lunettes  •  2. Saturday  •  3. HB PAparazzi One Piece  •  4. Adidas  •  5. Saturday

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Neon Pool Party

1. Net-a-Porter  •  2. ShopBop  •  3. Elyse Walker  •  4. ShopBop

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Lady Like

1. Anthropologie  •  2. JulesB  •  3. Dorothy Perkins  •  4. Zara  •  5. Glamourpuss

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How can you be sexy in a swimsuit without being too revealing? This year's mesh trend provides a tasteful solution to that problem and already I'm in love. I also love the integration of stark black and whites into swimwear but above all, that Grace Kelly pool dress is to die for! Lastly, I decided to include some classic swimsuits that are so darling they will be relevant for decades of fashion to come.

Don't Mesh With Me

1. Nasty Gal • 2. Oye • 3. Minimale Animale • 4. Penti •  5. Oye

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Black & White

1. Prada • 2. Oye • 3. Oye • 4. ASOS • 5. Jets • 6. Nasty Gal

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Girlish Charm

1. Ted Baker • 2. Ted Baker • 3. Moda Operandi • 4. Club Monaco • 5. Miu Miu

In the Mood for a Bright Rainy Day

After living in one of the rainiest cities (Seattle) for 4 years, I like wearing bright colors on rainy or gray days. This strategy is a good way to lighten up your mood as well as combat Seasonal Affective Disorder that can be a side effect of the gray weather. These orange sweater tights keep me warm and also compliment the t-strap open-toe heels as well.

When the weather outside is frightful, a short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve sweaters may not do you any good. However, with a pair of arm warmers, you can look cute and stay warm at the same time (they are quite useful. See previous post where I wore a pair). I like how lady-like they are and they do keep you warm :).

For those of you who have been considering getting a clear bubble umbrella, let me tell you: don't hesitate anymore. They are great! Not only are these umbrellas quite the style statement but they're very practical as well since they block the wind better than normal umbrellas. You can also see straight through them rather than having to stare down at your feet while walking in a storm.

Check out our rain coat picks from a previous post.

Also thanks Johnny for taking the photos on a rainy day. Check out his blog: Bits & Bites for some beautiful food porn.

What I'm wearing:

Sweater: American Apparel
Gloves: Ted Baker (similar)
Skirt: seen here
Tights: Uniqlo (similar)
Shoes: seen here
Umbrella: Amazon

In the Mood for 2013 in Style

New Year's Eve may just be another night but for us it's another excuse to look our best! We wanted to share some inspiring outfits that we can see us ringing in the new year with. Whether you're sharing an intimate night with your closest loved ones or braving the crowds to catch some fireworks, we've you covered with an outfit that will help you face the new year in style.

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Xiang

"There's no better time than New Year's Eve to dress well - and be noticed! It is the best opportunity to experiment with fashion styles that we might feel too shy to try, such as bright colors, studs, over-the-top accessories, and sequins."

Holiday Gatherings

Don't be shy to dress up for gatherings this holiday season! It is a big deal that the world has made it pass Dec. 21 2012 :p. Bust out fun patterns with bright colors and be a cheerful funky fashionista.

Top: Need Supply Co.
Leggings: Madewell
Earrings: UO
Shoes: Valentino
Clutch: ASOS


Dance Party
If you are going to a dance party, then you should really dance, not just tap your feet or nod your head with a smile. Wear something that allows lots of body movement and a pair of comfortable shoes. As for colors, red and gold add warmth and cheer to the party atmosphere. Accessorize with a bit of shine to make the holidays bright.

Jacket: Max Mara Pianoforte
Dress: ASOS
Diamante Tights: Jonathan Aston
Shoes (Red): Madewell
Shoes (Black): Chicnova
Earrings: BCBG
Nail Polish: Zoya


Intimate Dinner
Some of us might not want to invest in a brand new outfit for NYE, so the trick to look festive is to leverage the right kind of accessories. Find some body-draping jewelry that you can easily layer on top of a simple black dress or top. Also, the add-on collars seem to be lots of fun to play with. The best part of draped jewelry or collars is that they make a great impression at the dinner table (people are just looking at what is above the table right?). Belts and clutches are worth investing too - they can make any outfit look upscale and sophisticated.

