The Heat Is On!

The weather is heating up and so are the fashions. So what if you haven’t whittled down to your bikini body yet? (Actually, I haven’t whittled down to that since my fourth child was born). You can still enjoy all of the new colors and textures of summer. And judging from fashion alone, it looks like it’s going to be a hot one.

Head For The Tropics
Because that’s where all of the fashion is going. Tropical prints are big this summer and they’re everywhere (not just on your beach towel). But go easy on the Hawaiian shirts – leave those to the middle-aged men who wear socks with their sandals. Tropical prints can be seen on skirts, halters, and even scarves (which look great tied around a high ponytail or the handle of your handbag). Go for a taste of the tropics and put a splash of color in your wardrobe.

Show Some Knee
Not since the 50s have skirts been such a fashion hit. But the cut this summer is one where the waist hits (surprise) at the waist with a subtle flare that ends right above the knee. They look good on almost everyone and (Thank Goodness) hide those birthing hips that many of us have developed over the years. But one thing to keep in mind – if you are going for a loose flare cut in the skirt then balance it out with a tight fit in the top. A great pairing for a skirt this summer are the cool new halters, and speaking of which…

Halters All Around
Halters are hot as well. And the latest styles look a lot more “mom chic” than “hoochie mama.” Look for wide straps that tie around the neck or spaghetti straps with an empire waist. And don’t be scared to show a little shoulder. One advantage of showing your shoulders is that it’s one place where not many of us gain weight. In other words, accentuate the positive!

Paper, Plastic, or Straw?
Set that cool tropical fashion off with the perfect bag, and that would be a straw one. If you think straw bags are made for the beach, then think again. Straw bags are all the rage this summer. And you can coordinate it with your outfit by tying a scarf around the handle.

Chunkin’ Out!
Jewelry is also going tropical this year. Forget the dainty little silver hearts or sparkling rhinestones. The hot jewelry this summer is big, chunky, and wooden! Collect some bangles around one of your wrists or perhaps some big, fat bamboo earrings. Just remember to balance out your outfit by choosing just one or two big pieces of jewelry. Too much of the chunky stuff and you’ll look like a Tiki doll. And we wouldn’t want anyone to put a voodoo curse on you, now would we? Wow! Get decked out in some tropical fashion, slip on some huge superstar shades and you’ll bring the heat wherever you go!