Anchors Away: Red, White & Blue

July 4 - the day we (in the U.S.) celebrate our country's independence with fireworks, backyard barbecues, lemonade, and of course, draping ourselves in everything red, white and blue.

But hold up just one minute.  Do you want to avoid looking like a walking American-flag this holiday?  Whether you're going to spend your holiday eating hamburgers at your neighborhood bash, or your hitting a swanky soiree, I've got a few looks that can take your Red Overload to Ready to Party.

Take a little inspiration from the sailor-style.  The nautical theme is one the never really goes out of style, as long as you keep to moderation.

If you're not sure what kind of party attire your invite requires, try out one of these two looks.  The first one's t-shirt style dress can transition easily from casual to a little dressier.  Pair it with a sailor-style knotted belt and a pair of striped red wedges for that yacht-club look.  With such a bold belt, skip the necklace, and take a little inspiration from Gossip Girl's Queen of the Power Headband:  Top off the look with a sleek little leather-look headband in red.  Patriotic and adorable. 

Navy t-shirt dress, $26

Red Bow Headband, $12.99

Knotted Rope Belt

Red & White Striped Wedge, $21.80

The second style steps out of the yacht club and into the city.  I love the braided look of this one-shoulder shirt.  And again, you don't want to take away from this neckline with a necklace (keep earrings small if you opt for them).  This time, I hit up Etsy for some hand-made headbands.  You can find a plethora for less than $15.  I splurged a little with this silver one for $35, though.  Wear this look with light-denim skinny jeans as pictured on the model. Check your local Old Navy for sales on denim.  They run them about once-a-month or more.  Fiery-red pumps and clear-frame sunglasses complete the style.

Knotted-shoulder Assymetrical Tunic in Navy, $28

(Splurge of the Day) Handmade Knotted Rope Headband, $35

Peep-Toe Pumps w/Buckle, $17.99
(Deal of the Day) Clear-frame Sunglasses, $8

Just remember this 4th of July -- avoid both fireworks and fashion disasters.  Moderation!

-BF

Swim 2010 - Animal Instincts & Pretty in Print

If last week's beach looks weren't quite your thing, I've got a few more styles to check out this week.  We're going bold with animal prints, and feminine with florals and paisleys. 

I don't know if it's because it's primal, but animal prints radiate sex appeal.  So it's the perfect pattern for a bikini.  I like these wireless push-up tops because they give a decent amount of coverage, which also adds a little extra space to distinguish the print on your swimsuit.  Add a little color to these monochrome palettes with a a bright sandal or floppy hat.  These straw hats keep to the sort-of safari feel, and the split-sleeve cover-up dress has its own wild-jungle appeal.

Animal Instincts

From Left to Right:
Zebra Stripe Bikini:  Push-up Halter, $29 / Side-tie Brief, $20
White Braided Sandal, $14.50
Paper Straw Floppy Hats in Pink or Black (orange not pictured), $24
Dolman-Sleeve Dress Cover-up, Reg. $29 / Sale $19
Scrunch-Detailed Orange Sandal, $13.50
Leopard Print Bikini: 
Push-up Halter, Sale $28.50
Solid color bottom with Matching Print Belt, Sale $21.50

If you're brave and are blessed with a great beach body, check out this super-sexy leopard print monokini.

Not a fan of animal print, but want something more exciting than solid-color swimwear?  Go girly with these feminine prints.  From paisley to floral, there's plenty to choose from, and in plenty of cuts (despite my all-bikini line up shown below).  I normally suggest keeping things simple when using prints -- let your other accessories be less bold.  However, since your swimsuit's going to be hidden underneath your coverup anyway, keep showing off your bright personality with a brightly patterned maxi-dress.  Keep the color going with a bright wedge.  I really love these because they have just a cutout of pattern that blends well with most swimsuits prints, and the basket-weave heel is oh-so-summery.

Pretty in Print

From Left to Right:

Paisley Bikini: 

Top, Reg. $20 / Clearance $11.99

Side-tie Brief, Reg. $19 / Clearance $10.99

Retro-Inspired, Coral Medallion Bikini, Bandeau Top $32 / Bottom (various styles) $24-$32

(Tankini-top also available)

Multi-color Maxi-Dress (various colors available), $19.99

Slingback Wedge with Basket Weave Platform, $19.30

(Deal of the Day) Blue Floral Bikini:

Push-up Halter, Reg. $38.50  / Clearance $12.99

Belted Brief, Reg $30 / Clearance $10.99

If you're a fan of my facebook page, you've already seen this treat.  (If not, find me here.)  Today's sea-themed jewelry find is this charming little crustacean necklace for only $12.99.  There's also a lobster one.

And finally, the one thing every fashionista needs to be swim ready:  a great sunscreen.  My personal favorites are Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock for the body and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer-Dry Touch Sunblock Lotion for the face.  They both are super-lightweight and don't leave you feeling sticky or greasy.  All that and they're waterproof.  You can find them at pretty much any drugstore or supermarket.

What swim style will you be rocking this summer?