Collar: Maciano
Draped Jewel: Akira Jewelry
Necklace: BCBG
Patterned Belt: BCBG
Faux Fur Belt: Top Shop
Skinny Bow Belt: Ted Baker
Gold Clutch: Clare Vivier
Black Clutch: Lulu Guinness
Patterned Clutch: BCBG

Outdoor Fireworks
If you are going to be outdoors in winter, like waiting at Times Square for the ball drop and snapping pictures of your friends, family, and the crazy lights, bundle up with hats and special gloves. Many gloves now have the "tech fingertips" so you can still be swift taking photos of fireworks using your phone. I'd also recommend knitted, over-the-knee dresses to layer inside a long coat. Knitted dresses are the bests for cold weather: they are usually slightly over-sized, so you can wear an undershirt inside (Uniqlo has many fitted undershirts with HEATTECH). Also opt for a pair of comfy boots instead of heels for the best and most comfortable evening of 2013.

Coat: Chichnova
Hat: Accessorize
Gloves: Modcloth
Sweater Dress: SheInside
Leggings: Uniqlo
Boots: Sperry Topsider


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Jen

"Do I believe in casual gatherings for New Year's Eve? Of course I do. However I don't believe in dressing casually for New Year's Eve. Everyone should start off their new year with their best and sparkliest foot forward! So the outfits I put together have plenty of sparkle to last year round. "

Casual Gathering

Dress: All Saints
Necklace: Zara
Clutch: Clare Vivier
Shoes: Alexander Wang

Dance Party

Dress: Free People
Wrap: John Lewis
Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane
Clutch: Anya Hindmarch
Shoes: Guess

Intimate Dinner

Dress: ASOS
Earrings: Philippe Audibert
Clutch: ASOS
Shoes: Pyramid

Outdoor Fireworks

Sweater: Nasty Gal
Skirt: All Saints
Tights: UO
Scarf: Top Shop
Shoes: Sole Society

Dressing for Summer: Men's Wear Edition

Zara Lookbook 2012

Often times, we get requests from our guy friends on more menswear posts, so here we go –  we tasked 3 fashionable guys: Paul, Sage (who is also a menswear fashion designer) and Brandon to pick 2 outfits: one for day and one for night, as well as some accessories for the summer. Let's see how they did.

Love,

X&J

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Paul

"As the sun's scorching rays blast upon us, get ready to switch over from pants to shorts. This orange shorts with aztec trimming is the perfect statement of bold and fun. What better time to rock this color than summer? 

You can compliment the bold shorts with a washed out graphic tee. As a staple for living in the bay, I have complimented this outfit with a mint woven button up because you never know what the weather will bring. With the versatility of the buttoned look, you can either dress this outfit up or down, depending on the situation.

My favorite outfits are ones that can transform throughout the day. This one is light enough to keep you cool and keep you a little cozy during that cold breeze! I love accessorizing with beanies if you can't figure out how you want to wear your hair. Compliment it with some squared frame or round sunglasses is a must for the bright sun. Finally finish it off with shoes by Oliberte to give you that relaxed feel and attach that skull watch to your wrist for extra bad ass points!"

Paul's pick for day time:

Shirt: Modern Amusement Neo Chambray Long Sleeve Woven Shirt

Graphic T-shirt: Phoenix Tee

Shorts: Orange Contrast Aztec Shorts

Sunglasses: Round

Shoes: Oliberte Tan Nubuck

Hat: Easy Rider Beanie

Watch: Sepia Skull Watch

"As the night approaches, it's time to get serious and get your swag on!

As you can tell there are less colors in this set because the key is simplicity and my aim is for a modern urban gentleman. These trousers are very light so you'll be able to move about freely and maybe show off a little of your dance moves. Pair it with a light and simple white linen button shirt. Wear brown leather shoes to add the some lightness to the outfit and crazy cool socks for that pop of surprise.

Cuff your trousers a little bit so that the pop of color in the socks show through. Details are always appreciated. Optional bomber jacket to layer over when the night gets a little chilly and accessorize with a very simple necklace. Spice it up with an chevron wristband for your watch because those hands will be holding drinks and the watch will get some attention for sure.

I've always appreciated suspenders, which can be worn hanging down for a more relaxed urban look or you can tuck your shirt in and wear it! Whatever the night calls for, you're ready to transform in this outfit. Now don't forget this dual purpose iphone case with a credit card holder. The benefit is that you only have one thing to worry that night and if you guard it with your life then you are set! Again, just like the daytime outfit, if your hair isn't slicked back like the guys in Mad Men, then opt for the fedora. You'll make heads turn by the end of the night. Swag on!"

