Swimwear for Every Body via DARLING Magazine

Unlike winter's cloaking costumes, bathing suits reveal bodies for what they are: natural, complex, ours. This kind of exposure can be intimidating as we bare what is otherwise mostly hidden behind bedroom walls. Prancing around in next to nothing, we open ourselves up to scrutiny -- that of others, maybe -- but mostly, of our own. We tend to be our own harshest critic, agonizing over the differences between our body and say, a supermodel's.

Women come in all shapes and sizes, though the media often tends toward a narrow-minded viewpoint on what is beautiful and aspirational.  We are constantly being promised “ultimate diet secrets” and ways to “get the perfect body” by magazines and TV shows, yet through that we are also being programmed to feel ashamed of our imperfections; leading to a disappointing self-image and insecurity. Yet, rather than focusing on the so called flaws in our figure, the true path to contentment is found by embracing our bodies in full, the way one embraces a friend or a loved one.

As we bask in longer days and balmy temperatures, so too should a healthy body should be celebrated. Having a swimsuit that suits your figure will help give you the confidence to enjoy the warmer months in style. And nothing is more beautiful than confidence.

So drop your doubts along with your towel, and dive in with one of these bathing beauties!

[CLICK HERE] To view full post via Darling Magazine, or below for just the basics.

SMALLER ON TOP Balance a smaller top with a larger bottom by wearing ruffles, prints and light colors on top. Solid bottoms draw less attention, and a high waist with structure can flatter curves.

• Halter One-Piece with Ruffle
• Boho Print Swing Top
• Printed Bandeau with Solid Bottom
• Tie Dye Bralette with Ruffle
• Black Triangle Top with High Waist Bottoms
• Striped One Piece with Solid Bottom

SMALLER ON BOTTOM Embellishments on hips add volume and help to balance a fuller bust. Prints and ruffles also draw the eye, while halter necks are perfect for broad shoulders.

• Printed Halter One Piece
• Black Top, Printed Bottom One Piece
• Printed Bikini with Wide Bottom
• Bandeau with Embelished Hip Bottom
• Cobalt Halter Top with Side Tie Bottom
• Solid Bandeau with Ruffle Print Bottom

BOYISH FIGURE Create shape using angled stripes, peplums and plunging v-necks. A slightly padded top with a print is ideal for adding curves, or embrace a slim frame with a delicate string bikini.

• Tankini with Peplum
• Black Ruffle Strapless One Piece
• Striped Sporty Bikini
• Printed String Bikini
• Ruffled Crop Top
• Flamingo Printed Balconette with String Bottom

HOURGLASS FIGURE Support a full bust with a balconette, or structured top.  A sporty tankini smooths out extreme curves, while criss-crossed styles celebrate shape.  Accentuate a narrow waist with side paneling and ruching.

• Ruched Balconette Halter
• Black & White Paneled One Piece
• Orange Pom Pom String Bikini w/Padding
• White Criss-Cross Bikini
• Sporty Tankini with Neon
• Black & White V Neck One Piece

FULL FIGURE Vertical stripes or paneling streamline the figure, and thick straps provide support. Create smooth lines and avoid uncomfortable pinching with a halter neck and low back on top, and a boy short or soft-waisted bottom.

• Black Halter with Boy Leg
• Vertical Stripe Halter
• Black & White Mixed Print Bikini
• Plunging Pink Twist Front One Piece
• White Mesh Panel Strapless
• Underwire Halter Top & Fold Over Bottom

[PHOTO CRED] Shop Sweet Things

Personalized Spring Style Inspo with Le Curate

Imagine a curated list of suggested shopping items, styled into outfits just for you and delivered directly to your email box by a trained stylist.  Sound like a dream come true?  Well now it can be - thanks to Le Curate.  The girls behind this genius idea are Allison Berlin and Sara Pollan Dimedio.  We were first introduced through a photo shoot we all worked on back in the day - and it was love at first collab!  So when they announced their latest venture, of course I was thrilled and honored to participate.

In addition to their personalized, online and in person shopping services - Le Curate also stages stunning editorial spreads featuring interviews with fashionable tastemakers around the country.  Meant to inspire readers to experiment with the latest trends in unexpected ways, these features offer tips and a unique perspective on personal style.  For our shoot, of course I had some input on the styling - but the girls chose all of the clothes.  Let me tell you, for a stylist to allow herself to be styled... it ain't always easy!  So let it be a testament to their skill, that I loved each and every Hippie in Heels inspired outfit.

[CLICK HERE] To view the full spread and interview on Le Curate.  And click below for even more exclusive outtakes!

xx

Natty

My Holiday Wishlist via StyleCaster

[CLICK HERE] to view post via StyleCaster  

From Cheeky to Chic-y, 30 Gifts for the Fashionable Girl

Often your most stylish friends and family can be the most intimidating to shop for. What on earth do you buy for the hip girl who has it all? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Whether she’s a glamazon or a tomboy, a techie or a beauty lover, this gift guide has something for every fashionable girl on your list. Plus, most of these luxurious and fashionable finds ring in under $50 and many are socially responsible, because the holiday season is about giving after all.

[CLICK HERE] To view my full Gift Guide on Guest of a Guest