High Beams

I can't let the summer go by without doing at least one post on beachwear, however small. Who knows when the sun will shine so bright again in the northwest so we should go out and chase it before it ends.

I had a fun impromptu beach shoot with my friend Trung. It was nothing serious and there was no pressure which is is exactly how the beach always makes me feel. I love this outfit because it makes me feel like a pin-up or a bathing beauty in these shots. With a crop-top, you get a tiny bit of midriff for sexiness or ventilation depending on how you like to see it. However, after the sun sets on the beach, I can still pair this outfit with a sharp blazer and some heels or nice flats and meet friends at a bar.

I'm Wearing:
Top: Kimchi Blue
Earrings: H&M (similar in emerald)
Shorts: American Apparel
Sandals: ASOS (seen here)
Sunglasses: Vintage

In the Mood for Snow Play

Jen shot these during my visit to Seattle back in July 4th weekend. We took a trip to Mt. Rainier, prepared to do a shoot in the beautify mountain with flowers and waterfalls, but who knew Paradise hiking tails were still all covered in snow! Luckily the weather was still warm and we brought our sunglasses and sun screen. It was impossible to go without sunglasses because of the light reflecting from the snow all around us. 

So our casual hiking plan turned into a snow shoeing session in the summer. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. It was also a fun experience walking in the snow in our summer outfits but not feeling cold.

This season high-low skirts are definitely one of the hottest trends: you can easily spot them on the streets, also in pretty much every shop. (Jen did a post with a beautiful high-low skirt back in February). I found this skirt in Akira when I visited Chicago. It has nice cuts on both sides, instead of a regular front-high / back-low design. This cut creates a lot more movement when I walk. The bright-colored pattern also adds more playfulness. Because the skirt itself is pretty attention-catchy, I try to play down the rest of the outfit by keeping them mostly black.

What I'm wearing:

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Skirt: Akira (irregular cut in black)

Black tights: Uniqlo (similar)

Shoes: BCBG (similar)

Sun-glasses: SUPER (seen here)

In the Mood for a Bit of Cutouts

Other than mint and neon colors, cutouts have been on trend this season as well. Bolder designs have cutouts around the waist or belly button area (such as this one from nastygal, this one from TopShop), others put the geometric cutouts on the back (such as this one). I've been quite fond of this trend honestly. The designs get very creative and makes daily wearable clothes more art like. It terms of where the cutout should be, it depends on your personal taste and body type. They show off a bit skin but not trashy.

I found this dress at one of my favoriate stores – THERAPY. Loved about how it incorporates the cutout with a bit vintage collar styling.

Miz Mooz does everything with a bit vintage, a bit funkiness and some playfulness. These shoes from them are one of my go-to daily heels. They are not too high (about 2 inches) and very comfortable.



What I'm Wearing:

Dress: from THERAPY store (similar ASOS flowery dress with back cutout)
Shoes: Miz Mooz (similar black cutout)
Sunglasses: from the fair (similar in tangerine)

In the Mood for a Lazy Day

I definitely bought this dress with the purpose of having something to throw on when I don't feel like bedazzling myself in the morning therefore it has become my "lazy day" dress. The dress is so elegant that anyone will look great wearing it and the silk feels so luxe when grazing against your skin. It would be even more perfect if it only had pockets! The zipper cuff is slowly becoming my favorite accessory however it's too big to wear on my wrist so I have to wear it 90's style and keep it on my arm.

What I'm Wearing

Dress: Club Monaco Lainey Dress 
Sunglasses: Michael Kors Sheffield (from the John Taing Collection)
Bracelet: Zipper Cuff
Shoes: Vince Camuto Vickiy Pump (seen here)

Suiting Up for the Beach!

ERES SPRING / SUMMER COLLECTION 2012

It's that time of the year again, the sun is shining and the beach is calling your name! It's time to shed the layers and dive in. We found that one of the hardest things to do is find a beautiful and unique swimsuit to add to your collection. And after spending weeks shopping for the perfect swimsuit, we bring you the fruits of out labor. Here are our top picks for swimwares along with some accessories. Let us know which one is your favorite!


