Beauty Moment- Stila Eye Shadow Duo

I've slowly become increasingly obsessed with all things Stila. If you're not familiar with the brand, it was developed back in the 90's by makeup artist Jeanine Lobell - whose work is featured in Instyle this month. It used to be part of the Estee' Lauder empire, at which point it was in every major department store. Since leaving E.L, the brand has the most consistent presence at Sephora, Ulta, and online. Fun fact- Jeanine is married to ER's Dr. Green (Anthony Edwards). But that's neither here nor there.

My obsession has migrated from the Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, to my ever-present Brown Sugar Lip Glaze, and has landed on the eye shadow duos. My current favorite is called Fandango, a combination of a lime highlighting color and a sable/bronze contour color. I know you're looking at the lime color, thinking, 'Yeah right.' But seriously- it's sooo right! You would never guess that lime green could be sheer and beautiful, pulling out flecks of gold that you didn't even know were in your eyes. I promise- it's all this and more.

Fandango is a great spring color - the powder shadows are silky and incredibly blendable. They are both sheerly shimmery - still day appropriate but a little more special than a matte powder. Stila, more than any other brand, translates the concept of makeup as fun into something you don't have to be afraid of. Head to Sephora or Ulta STAT and start playing.

Sassy Bombshell

What do you guys think of this look?

The focal point of an otherwise basic outfit is the Noir Chiffon Shrug, all from Igigi. I like this look for a couple of reasons:

1. It's dramatic, but wearable.
2. The chiffon shrug would be very versatile this summer- layer over anything sleeveless that leaves you feeling a little too bare otherwise.
3. The yellow accents. Have you picked up yet that I am big on primary colored accents?

I always think it's a winning idea to build your outfit around one great piece, whether it's shoes, jewelry, or a statement top like this one.

Photo credit: Igigi.com.

Beauty Moment- Transitional Makeup

Whether you go by the calendar or by the weather forecast, there comes a time when you've got to change out your smokey eye and dark lipstick for lighter, brighter colors. Right about now, you'll start seeing bronze makeup splashed all over every makeup counter- bronzing powder, bronzing lotion, bronze shadow, bronze lipstick. The promise of summer is ready for the taking.

I'm a fan of bronzing powder myself, since I'm fair as skin can possibly be. But I think it's a good idea to ease your way into the bronze look - showing up at work in winter makeup one day and then coated in bronze the next is a little startling. Especially when your natural skin tone hasn't had a chance to soak up any vitamin D. That's why I'm a fan of peach-toned makeup right out of the winter gate.

Blush is the most natural place to start with peach shades. There's a perfect peach color out there for everyone. If you've never really considered peach, take a look at these products as a starting point:

Benefit's Georgia face powder looks great on fair skin tones. It's a lighter color that applies very sheerly. For an easy polished look, swipe the powder over your cheeks, nose and forehead. A quick swipe over your eye lids and you'll be out the door, looking fresh and springy.

For those Bombshells with medium complexions, try Bare Escentuals Blush in Morning. The picture here looks a little more coral than the powder is in reality. You'll find it to be a warm, bright pop of color. Gorgeous. As much as I hate to go for the obvious choice, it's impossible to leave Nars Orgasm blush off a list of great peach shades. I'll be perfectly honest and admit that this shade looks like complete crap on me - the color is just too saturated. But it looks absolutely enviable on darker skin tones. It's got a hint of sparkle so keep the application as precise as possible.

If you're not used to peach blush, you'll probably rifle through your lip colors and wonder which one to pair it with. If you're out buying blush, you might as well pick up a new lip color to compliment it. I love Stila Lip Glaze in Brown Sugar. It's a go-with- anything gloss that works on most skin tones.

Photo credits: Benefitcosmetics.com; BareEscentuals.com; Sephora.com.

