DIY Haute Couture: Monokinis Made to Order

Ad-Vice Ad-Lib: Tailored to a T, or a Dress or even a Swimsuit; Volume 1: The Monokini

In this post I'm going to talk about the wonders of tailoring.  Some people are familiar with the basics, and others may have never even considered the idea.  Whether you're in either position, there will likely be much you can learn from reading my tailoring tips.  I was fortunate enough to be born with a seamstress/costumer for a mother, and have learned there are many ways to find your "perfect fit" in a piece of clothing.  Haute Couture is a term (as I'm sure many of you know) that refers to custom-designed clothing.  But you can make all of your clothes feel like "haute couture" if you know the proper tips and tricks for making each piece fit like a glove.

Today, in the spirit of summer, I want to talk a little bit about swimsuits.  The first step is picking a swimsuit that looks and feels right on your body type.  This step of course may be easier said than done when it comes to online shopping.  While there is no exact science, there are a few little pieces of advice that may be of use to you in selecting that sizzling summer suit for the summer season.

The first swimsuit I want to talk about is the monokini.  I have a personal obsession with finding that one-of-a-kind one-piece that says even in a swimsuit, my styling skills are not going to waste.  There are many different ways to wear a monokini and certain styles are better for varying feminine physiques and panache preferences.

If you were lucky enough to have a slender frame from bottom to top, you should pick up a plunge style like the ones shown below.

To me, the colorblock suit says sexy yet sophisticated while the fringe-lined plunge suit begs for that "un"wanted attention we all pretend not to like.  Both styles are best on women with tiny top-halves so that they scream sexy without putting too much emphasis on the sex.  These swimsuits are currently available on ASOS and are each under $50.  You can catch the colorblock suit by clicking here: ASOS Colorblock Plunge Swimsuit or find the fringe by using this link: River Island Tassel Front Low Cut Swimsuit. 

Another monokini style I like is what I call the bodacious-ly bound bandeau.  This kind of style is great if you're really looking to make a statement with your swimwear.  It's also a really good pick for those with a curvier construction.

I think the burnt orange ASOS suit (available here for under $50: ASOS Fringe Front Bandeau Suit) is audaciously adventurous without being too over the top.  The rust color is great on those with olive skin tones that want to show off that tan! I recently purchased the Mara Hoffman Macrame Monokini on the left on sale on Sak's website (now sold out) but it is still available if you're seeking a splurge piece this summer here from Pesca Boutique's eBay site: Mara Hoffman Macrame.  I think this suit is provocative without being promiscuous.  The strings around the middle are also help to highlight those with tiny waistlines!  Both of these bandeau-esque styles work for those with hourglass figures because the lines of the suit help to draw attention to those beautiful curves in a delicate way while simultaneously yet subtly stressing that slim center.

For fuller busts a good way to go is a monokini with a ruffle detail.  These can tend to simultaneously draw attention to and minimize a big bust.  

This ASOS Laser Cut suit says dazzling but demure.  It's a good pick for those who really want to minimize the bust without wearing a suit that looks like it was made for seniors.  It's available for about $40 here: ASOS Laser Cut Frill Swimsuit.  If you like frill that's a little more flirtatious then try this sequin sizzler pictured right from Victoria Secret available on sale now for $81: Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Ruffle Monokini.  This suit is mischievous yet mild, playing up one's femininity without going overboard.

If you feel like you are curvier in the lower section, and prefer to be a little more conservative, there are some really gorgeous one piece suits that flatter that figure type.  

I think both of these suits give the look of one who is elegant, yet elusively exotic.  The first Princesse Tam Tam suit on the left brings back the 50s glam-girl making the wear look like a pretty pin-up.  The seafoam green color is stunning, and the belt flatters the top half of the figure and draws attention away from the lower half of the body.  The suit is on the higher end but can be purchased here: Princesse Tam Tam Belted Swimsuit  The second suit, also a Princess Tam Tam design (and now on sale here: Princesse Tam Tam Color Blocked Bandeau) uses colorblocking to create a slimmer silhouette.  The geometric print screams modern fashion maven while concurrently drawing attention to all the right places.