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Xiang

"I love going to the lake/beach during  the summer. Swimming in natural water is just different from the pool. In the first match, I just love the sweetness of the classic neckline created by the underwire bikini top. The boyfriend cover up balances out the girliness a bit but adds some sexy flare."

Whitworth Bikini Top + Bottom

Boyfriend Shirt Cover-up

Natori Beach Thien Nector Beach Towel

Jen

"You'll notice that Xiang and I basically almost picked the same swimsuit (however, her's is a two piece) but I stand behind my decision. There are a lot of retro styled swimsuits out there and I've looked through thousands of them only to find that this is hands down the best looking one. The top holds the shape of your breasts much more elegantly than most swimwear and the ruching doesn't detract from your figure. The American Apparel straw hat also matches it perfectly. I'm a big fan of Paul Smith though his stuff is quite expensive. However, this bag is perfect for the beach and can accompany you to other casual summer events as well. I love eyelets and scalloped trims so this cover-up is a must for any swimsuit."

J.Crew Polka-Dot Ruched Underwire Tank
Tory Burch Eyelet Cover-Up Dress
Paul Smith Blue Josephine Handbag

American Apparel Savannah Sun Hat


Xiang

"You can still stay cool and funky going to the beach. This one-piece from UO stays cool, but with some playfulness by adding the bow in the back with a super low cut. I pick the equally funky LASCOSTE beach towel to add some color but not lose the coolness."

UO Low Back One-piece

Sunglasses

LACOSTE Crocobayadere Beach Towel

Jen

"I love that Xiang included a beach towel with every combo but honestly this was the most interesting one I could find and this is the perfect swimsuit to match it. I have a bit of an obsession for belted swimsuits and the belt on this one brings the whole shape together quite nicely (click the link to check out the sexy back!).  The wrap adds a lot of texture to the outfit but it was so pretty I couldn't leave it out!"

ASOS Cut Out One Piece in Stripe Print with Belt Detail

Oscar Quiroz Beach Towel

Robin Piccone 'Penelope' Crochet Pareo

Xiang

"Well, if you've been paying attention to my posts and previous picks, then it is not hard to predict that I would pick a swimware that is retro inspired. So here we go: polka dots and a straw sun hat. Love the pleated bandeau top by J.Crew, and they come in 4 different colors and an optional strap! Go check them out yourself!"

Pleated Bandeau Top

Sun Hat

Roxy Beach Towel

Jen

"While putting this together, I actually ended up buying this swimsuit! I think it's quite easy to notice that I love nautical wear for the summer however the floral cut-out poncho will make this outfit a bit more modern. I love cat eye inspired sunglasses and the one from J. Crew matches the look of the swimwear without looking like you stepped out of a pin-up."

MIU MIU Bow-embellished halterneck swimsuit

ETRO Cutout printed silk-chiffon poncho top

Lauren By Ralph Lauren Andalusia Tote

Selima Sun for J.Crew Sophia Sunglasses

Xiang

"I actually personally own this halter one-piece in nude color from AA and I love it! It is a one piece but it is not any less sexy than a two piece. If anything, it adds more uniqueness. And you can easily just pair it up with a skirt and just look like you are wearing a very sexy top!"

AA Nylon Tricot Halter One-piece

Skirt

Hermes plain yachting beach cover-up in blue

Jen

"I'm not a big fan of standard bikinis however the Vix bikini does standard in a very classy way. The leather detailing on the bikini is subtle but rather special as well. Leather on a swimsuit is not something I often see nor something I think I'll ever see however it works so well here. Speaking of leather, Tanner Goods is definitely my go-to shop for high quality leather products and this tote is no exception. The slip is an extremely elegant piece that will soften the whole outfit but honestly this bikini can do without a cover-up."

Vix Stripe Halter Bikini Top With Leather Details

Zimmerman Devoted broderie anglaise cotton dress

Tanner Goods Waxed Canvas Tote

J. Crew Panama Hat