itsy bitsy bandeaus

Swimsuit season is something most girls have a love/hate relationship with. On the one hand, an entire category of clothing opens up for our retail indulgence and shopping delight. On the other hand, stripping down to nothing more than a lycra hanky after a winter that saw little sunshine and even less of a razor can be a nauseating experience — especially underneath the merciless glow of fluorescent lights.

One of the most challenging bikini silhouettes? The bandeau.

One of my absolute favorite bikini silhouettes? Also the bandeau. (Even if Michael does say it looks "horizontally restricting"...)

A few years ago, thanks to my pals birth control and hypothyroidism, I had to bypass the strapless styles and stick to the more uh... supportive options. Since then I'm off the Pill and hormonally balanced and have a significantly smaller bust to show for it. Though I may be the minority here, I prefer it this way. Now I can wear a low-cut shirt without screaming CLEAVAGE!!! to everyone who walks by, but more importantly, I have transitioned into the baby-boobies segment of girls that spend their summer frolicking around in bandeau bikinis. There is just something very free spirited and youthful about this type of swimsuit that is quintessentially summer to me. That being said, I firmly believe that people should dress by their body type and not by the trends, and this is one situation where this rule should be followed closely. There is nothing cute about under-boob or sagging or spillage or any of the other tragedies that accompany ill-fitting bandeaus. So if you've got the goods, you should probably stick to halters or underwire tops — but for my fellow flat-chested femmes, dive in to these strapless numbers. Well, actually it's probably best if you don't dive... since, y'know, there aren't any ties to hold your top on and all.

weheartit

The bikini above is one of my favorites! It's from Target. I love that it has a nautical vibe without conforming to the typical color scheme of red and navy. I'm pretty sure it's sold out, unless you happen upon it in a store, but you can get it on eBay! Here's one auction for it.

she's electric

STREETFSN, style.com, vogue paris, style scrapbook, wwd, stylelist, fallie's scrapbook, ruby tanja 

Elite Electrics

From top left: Links of London Color Mix Friendship Bracelet, Bloomingdale's; Vivienne Westwood Color Block Clutch, Zappos; Christopher Kane Skinny Neon Belt, My Theresa; Woven Leather Classic Belt, Matthew Williamson; Lanvin Horseshoe-Heel Patent Leather Pumps, Net-A-Porter; Marc by Marc Jacobs Erika Snakeskin-Embossed Leather Bag, Net-A-Porter; Christopher Kane Laser-Cut Neon Leather Top, Net-A-Porter; Gold Coast Bright Evangeline Pink Bag, Kate Spade; Triya Off-the-Shoulders Fluo Paint Dress, Luisa Via Roma; Fenton Flo Bib Necklace, Charm& Chain; Miu Miu Neon Green Leather Shoulder Bag, Net-A-Porter; Candy Acrylic Clutch, Jimmy Choo; Nooka Blue Polyurethane Watch, Endless; Herve Leger Bright Dahlia and Purple Dress, Stylebop; Paul & Joe Jaspire Silk Crepe Halter-Neck Jumpsuit, Net-A-Porter; The Love/Hate Convertible Chain Shade Sunglasses, Karmaloop; Mark Fast Knit Mini Dress with Braiding, Browns; Christopher Kane Two-Tone Leather Platform Sandals, Net-A-Porter; Tsumori Chisato Animal Dots T-Shirt, La Garconne; Cacharel Pleated Silk Skirt, Matches

Budget Brights

Marc B Chelsea Double Chain Bag, ASOS; Color Swirl Floppy Hat, Forever 21; Jackie Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters; Vintage Kelly Green Handbag, DorotheasCloset on Sense of Fashion; Fluorescent Banana Print Crop Tie-Side Tee, Topshop; NOir Shaka Neon Lanyard Bracelet, Endless; Nina Rilora Perforated Pumps, Zappos; Thread-Wrapped Bracelet Set, Forever 21; Yellow Murano Clutch, Irá Salles; Dusen Dusen Basic Backpack, Urban Outfitters; Sparkle & Fade New Neon V-Neck Tee, Urban Outfitters; Chain Wrapped Ring, Topshop; Neon Love Tee, Delia's; Oversized Triangle Stud Earrings, ASOS; Turquoise Skinny Belt, River Island; Diba Chi Keeta Brown Sandals, Heels.com; Quontum Neon Strap Leg Dress, Topshop; Bright Spot Platform Sandal, Modcloth; SCRIPT Linen Peep-Toe Platform Wedges, Topshop; Kaleidoscope Woven Romper, Forever 21; Orange Sunburst Running Shorts, Topshop; Zebra Print Belt with Pink Studs, rue21; Silver and Neon Leopard Studded Belt, rue21; Palm Beach Promenade Dress, Modcloth; Neon Tile Bangle, Topshop; Two Lips Intense Sandal, DSW; Vintage Swatch Neon Everywhere Watch, American Apparel; Deena & Ozzy Clear Metal Trim Purse, Urban Outfitters; Neon Lace Bikini, Victoria's Secret; Ivory and Yellow Silk Mini Dress, Elle Shop; Junk De Luxe Damian Bright Fine Stripe T-Shirt, ASOS

-S.

coachella chic—and the not so chic

What could be better than a weekend of music, sunshine and a warm weather wardrobe? Well definitely not a weekend of thunderstorms and gray skies like we had here in New York. Nevertheless, I shall pretend and dream up an alternate reality in which I too basked in the West Coast wonderland that is Coachella this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Capitalizing on such a golden opportunity, I would've worn something appropriately bohemian and free-spirited. Maybe a bit of fringe, or some crocheting or feathers. 

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea; Drink the wild air's salubrity." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take a look under the cut for some of my favorite looks seen at Coachella this year. And also, a few what-were-they-thinking moments...

Photo: Fashion Toast

it's not a purse, it's a satchel

The good thing about my hefty bag sized purses? I can carry my laptop and magazines and an alternative pair of shoes when I can't make up my mind in the morning. The bad thing? I can carry my laptop and magazines and an alternative pair of shoes when I can't make up my mind in the morning... If I have the space in my bag, I WILL fill it up with something—anything. So lately I've been in search of the perfect solution, the satchel. You can get a satchel in all different sizes, but unlike my usual hobo bags, satchels have a bit more structure so things stay organized instead of disappearing into the infinite, black abyss.

Hermès Birkin Bag

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Croc Bag

Marc Jacobs Camille Satchel

Ladies and gentlemen, I have found the satchel I want (and sadly, no, I didn't even bother seriously looking into any of the fancy-schmancy ones in the pictures above). Not only is it available in four different widths AND four bright and summery fluorescent colors (or the standard browns, blacks, reds, etc. if you prefer something less flashy), but it can also be monogrammed. Perhaps it was my undergrad sorority days that did it to me, but I love to have my initials (or back then, my letters) on everything from my bath towels to my stationery. It's available online at The Cambridge Satchel Company. Now all I need to do is choose: yellow, orange, green or pink? 

-S.