Spring Collection- Alloy

Based on what I'm hearing from you guys, I think Alloy is still an untapped resource for casual clothes. I know, I know - you click on the site and it's obviously geared toward younger women. I'm a 27 year old professional, so trust me when I say that I'm not running around in tiny tees, low rider pants and flip flops all day. But I do want cute tops and pants to mix in with the rest of my wardrobe. Alloy carries clothes up to size 3X (size 25) - check the sizing chart to see where you fall before ordering. They have some great pieces for spring online now.The Truck Jeans Double Button Flares are going to be a staple in my spring/summer wardrobe. They come in black, khaki and gray as well as a variety of inseams (which this tall girl loves!). With a blazer and heels at work or with tunic and gladiator sandals, these pants are definitely going to be out and about this season. There is something so classic about the Ballet Neck Tee - it's such a graceful line, showing off the neck and a peek of shoulders. And in a sea of crew necks and v-necks, the ballet neckline is just a little special. Alloy's version comes in a variety of colors and features a layerable halter underneath. Wear them together for a sporty "Just came from the studio" look, or wear the tee alone for added versatility. This Reversible Tank Dress serves up two different looks for one low price - $38.50. Available in black or green, the dress is solid color (shown) on one side and a striped pattern (black and white or green and white stripes) on the other. Since the hemline is a little short, make sure you wear flats or low heels - higher heels might push you toward the trashy side of stylish.

Photo credit: Alloy.com

The Pajama Game

Old Navy is well known for their comfortable pajamas in fun patterns. The retailer is now diving into the lingerie business with an impressive collection of bras in sizes 40C to 46DDD, sexy thongs and panties up to 4X, 3 cami/panty sets and a flirty chemise. This new development proves that, while Old Navy unceremoniously yanked their plus collection out of stores to be sold exclusively online, the brand is still committed to us.

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is, "Where can I find pretty bras in larger sizes?" My go-to answer has always been, "Lane Bryant." But Old Navy is giving LB a run for their money in this category.

Observe the Full Coverage Stretch Lace Bra, available in 5 colors, featuring delicate embroidered flower accents. The straps are nice and wide and work with an underwire to provide extra lift and support to an ample bosom. The beautiful stretch lace is functional, thanks to silky mesh.

Not every Bombshell is well-endowed (myself included). Thanks to the Floral Lace Demi Bra, we can fake what our mamas didn't give us with removable padding. The ultra sexy scalloped edge looks hot and will make you feel even hotter. Available in four colors. I want this thong. To wear under this chemise.

Kudos to Old Navy for getting into bed with the Bombshells!

Photo credit: OldNavy.com

Beauty Moment- Green is the New Blue

I'm feeling pretty smug about a prediction-come-true that I made a few months ago. Navy blue nail polish hit a frenzy high back in December. It was edgy and unexpected; a more sophisticated take on goth black. As navy blue became more mainstream - now available from almost every major beauty brand in the nail business -I made the proclamation that the next big color was going to be emerald green. And what are we seeing pop in trend setting lines like Rescue Beauty Lounge? Green. Recycle, to be exact, a "deep blackish emerald green" as described by the brand. This is the exact shade I was talking about.

When it comes to green, you've got options. If a dark shade isn't your look, try Tantrum by Hard Candy. It's a sheer, sparkly lime green polish that's part of their Vintage line. Tantrum would look great on tips or toes.

This picture of Sally Hansen's Lime Lights looks very teal. In real life, it's more of a muted neon lime- check it out here. It kind of reminds me of a margarita, and looks great on toes. I'm not daring enough to wear it on my nails but by all means, give it a go.

Photo credits: RescueBeautyLounge.com; Sephora.com; Walgreens.com.

Cute Workout Gear

I'm not a huge fan of exercising - the sweating, the need to redo hair and makeup, did I mention the sweating? - but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. And exercise is a must to keep those curves nice and curvy. Cute, coordinated outfits make time on the elliptical machine or jumping puddles outside bearable. Exercise clothes must meet these basic requirements:

• Fabric should be soft, moveable cotton
  


• Fit should be roomy but not oversize - larger clothes just make a Bombshell look larger



• Style is important- I like items that look sporty and functional but come in bright colors

I love these french terry pants by St. John's Bay. They come in black, pink, light green, light blue and gray. The racing stripe up the side of each leg fulfills my need desire to look sporty. The fabric is a polyester/cotton blend that feels nice and soft while whicking away moisture. A good whicking pant is nice if you hate to sweat as much as I do. They also come in a variety of lengths- petite, average and tall- which is unusual. And fabulous. Oh, and they're only $19.99. Double fabulous.

