Buy Now: Swimwear

It’s that time of the year again, ladies. Sun, sand, and sea abound. Or maybe pool, cabana, and cocktail. It’s summer time once again! Whether it’s beachside or poolside, time to get your tan on and enjoy some fun under the sun in style. Your chicness doesn’t have to suffer when you jump into the water,  let trends be your guide and let fashion into your summer swimwear look. It doesn’t matter if you are more of a bikini gal or a one-piece maillot kind of fashionista, there are so many options out there for you.

I’ve put together this quick field guide of the hottest and chicest swimwear options out there. Shop and click away ladies!

 

T by Alexander Wang Swimsuit from MyTheresa

Keep yourself within the white hot athletic trend when you cop this Alexander Wang mesh one-piece swimsuit. Equal parts sporty and sleek, this look just as good out of the pool as it does while you’re in it. Pair with mirrored sunnies and some high shine metallic jewelry for maximum chicness.

 

Emilio Pucci Beach Printed Triangle Bikini from MyTheresa

The 70s trend is strong this season, and a printed Emilio Pucci Triangle bikini is a classic silhouette that will be your easy ticket into looking sexy and sassy at the pool and on the beach. The print on this bikini is so retro and is very of-the-moment too. Best paired with aviators, and a flowing kaftan cover-up in a complementary print.

Dolce & Gabbana Printed Bikini from MyTheresa

Dolce and Gabbana definitely know how to do sexy. Though their specialty may be red carpet gowns, they do a brilliant job in translating this into swimwear too. The high waisted bottom and bustier type top is vintage inspired, and the print conveys the beauty of the Italian Riviera. Styling options for this include espadrilles, floppy straw hats and white oval sunnies.

Mara Hoffman Maristar Cut Out Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

If you’re a trendsetting fashionista, then you best outfit yourself in some Mara Hoffman swimwear garb for the summer. This piece in particular makes a case for sexy one-piece with an eye-catching print as your go-to piece for the summer. Keep accessories minimal, and let the print speak for itself.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Sailor Bonded Bikini from Net-a-Porter

Nautical inspired with a definite vintage flair, I am head over heels over the simple yet incredibly fashion forward and flattering silhouette of this sailor bikini. Lisa Marie Fernandez is a swimwear designer to watch out for. Her designs are all chic and provide excellent support to any shape.

Norma Kamali Mio Ruched Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

This one-piece swimsuit will be an easy pick for the best swimsuit to take you from swimming to cocktails and dinner by a chic shore side restaurant. The ruching is oh-so-chic and the halter neckline is both seductive and sophisticated. This is yet another one-piece that proves that it can just be as sexy as bikinis.

Solid and Striped The Anne Marie Gingham Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

Poppy Delevingne’s swimsuit line, Solid and Striped, are all about swimsuit classics with a trendy twist. The twist in this look is the gingham, which is the hot print of the season. This gingham one-piece is simple yet conveys your fashion knowledge.

Proenza Schouler Embellished Checked Bandeau Bikini from Net-a-Porter

A bandeau bikini in a check print is your easy pass into a stylish summer. This piece rom Proenza Schouler even has closure embellishments that sweeten the deal. Wear with bright colored accessories for a look that pops and make you stand out.

Are you ready to go shopping? I know I am! So many amazing options, and so many styles and chic details.

Runway Review: Alexander Wang Spring 2015

Credited as being chiefly responsible for the now ubiquitous athletic trend, Alexander Wang comes to the runway yet again with a new and refreshing take on sportswear meets high fashion. His love for sneakers and sporty pieces has birthed an ongoing fashion revolution as fashionistas and consumers alike continue to elevate sneakers, joggers, and hoodies into a higher level of chic.

This Spring/Summer 2015 season, Alexander Wang did not send models down the runway in sneakers. The footwear was still of sporty inspiration though, with woven fabric, mesh, and rubber used as materials for the heels that the models wore. The presence of sneaker culture was shown in the clothes themselves, as iconic sneaker designs and prints consistently showed up and shaped the design of the collection. Here’s my 10 favorites from the Alexander Wang Spring 2015 Runway:

One would not equate the Alexander Wang brand to office style, but this particular look will look perfect for work. Both the white blazer and crisp trousers are tailored to perfection, and the woven heels add a color splash to this black and white look.

