Swimwear 101

It's really hot outside. Not just sunny hot, but your hand can almost push through the air because it's thick with moisture; if you live in the South, you know what I mean. It becomes so hot the only thought pulsing through your head is cool water... the pool, a lake, a pond, the beach, even the sprinklers on the lawn.

It's so tantalizing, yet, do you ever feel you shouldn't? Sort of like an awkward guilt because you want to be modest, but part of you just wants to be in your scants cooling off under the lovely feel of refreshing water! Finding a balance in enjoying the sun and decently covering our bodies can be hard. 

Can I wear spaghetti straps?

What about halters?

Or backless?

Can I wear a tankini?

Should I wear a swim skirt or shorts?

How long should a swim cover be?

Would a tube cover be appropriate?

Is a bikini always forbidden?

What about support built in a swimsuit?

How do I stay cool when it's so hot out?

What about surfer wear?

AND SO MANY MORE!!!!!

Instead of going through each question, let's make things simple. 

1. Swimwear as clothing, not just unmentionables

What I mean by this is applying the same principles to swimwear as you do clothing. You wouldn't wear a top without the proper support under it. You wouldn't wear a skirt without your unmentionables. Think about a swimming outfit! Buy items made from swim material, a supportive bikini for your foundation, a swim top or tank, board shorts or a swim skirt, then add a fun wrap skirt or dress. If we think of swimwear more like the layering we already do -- remembering we'll be more active and in the water -- we will be more successful in dressing.

2. Keep with your personal style

If you like classy, don't buy a sport swimsuit. Keep with your personal style choices when choosing swimwear. It should be a pleasure to get dressed :)

3. Make Adjustments

If you purchace a one-piece with a plunging neckline, buy a little swimsuit fabric and add a trim. Move straps and bows or ruffles. Get handy with a needle and make things work!

4. Seek Advice  

If you don't know your parents' thoughts on this subject, ask! Knowing what they approve or disapprove of will be your starting point. If you have stylish/modest friends, ask how they handle swimwear. They can be very helpful with tips on where the best buys may be in your hometown.

Everyday Style ~ Color of the Year

As I considered the best thing to capture for this month's "Everyday Style" post, I decided to go with something green since emerald is the color of the year. So, I threw together this outfit with an A-line, chevron emerald skirt, paired with a chambray blouse, coral scarf, filigree earrings, gold bangle, and simple gold flip flops.

If you own a chambray blouse, you know how extremely versatile it can be. I LOVE mine and wear it with almost everything!!!! I guess you could say I've pretty much fallen for the whole "chambray craze" thing!

Several ways to mix up this particular outfit would be to throw on a cardigan or jumper over the chambray, add a statement necklace, or make yourself an "arm party" (lots of stacked bangles/bracelets). I really like this combo of coral+green, though. I think it's classy, stylish, and perfect for a lovely summer day!

How are you going to wear the color of the year?

Everyday Style ~ Spring Fever

I love a good pattern combination. Mixing two of the following -- stripes, dots, ginghams, or florals -- will always give your outfit a fun flair!

This time of year is definitely difficult as we go from a winter wardrobe to a spring one. Having a slightly springy look of pastel colors, paired with a fuzzier cobalt blue sweater, works really well as a blend.

This outfit has a most assuredly preppy flair with the gingham blouse, boyfriend cardigan, pencil skirt, and pearls. I hope it inspires you to try mixing some patterns of your own! 

I have spring fever. Don't you?!?!?!

Everyday Style ~ Winter Wonderland

Girls, it's cold outside. (Well, maybe it's not below zero in Alabama but for us it's cold, right?!?!) It's that time of year when we pull out our tights, sweaters, boots, scarves, coats, hats, and gloves. Winter is upon us and with it the new exciting challenge of incorporating modesty, femininity, style, beauty, and warmth -- all in one outfit. WHEW! That sounds like a lot of work, but it's not as bad as it sounds. You're fully capable of pulling it off. I know it!!!

While in Colorado we snapped several pictures of my sister and me in the snow. Both of our outfits include items that could be worn every day, but I hope you find them inspirational and encouraging, knowing that it's still possible to dress feminine and stylish, and stay warm!

My sister's outfit is simple, yet paired with colored tights gives it a "pop of color." Colored tights are a big thing this winter and add a fantastic flair to a plain outfit. Her hair was curled with a wider wand to give her some boost and volume. The cowl neck sweater, paired with sparkly earrings, an a-line skirt, purple tights and brown boots, is perfect for an everyday outing.

My outfit is a little bit "boho." I placed a black drapey waterfall cardigan over my "little black dress." Without accessories, this outfit would be just plain boring, but accessories do EVERYTHING for this one. Textured black tights, a wrap bracelet, gold leaf earrings, brown boots, and a crossover brown leather bag pulls it all together. My hair is done into an upside down french braid pulled into a high ponytail and made into a sock bun. 

So remember, just because you're bundling up does NOT mean you should be looking sloppy. Order and beauty brings honor to your Maker. Don't be afraid to mix and match your clothes. Play around with what you have! Come on Southern Belles, let's make a statement by pulling together our winter wardrobes!!!

Everyday Style ~ Gray on Gray

I'm super excited about getting to be a part of the Silk and Purple Team! I hope my monthly posts on someone's "Everyday Style" inspires each of you to pursue femininity, modesty, and style in your dress.

Today's post is of a friend of mine, dressed in a casual, everyday outfit. Her choice of a polka-dotted cardigan placed over a gray camisole, gives a nice "tone on tone" look. Her pearl earrings have a delightful southern feel and her bow flats scream, "I'm feminine!" This outfit is perfect for this brisk autumn weather!!