The weather is warming up and we're just about nearing swimsuit season! This year is full of fantastic suits, so I thought I'd create a masterpost to share them all! Below you can find my top ten favorite swimmies for 2016, perfect for the beach or relaxing poolside.
A few years ago I purchased this swimsuit in the striped rope pattern and absolutely adore it. I might be getting another Maillot in the near future.
There's just something so summer-y about citrus fruits: lemonade, margharitas... they never taste better than on a hot summer's day. This suit was made for sipping a cool drink poolside. And it comes in plus sizes too? Ahhh!
Fables by Barrie is well-known for their vintage-style swimsuits, with styles that range from nautical to western. This suit might be one of their simpler styles, but there is nothing simple about the bow in the back. How cute!
I figured I should include atleast one two piece suit for those who don't like one pieces. (But who really dislikes one pieces as cute as these?) I love how playful this suit is, from the spring-time color palette to the sweet-heart neckline.
(This can be purchased as a set from ModCloth or two separate pieces (top and bottom) from Unique Vintage.)
This is another brand I'm familiar with. Last year I bought a swim-dress from Swim Solutions and it (somehow) survived 8 crazy weeks in Europe - including the many lakes of Lithuania - without getting left behind. Still in fantastic condition today.
There's something so fabulously retro with a belted swimsuit. The orange band around the waist really emphasizes curves, just like styles from the 1950s.
This is a new print from a classic brand, Esther Williams. If you don't have one of her swimsuits yet - what are you waiting for?
(Top and bottom purchased separately.)
This one is a lot like the Swim Solutions suit above, but includes side rutching and a skirted bottom. Can you tell how much I like the white top border? (aahh, clean lines.) It also comes in seven different colors.
One more two piece to close the post. Panache has a fantastic reputation for their bras - and their swim is just the same. The sizing runs by bra sizes, so you can match your fit down to a 't'. There's also a beautiful cobalt with red bows color that's just as cute as this one!
(Top and bottom purchased separately.)
April 13, 2016
Cleaning White Canvas Shoes With Common Household Ingredients
A nice pair of white shoes can be very versatile. They're as classic as black flats but match with the lovely pastel dresses of spring and summer. But some might shy away from them because they become dirty so easily. Doesn't it seem like your feet are stepped on more frequently when wearing white sneakers? There's a whole branch of science dedicated to this idea that things naturally become less perfect (or more chaotic) over time -- known as entropy. In short: it's supposed to happen by the laws of physics. But while science may soil them, we can also use science to clean them, as well as 5 common household ingredients.
[before and after pictures to come once they dry]
What you'll need:
- Soilove (ok, so this may not be as common as baking soda, but this is the best stain-remover I've used and should be a common ingredient in all homes. Click here for safety information)
- cotton ball, rag or spray bottle
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup water
- scrub brush or old toothbrush - don't plan to use it for your teeth after this
What to do:
- Remove initial stains by rubbing Soilove onto a small cotton ball or rag. If you have a spray bottle, you can also cover spots with a light spray. Wash hands immediately after using Soilove - it can irritate skin after a while. If you are using the spray bottle, you won't be able to use it again for cooking, baking, watering plants, or similar activities.
- Leave shoes to soak in Soilove for approx. 15-30 minutes. If stains don't appear to fade after 10 minutes, apply another coat.
- Rinse shoes completely with cold water directly under a faucet, rubbing on stains with hands. If any spots are still noticeable, apply another coat of Soilove and wait 10 min.
- Rinse shoes again, this time with hot water. Stains will be removed by either hot or cold water, depending on the stain. Chances are there's more than one type on your shoes, so do both to remove both. Some stains (like blood) will set with hot water so be sure to rinse cold first.
- Combine baking soda and water in a bowl.
- With brush, scrub the mixture all over the shoes. This will help brighten shoes and keep white from turning to cream. Let shoes sit for about 5-10 min.
- Rinse shoes with warm water, and leave to dry. They will likely take at least 24 hours to dry, so don't clean them if you plan to wear them the next day.
The science behind it:
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. When added to water, it ionizes into a solution with hydroxide ions - making it basic. Most common household cleaners, like body soap or floor cleaner, are basic solutions with a pH level between 11-14 - known to be the target range for removing oil and grease.
So whether you cook with grease and oil often, roll around in the grass with your pets, or simply have the laws of physics working against you, you need no longer fear to wear white shoes.
April 8, 2016
A Collection of 1960s Music
I sure do like the clothes of the 1960s, but the music from that era deserves recognition as well. By far, my most-played playlist is one of hits throughout the decade, appropriately titled Love / Happy Songs of the 60s. A few days ago the playlist hit 100 followers on Spotify, and I thought that I ought to share it on here.
If you like artists such as The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, The Beatles, Sam Cooke, The Four Tops, The Supremes, and many others, please give it a listen!
If you like artists such as The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, The Beatles, Sam Cooke, The Four Tops, The Supremes, and many others, please give it a listen!
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