Now, for the tailoring to-do list.  If you have a figure that is evenly proportioned from top to bottom, a monokini probably won't require much tailoring.  If you're uneven like myself (and most human-beings), one trick-to-try is buying one size larger and taking in the part of the suit that is too large.  Typically, if the back is clip-style instead of a string tie, you can take it in at the sides.  I often buy a larger size (to get a larger cup) and then do this (which ensures it won't fall off).  It's also possible to take in the sides of the bottoms.  Taking this approach can sometimes alter the actual fit of the suit, so you need to make sure you buy one that looks there is room on the sides to alter the circumference.  I had to do just this with the Mara Hoffman monokini pictured above.  Because the sides were a separate material, I was able to shorten them and then resew them to the suit.  Additionally I have a short torso, and in styles like the bandeaus above, it's often possible to adjust the center piece to the right length by opening the seam and shortening that center strip.  Most skilled tailors can do this without a problem if you show them. Alternatively (if you really want to avoid tailoring) it is often possible to go with the bigger suit and choose a style with a tie-back or string bottoms so that you can self adjust the part of the suit that doesn't flatter your frame.

I often have to do these alterations and if the suit is right, it is often possible.  While custom tailoring does add a tad to your total, it's worth it to feel like the piece has been designed just for you "haute couture."  Not to mention, if you follow my tips to finding that perfect piece that's perfectly priced, you can tack tailoring on to that total and still come out saving compared to retail.

A Fashion Trend TIE-DYE For

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: Looking TIE-DYE Terrific

We often make fun of our parents' fashion sense, but I love when fashion can take a trend from pathetically passé to fabulously fresh!  I seem to recall birthday parties of my youth where our parents convinced us it would be a fun activity to create some do-it-yourself-dip-dye t-shirts.  I also seem to recall that the final product was hideous beyond imagination.  I remember thinking at one point that tie dye patterned anything was actually the antithesis of fashion, and perhaps even its arch-rival nemesis.

But maybe our parents wanted to impart that fun-loving free-spirit that came from the same generation that made tie-dye so popular.  Unfortunately I was born a little too late to experience the flower-child fad, but that music-motivated mania generated an entire era focused on love, art and living life.  I personally find it incredible that inspiration like that can be re-born and expressed in our modern mode of dress by borrowing some signature statements from our past.  I know when I'm rocking that late 60s early 70s Hippie-vibe, I feel like I'm expressing that more artistic, laid-back yet passionate part of me that wants to enjoy the sunshine, relax and love the ambiance around me.  Whether I'm attending one of California's many music festivals, dancing at a local bar or day-drinking on the grass surrounded by other fun-loving folks, tie-dye is a trend that tends to take me back to that devil-may-carefree spirit of the past.

You may have noticed that tie-dye has been making a come back as of late and popping up in pieces from purses to pants.  I have been surprised at how many ways it's possible to fashionably toy with tie-dye and even more amazed at how many of them I actually want to buy!

One of the first pieces I fell in love with is this Jersey Navajo Maxi Dress by Young, Fabulous & Broke.  I think I'm repeatedly drawn to this brand in part due to the way the name so accurately sums up my currently sad situation, but I know I'm also attracted to the way this brand consistently makes effortless pieces that pack a serious style punch.

The tie-dye element is subtle but omnipresent in this flowy frock.  I think the way this particular tie-dye pattern is printed is incredibly flattering, not to mention the boost to your bust given by the flutter-layered top.  This was most recently available on Gilt for $99 down from $194.  If you're a member, you can join the waitlist and hope that this sexy style makes a return.

I am also a frequent J Brand wearer and I think one of the most fashion-forward fabulous ways to wear a trend is on your legs.  I love these J Brand 810 Twisted Plum tie-dye skinny jeans...

While these are only to be worn by those fond of the outrageously out-there, I like to bring out my inner rocker and I think these jeans exude that essence perfectly.  Pair them with nude pumps and a white tank to rock at an outdoor summer occasion or a black blazer and booties come cooler weather this fall.  Available on sale now for $158 down from $198 at Neiman Marcus.

