What's Hot: Swimwear Trends for 2011

As the temperature soars, it’s time to break out your swimwear and cool down by hitting the beach, pool or simply sunbathing in the park.
If you want to stay on-trend in the swimwear stakes, whether you plan to catch some rays at a local beach, or somewhere totally tropical, take some inspiration from the swimwear fashion trends of 2011.

Vintage Inspired Swimwear

Take a cue from the 1950’s (think Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield) and opt for vintage inspired swimwear pieces that look set to be popular in 2011 and beyond.
Whether you want to look sophisticated, sultry or glamorous, a vintage styled piece of swimwear can help achieve your desired look. Vintage lace has been popular on the catwalks as well as the high street and this trend has extended to swimwear as well. Lace bikinis and swimsuits are making an appearance online, and on the high street, so keep your eyes peeled. Also look out for vintage patterns, such as nautical stripes, gingham checks and hawaiian prints.
When it comes to shape, one-piece swimsuits with cinched-in waists and high waisted bikini bottoms are both ideal. Sweetheart necklines and halternecks are ideal for the top half.

Crochet Bikinis

Staying on a vintage theme, crochet is another fabric which makes a nod to the 1970’s. Crochet bikinis and swimsuits are making an appearance so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one to suit.

Ruffled Swimwear

Ruffles are another feature that have become popular in the fashion stakes and swimwear is no exception.
Ruffled swimsuits and bikinis add a feminine feel and this is an easy trend to incorporate into your swimwear. Ruffled swimwear tends to be simple and straightforward in the remainder of their design with the ruffles taking centre stage.

One-Shoulder Swimwear

One-shoulder bikinis and swimsuits are back with a bang with even more of a focus on the shoulder strap through embellishing and colour. Look out for one shoulder swimsuit and bikinis with on-trend statement straps if you want to take a fashion forward step to the beach.

Cut-away Swimwear

Cut-out swimwear, or monokinis, have been high on the fashion radar for quite a while and this is a trend that looks set to continue.
Available in a variety of styles, colours and patterns these in-between pieces of swimwear offer the best of both worlds.

Printed Swimwear

If you haven’t already noticed, it’s all about prints when it comes to swimwear. From bold, futuristic prints to ethnic inspired patterns and colours, look out for some printed swimwear pieces to see you safely throughout the warmer weather.

Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who work with a growing number of retail brands. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in retail news, check out my posts at shoutingindigital.com or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingID.

Accessorizing with Designer Fashion Jewelry

They say that women can’t get enough of shopping, but this might be even more true about jewelry. The great thing about jewelry is that you don’t have to find the right size. It doesn’t matter how much pasta you ate the night before or how long it’s been since you visited the gym. Whether you’re wearing fashion rings, Designer necklaces or Designer earrings, jewelry is always there to make you feel fabulous.

While as a rule jewelry is always fun, if you want to really make an outfit pop, or want to make sure you don’t look too gaudy, here are a few good guidelines for different ways of accessorizing with jewelry:

Elegant: Most people think of Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O. when they think of elegance. If you’re after this look you’ll want to stick with simple, well-made classic pieces. You can wear earrings that are on the small side and perhaps a minimal necklace, but you really don’t want to go overboard for the elegant look. Diamond studs are always a classic—and classy—look that adds just a touch of sparkle to any outfit. Diamond studs are great if you want to polish your look just a bit without looking too dressed up.

Statement Pieces: If you’re just not the kind of girl that wants to look like everyone else at a party and really wants to stand out, you’re probably drawn to jewelry that is the same way. You might like big chunks of amber uniquely wrapped in silver, or feathery pieces that evoke something Native American, but whatever you're drawn to its sure to be unique.

The trick with wearing this kind of jewelry is to make sure you don’t take too many of these pieces out at once. Since your jewelry collection is likely to hold some truly standout pieces, let them stand out on their own; one at a time. Think of it like dating: If you’re seeing two great guys, you don’t take them both out on the same night! Letting whichever piece you choose for an evening get all the attention is the best way to avoid clashing. Remember you should be wearing your jewelry instead of the other way around.

Be yourself: The best advice for accessorizing is to like what you see in the mirror. If you feel great in your outfit and your jewelry, it will show on the outside. Whether you’re a minimalist or are the kind of girl who wishes she could wear all her jewelry everyday, wearing what you feel best in is the easiest, no-stress way to look good and feel great. Just don’t be afraid to break out of your normal routine once in a while to try something new!