Old Navy's Zip Pocket Hoodies come in a bunch of great colors and feature little zip up pockets on the sides. Perfect for stowing keys, a couple bucks and an ID while out getting some exercise. I also like the plunging neckline and coordinating detail. Layer a contrasting tank or tee underneath this winner.
Old Navy's rib knit tanks are superb and layer well underneath hoodies or sweatshirts. The thick straps conceal most sports bras. For more flair, wear one color over another. Once you've put together a few outfits, click over to Nike.com to customize your own pair of running shoes.

Beauty Moment- Prevage

This has been an incredibly dry winter for me. My skin- so parched, so unhappy, so annoying. Not to whine or anything. Luckily, I was sent a jar of Prevage Anti-aging night cream. Prevage is a new line of anti-aging treatments and is a collaboration between Elizabeth Arden and Allergan. Allergan is a company that works on commercial pharmaceutical solutions to skincare problems, among other things.

Allergan commissioned a study that proved the anti-aging night cream increases radiances, enhances the skin's ability to repair itself, restores resiliance and promotes intense hydration. It'll take more than two weeks of use (which is the amount of time I've had the product in my nighttime skin routine) to determine whether or not my skin is more radiant or resilient, but I'm all over the hydration.

The cream is substantial - very thick - but melts easily into my skin. It feels a little greasy for a few minutes but right before bed, who cares? And the moisturization lasts through the night; I wake up and my skin still feels dewey and plump. The only downside is that Prevage's cream smells a little medicinal, which is fairly typical of Arden products. It's not terrible, but it detracts slightly from the overall enjoyment of use.

I love the product's dispensing mechanism- the cream is in a jar which frequently leads to product contaminated by fingers dipping into the pot over and over, rendering active ingredients unstable. Prevage eliminates the contamination factor by topping the jar with a push-button dispenser. One push and enough cream comes out to coat your face and neck.

At $125, Prevage Anti-aging Night Cream is a splurge. There are lots of great products out there at lower price points that may work just as well. But if price isn't a concern and you're in need of some serious hydration along with anti-aging properties, I feel good about recommending this product. You'll find it at your local Elizabeth Arden counter.

Spring Collection- Macy's

Macy's seems to have had a change of heart in the way it feels about the Bombshell customer. Style and selection were two obtuse concepts in the women's department when it came to sizes 14+ as recently as three months ago. But I'm cautiously optimistic about what I'm seeing in stores and online right now. Macy's has several very fun, curvy figure flattering choices in spring's biggest trends such as bright colors, feminized menswear separates, and an infusion of gray. I cannot get enough of the L8er Cap Sleeve Interwoven Tunic. The sweetheart neckline is fresh and, combined with the gray-on-gray and black, funky. This top would be amazing with dark jeans and bright accessories (bright green shoes or a lemon yellow cuff bracelet) for a night out. Or pair it with lighter jeans (as is the newest trend in denim) and flats for a casual weekend afternoon. Baby Phat's O-ring Top with Banded Hem comes in two of spring's best and brightest colors- grass green (shown) and Solar Yellow. It's also available in black, but let's not bother. The slightly puffed sleeves (great for balancing out hips) and sexy-sweet o-ring detail show off much better in vibrant color. This wear- with -anything top will get a lot of mileage this spring and summer, both in the office and after hours. I love it with a pencil skirt, cropped trousers and heels, or with an easy pull-on cotton skirt. Make sure the banded hem ruches over your hips and doesn't cut you off at the mid-section. Anne Klein will add some spring to your step with her Pintucked Tie V-neck Top in bright yellow. Her fun menswear-inspired tie neck will add a dash of style to workwear while breaking up the monotony of a regular old button down shirt. Go ladylike by wearing the top underneath a jumper or a suit. Or go unexpectedly casual by wearing it with wide legged khakis and espadrilles.