A great way to display your dyed duds this summer is in a swimsuit.  I personally think swimwear fashion is vastly underrated and quite possibly own more swimsuits than undergarments.  Victoria's Secret is a great place to go for fashionably fun yet attractively affordable swimwear deals.  They often carry some of my favorite outside brands as well and I additionally appreciate that they frequently offer the possibility of purchasing your tops and bottoms separately (since I am never the same size in both) allowing one to make their own mix-and-match creations.  I recently purchased this Cia Maritima swimsuit on clearance on the site.

The swimsuit was on sale for $35.99 down from $55 for the top and $58.99 down from 90 for the bottoms.  The suit is still available from Victoria's Secret.  

For an off-brand option available as well try the Victoria Secret The Abbie triangle top in an amazing neon-green tie-dye print and combine two trends! The print is actually available in the style shown below, as well as various options for tops (try the bomb-shell push-up halter for enhancement or the belle bandeau for tempting tube-top tanlines).

Snag this style steal here.  

There are also plenty of dresses that vary on the stand-out scale of strut.  I like the way the Michael Kors dress below delicately demonstrates the trend in an almost belt-like fashion around the waist creating a nice nuance of tie-dye times gone by.

This dress isn't on sale but begins at a bargain at only $120 at Neiman Marcus.

Closer to the other side of the spectrum is this W118 by Walter Baker "Carla" Blue tie-dye dress.

Recently available on RueLaLa, I love the way this piece pairs a fantastically feminine silhouette with the bravely bold use of the fad.  Available for only $68.90 down from $158 (demonstrating once again my adoration for flash sale prices).

Lastly, if you feel more timid about tie-dye than I do (given it's horrific history in fashion), try styling yourself with a light summer scarf that presents the craze in a less-than-crazy way.  I personally love the below from Free People:

You can potentially purchase this piece by visiting the Free People site and forking over a mere $38.

My encouragement of the return of such a controversial craze might make you question my fashion sense, but I think it's possible to turn almost any disastrous fashion debacle into a positively on point outfit and I love that so many designers have been taking just that approach with tie-dye these days.  I hope tie-dye takes you to that Hippie-heaven of yesteryear. As for me, I'll be donning my favorite piece and prancing down the promenade while that rebellious rock anthem "Who are You?" plays through my mind. "Who who who?" you may ask...  My answer: a dare to be different fashionista with a rock-and-roll soul.

The FLASH SALE Phenomenon

AD-Vice AD-Lib: For the Flash-Sale Faithful; Commitment-Phobes Beware

The Ad"vice" Ad-lib will feature periodic tips and tricks for optimizing your approach to creating that perfect outfit.  These include ways to get things for less, how to shop online, tips for styling and more.  First, I call it my advice ad-lib because for me, shopping is my ultimate (and most loved) "vice" and these articles are my recommendations for helping others in the exercise of their shopping habits.  Second, an ad-lib, coming from the latin ad libitum, means "at your pleasure," and is used for speaking and performing in free-form.  These little advice tips are meant to be honest advice "from one girl to another" in a casually written free form style, for the readers to take to heart or not as they choose and "at their pleasure."

Those of you who know me, know I am an avid online shopper.  And by avid I mean completely over-the-top-addicted to the use of online shopping.  Many of my articles will involve different tips for shopping online and how to really do it right.  Now, for some of you, you may hate online shopping so much that you just want to quit reading now.  As I said before, these articles are for the reader to enjoy as they choose, so if the latter description matches your personality profile, feel free to go back to that Us Weekly you were flipping through before someone sent you this link.  However, if you're amenable to learning the ropes of online shopping, please do read on, because it can be one of your best resources for finding that fabulous fashion find at prices so low, it can feel utterly unconscionable.

This week's tip is all about the flash sale.  I'm sure many of you know about flash sales and how they work and may already frequently use them.  Those who have probably know that if you really want to make the best use of them, it really takes a certain kind of devotion.  My frequent flash sale visits usually revolve around four primary sites: Gilt (http://www.gilt.com/sale/women); Hautelook (http://www.hautelook.com/events#all); RueLaLa (http://www.ruelala.com/); and Ideeli (http://www.ideeli.com/welcome).  There are different tips for using each one, but today I'll focus on introduction to the flash sale in general.