(Guest post)

Finding the Right Jeans for Your Body Shape

Everyone loves wearing jeans - they're comfortable and go with everything. If you find a pair of jeans or a style that works for you and your body shape, you may wear them every day. Most women own numerous pairs of jeans, but everyone has that favorite pair that fits perfectly and is the pair they grab again and again. Today we're going to discuss how to find the right jeans for your particular body shape. Not every pair of jeans looks great on everyone. Some people can wear skinny jeans and look incredible, while a trouser style is better for other women. You usually have to try on many pairs of jeans to find the fit and style that's right for you.

The skinny jean is a relatively new style of jean. Basically, they are tight jeans that are slimly cut down through the entire leg. A skinny jean shows pretty much every lump and curve, so skinny jeans are best worn by thin, tall women with thin pins, including thin thighs. Skinny jeans look best on women with slim hips. So, if you are tall, thin, and athletic with narrow pins and hips, then the skinny jean should look amazing on you.

Most of us are not built like that. If you are curvier with larger hips, you should go for straight leg jeans that go straight down from the widest point of the hips to the ground. These jeans should not only be straight leg, but also be cut widely through the leg line. If you are curvy and wear jeans that are tight around your wide hips and then are tight through the pins, you will look very outbalanced. If your jeans are tight around your pins, it will make your hips look even wider in comparison. So, try on straight leg jeans or a trouser style jean if this is your body shape.

As far as the right rise for a pair of jeans, younger women who are thin should wear a low rise jean. This is a modern style and minimizes the appearance of your rear and stomach. No one should be wearing high rise jeans that go up as high as or higher than your navel. These are sometimes called mommy jeans and make the stomach and rear look larger than normal. If you are in your thirties or more, you should go for a mid-rise jean. This will not only help cover your curvier figure better, but will still minimize your stomach and rear end. Basically, you want to cover enough of the body to look appropriate without resorting to mom jeans that will make your stomach and back view look larger than they actually are.

Mitchell Gavillion, a graduate of Art Center College of Design is passionate about fashion, lifestyle and fitness writing. Mitchell has also written about online shopping tips & advice and even music. Some of his online shopping tips were featured on the Savoo Blog, an online saving site & blog.

Wardrobe Cluster – What To Buy

By: Daria Akhten

Legend has it that European women only buy about three clothing pieces per season. How do they do this? And more importantly, what is already in their wardrobe to buy just a few trends every year?

Every season, new styles emerge interspersed with well-established trends. Women with a complete wardrobe can purchase as little as one or two pieces of the trendiest items for the season. For me, this not only eliminates unnecessary expense as I rush to buy everything in sight, but it also allows for creativity. You can really establish your personal style when going through the clothes you already have, and seeing how they can be worn this season.

A traditional wardrobe cluster consists of pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a multitude of looks. It must include:

Tops:
- jackets in solid colors
- dress shirts
- sweaters
- casual tops, like tanks and tees

Bottoms:
- dress slacks or skirts
- denim
- pants or skirts in bright colors or patterns

Dresses:
- evening dress
- day dress

Outerwear:
- coat, jacket, or trench coat (depending on climate)

Accessories:
- neutral color shoes and matching belts
- handbags
- various occasion jewelry

The trick is to create the wardrobe using garments made of excellent fabrics, and perfect construction. This way, it can be ensured that these pieces will last a long time. Once that is done, you can buy just the garments necessary to spice up your wardrobe.

There are several designers known for creating classic wardrobe staples. Carolina Herrera epitomizes class and elegance, and you can never find a better blouse than one of hers. Yves Saint Laurent is known for setting the standard in women’s’ fashion. Any piece from his collection is a great addition to a wardrobe. Of course, the most famous designer known for her jackets and suits is Chanel. If the clothing is out of your budget, go for a scarf or a pair of earrings to complete your looks.

It is important to understand how certain elements of an ensemble can change it completely. A blouse tucked in or out can make a big difference in an outfit. Having five tops and five bottoms instantly gives you twenty-five distinct looks. Changing the layering of these items allows for even more versatility. Accessories go a long way as well. A dress can be worn with a belt for a daytime look, with a statement necklace for a nighttime look. A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes can change any outfit from day to night, instantly.

Once your wardrobe cluster is complete, it becomes very easy to see what you need. When shopping, stay away from impulse buys, and choose garments that can be worn year round. Most importantly, have fun with it. Deciding on a personal style and look for yourself can be a great experience!

Unique Golf Clothing

Ladies golf clothing has changed a lot over the years, from cotton polo shirts and polyester plaid pants to bright-colored fitted tanks and shorts. Unique golf clothing is not as hard to find as it used to be, since ladies golf clothing lines now offer both traditional styles and newer trends. Even vintage golf clothing, for ladies who want to dress in the traditions of the early female golfers from the 1920s and `30s, is becoming more popular.