Spring Collection- B and Lu

B and Lu is one of the best when it comes to boutique-style Bombshell clothing. The design team of sisters, Christine and Lucie, behind the brand understand how to fit and flatter curves up to size 30. The styles are on-trend without being vulgar (one of my favorite Michael Kors-isms!), and their price point is extremely reasonable.

B and Lu's spring collection is slightly subdued - whereas many other designers are all about bright color, this label has created a mix of dresses and tailored tops in less saturated hues of red, raspberry, black , yellow and gray. That's the cornerstone of what sets B and Lu apart - they take a trend and then go their own way.

Case in point, the elegant/fun Tropez Dress. Graphic prints are all over this spring, and this is the B and Lu version:

You know this would look good on you. It hits just past the knee, accentuates the waist with that lemon yellow trim, and is a print that won't hurt the eyes of those lucky enough to look at you. $41.

For those nights when you want to go all out sexy, tie this on:

Just this side of vamp, the Bustier Dress delivers retro shaping (check out that neckline!) with practical sexy - the lace up front is reinforced so you don't have to worry about skin peeking through. Pair it with the most lady-like of accessories for maximum style - and to keep the dress from going the way of goth costume. $46

Add a dose of sweetness to your day with this muted yellow Eyelet Top. I love the neckline on this top- wide open to frame your face without resorting to full-on plunging cleavage. The cap sleeves are a little fuller than what usually passes for caps - which is a thoughtful nod to those of us with full upper arms. The length of the top could be tricky for some Bombshells - keep the line of your body long and lean by wearing it over straight leg pants. $24.

This blouson top looks complicated...and although it appears to be a halter apparently is not a halter...whatever it is, I like it. I can see myself rocking it over bootcut jeans and skyhigh sandals, sipping cocktails on the patio of this cute little bar across the street from my apartment.
Gwyneth Tank, $36. Available in green(shown), black and turquoise.

Photo credit: BandLu.com

Beauty Moment- Brand Loyalty

I have a touch of OCD, as evidenced by my mad organizational skills.  As such, I like all of my beauty products to match.  To fulfill my desire to line up like-looking products in neat little rows, I used to be completely brand loyal.  

But one brand can't do everything well - Bobbi's foundation and concealer are tops but her lip glosses are sometimes lacking; Lancome is renowned for its mascara but the eye shadow is nothing special, etc. 

 I'm working on a list of the best of the best, according to CEW, Total Beauty and of course you.  So let me know- which brand is your favorite, what products do you love, and which brand/products make you shrug in indifference.  

Spring Collection - Lane Bryant (Part III)

The final component to Lane Bryant's spring collection is the unveiling of Secret Slimmer pants. A lot of Bombshells wrangle their curves with a variety of undergarments - Spanx, panties with built-in shaping panels, etc. Oftentimes these shaping solutions are uncomfortable, gouging into the stomach, restricting the ability to breathe, and making restroom runs something of an ordeal.

Secret Slimmer pants have built-in slimming panels to provide a little extra lift, support and shape to your curves. I liked the way the pants fit; I felt very compacted. None of my curves looked smushed or out of place, justvery smooth. The Secret Slimmer line contains jeans, crops and trousers and many of them are available in petite, average and tall. My favorites include:

Basic work trousers, available in black and khaki ice (light gray) $59.50. Super dark trouser jeans, $59.50. On sale now for $19.99. Pin stripe crop pant, $49.50.

Photo credit: LaneBryant.com

Spring Collection- Lane Bryant (Part II)

After a long winter of black, gray and jewel tones, every clothing designer has proclaimed “color!” to be the next big thing. With Color in Bloom, Lane Bryant is showing their Charming Shops affiliation by cutting their tops just a smidge too long (hitting the top of the thigh usually does no favors to hips or petite women). The retailer has created a few basic tops (surplice, babydoll, etc) and is offering them in a variety of shades of blue, pink, coral, purple and yellow.

That said, the only one that caught my eye as truly colorful and wearable is the Surplice Flutter Sleeve top in Zinnia.

The shirt is fully lined so the polyester overlay will move over your body instead of pulling and sticking to curves. The plunging neckline is beautifully balanced by the soft flutter sleeves, a light touch that says spring while still providing a little upper-arm coverage. Your waist will look cinched and small thanks to the satin trim detail just under the bust. Also available in blue, grape, black and white, $39.50.