Inspired by the hottest sneaks to storm the scene, the Nike Flyknits, this orange body con dress can be a graphic and more contemporary alternative to your LBD.

Yellow, gray, and black; get inspired by how visually interesting all three colors look when combined together. The ribbing on the bright top is especially chic.

A lightweight jersey maxi like this one can be a major statement, one that shows off your high level and haute couture chops. I can definitely see this modern stunner on celebs with edgy style like Rihanna or Miley.

Wear your love for Jordans on your sleeve. Literally. The signature Jordan sneaker print is made into a sweater that’ll look just as good when paired with your everyday denim and ballet flats.

Substitute your trusty leather motorcycle jacket for this structured mesh piece. The red piping is a detail that’ll make a difference on your outfits.

Inspired by another iconic sneaker, the Adidas Stan Smith, this tennis skirt and polo ensemble is a new brand of preppy country club chic.

The designer continues to make joggers a style staple as he shows this amazing gray joggers with front piping detail on the runway. Take a cue from this head to toe gray look, monochromatic need not be boring when it is rich in texture and athletic dressing need not be sloppy when pieces are as polished as this.

The beautiful beading on this blouse is a work of art in itself. A piece like this one can make your look stand out instantly.

Fearless and confident in his vision, the lines in this frock is jaw dropping and serves as an extraordinary design element.

How are you liking this collection? I personally love it! Have a great weekend ladies!

All Images from Style.com

Buy Now: Statement Making Fashion

With so many sales, both in-store and online, shopping can be overwhelming sometimes. No need to worry, cause I’m here to round up the best fashion buys of the moment. Take your thoughts away from the sad sale racks full to the brim with outdated fashion, and take a look at these statement-making closet must-haves with pared down prices. These are not just basic fashion staples, these are the pieces that will get you noticed in a crowd and establish you as the most stylish one in the room. This is sale fashion like you’ve never seen before–chic, confident, sassy, and fearless.

Caution: Major Fashion Statements Ahead. Here is the SWK sale style guide of the 10 best statement-making fashion buys:

Chloe Neoprene and Leather Flats from LuisaViaRoma

Heels will always have a special place in a fashionista’s heart, but this season flats are taking centerstage. It’s all about statement flats right now, and you can’t do better than this pair from Chloe. The mix of the metallic, nude, and pop of coral on the sole is modern, unexpected, and so very chic.

Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Gold Leaf Sandals from LuisaViaRoma

The beautifully intricate gold leaf design on these Zanotti stilettos is reason enough to snap up these babies. A design that like this one is something you fall in love with and cherish forever. These heels will immediately make you look dressed to the nines as soon as you slip them on.

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Super Skinny Polka Dot Jeans from LuisaViaRoma

Printed jeans are a nice alternative to your plain blue denim. These polka dot jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs will refresh your casual clothes closet. Wear with a dressier shoe like ankle strap nude heels for a stylish contrast.

Mary Katrantzou Graphic Shoe Printed Silk Dress from LuisaViaRoma

Can you really go wrong with a Mary Katrantzou printed dress? Hmm.. Not really. The queen of graphic prints consistently hits the nail right on the head when it comes to prints and dress silhouettes you want to wear.

T by Alexander Wang Pleated Neoprene Mini Dress from The Outnet

Neoprene is one of the big trends this summer. This material, typically used in scuba gear gives any piece a futuristic yet elegantly contemporary feel. This pleated neoprene dress by Alexander Wang has a flattering drape and flow that will work with various body types.

Roland Mouret Ludlow Stretch Woven Trench Coat from The Outnet

Deviate a little bit from the classic trench with this Roland Mouret stunner. The white contrast lapel and the more body conscious design updates your trench, and injects it with a bit of allure and sensuality.

Equipment Cotton and Cashmere Blend Sweater from The Outnet

Cashmere sweaters are fall/winter staple, that you should never hesitate to stock up on. These luxurious yet casual pieces are amazing when paired with a pencil skirt, and can just as easily pull together a casual denim look. The color blocking on this Equipment sweater, just makes this lush piece more covetable.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Clutch from MyTheresa

Mini bags are having their day in the sun. PS1 clutches or cross body bags are a good option, and it comes in so many prints, colors and textures to choose from. This geometric pattern on this PS1 clutch can go easily from day to night.