Ladies golf clothing is now form-fitted to the female figure for a more flattering look, yet it’s made from stretchy, moveable, breathable materials that keep you cool, dry, and much more comfortable. The colors have changed a lot too, from plaid and muted earth tones to the super bright colors that are currently popular in street clothing.

Thankfully, basic black and white have never gone out of style, so woman who wants to dress in chic clothing on the course can choose all black, while the practical woman who wants to stay cool in the hot summer sun (and show off her tan) can still look stylish in white at the same time.

Ladies Golf Shirts

Ladies golf shirts don’t look like they are made for men anymore. Cotton and polyester polo shirts have been replaced by lycra-based collared tanks and fitted polo-style shirts with shorter sleeves that end just below the shoulder. Many shirts come in a tailored or trimmed V-neck style sans buttons, while others offer a scoop-neck that shows a little more skin and allows more opportunities to accessorize.

Three-quarter sleeved shirts are also a good find for the spring and fall months or for those who want a little extra protection from the sun. In both pullover or button-up options, these shirts look more like street clothing and less like sports tops, providing fashion on and off the course. And with all these different shirts to choose from, female golfers can find a style that’s unique to them without looking like every other player on the course.

Women’s Golf Skorts

A women’s golf skort is one item that’s unique to female golfers and isn’t based on men’s golf clothing styles. A skort is a skirt with shorts built in underneath, so the skirt hides the shorts until you bend over to pick up your ball, when the hidden shorts protect you from showing too much skin to other players on the course. Skorts are extremely comfortable, functional, and stylish all at the same time. They allow you the sexy look and feel of a short shirt with the comfort of shorts. Skorts can be found in a variety of styles, including straight, pleated, and ruffled.

Guest post

Mila Kunis SAG Awards Dress Replica

Mila Kunis SAG Award Dress

Mila Kunis SAG Award Dress

Unforgettable. One of the best words that can describe the Mila Kunis SAG Awards dress this year. Kunis burned up the Red Carpet in the stunning and controversial, red stapless Alexander McQueen dress. This piece stems from McQueen's 2011 resort collection. Fashion critic Joan Rivers of Fashion Police on E! was quoted saying "She looks like she just mopped up a crime scene." Rivers also commented "She looks like she's taking a mid-wifing course so she can deliver Natalie Portman's baby." Regardless of what the so-called fashion critics said about Mila, the blogosphere was set ablaze with chat and complements about the dress. Many were looking for the perfect Mila Kunis SAG Award dress replica not days after the star was photographed wearing the knockout number.

Mila Kunis SAG Awards Accessories

What is the perfect accompaniment to wear with an Alexander McQueen dress? How about some stunning Cartier Jewelry? It's not just pretty and shinny... it's $300K worth of pretty and shinny!  Guiliana Rancic even pointed out a piece worth an estimated $100K during a short interview on Red Carpet with Mila.

Unique Jewelry

Five Places to Find Unique Jewelry

Do you feel like you’ve gotten into a rut shopping at the same old shops? Or maybe you love the jewelry you already have but want some fun, funky pieces to shake things up once in awhile. If you’re feeling fresh out of ideas, here are a few suggestions for places to look for that next fabulous piece of jewelry.

The Internet: Finding fashion jewelry online can be fun and easy with a seemingly endless supply of styles to choose from. There are plenty of online fashion boutiques to choose from. Try websites like Etsy.com for homemade products by independent designers like Reckless Crush, many of which are one of a kind. Look for fashion earrings online as there are a practically unlimited amount of styles and price ranges to choose from.

Antique Shops: Don’t just go antiquing to find furniture. Many antique and thrift stores sell used jewelry. This can be a great way to find a period piece, or even just something that you wouldn’t see at today’s jewelry stores. It can be fun knowing that you have a piece of jewelry that has a lot of history. Some stores may even have the back stories that go with particular items.

Garage Sales: If you’re feeling energetic, hit the garage sales on Saturdays or Sundays. Most of the time, you may not find anything of interest or any quality pieces, but you never know when you might come across something really spectacular or something unique that you absolutely love.

Friends: I don’t know about you but I have quite a few girl friends that are pretty crafty in their free time. If you haven’t already been lucky enough to receive any homemade jewelry for Christmas or a birthday, try asking your friends if any of them are into making jewelry. Sometimes people have hobbies that they simply never bother to mention, even to their close friends. Another tactic to try is to ask any friends that you know are traveling in the near future to look for some great jewelry while they are on their trip. Most tourists find it fun to shop for their friends—especially if they know you want something specific. You can also offer to pay for an item if you have something expensive in mind. Of course this brings me to my last suggestion for finding distinctive jewelry.

Travel: Never mind asking your friends! Taking a vacation soon? Or need an excuse to plan one? Many tourist destinations have great shopping options and as a bonus you can get something that none of your friends will have!

(guest post)