Are Bikinis Too Revealing?

First, a quick look at the weekend weather forecast for Ocean City, NJ.

So maybe you won’t be tanning and playing beach volleyball this weekend. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the summer by purchasing a flattering swimsuit.

A few weeks ago Emily G asserted that most women under the age of 35 look better naked than clothed and suggested some two-piece bathing suits. But perhaps you don’t agree. Perhaps you’ve always thought that modern swimsuits are just a little too revealing. A self-effacing gal like you certainly doesn’t want a bikini or even a skirted one-piece. Fear not, Modest Mary. We’ve found the perfect swimsuits for you, too!

To quote their website (emphasis mine),”WholesomeWear is a modest line of clothing for ‘wherever.’ Our WaterWear is the first to be introduced because the need for modesty in swimwear is greatest and the supply is almost non-existent. Swimwear that ‘highlights the face rather than the body‘ includes an undergarment with bright colors at the neck and shoulders to draw the eyes to the face.”

Here’s an example of their Extended Slimming Swimwear, which, as you can see below, covers both your elbows and your knees for ultimate coverage. This fine piece of presumably Amish craftsmanship will run you almost a hundred bucks, but that is a small price to pay for modesty.

Workin’ on my Fitness…

So, if you’re thinking about picking up the pace and exercising this summer, don’t feel like you need to run straight to the sport stores for new tanks– shop smart!: check your options. There is equally cute gear in familiar stores for half the price. Hope to see you on the trails!

Prep and Pauper

Noticed what appear to be fashion parodies of uber-preppy Martha’s Vineyard clothing company Vineyard Vines over at Sugarcube. Prep and Pauper, a Philly-based line of very well-made silk ties, plays with the famous (well, famous on yachts and tennis courts, anyway) Vineyard Vines whale logo by substituting a cheerful little whale skeleton instead.

And of course for the less subtle (and we gotta say, as a lady who doesn’t hang out in Nantucket or in places where I see a whole lot of ties, I find the whale joke pretty subtle), there’s always the Corporate Take Down print, of skull and crossbones with P’s for eyes.

Prep and Pauper's "Corporate take down" print... I like how the eyes are little P's

I was a bit leery of the duck and sheep prints at first (entitled “Heads and Tales” and “Shear Madness”), as at first glance they appear close to abandoning parody. But my heart was won by the crazy awesome color palette Prep and Pauper employs AND the fact that upon closer inspection each of the cutesy animal prints has the occasional exhibitionist animal showing its ass to everyone in the boardroom.

Besides, isn’t being able to wear a lavender tie with a ducky pattern kind of the height of being secure in your masculinity?

Prep and Pauper ties available at Sugarcube, 124 North 3rd Street, $65.

Sunshine Day

With the sunshine finally peeking out and temperatures rising, you might be inclined to throw on a sundress. Just make sure you don’t become a don’t. I’m open to a lot of different interpretations of things, but sun dresseses are not something to mess around with.

Recently, you may have been tempted by a good buy in a thrift shop, Salvation Army or Goodwill. If you’ve ever been tempted by a pair of shoes in one of these stores, but also a bit skeeved out because you pictured someone else’s sweaty feet inside of them…here’s how to disinfect your footwear.

Glamour magazine also has a list of the ‘50 Most Glamorous,’ which translates to powerful and stylish women that have made an impact. Love it.

Cosmo has put together a list of exercises to do in order to get whipped into shape like your favorite celebs.

If you need something to help pull you through until 5 o’clock, check out TopShop’s video podcast, as well as this necklace that they’re selling. Afterward, head on over to Net A Porter’s site to be inspired by brights for summer. For something a little more affordable, but also a little less bright…check out Alexander Wang at the Gap!

Anna Sui to do Gossip Girl-inspired line for Target

Anna Sui has joined Alexander McQueen in the Big-Name Designers Signed by Target Club. Target has been partnering with runway designers galore lately in hopes of recreating the big ol’ thing that was Isaac Mizrahi (whose collaborations with Target were reported to bring in $300 million in sales per year) and catching up with their archenemy, Wal-Mart.

Target’s Designer Collaboration program has the selected designers pick one discrete inspiration for their line. McQueen’s was Leila Moss of the punk band Duke Spirit. Sui’s going with Blair, Serena and Little J. From WWD (behind a pay wall):

“When I was in Asia last year, all the young girls kept asking me about the different locations in New York City where the characters from ‘Gossip Girl’ live,” she said. “I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters’ style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion. By combining the elements of art, city, spirit, punk and glamour, we created a collection that exudes New York City fashion.” Sui used materials such as metallic jacquards, herringbone, silk and chiffon and detailing with tulle, lace and sequins.

Sounds interesting, at least!