Emilio Pucci Crystal Bead Embellished Drop Earrings from MyTheresa

Jewelry will always be statement makers in your wardrobe. Colorful and shiny bling is always bound to get you noticed, in the right way of course. This Emilio Pucci drop earrings have a little bit of Art Deco design inspiration, and a little bit of Renaissance color inspiration too, making for a truly exquisite piece of artistry.

Stella McCartney Metallic Jacquard Bomber Jacket from MyTheresa

Without fail, snakeskin always ups the sexiness and chicness of a look. A snakeskin print on metallic jacquard is a striking design element. But when it is combined with the boyish shape of a bomber jacket, you can truly see the innovation and creativity in its design. Perfect for your LBD or even with your denim cutoffs.

Which piece will you be snapping up? At these prices, I won’t be surprised if you (and I) grab more than one. Happy shopping!

Sporty Looks for Summer

Alexander Wang was definitely one of the pioneers and trailblazers for the resurgence of the athletic trend that is sweeping the fashion industry at the moment. Gray sweats, sneakers, and mesh tops are moving out of the confines of the gym, and are now firmly planted in the style spotlight. Sports luxe have been spotted on the backs of the most stylish set, like Miroslava Duma, Olivia Palermo, and Chiara Ferragni to name a few, this fashion trend show no sign of slowing down.

You can count on more sportswear detailing and materials propping up even in the most classic of silhouettes. From Gucci to Marni, DKNY to Marc Jacobs, locker room wear is a trend that’s here for the long haul. Incorporate this sought-after look into your wardrobe, and get inspired with my top 10 picks for the best sporty summer looks:

Wearing your sneakers with a relaxed tee and tote in a matching color is an advanced style move that makes your casual attire look a little bit more polished and pulled together.

Trousers with a single vertical white stripe is an understated nod to jogging pants. Take it to another level by using it to diminish the dressiness of the sequin top and studded heels.

Mesh details are hot, hot, hot this season. Turn up the volume on this sporty material when you wear it with distressed jeans and menswear inspired loafers.

The drawstring and pocket detail of these shorts allude to its gym attire origins, but the ankle strap sandal and oversized camel coat make it look updated and super chic.

Change up your crop top, and go for a sports bra instead. Wear with a high-waist pleated skirt, and give a fresh and twist on the athletic trend.

You won’t look a like a dad when you wear sneakers with jeans and a blazer. Just bear in mind that your separates should be tailored and not baggy.

A striped sleeved T-shirt gives a subtle nod to sportswear. Topping it off with a crystal statement necklace and lucite heels makes it unique and personal.

Never downplay the value and impact headwear can add to your ensemble. Just by simply wearing a baseball cap, you can dip your toe into the athletic wear trend. Opt for baseball caps done in a more luxe material, like this leather cap, and avoid sports insignia at all costs.

You need not be limited to blazers and boxy jackets when choosing a piece to complement your favorite graphic print pencil skirt. A varsity jacket is the way to go, when you want to add a bit of sporty glam to your street style.

 

Gray sweatpants must always be paired with something more formal or a more rigid or tailored shape to it. By using a leather vest to layer the look, you don’t look like you’re lounging at home or sweating it out on the treadmill.

Why not try this trend out for size? You might be surprised at how many chic points you’ll score!

Images from: WhoWhatWear, Fashion Magazine, Valley Magazine, Lauren Messiah, GlamAsia, Pinterest, Refinery29

Trend Report: Luxury Sweatshirts

Cozy and comfy are words not typically associated with what’s trendy and fashionable. Fortunately for fashion lovers everywhere, those two words are now firmly in the fashion vocabulary due to the rise of luxury sweatshirts.

S/S 2014 (L-R): Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and Christopher Kane

Image from: T Magazine

Gone are the days of wearing those boring, heather grey sweatshirts from your gym class. Say hello to sweatshirts done in luxe fabrics, accented with leather and fringe, and embellished with colorful crystals. This trend dominated the runways in New York, Milan, London, and Paris for Spring/Summer 2014, and by the looks of it, this trend is here to stay.

Here is my roundup of the 10 best sweatshirts for this season:

Kenzo Wool Twill & Techno Jersey Sweatshirt from LUISAVIAROMA

Logo sweatshirts are back this season. An arm-emblazoned Kenzo logo will show that you think outside the fashion box.

TNTees Sopo crystal-embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt from The Outnet

The crystal embellished neckline of this sweatshirt from TNTees eliminates the need for accessorizing. Perfect for looking chic during those off-duty days.

