Two Ways: Belle's Nail Polish

Nail Polish: Belle by Capitol Hill Style for Zoya ($22)

From the Left, Sunglasses: Perfect Day Sunnies ($220) Bracelet: Valenti Copper Cuff ($40) Bag: Patent Scallop Bag ($360) Sweater: Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan ($178) Shoe: Nellie Mesh Flat ($89)Dress: Reiss Fit & Flare Dress ($300)

From the Right, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators ($139) Belt: similar Skinny Belt ($14) Bag: Sparkle Stripe Tote ($50) Shirt: Men’s White Collar Shirt ($25) Shoe: McKenna Sandal ($45)  Swimsuit: Coral Stripe Bikini ($52)

Polyvore Set Here.

For Sunday Brunch.  I have this listed as a Sunday brunch look, but it would also be appropriate for church, a casual day at work or a trip to visit the in-laws.  It’s pretty and sweet, but also on trend with the color combination of mint and coral. 

I love this dress.  I am praying that it goes on sale.  Since it’s from British brand Reiss, I also have to pray that Kate Middleton doesn’t wear it.  Because if that happens, it will sell out in minutes and then 100 imbeciles who fancy themselves entrepreneurs will put it on eBay for three times it’s value even though none of the dresses are selling.  This is what happened with the Shola dress the Duchess wore to meet the Obamas.  There’s are easily 25 of them on the auction site, all of them listed for twice as much money as they will ever make.  But I digress…

This cuff was in the inspiration board for my polish, so it’s only right that it makes an appearance here.  It coordinates well with the peachy-coral-copper color of the purse.  Add sunnies and a pair of basic nude flats (or sandals/wedges) and you’re set.  I also added a cardigan, because much like Nora Ephron feels bad about her neck, I am sheepish about my arms right now.  Plus, I get cold.

For the hair, it’s dealer’s choice.  I’d probably wear it off my neck because of the collar, but however you feel it looks best is fine.  For the makeup, I would wear a bright-ish blush and some bronzer.  White and pastels can be so draining on some skin tones, you need to fight back.

For the Beach.  Confession: I have never been to the beach. I stood on the Santa Monica Pier once in a business suit, which was unsurprisingly uncomfortable, but I’ve never been to the beach.  What can I say?  This is not considered abnormal when you grow up in the middle of the country a thousand miles from the nearest patch of sand.  But I am hoping to go to the beach with some friends at the end of June, so I guess I have beach on the brain.

I adore this striped bikini, thought I will be the first one to tell you that it is not for everyone.  The smartest thing you can do when buying a swimsuit (learned from years of beauty pageants) is to buy one you feel comfortable wearing.  If you want coverage, buy a tankini or a one piece.  If you are bold, buy a string bikini.  But if you don’t feel comfortable wearing it inside the dressing room, when it’s just you and the mirror, you will never feel comfortable wearing it in public.

Also, I hate to spend money on swimsuit cover ups.  They can run $80-$120, and that’s just ridiculous.  I prefer to go to the men’s department, buy a cheap white cotton shirt and call it a day.  Add a rope or leather belt, and you look like you’re wearing a shirt dress.  Oh, I should also mention that I always buy a shirt made for tall men, that way it’s long enough.

Add sandals, a beachy bag and sunglasses to complete the, “Oh this, I just tossed this on and didn’t think about it at all” look.

For the hair, are you kidding me?  It’s the beach.  Braid it or toss it in a ponytail and move on with your life.  Makeup?  Again, it’s the beach.  Sunscreen, chapstick and UV Filter spray for color-treated hair.  That is all you need.