More noteworthy is the Layered Looks collection. Comprised of spring-weight jackets and underpinnings, the real stars of are:The Black and White Eyelet Jacket will wear well year-round. The cutaway shaping is incredibly flattering to most body shapes; the hidden eyelet enclosures allow you to decide where you want to cinch in the jacket. For those of you with a smaller bosom, you could button it a little higher on your chest to create a 60’s-ish swing jacket.

If you have a larger chest, button it right below your bust to play up an hour glass figure. Layer it over a bright tee, jeans and heels for date night, or slip it on over a cocktail dress for drinks. Versatile and unique – I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! $59.50

The Single-button Smocked Cardigan sweater is a shapely version of a basic transitional cardy. Easy to toss on over anything, I love it in blue, pink and black. $39.50.

Photo credit: LaneBryant.com

Beauty Moment- Estee Lauder Tender Lip Balm

I was sent a tube of Tender Lip Balm in Tender Plum (03) to review, and I gotta say- love it! Estee Lauder is one of the very few makeup counters at which I've never sat down and had a consultation. I will admit to bearing a bias against the sales clerks for their grandmotherly blue smocks. This bias has apparently kept me from experiencing, if nothing else, some fantastic lip balm.

The Tender line is a balm/gloss hybrid, focusing on keeping your lips soft, smooth, and only faintly colored. The 6-shade collection (ranging from caramel to peach, with a few pinks and a clear in there for good measure) features an SPF of 15 and tastes so good. So. Good. Even if you usually hate lip balm that has a discernable scent/taste- give this a try. It's light and juicy. The tube itself is adorable; the size of an index finger, which makes for great portability. (The tube, not an index finger).

Estee claims the balm improves moisturization by 28% and reduces flaking by 34%. Whether it does or doesn't, I truly don't care. It looks good, it tastes good, it feels good - the trifecta of goodness. For $14, snag a tube for yourself wherever Estee Lauder is sold.

Spring Collections - Lane to the Bryant

Lane Bryant is always...there. Every Bombshell knows about it, has shopped there, and has probably experienced a few love/hate moments with the retailer. Sometimes it's fabulous, sometimes it's lackluster. But it's always there. This spring, LB is earning its keep with a very diverse and fresh collection. Here's the rundown:

You can always count on the Linen Collection to hit the racks right about now. Linen is my own private hell because it's so damn wrinkly. OCD aside, the shapes and colors in this collection are pretty. It features flowing wide-legged pants, ankle-length and knee-length skirts, and a few different tops. Favorites include:

Linen shirt jacket in lavender. Also available in mint and brown. $44.50.

Linen-blend print skirt in mint, $44.50. Would look cute with the shirt jacket in brown.

I'm wildly excited about the Best Dressed collection. Dresses used to be few and far between the racks of Lane Bryant, although they've kept up with trend and demand for the frock lately. The Best Dressed collection features 7 distinct looks including prints, bright colors, wraps and shirt waists. I'll be wearing:

Geo-print faux wrap dress, $$59.50. Go for nude heels or sandals to keep your legs looking loooong.

Smocked waist shirt dress in teal. Also available in luminescent pink, cedar, and black. $39.50.

Next time, I'll walk you through the Spring Romance and Color in Bloom collections.

Photo credit: lanebryant.com

For Tracy

Bombshell reader Tracy let me know that she's off to New York in a couple of weeks and is looking for a few good outfits to take with her. New York in the spring is fantastic - for as much as the rest of the country is slowing waking up after winter, the feeling is magnified in NYC. Which means that Tracy's suitcase had better be prepared to handle sunshine, rain, and a variety of temperatures.

I recommend packing neutral clothes and jazzing them up with accessories. No, not because I'm buying in to the whole 'New Yorkers only wear black, dahling' thing. I know plenty of natives who embrace color. By choosing neutral clothes, you won't have to pack as much. And by bringing along a selection of accessories, you can dress up/down your outfits with ease.

Essentials:

• a pair of dark wash, bootcut jeans.


• a spring-weight jacket, preferably a trench which will go from day to night and a variety of activities with style.