Flash-sale 101: Essentially a flash sale is like an online sample sale.  It starts at a specific time and the electronic doors reveal the route to dream designer duds with delectably devilish dollar signs.  Like a real-life sample sale, however, in order to get the best items in the size you want, you have to be there right when the doors open (despite the fact that those doors are only virtual).  For Gilt, e-doors unlock at 9:00am Pacific (12pm EST).  For RueLaLa and Hautelook take-off time is 8:00am (11am EST).  And for Ideeli, the time varies depending on whether or not you pay for a premium membership.  Premium members start at 8:00am PST and regular users may peruse the site at 9:00am PST.

To properly attack the sites, one needs to be ready at go-time.  Understandably, given your work/play/gym/general busy life schedule, this is not easy for all to do on a daily basis.  Most of the sites, however, post soon-to-be-sales up to 3 days in advance and send out e-mails slightly before the standard start-time letting you know which designers are displaying their duds.  This allows you to pick and choose days so you can set aside the time for that ever-important upcoming sale featuring your all-time favorite designers.  Additionally, some sites allow you to pick prime-time faves, and provide special alerts for the designers they know you love.

The most important thing to remember about the flash sale is that timing is everything.  You have to quickly browse the items on sale, pick your favorites, prioritize your motif-must-haves, and try to add the irresistible item to your cart as quickly as possible.  You then have a typical 10-15 minutes to decide whether or not you want to purchase the item.  The key to success is patience, priority, and perseverance while you pine over that piece you can't part with.

It takes some getting used to, but if you can master the art of the flash-sale, you'll find the savings are worth the struggle.  If you find yourself unable to commit to such a process for all aspects of your armoire, why not try it for a special event?  I purchased the below Matthew Williamson dress from Gilt for more than 90% off retail for a rehearsal dinner I have this summer.

Or maybe you have a big beach bash coming up, or a Fourth of July fiesta?  Hautelook has some swim sales that will have you looking luscious for some of those sizzling celebrations you've got on your calendar.  The below Beach Bunny suit was purchased at over half-off!

If these pieces aren't your style, or don't entice you to try the sales, there are many many more designers, styles and sizes to fit your fashion profile.  Try these tips to get you started and there will be more to follow in successive posts!

Shi-NEON Happy People

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: Knock-Out NEON

Obsession of the moment is my take on some of my favorite style trends "in vogue" featuring an item or two I love that demonstrates the current craze..

One of my favorite things about style is the way a piece of clothing can demonstrate everything from one's mood at the moment to the profundity of your personality.  I quite honestly see fashion as an art form and I appreciate the way people use it to express themselves, even if (and in fact especially if) that expression is different from my own taste.  I think fashion should be fun and that means never being afraid to try something new! In general, I will do my best to keep my particular point of view out of the picture so that my blurbs can reach all different shapes, sizes and styles so that from minis to minaudieres, capelets to clutches, and furs to fascinators I've got your fashion finds covered.

In this particular discussion, however, I'm going to talk a little bit about a trend that expresses an emotion I personally like to convey in order to demonstrate to you what I mean.  A trend of which I am sure all or most of you are aware is the influx of neon that our stores have seen this spring.  Now maybe its because being a baby of the 80s I was born with a homing beacon for obnoxiously bright clothing.  Or perhaps its because I like unique, prominent pieces, and neon, which clearly stands out, is also, funnily enough, a relatively rare element on earth.  Not actually being a science buff myself, I'm guessing my love for neon is more about what it says about the no-holds-barred wearer.  It takes confidence to wear colors that bright because in a room full of people, it's a sure-fired way to draw attention to your outfit.  When you wear a beautifully bright neon, it not only says that you like that much attention, it says you can handle it, and there's nothing more inspiring than seeing other powerfully self-assured women rock their own mini-runways.  That kind of security also inspires happiness which makes you look positive when you're wearing the color, and I sure do love to surround myself with other like-minded "Shiny Happy People."  (Not to mention what it does to make that tan of yours glow even brighter.)

One of my favorite ways to wear a trend (and this applies to almost any trend) is to wear it on your feet.  There are very few things sexier than a shocking pop of color at the end of your legs.  While I personally prefer to wear a neon pump (and those of you who know me will not be so surprised at the following statement) with a shorter hem (either a mini skirt or perhaps some summer-appropriate white shorts), they can also rock at the end of a cool pair of skinny jeans.

