Summer Series #6 // Fashion Essentials

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My sixth post in the Summer Series. To read the other posts, go HERE (under 'Summer 2013 Series')
What's great about summer is that you can have a completely new wardrobe to welcome the warmer weather! The aim however, is to stay cool in the heat. So think less layers, and more flowy, light material! (Sorry for the different sized pictures :/ ) 
Here are my top 10 fashion essentials this summer:

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Cover ups - graphic tees, tank tops, kimonos, crop tops... the options are endless Perfect to throw on over your bikini when you're in a hurry or when you do not wish to show too much skin (:

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Can be transformed into a cover up, or just a simple, breezy dress to wear either at a night beach party or when you're out and about (:

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A more elegant and sophisticated version of the sundress in my opinion. Just as flowy, but enables you to cover up more leg and could be an emergency solution when you have an unplanned fancy dinner night out!

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To me, rompers always scream summer as they are so lightweight! They have a greater mobility than a dress, but are equally as trendy (:

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Ditch those jeans for shorts! It'll keep you cooler! Don't just go for plain old denim shorts though, experiment with different types of prints to switch up your look!

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Easy to take on and off for those moments when you want to just sink your feet in the warm sand or dip your toes in the ocean. Those are also great for walking around and keeping your feet cool! From plain to embellished, the designs are limitless.

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Trade your heels for wedges this summer! Wedges give you more support so you can walk around longer without having sore feet after a long day.

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Everyone needs a hat to shade themselves from the Sun's blazing rays. What better way to do it than a large oversized floppy one!

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Of course, you can't forget those chic sunglasses to protect your eyes! There are lots of designs to choose from, but be sure to get one with high UV protection!

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Finally, a bag to store ALL your items. Tote bags are great because they are bigger and can fill more things and be extra prepared

What are your summer fashion essentials? (:

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Summer Series #3 // Work your body type: Swimwear

My third post in the Summer Series! To see the others, go HERE (under 'Summer 2013 Series')

Summer's approaching real fast which means it's time to head to the beach/pool and break out them swimwear. Most people are under the illusion that any great body will look good in any bikini. However, even the best of bodies wearing the wrong swimwear could be extremely unflattering. Swimwear comes in loads of styles and patterns there will be one that suits your body type - bandeau, tankini, monokini, halter top, triangle... So it's a good thing to spend a little time in understanding your body shape and invest in swimwear that flatters you. No two person has the same body shape, but everyone can look a million dollars. If you've got it, flaunt it ;)

(L-R): Tangerine Rose Bikini (Topshop) // Snake Print Balconette Bikini (Matalan) //
Watercolor Halter Bikini (Forever 21)

If you're athletic:

- Focus on feminine cuts & details

- Show off your toned lower half with embellished and printed bottoms 

AVOID: strapless bandeaus; boy cut briefs; shapeless tanks

(L-R): Navy Bikini (Topshop) // One Shoulder Monokini (Forever 21) //
L*Space Knotted Fringe Dolly Bandeau Bikini (Sundance Beach)

If you are straight:

- Fake some curves OR take advantage of the fact that you have nothing to hide

- Enhance chest and butt with ruffles, gathering or padding

- Exaggerate the apperance of a fuller chest with ruffles, frills and fringes

- Flaunt your straight silhouette in an itty-bitty string bikini

- Opt for cut outs & prints

- Horizontal stripes break up long lines

- Look for bikinis with adjustable straps, padding or underwire

AVOID: Sporty bottoms & plain bandeau tops

(L-R): Navy Spot Underwired Tankini Set (Fashion Union) //  Orange Halter Padded Stud Bikini Set (Lingadore) //  Striped Tankini Set (Fashion Union)

If you are pear shape

- Opt for higher cut bottoms

- A tankini will lengthen you

- String style bottoms will  bare plenty of thigh

- Draw the eye up with molded cups, halter straps or cleavage detailing

AVOID: loud prints on your lower half + bikini boy shorts as they will cut off your thighs at the wrong places

(L-R): Biba Goddess Bikini (House of Fraser) // Enchanted Bandeau Top (Betsey Johnson) //
Navy drape push up halter bikini (River Island)

If you have an hourglass figure:
- Opt for a solid or small print that won't distort your proportions
- Look for an underwire, balconette or halter style top for support
- Look for styles that are banded around the midrif and can be tied back, around the neck and has wide shoulder straps
- Unless you have features you want to exhibit, stay away from anything with a shifty string top or bottom

AVOID: String bottoms or tops (unless you have features you want to exhibit); bandeau style tops (offers no support & could flatten chest)


(L-R): Walter Mio ruched bandeau (Norma Kamali) // Rococo Rose Vintage Maillot Swimsuit (Seafolly) //
 Tulle bandeau tank (JCrew)

If you're apple shaped/self conscious about your tummy:
- One piece suits with a cinched waist create an hourglass shape
- Belted waistline give a appearance of a smaller middle
- Try empire waist or colour block swim suits
- Ruching helps to eliminate bulges

(L-R): Green Hawaiian Print (River Island) // Mara Hoffman Medicine Wheel Ruched (Madewell) //
Giejo Floral bikini (Madewell)

If you are petite/have shorter legs:
- Ditch the plain and boring, go for exciting prints & graphics
- A high cut bikini will elongate your legs

There you have it, the perfect swimwear for YOU (: Which one will you get?
Don't know what kind of body shape you have? CLICK HERE

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Summer Series #1 // 15 tips for the ultimate summer

This week's my last week of school before...SUMMER! Wheeeeee! So to count-down (sort of), every post this week will be related to summer (:

I recently guest posted at the lovely Chloe @ Chloe's Way about the 15 tips for well, the ultimate summer (: So I thought I'd share it with my readers here! Do go check out Chloe's blog btw (:

1. Exercise: Worried that you're not in tip-top bikini shape? Start now! Grab a friend and get some form of exercise regularly- whether it's jogging, swimming, team sports or  fitness class, do something that YOU enjoy because it will make working out and toning up a lot more fun.

2. Less is more: Lighten your beauty routine and let your skin breathe - replace foundation and blush for a simple swipe of bronzer to make your skin glow

3. Try letting your hair succumb to their natural waves this summer

4. SPF 15 or more!: Lips lack a protective layer so they're super sensitive to UV rays! So put on that SPF 15 (at least) lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and safe

5. Avoid anything sticky: sand will stick to it and it will break down faster in the heat

6. Go au naturel with pinks, peachs, golds and bronze

7. Remember to pack waterproof items! Even if you're not swimming, you don't want the humidity to give you panda eyes.

8. SUNSCREEN! Apply it above the moisturizer and below makeup.

9. Don't forget to bring along oil blotting paper to wipe away the sweat & shine.

10. Mop your hairline after wearing a hat - oil can get trapped under your hat or headband and you don't want acne on your forehead!

11. Wear light, flowy clothes: Choose dresses and tops that are made out of lighter material like cotton. Avoid dark colours because they absorb heat and can make you sweat faster!

12. Skip powder and opt for cream: Face powder turns cakey when you sweat so apply cream-based items that blend easily into your skin

13. Sunburnt? Apply aloe vera extract or lotions containing aloe vera as that will soothe the burn and helps it to heal faster

14. Exofliate: Putting on self-tanner without exfoliating results in blotches and streaks

15.Stay hydrated! Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go so you have no reason to forget!

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