• soft, black cotton top; if it's a wrap top, all the better- It'll look great with jeans or dark pants/skirt.


• speaking of....dark pants/skirt.


• 2 pairs of shoes- black and a bright color (red, yellow, something catchy).

Tracy's a petite Bombshell, so I've pulled together some clothes and accessories that might give her some inspiration. If you've got any suggestions, let her know in the comments!

Bootcut jeans in blue/black, available in petite and tall up to size 32. Avenue, $44.50.Toss this pointelle trim swing cardigan on over jeans, trousers or a dress. There's a little ruching at the bust for some definition. The trim detail and two-button closure makes it special, while the three-quarter length sleeves will provide a little extra coverage in case of dipping temperatures. Available up to size 32, Avenue, $39.95.

I think by now we're all familiar with the magical powers of ruching; Kiyonna's new center gathered top puts a spin on it. I like this shirt because the open v elongates the neck, showing off a little bit of skin; rayon/spandex jersey travels well and the gather right under the bust helps create a defined shape. This top is available in black, white, red, green and blue. Kiyonna, available up to size 32, $58. Most fashionable New Yorkers take their shoes very seriously - navigating the cobble stone streets of Greenwich Village with ease. Show some personality with a bright pair like these Via Spiaga Opal striped peep toes. With neutral clothing, you'll be surprised at how much wear you can get out of statement shoes. Nordstrom, $215. Kitten heels are a nice compromise between flats and pumps - you get a little lift but retain the ability to race down a subway platform. And in red patent leather? So great. Payless Jill Kitten Heel, $19.99.

Here's to a great trip, Tracy. Let us know how it goes!

Photo credits: Avenue.com; Kiyonna.com; Nordstrom.com; Payless.com

Junior Bombshells

After pushing sizes 14+ into general obscurity, both in-store and online, Macy's is revamping their selection of Bombshell clothing. I'm especially excited to see them putting some effort into Junior styles.

A lot of the labels Macy's is carrying are already familiar: Babyphat, Rocawear, G-Unit, ING. The clothes have a street sensibility that rings truer to girls in their teens and early twenties than what's found in the Women's World. But just because you're not in high school anymore doesn't mean you won't find a few great pieces in the juniors' section.

If your legs are one of you best features, show them off in this eye-catching mini dress. It's by Ruby Rox and would be just the thing for a night out dancing. Best of all- the straps are wide enough to carry off a full bra. If you love the color and style but aren't sure about the length, add some coverage with black opaque tights.

If you're looking for an updated take on the flare-leg jean (dark wash, just a little more volume than bootcut) to balance out a large bust or broad shoulders, check out this pair of jeans by l.e.i. With a touch of spandex to hug your curves, this pair of jeans features a low rise and embroidered back pockets.

Photo credit: Macys.com

Beauty Moment- Define-a-Lash Mascara

Maybelline's Define-a-Lash mascara is everything I wanted Cover Girl's Lash Blast to be (but wasn't).

The brush: one of those new-fangled jobbies with the nylon brushes; ultra flexible. When I first pulled the brush out of the tube, I couldn't really see any product on it. Mystified, I swiped it across my hand which was instantly coated in mascara. Somehow, the brush manages to hold just enough product for your lashes without retaining so much it gets goopey and gross.

The formula: lightweight, slightly shiney, very comfortable to wear. Doesn't smudge all over the place; keeps lashes at attention all day long- no drooping.

The effect: wide-eyed and awake. Layers well; one is good enough for day, add a second or third for a sultry look after hours. Perfectly gorgeous.

Bombshell Bathing Suits

While trying on clothes in the dressing room at Lane Bryant yesterday, I overheard two women talking about swimsuit shopping. The conversation went a lot like this:

Bombshell #1: I do not understand why women are still wearing leggings. Seriously.

Bombshell #2: Tell me about it. They're like the swimsuit of winter - totally painful and only a handful of women look decent in them. Less than a handful. (Me- Hear hear!)

Bombshell #1: I don't even own a swim suit. I haven't worn one in years. Too painful.

Bombshell #2: If Tim and I weren't supposed to go to Mexico this April, I wouldn't bother either. I just feel huge.