WWD was the first one with the news that 250 stores would be getting the collection in mid-September. Target doesn’t even have a press release up yet, much less a list of which stores would be getting the line, so we decided to call and check whether Philly was on the list. And going with our somewhat lackluster experiences at Target in the past, the Target press people didn’t pick up the phone at ten in the morning on a Wednesday, called us back once to ask “Wait, what was the question?” promised to call back in an hour and haven’t gotten back to us since. Well, I’m tired of waiting on this, so I’ll update with the info if they call back.

via The Cut

100 Days of Style

In honor of President Obama being in office for 100 days there has been much analysis.  However, USA Today also made sure that there is a breakdown of what Michelle has been wearing.

People.com compiled a slideshow of shoes that they think are outrageous. I’m just in love with each and every pair. If anyone out there wants to give me a pair of any of the shoes pictures, please feel free.  Aso check out People.com’s home page, the are set to release the names on their 100 Most Beautiful People list.

David Beckham is launching his own style collection! It looks like the collection will be on the more sporty side than the metro sexual side, as the collection is a joint venture with Adidas.

Jezebel posted pages from a 1972 Sears Catalogue. Do any of the pieces in your closet look like these?

Speidi and Fake Bakes

Looks like Heidi and Spencer from The Hills or Speidi as they are referred to by Perez, tied the knot this past weekend. In the Us Weekly spread, it says the dress and the jewels were quite pricey. Otherwise, I don’t think  anything seems over the top.

Spencer’s creepy flesh colored beard is gone, which is always a good thing. I know Heidi is from the middle of the mountains, so I’m not surprised by dad’s cowboy hat. Lauren Conrad’s outfit seems like one for any other day for her. What are your thoughts?

A while back, NBC10 did a slideshow on celebs that were too pale.  Well, Us Weekly did a spread on celebs that are too tan. As much of a genius as he is, Garavani Valentino is the creepiest in this set of photos.

It’s easy to forget how much Fergie of Black Eyed Peas fame has changed her look over the past few years. Looks like you’ve got some catching up to do.

Marie Claire found some cute perfumes on keychains!  So cute, definitely worth a look if nothing else!

Philadelphia Magazine attempted to highlight this seasons trends, but I’m not a huge fan of their coverage since the prices are beyond steep for each item that they feature.  Cosmo did a better job, giving you ideas on what you can do with pieces you already have.

Sniff Sniff

Even with our economy in the toilet, it seems that people still want to smell good. Check out all of the 170 women’s fragrances released last year. Who knows, maybe a new scent is enough to change your outlook.

Wanna take a walk on the wild side this summer? Check out these shoes.

I read somewhere that Betty Suarez on Ugly Betty actually wears pricey designer pieces, just in the wrong way. Whatever her stylist is doing, it’s a look that I won’t soon forget. I’d put it on par with coogi sweaters and Urkle glasses. As for the other end of the spectrum, Lucky Magazine compiled a list of Most Stylish TV Characters.

Topshop opened it’s doors in NYC last week, but it doesn’t look like the NY Times is too excited. The lines were too long, the vibe was too lame 80s. I’ll have to check it out myself and report back.

Also, it looks like everyone is over Abercrombie. Sad, really. It’s like the end of an era. Will they be forced to go back to having tents in their stores a la EMS? After all, Abercrombie & Fitch did start out as an ‘outfitter of sporting and excursion goods.’ Hmm.

Whatever happens, be sure to check out ‘Yappy Hour’ at Parc. Bring your puppy, or just buy drinks. Proceeds go towards the PSPCA’s Dog Park Project.

What’s In Your Purse

That’s the question that Elle magazine asked women on the streets of NYC.  My favorite is the woman who pulled cookie cutters out of her purse. See for yourself.

Elle magazine is also onto two things that intrigue me as well. Those things are the city of Buenos Aires (Elle focuses on the style of the city, one of the many reasons I’m drawn to it) and boots. Since the weather hasn’t been Buenos Aires-like in Philly, I think it’s still safe to rock the boots.

Another slideshow worth a look comes from Entertainment Weekly, which features costumes from Dancing With The Stars on their site. EW also provides some insight into Paula Abdul’s poetry — if you want to call it that, uttered during American Idol.

Also watch out for the topless bikinis being sold in Center City. There’s a nude beach up in Sandy Hook, NJ in case you want to buy one and show your nekkid self off somewhere.

Wawaversary

Like my grandmother, I am drawn to products advertised on TV. I remember watching QVC pre-internet days, and writing down the order numbers of  different items.

I got the Ped Egg from the “as seen on tv” section of the drug store. It didn’t make my feet look like I had a pedicure. And it didn’t store the skin shavings (ick!) In the compartment like the ad says. I’m sticking to pumice stones. Nylon Magazine apparently likes to test out products in a similar fashion, and gives their thoughts on the Ped Egg.

Yesterday, Wawa’s first location in Ridley Township, PA celebrated it’s 45th BIRTHDAY, or as Wawa is calling it, a Wawaversary.  Not to worry that you missed the party though, you can still catch some of the celebrations.

Is it your birth month?  I’m from the school of celebrating birthdays for an entire week. Many companies agree, and are offering free products and discounts to help you celebrate.

The NYTimes did a spread on a few actors that are attempting to make the switch from television to the silver screen. Who’s your pick for actor that can make a splash in cinema?