Under $100: Bikinis

I'm in the market for a new bikini (I'm feeling optimistic about a beach trip sometime soon!). I already have a one piece that I hope will survive another season but I'm wanting to try something new this year. I'm hoping to find something reasonably priced and as much as I like the retro inspired, high waisted bottoms, they aren't the most flattering cut on my body type so I'm going to stick to a more modern, forgiving cut in the bottom. Here are my favorites: 

metallic thread bikini $39.88 via old navy; twist bandeau and ruched hipster $44 via delias

hurley willow bikini top and bottoms $70 via tilley's; digital flower top and bottoms $39.80 via zara

seersucker triangle halter and side tie bikini $96 via jcrew; polka dot string bikini $90 via madewell

ruffle string top and garden floral bikini $88 via jcrew; mossimo mix and match $32 via target

red stripe triangle front and pant $52 via topshop; roseblossom string halter and bottom $90 via madewell

And a few others because I can't help myself:

Front tie sailboat bikini top and bottom $95 via lands' end canvas
Printed bandeau top and botanical print hipster $75.90 via gap
Ruffle trim bikini top and bikini shorts $68 via boden

I need to choose a favorite stat. I think this suit is definitely the forerunner but I really like the price of this one and I love the color combo of this one. What do you think? Do you have a favorite? 

Plaid is not just for winter nor for men, it's for summer!

I supposed if you asked me what pattern I wear the least (besides paisley) I'd probably say plaid. Now, if you asked B what his favorite pattern is you'd hear a resounding "do I wear anything but plaid??" There are plenty of feminine plaid pieces available this summer which tempt me to rethink plaid's versatility. Here are some of my favorite plaid for under $100.

The shape, pattern, and frilly bottoms are too cute and kind of remind me of middle school (in a good way).

Bandeau top $8.99 (clearance!)
via Victoria Secret
Now, you're probably thinking, "Christina-you silly, silly, girl, that's not plaid." I am going to stand my ground here...I like to call this modern plaid.
Margo Checkers Dress $58 (and by "checkers" they mean abstract plaid).
via Nasty Gal
I'm really liking the one piece dress that looks like a skirt and top connected (not sure if there's a term for it). Either way, they're really comfortable and people get confused, which is kind of fun, when they're trying to compliment it.
Potluck Picnic Dress in Chocolate $47.99 (Modcloth describes this as gingham "plaid" thank you very much)
via ModCloth
I know it's bright, but don't look away...this is an awesome top. And I want it, a lot. The decorative buttom down bib put me over the edge.
Technicolor Dream Top $54.99
via ModCloth
If you're worried about over doing it with the plaid, mix it up with another pattern. This tunic/mini dress is perfect on hot summer days.
Sheer plaid fenced garden mini dress $27.99
via Ruche
I still haven't found a fedora that fits comfortably on my big ole' head but I like the cheekiness of this plaid one.
Plaid Straw Fedora $24
via Arden B.
Forever 21 has a plethora of inexpensive plaid options in feminine, easy to wear cuts. The one plaid top I have is actually from Forever 21 and I love it. This one is a classic western cut, but with short sleeves, oh and it's pink. (Guaranteed you won't look like a boy).
Patricia Plaid Top $17.90
via Forever 21
So are you friend or foe of plaid print? How do you wear plaid?

Let's take a trip...

...to the beach of course! In keeping with this week's them of the beach, I thought we'd take a trip together. I imagine that many of you work in an office, like myself, so take a deep breath and let's all pretend we're elsewhere, sans bosses and paperwork (the only paper I'm bringing is a trashy beach read.)

First, make sure to pack lightly please, I have an itty bitty car.
Don't forget to bring an umbrella because there will be no sun damage on our trip.
Everyone needs a polka dotted swimsuit and that special someone to come along. Oh, and if you have special someone (or you just don't want to bring them), there will be plenty single people on the beach. It's all about summer love, right?
We'll bring balloons too, but unlike these girls we'll be careful not to litter or kill any seagulls.
Make sure to spend some time alone because the ocean is a nice reminder that we'll all kind of small. Just don't fall off a cliff please.
The beach is really just a large area to dance. Our beach trip won't be complete without some dancing.
Make sure to take plenty of photographs so we don't forget the little bits of beauty all around.
{all photos via We heart it}
I hope you enjoyed our little trip, I know I did.

Retro Inspiration in case you already don't get it

I think these images epitomize everything I want from my future one piece, retro-inspired swimsuit.

I won't do my normal peanut gallery commentary as I think these images speak for themselves.

all images via Conde Nast Store
Now all I need is a cute swim cap and some blueberries.

Wishlist: Retro inspired One Piece swimsuits

I realized that summer is in full swing (it was suffocatingly hot this past weekend) and I have been completely silent regarding swimsuits. Part of this is my normal aversion to trying on anything mainly comprised of spandex, and the other part is that I don't see a beach trip in my near future.

Regardless, this years trend of retro inspired bathing suits makes me incredibly happy because it means those halter topped, boy short type bottoms are super easy to find. There's also no reason to pay a lot because the selection is incredible and at these prices, you can buy a few.
Here are my choice for ONE PIECE bathing suits...I'll talk all about bikinis when I'm feeling a bit bolder.
UO has been ahead of the game with their swimsuits for some time now, so I can't leave them off my list.
Kimchi Blue Polkadot Swimsuit $79.99 (was $98).
Victoria Secret is my go-to for last-minute, super affordable swimsuits.
Eyelet bandeau one-piece $28.99 (originally $98)!
I like the idea of "firm control" (whatever that means).
Firm control twist-front one-piece $100 (was $134)
This one is actually two pieces but it fits to look like one. Too stinking cute.
"Ahoy" Nautical Sailor Betty Pin up Swimsuit w/Red Anchor Embroidery $98
The cherries on this 50's style pin up suit are too sweet to pass up.
Esther Williams Cherry Bathing Suit $70
This classic cut is brought to a new, funner level with the retro inspired floral pattern.
One Piece Lingerie Tank $92
JCrew's bathing suit quality should definitely be taken advantage of when a sale like this comes along.
Seaside Seersucker cross-back tank with flower $59.99 (was $76).
Finally, this handmade piece is the perfect shape and flatters most any figure.
LIZ on piece in Navy $115
Do you like this seasons retro look? What are your favorite places to buy swimsuits?
{If you haven't already, make sure to enter this weekend's giveaway. Winner will be drawn tomorrow!}