Helmut Lang Snake-effect Leather Front Sweatshirt from MyTheresa

Can it get any more luxe and rich than snakeskin leather? Probably not. This piece is proof that sweatshirts can be sexy. Pair with your favorite  strappy stilettos for maximum sultry appeal.

Nil & Mon Lipstick Applique Sweatshirt from LUISAVIAROMA

Proclaim your love for lippies in this Nil & Mon sweatshirt. The playful applique design shows off your whimsical side.

Lanvin Wool Jersey Sweatshirt from LUISAVIAROMA

Fringe and sweatshirts are two the major trends for S/S 2014, and this Lanvin item combines the two perfectly. Modern elements like a structured bag or sleek ankle boots will be a great way to mix up the tribal feel of this sweater.

Tibi Houndstooth Cotton-blend and Ponte sweatshirt from The Outnet

Houndstooth will always be classic. Tibi gives it a twist with a vivid pop of electric blue and graphic black accents.

Givenchy Bambi Silk-Satin Sweatshirt from Net-a-Porter

Take a bit of your childhood cartoon memories with you in this Givenchy stunner. The silk-satin material gives that ladylike appeal.

By Malene Birger Synna Printed Satin-Jersey Sweatshirt from Net-a-Porter

Sweatshirts can be ultra feminine too, as seen in this floral By Malene Birger Sweatshirt. Best worn with a tea length skirt and midi heels.

Acne Studios Beta Geometric Sweatshirt from MyTheresa

Acne Studios are known for the modern aesthetic, and this geometric design certainly reflects that. For a refreshing look, wear with white jeans and plain white sneakers.

Isabel Marant Etoile Hammer Printed Jersey Sweatshirt from MyTheresa

Upgrade from casual T-shirts to styled and cool printed sweatshirts like this one from Isabel Marant. Wear with denim cutoffs and sandals, and you’re all set.

Which piece will you be snatching up? Let us know in the comments!

The Bucket List

Looking to add something new to your closet this summer? The bucket bag should be at the top of your list. Here’s a roundup of 10 of the best bucket bags this season:

1. Mansur Gavriel Large Bucket Bag

Photo credit: Moda Operandi

Here’s the bucket bag that started it all. Tanned Italian leather and minimalist design, this is the holy grail of bucket bags.

2. Sophie Anderson Nataly Woven Cotton Bucket Bag

Photo credit: Net-a-Porter

Looking for a bohemian-inspired bucket bag? This is it. Flower crown optional.

3. Anya Hindmarch Vaughan Leather Bucket Bag

Photo credit: MyTheresa

A short tote strap and single tassel, this muted taupe bucket bag is made for ladies who lunch.

4. Balenciaga Papier Drop Leather Bucket Bag

Photo credit: MyTheresa

Combining two it bags in one design, bucket bag + a peekaboo Balenciaga City pocket design–it doesn’t get any better than this.

5. Tod’s Signature Big Bucket Piercing Leather Tote

Photo credit: MyTheresa

Give it to Tod’s to release this season’s bucket bag in its most classic silhouette. This is definitely country club chic.

6. Moschino Bucket Bag

Photo Credit: Purseholic Blog

Royal blue is the punch of color your summer outfits have been looking for. The gold hardware is a glam add-on that you can coordinate your accessories with.

7. Karl Lagerfeld Quilted Leather Bucket Bag

Photo Credit: Net-a-Porter

Lagerfeld stays true to his classic quilted design, making a bucket bag fit for a fashion editor.

8. Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag

Photo Credit: Barneys.com

Considered a classic by fashion renegades like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Miley Cyrus, this studded beauty is for fashionistas who like to live on the edge.

9. Ines Figarido Eyes Nappa Bucket with 18 KT Gold Bag

Photo Credit: Luisaviaroma

Fit for Lady Gaga, Ines Figarido takes the bucket bag and marries it to another hot trend for the season–eyes. Keep your eyes glued on this one.

10. Saint Laurent Rider Small Bucket Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag

Photo Credit: MyTheresa

Motorcycle-jacket inspired, this Saint Laurent mini bucket bag is ideal for those days when you need that extra dose of fashion magic.

Whether you are a classic girl, a boho chick, or a rock n’ roll street style queen, there’s a bucket bag style for you.

Which one of these is your favorite? Share it with us in the comments section!