I am a huge fan of B by Brian Atwood's line this spring which does an excellent job of using the trends of the season.  (It's also slightly less expensive than Brian Atwood's regular line, nicley keeping with the theme of the blog.)  I found these on Shopbop.com on sale a little while back and have tried to wear them almost every day since...

They are the B by Brian Atwood Fontanne Pump in Turquoise suede and snake printed leather.  I fell in love with the bright blue, but these were also available in purple.  While not a true "Neon" they are about as close as suede and snake print shoes can get and I am positively in love with them. Another style which goes so far as to combine two trends by this same designer is the neon color block Fontanne pump in pink suede.

They combine the always-popular color-blocking trend with the very now neon brights of the season.  These are actually available for $175 (down quite a bit from their original $350) on Jildorshoes.com (a website I have personally not used) or $183.75 from Saks Fifth Avenue (http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446447257).  This style shoe is only for the truly daring, though.  While my less-than-modelesque-and-closer-to-midget-size height has had me walking in skyscraper styles for as long as I can remember, some may find the high arches uncomfortable.  (Personally, I'm fairly certain my arches have grown so accustomed to wearing heels I can hardly wear flats anymore).

If you prefer to wear your brights at the ends of your arms rather than your legs, these Brian Atwood clutches are to die for.  Unfortunately, I have yet to find these on sale.  Brian Atwood just released this new bag line (having previously spent time dominating the high-end shoe realm) and I have to say I think these designs make as big a statement as the designer's shoes do.

These are a steal we'll have to play the waiting game and be on the hunt for!  The envelope clutch is also on point this season and I love the way Brian Atwood has played with the style.

If you're bold enough to make neon your main motif rather than just an ambitious additive, try this AMAZING Jay Godfrey Puzo dress.  Available now for $237 down from $385 at Neiman Marcus: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Jay-Godfrey-Puzo-Strapless-Chiffon-Dress-Evening/prod144360108/.  The sweetheart style is always a favorite of mine and the slightly ruched ruffle trim at the top creates a delicately sexy detail.  It comes in bright orange and the fuchsia shown below.

If you're looking to land somewhere in between the daring dress and the exciting accessory, why not try a simpler dress with neon accents?  The bebe Addiction dress below is from last season, but the item is still available on sale on sites like eBay.com, and is a good example of an easy way to wear the trend!

These are some of my favorite neon pieces of the season but I could go on forever. Soon to follow are my favorite tips to get these pieces and others just like them for a price that fits your budget!

Ladies, let's talk SHOP!

I’m sure most of you ladies out there have boyfriends, fathers, brothers or other males in your life that spend so much of their man-time chatting about strategy.  From business to baseball, they like to fancy themselves the kings of clever plays.  They underestimate the female ability to manipulate and plan while simultaneously giving the appearance of utter effortlessness.  But us ladies know that while we may show up at the door looking like natural "beauts" who just “threw ourselves together,” a lot more work goes into the final package.  We’ve all heard the famous “oh this old thing?” but I’m sure most of you have spent an arm and a leg on those shoes you just had to have or that bag that really “made” your outfit.  I mean we’ve all had those “little green scarf” moments where that dress or accessory almost seems to be begging you to buy it.  Well this blog is going to tell you how you can actually find the funds to have all (well most of) those things your heart desires.

My friends all call me a shopaholic (and rightfully so), but how do you quit an addiction when those feelings of chest pain, pounding heartbeats and chest fluttering are the result of your new and improved sheer fabulousness?  For me, if shopping was a pill, the warning label would read:  “Caution: INCREASED sense of CONFIDENCE and LACK of INSECURITY may occur.  Be aware that one may experience INDECISION as the result of one too many pairs of amazing shoes.”  Unfortunately for the men in your lives, I’m not here to tell you how to quit.  What I am here to do is tell you how to make getting beautiful a little lighter on those checkbooks so you can have that Paris Hilton wardrobe on a Tara Reid budget.

There are many tips and tricks that can make finding and affording that perfect outfit a mere matter of picking the right strategy.  Throughout the blog I’ll give you my style suggestions coupled with where to find pieces at a steal of a deal.  Hope this blog helps you fill out your wardrobe the way you want so that you enjoy shopping as much as I do!