Swimming into Spring Break

I don't know about you, but spring break is all about breaking out the bikinis! While I may not be headed to some tropical locale this year, I am planning on doing a little sunbathing during my week off--let's hope the weather cooperates!

 The three swimsuit styles above, all from Hollister, are some of my favorites this year. I love the simple nautical look of a striped top and solid bottom--perfect for boating trips. The pink polka dot bikini is cute and will look great poolside while sipping on a cocktail (virgin or otherwise). And the ruffly coral bandeau top paired with the seagull-embroidered bottom is great for a day at the water park. 

No matter how you're planning on spending your spring break this year, make sure to stock up on some new bikinis...and rock 'em if you can!

OOTD: Cast Away



Royal blue striped wideneck tee (HCo., summer 2011); navy blue culotte shorts (A&F, summer 2011); charm bracelets (AE)





Fireball necklace (AE, winter 2009)





Bracelets from top to bottom: pearl-and-chain charm bracelet (AE, summer 2010), fireball charm bracelet (AE, spring 2010), heart charm bracelet (AE, spring 2010)




3-D glasses from Toy Story 3 (lenses removed)



I never used to be into stripes. I used to hate them, actually, and avoid them like I avoid eggs. I thought they weren't flattering, but now I have a few striped pieces that I love and that look great on me. This tee is one of them. The color is very bold, but pairs very nicely with a pair of navy culottes. I felt totally nautical wearing it! The addition of the glasses was just a fun touch, as was all the different photo effects. I love playing around with the color of photos to give them a completely different feel.

Do you like the nautical trend?

Sister Style: Summer Edition

My younger sister, Brooke, and I are both fashion-aholics. We love wearing cute clothes whenever possible (you'll never see us in t-shirts or sweats except for bed!) and going shopping at our favorite stores. However, we don't always share the exact same taste in styles. Here are our takes on 6 different summer styles!

BOLD BASIC



 What Brooke's Wearing: green silk daisy, purple plaid scarf (American Eagle), green V-neck tee (Gilly Hicks), woven brown leather belt (AE), denim cut-off shorts (AE), brown leather sandals (AE)

BRIGHT NAUTICAL

What I'm Wearing: silver bow headband, turquoise sunglasses (Target), Soft Drape Sunset T in neon lemon lime (AE), silver bangles (AE), silver hobo bag (Target), Meg cuffed denim shorts (Abercrombie Kids), silver ruffled wedges

BUSINESS CASUAL



Wearing: maroon glasses (mine), turquoise floral cardi (Hollister), royal blue babydoll tank (Abercrombie & Fitch), khaki pants (HCo.), mixed bangles, beaded necklace (AE)

CLASSIC TRIBAL

Wearing: brown/red/orange striped scarf (as a wrap; Charlotte Russe), dark brown lacy cami (Abercrombie Kids), brown woven bling bracelet (AE), brown woven leather belt (A&F), khaki twill shorts (HCo.), brown printed wedges

FUN FLORAL

Wearing: light blue floral dress (GH), mixed bangles (AE), hot pink Gianni Bini purse (Dillards), pink bow flip-flops (HCo.)

SWEET CHIC

Wearing: light yellow floral dress (A&F), Suede Ring T-Strap Sandal in pink (AE)



What styles are you wearing this summer?

Surplus Savvy

On my drive back home from school yesterday, my mom and I stopped at our favorite mall. She had a 30% off coupon for Eddie Bauer, but of course, I was just interested in hitting up my favorite stores!
What really caught my eye were the new styles at American Eagle. For spring 2011, their theme is nautical and surplus, which are both big trends this season. Normally, I would just pass by these things without taking a second look since they're not really my style, but I actually have fallen in love with surplus!

Surplus on the runway

The muted shades of grey, olive, khaki and white are the perfect backdrop for brighter colors. Their tough-girl appeal makes them great for 'sweetening up" with floral prints and girly silhouettes.
Try a pair of frayed utility shorts (AE Utility Midi Shorts, $34.95) with a pretty tunic top (AE Floral Tunic, $39.50).
For a classic pin-up beach look, try the AE Striped String Halter Bikini Top ($24.50) and its matching bottoms ($24.50).
Want a more unexpected take on the nautical/surplus trend? Try a military-style jacket (Hollister's Monarch Beach, navy, $79.50) over a sweet polka-dotted dress (Moor Park, cream, $49.50).

Do you like the surplus trend? How do you like to wear nautical pieces?