You know what I love almost as much/more/I can’t decide than lingerie?  Swimsuits.  Know why?  ‘Cause it’s like underwear that you can wear in public.  Who doesn’t like beating the heat poolside wearing a barely there fashion statement?  And why else have you been going to the gym?  Oh right, for cardiovascular health, of course. Whatever, you totally do it to counterbalance those Girl Scout cookies.  You’re not fooling anyone.   Not that it matters because swimsuit season is upon us and you’re just going to have to come to terms with that.

This season’s swimwear is strongly reflective of spring trends. Colorblocking, graphic black and white, midriff tops, fringe, and cutouts are all staples for the catwalk as well as the boardwalk.  And while I still stand firm that less is more when it comes to bikini bottom coverage, there are cuts and shapes for all body types.

Be Bold in Black & White:

Red Carter Glitter Bomb One Piece, Herve Leger Bandeau Bikini, Dolce & Gabbana Polka Dot Triangle Bikini, Norma Kamali Shane One Piece, Karla Colletto Stripe Monokini

Collect the Fringe Benefits:

Vitamin A Tulum Bikini Top and Bottoms, OndadeMar Fringed Triangle Bikini Top and Java Bikini Bottoms, Thayer Lace Up Bandeau Bikini Top and Brazilian Bikini Bottoms, L*Space Stardust Fringe One Piece, Luli Fama Cosita Buena Fringe Bikini Top and Wavy Bottoms

Get Crafy with Cut Outs:

Tori Praver Lili Bikini Top and Bottom, Agent Provocateur Kristie Braided Cutout Swimsuit, L*Space Sensual Solids Le Chic Bikini Top and Estella Bottom, T by Alexander Wang Bandeau Top and T Bikini Bottoms, Vitamin A Siren Wrap Bikini Top and Chloe Triple Braid Bikini Bottom

Go Long:

Zimmerman Clique Perforated Bikini,  Mara Hoffman Rainbow Printed Bikini, Beach Riot Farrow Bikini Top and Bottom, MINKPINK Florence Frill Bikini Top and Bottom, Amore & Sorvete Belle Top and Bottoms

Block It Like It’s Hot:

 Seea Leucadia Reversible Bikini Top and Bottom, DosMares Galena Bandeau Bikini, VPL Malaga Insertion Bikini Top and Bottom, Shakuhachi Ultra Neon Colorblock Bikini, Marc by Marc Jacobs Pleated Maillot

Sorry, Timberlake, the only suit I will be wearing is that of the “swim” variety.

xx,

WhyDid

image via

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This past weekend, three of Tinsletown’s loveliest ladies were all seen sporting a little bit of bare midriff while walking the red (err… orange?) carpet.  This bit of belly is different from the crop tops of a couple summers past.  It’s not so much belly button as it is rib cage.  It’s the teeniest little peek-a-boo of skin that is both sexy and playful.  It’s less Christina Aguilera Genie in a Bottle and a bit more Gidget Goes Hawaiian.  And for anyone who was ever a bit self conscious about showing some torso, don’t worry.  This is much more wearable and will keep that fearsome FUPA under wraps.

1. Missoni Elsa Cropped Crochet Knit Top, $530, 2. FP New Romantics Woven Bustier, $78, 3. Material Girl Bustier, $29, 4. Dolce & Gabbana Chili Pepper Print Cotton Bustier, $1000, 5. MinkPink Support Group Bustier, $35, 6. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Bustier Top, $207, 7. Topshop Petite Cutout Swan Bralet, $52, 8. Smith Denim Bustier, $80, 9. Free People Kiki Top, $78, 10. SO Dot Convertible Mini Bustier, $14.99

While some are referring to these as “bralettes” that’s not quite the right term.  (Did I not already school you in bralettes?).  I would consider these to be cropped bustier tops.  You’ll have much more luck when searching using those terms.  The trick to this look is pairing your teeny top with a high waisted skirt or slacks.  That way your outfit will read “le petite coquette” rather than “big dirty whore.”

crop top: Free People Vegan Leather Bustier, $78, high waist: Pleasure Doing Business Bandage Seam Striped Skirt, $165

xx,

WhyDid

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Can you pass me the SPF, please?  Oh… right.  It’s snowing here.  That means a couple of things.  1. It’s time for me to go home (to California).  2. It’s also time to transport myself (mentally) to a place with warm breezes, cool cocktails, and soft white sand.  How does one do that you ask?  Well, first of all, whip yourself up a strawberry daiquiri, put on some Bob Marley, and then peruse these vacation worthy frocks.  After you’ve convinced yourself you’re somewhere warm, head over to Jet Setter and start booking your next exotic getaway.

1. Sass & Bide Pick N’ Mix Embroidered Strapless Dress, $795, 2. Zimmermann Contrast Halter Dress, $277.20, 3. Issa Short Kimono Dress, $595, 4. Elizabeth and James Paloma Dress, $345, 5. Mara Hoffman King Tut Maxi Dress, $238, 6. M by Missoni Black and Magenta Multicolor Sleeveless Dress, $665, 7. Milly Gustavia Dip Dyed Maxi Dress, $595, 8. Naven Bombshell Dress with Shirring, $345, 9. Halston Heritage Halter Gown, $645, 10. French Connection Multi Jag Stripe Dress, $128

Bon voyage.

xx,

WhyDid

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The only thing more important at the beach than your swimsuit (and choice of juicy beach read) is your coverup.  Long gone are the days of hokey sarongs.  No need to channel Aunt Gertrude in a silly muumuu.  A coverup should be light, sexy, and able to transform from beachside to barside.  There are so many options now that I had a hard time narrowing them down to a few of my favorites.

1. Nightcap Clothing Jungle Lace Caftan Coverup, $320, 2. Anna Kosturova Magnolia Dress, $266, 3. Vitamin A Shantung Coverup, $88, 4. Beach Bunny I Want You To Want Me, $289, 5. Vix Solid Ana Short Dress, $124, 6. Letarte Popcorn Sleeveless Tunic, $198, 7. Mara Hoffman Chiffon Coverup, $308, 8. Zimmerman Copy Cat Silk Swing Dress, $345

Don’t forget some strappy sandals and my beach bag essentials to complete the look.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Kristie Colon

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The tribal print, like animal print, doesn’t seem to be going anywhere as far as patterns are concerned.  And while you may just slip into your colorful frock without thinking about its ornate origins, the beautiful pattern you’re sporting was derived from various cultural tribes scattered about the globe.  For some people, the tribal print is a way of life.  So, wear your print with pride in celebration of different cultures worldwide.

1. Mara Hoffman Swim Maxi Tank Dress, $237, 2. Forever 21 Vibrant Tribal Dress, $19.80, 3. Parker Cami Dress, $187, 4. Diane von Furstenberg Oblixe Silk Jersey Dress, $345, 5. Dolce Vita Haleigh Dress, $242, 6. One by Line & Dot Printed Long Dress, $118, 7. Parker Strapless Print Dress, $242, 8. Torn by Ronny Kobo Jersey Tribal Geometric Long Tank Dress, $109

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Denver University Blog

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