Paul's pick for night time:

Hat: Hammeren

Shirt: White Linen short button shirt

Pants: Navy Skinny Leg Trousers from Topman

Jacket: Ben Sherman Black Harrington Jacket

Watch: Aztec Printed Watch

Shoes: UO Leather Derby Shoe

Belt: Forever 21

Necklace: Halo Necklace Black by Copy collection

Socks: Square 04

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Sage

"This summer, bright colors are the key for fashion. Let your day outfit be as cheerful and bright as you are. This day outfit will surely bring back memories of camping, going to the beach, or enjoy ice cream under the sunshine from days of old. Who wouldn't want to bring back those amazing memories? At night, be casual but add some cool accessories to spice things up!"

Sage's pick for day time:

Top: FRED PERRY×BEAMS/shadow border dot polo

Shorts: TOPMAN/ Blue chino shorts

Shoes: Cole Haan 'Air Franklin' Saddle Oxford

Watch: Tendence/ Crazy

Sage's pick for night time:

Jeans: G-star

Top: YMC/ Cotton dobby shirts

Suspenders: Happy Bounce/ indigo dot

Boots: Ted Baker London 'Mukki 2' Cap Toe Boot

Watch: Tendence

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Brandon

"The outfits I chose are a reflection of my style. People generally dress down during the summer but I look at this season as a challenge. I love winter because I like being able to wear something light on the eyes but still have the look of someone who put effort into what they choose. I try to take this same approach and apply it to summer. Instead of stylizing my outfits with layers, like in the winter, you can do the same but with accessories in the summer."

Brandon's pick for day time:

Jacket: Mr. DT

Shirt: Poplin Houndstooth

Shorts: LANVIN

Necklace: SID MASHBURN Medium African Beads

Bag: Lluch Holdall Bag
Shoes: ALDO
Sun-glasses: Gargoyles ANSI Classics

Brandon's pick for night time:

Jacket: Mr. DT

Shirt: Poplin Houndstooth

Jeans: PIERRE BALMAIN

Necklace: SID MASHBURN Medium African Beads

Pocket Square: Sid Mashburn
Shoes (left): ALDO

Shoes (right): ALDO

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Lastly, check out the accessory picks:

From left to right, top to bottom:

iPhone Case: Me Phone Cover

Suspenders: Forever 21

Necklace: Halo Necklace by Copy Collection

Belt: Top Man

Sunglasses: ACNE

Sunglasses: Mostly Tribes Lyndel

Shoes: ALDO

Watch: G-Shock

Wallet: Herschel Johnny Zip Wallet

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A little about our friends:

Paul

An island boy turned into a city boy. As I transitioned from different phases in my life, my style changed with it. But what remains the same is my love for color and simplicity. As a Graphic Designer, I like to mix and match till I get it right, and the same goes for fashion. The key thing I've learned, when shopping for clothes, is that they have to fit and compliment your body type. The color/design should also suit your personality so look around and find your niche. Don't be afraid to be eccentric, mix and match what you already have with what you're shopping for and lastly ALWAYS try them on. When shopping, I always wear a plain white tee and dark denim jeans. It's easier to match clothes in the store with a simple outfit and you can get a clear vision of what it'll look like later on. Simplicity is key – less is more. That rule applies to everything, I swear.

Follow me on Twitter (@pcap_), paulcapili.com

Sage

I grew up as the youngest kid in my family so I rarely get to wear any new clothes. I really hated the hand-me-downs because, at the time, I wanted to get "purple" clothes (I don't remember why), but unfortunately, they never gave me anything in purple. I also didn't want to dress the same as anybody. I wanted to be a unique person at all times so I started alternating my hand-me-downs when I was 12. I guess it was my first step into the fashion world. Now I am making and designing garments by myself (Yes! I can make tons of purple shirts) and working as stylist.

I love creating things. Check out some of my works here: sagegreene.com .

Brandon

As a creator of art and music, I've always been interested in experimenting with as many mediums I could get my hands on! A lot of what I do in art has an impact on my life and I love to show it. My fashion choices reflect a lot of my experiemental nature, as abstract designs and anything that quickly catches a person's eye always find themselves into my wardrobe. The secret is not to take all of this entirely too serious; have fun, mix it up! Use your inspirations to fuel what you like to wear. Out of everything that I put together, accessories have always stuck out to me. Things that are rare in design, intricate looks and charms really pull together a really interesting look.


Always look for new inspirations and be genuine, you can find a bit more about me here:


www.brandonfoy.tv
www.phnkmusic.com
@brandonfoy - Twitter