Bombshell #1: Yeah. It's just not worth it. Hey, did you see that Britney Spears flashed her crotch again?

I know waaay too many women who forgo the fun of sitting by a pool with friends, reading magazines and sipping Diet Cokes for fear of being seen in a swimming suit. By their friends. Or heck, even by strangers. That is a huge waste of sunshine.

I've said it before, I'll say it again - do not miss out on life because of your size. A true Bombshell knows she's not fooling anyone into thinking she's a size 2. She buys clothes that fit her curves, that express the knockout she is on the inside and outside, and gets on with her life. If you need a little more motivation, take a peek at these adorable swim suits - all of which I am so excited to pull on, lather up with some SPF45 (for my painfully fair Irish skin) and hang out by my in-laws' pool.

The surplice v-neck Miracle Suit is a classic - it's comfortable, it's sexy and it provides the perfect combination of coverage and plunge. Genius ruching across the mid-section creates a flattering smoke-and-mirrors effect that Marilyn Monroe would have been proud of. Your legs will look longer thanks to the high cut. And the fabric is just firm enough to make you feel like any tummy jiggle will be held in check - and provide that extra boost of confidence you might be looking for.

Pick a print that's in proportion to your body. This halter tankini from Old Navy will flatter most Bombshells. When going for a tankini, make sure the top of the suit hits the top of your hips - and that there is plenty of coverage throughout the bottom half. Unless you're purposely rocking a bikini, ensure that your tankini isn't unwittingly showing more than you intend.



When it's time to head inside to order more margaritas from the pool-side bartender, slip on this cute cotton skirt. It comes in several colors, one of which matches the suit perfectly:
Photo credits: Macys.com; OldNavy.com

Beauty Moment- Aveda Products

I just got back from a makeup lesson at a local Aveda salon and spa. There's not much I don't know about makeup application (it's an illness, really), but I always take advantage of the opportunity to plunk myself down in a professional's chair. Brush up on skills, learn something new, yeah yeah, but mostly to let someone touch my pat and brush my face. And I knew that, even if I didn't like the outcome, I'd enjoy the overall Aveda experience. Which I did. Right up until I lifted the hand mirror to check out my new look.

To say it was underwhelming is an understatement. I looked over-powdered, under-blushed and overall bland. Oh well. You win some, you lose some, I had a good time. I came away a very springy new lip color, which was a very satisfactory consolation prize: Smoothing Lip Color in Poppy. It's an extremely wearable blue-red that slips on like balm, wears like lipstick and tastes minty fresh. The new line is not yet up and running on the Aveda web site, so check in with your local Aveda retailer for an introduction.

Splurge or Steal

A splurge- shelling out serious bucks for something fabulous- feels great, especially when it's for something that fits perfectly and you know you'll get a ton of wear out of. On the other hand, finding a steal - an entire outfit for the cost of one splurge article - feels amazing, too. So it's up to you - splurge on this: Igigi's Boot-cut pants in black are classic, with an ultra-flattering fit. A viscose/gabardine blend, the pants feature a side-zipper which cuts down on extra bulk over the stomach. They are $95 which isn't that bad, considering you can wear them year-round for years to come.

If you'd rather save, you can buy this entire outfit for the cost of those pants:

JC Penney's Worthington Marilyn-fit wide legged pants are cute and not costly- regularly $40, they're on sale right now for $26.99. That works out to pennies per wear! Add a pop of juicy yellow with this Henley from Target- $14.99. Layer it over a basic crew neck, like this white one from Target ($9.99).

No, they don't match. But they go with the rest of the outfit, especially if you accessorize with hits of blue elsewhere. Blue shoes are very wearable - they're colorful, but not such a jarring pop of color next to the black pants that your feet with look huge. Primary colors are a big trend this spring, and this pair of Patent Peep-toe Pumps from Payless is an inexpensive way to wear it. $19.99. Tie in the blue further with this cute satchel bag from Old Navy, $12.99.

Grand total (rounded up, cause I don't deal with decimals) = $84.

Photo credit: Igigi.com; Target.com; Payless.com; OldNavy.com