Closet Essentials Summer Edition; Shorts

Hello Sunshines!!

For today's Closet Essential post, I want to talk about the ultimate summer staple: shorts.
Why are shorts a staple? Well, BECAUSE IT'S FREAKING HOT OUTSIDE! Shorts are also fabulous because they can be taken from summer into colder months too!

When choosing shorts, consider your body type. If you are super curvy, or very bottom heavy, you may be seeking shorts with more coverage that flatter your figure. Like jeans, I reccommed dark wash denim and dark colors if you want a slimming effect. I also reccommend having a variety of styles/lengths of shorts in your closet. This goes for EVERY girl. While your super short shorts may be okay for throwing over your bathing suit, they may not be appropriate for ALL summer functions you might attend. So it's good to have at least one pair that provides you with decent coverage. My favorite shorts are awesome because they are rolled short, but I can roll them up or down, depending on how much leg I want to show.

Have fun with your shorts, and pick bright colors, crazy patterns, whatever you like! What better time than Summer for experimenting with bright prints and colors? Make sure your shorts fit you well, aka, they fit well in the waist, and are not brutally squeezing your legs. I personally don't spend alot of money on shorts, either. Why? I might buy a pair of trendy shorts that are trendy NOW, but wouldn't work the next year. If you want to wear your shorts into the fall/winter seasons, just pair them with some leggings or tights, and voila! You can rock those babys year round!

What are your favorite shorts this season?
X's and O's,
Amanda

Closet Essentials Summer Edition: The Dreaded Swimming Suit

Hey Beauties!

For my next few Closet Essential posts, I want to discuss essentials for summer. I thought there was no better way than to begin with the essential we love, but hate: The bathing suit.

Truth be told, most people aren't too thrilled at the idea of bathing suit shopping. Who can blame them? You are now going to be showing off parts of your body that are generally covered up by clothing. We get insecure about scars, cellulite, skin tone, etc. Not to mention, the shopping experience can be a little rough on the self esteem (um, hello stupidly bright lights that give EVERYONE cellulite). Today I want to talk about finding a good suit for your body that is cute, and makes you feel good about yourself.

Just like jeans, there are many different styles of swimming suits, and not one style looks good on everyone. When shopping, you have to consider your body type, as well as your personal style. My general advice is to make sure that the suit is not too loose, and is not squeezing anything too tightly. Have bigger breasts? Look for tops with more support. Girls with smaller breasts can better pull of badeau tops, etc. Embarrassed by your tummy? Tankinis are great options. Seventeen Magazine has tons of great content about finding the perfect suit, and feeling good about it! Start by taking the bathing suit quiz: http://www.seventeen.com/fun/quizzes/fashion/bathing-suit-quiz?click=main_sr

Something to keep in mind: nobody and no body is perfect. Everyone has flaws, and your probably your own worst critic. The most simple way to look great in a bathing suit? Confidence. Even if you don't believe it at first, just keep telling yourself that you're the hottest girl on the beach. When you appear confident, others will think you look great, too. Remember to have fun. The whole reason you got a bathing suit was to swim and do other fun activities, right? :)

X's and O's,
Amanda