Strut that Summer Bod

With the insane heat and the crazy hot breeze, there's no denying that summer is here! It's time to hit the beach, and fab ladies only do it For All Things Pretty way!

Have you been looking for the perfect pair of swimsuit? Swimsuits are tricky pieces of clothing. They can either make you look drab or fab. And yes, there's even nothing in between. It's just a make or a break, a hit or a miss!

It is for this reason that girls usually spend a lot of time in serious search for the perfect piece for them. Swimsuit shopping is a crucial business (boys really have no idea). There are a lot of things that we need to consider. We, girls, need to get to know our body first. Let's admit it, okay. There are just certain styles of swimsuits that do not match our bodies.

For extra flabby girls out there, a two-piece set won't probably be a very good idea. It's like flaunting to the world our 'liabilities', isn't it? One piece swimsuits and high-waisted ones, specifically those that give an extra hold to that part that needs holding, will work better. Two piece swimmies, on the other hand, are so effortlessly sexy; but those with slimmer frames are the ones who deserve these, though.

There's not that many places to find fab, stylish swimwear, which is why most girls only settle with what they see at the department stores. Luckily, we have online shops now to save the day! However, not many fits into this blog's OC criteria. So, when we speak of fab swimming pieces for all shapes and sizes, that are also affordable and wallet-friendly, there's only one shopping site that we highly recommend - http://ilovekoi.com.ph.

Allow me to show you my personal favorites among I Love Koi's pretty finds.

1. Plumpinup in Nautical Navy: Isn't this nautical ensemble soooo pretty?! This one's actually part of I Love Koi's collection for the plump Filipina, but it's just so pretty it's not right to limit its possibilities. 

Plumpinup in Nautical Navy

 2. SlumberDoll in Blue Polka: Going retro, anyone? Go vintage chic with this blue polka one piece! 

Slumberdoll in Blue Polka

3. Normandi in Black: Black is such a classic shade. Aside from its magic to make the body look slimmer and longer, it's also always safe to use. Now, look at the intricate web detail! Such a genius curves maker!

Normandi in Black

4. Bellarocca Halter in Fuchsia & Blue: This one's for the pa-cutesy you. Fuchsia and sky blue combo's such a sweety!

Bellaroca Halter in Fuchsia and Blue

5. Viderlina in Royal Blue: If you're not very 'gifted' and wants to put on additional width on the chest area, this one's your savior. It's subtly sexy without the cup size requirement - perfect for girls, like us, with non-existent cleavage (ehem... not complaining... hihi) ;-)

Viderlina in Royal Blue

 6. Paradigma in Leopard: Ah, this one's love! Such a perfect mix of sexiness and sophistication, don't you think?

Paradigma in Leopard

Make sure you know your exact size before ordering, though. Take note of the size guide before placing an order. You may also check out I Love Koi's Facebook Page for regular updates.

Website: http://ilovekoi.com.ph
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ilovekoiswimwear

Go Bold and Stand Out: Get the Summer Vibe

I am sooooooo feeling the heat, aw yeah! Summer, definitely, is just around the corner. Hurray! Now, where is that teeny-weeny bikini? "It's time to hit the beach and strut in that teeny bikini, baby" (Cue: Careless Whisper), says my inner goddess. "Oh, please, like you can really wear anything close to a bikini!", says my killjoy 'reality' self. 

And that, is how I wake up.

Note to self: Stop talking to yourself.

Anyway, despite the occasional drizzles, it is basically almost summertime. Yay! I love summer! It usually means being able to plan fun beach getaways with friends and not worrying about classes. Despite me still having office work, it's easier to file for a leave during this time, because I do not have to consider my students and my classes. Aside from that, summertime is also a great time to dress playful and laid-back. Although I've always been a fan of layering, I also love colorful prints and comfy pieces that go well with the heat.

To prepare for the summer, I am now starting to collect summer-appropriate pieces and browsing for some tips and advices for pulling off a gorgeous summer look; and here are just some that I wish to share with you.

Go Bold and Stand out

Colors - whether pastels or neon brights - are so summer-ready! Can anything scream summer more than those bright hues and cool pastels? Donning on colorful pieces also makes us look great in pictures because the light from the sun allows the colors to look so vibrant and fresh making us pop on pictures better. 

So, here are just few items that I think every lady has to have in preparation for those summer getaways and casual strolls around town. 


Colorful Sundress

http://www1.macys.com

http://www.modcloth.com

http://www.forever21.com

Pretty-colored sundresses definitely are a must-have this season. Not only do they make you look fresh and cool, they also give you an instant sexy, stylish and feminine air. 

Multi-colored Totes

http://couture.zappos.com

http://www.etsy.com

Aren't these summer totes so adorable? Hit the beach in style with these bold, colorful totes. They also go well with casual basic look for a stroll around town or a cutesy picnic with friends. These totes are not only pretty enough for your summer outfits, but are also big enough to carry all your summer essentials. 

Vibrant Tanks and Tops

http://www.forever21.com/

http://www.forever21.com/

Beat the summer heat with these gorgeous tanks and tops! These delish-looking pieces do not only give you instant ventilation, but also adds character to your over-all look. Pair these with equally vibrant shorts or plain denim ones, and you're good to go!  


Flirty Floral Skirts

http://www.nicolafinetti.com/

http://www.zalora.com.ph

I love floral skirts. Whenever I feel so girly-girly, floral skirts like these are the first thing that pop on my mind. These floral numbers are also very summer appropriate. They always make us look fresh and vibrant without us putting so much effort. With a comfy loose or cropped bustier tank to pair with, we would seem to be screaming SUMMER all day long! 


Bold Statement Accessories

http://www.topshop.com

http://www.topshop.com

http://www.topshop.com

http://www.fillyflair.com

http://www.topshop.com

Bold accessories make a statement on their own. Even a plain top and basic jeans can look dressy when paired with the right accessories. This summer, it's really wise to invest in accessories such as these. They help a lot in communicating or concealing your mood, whichever you think is appropriate. 


This is the first part of my three ready-for-summer posts, so watch out for the rest of the series! 


xoxo,


Janjie

Rainy Day Dressing

And just when I'm about to publish my ready-for-the-summer post, Typhoon Crising decided to appear and cross the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Ugh! Talk about perfect timing!

So, instead of talking about possible summer outfits, I decided to write about rainy day dressing instead. Ha! I'm versatile like that! :D

I usually plan at night my look for the next day, which is why I do not look very rainy day appropriate today. I just donned what I planned to wear and wished that the rain would eventually stop. I also can't risk making sudden outfit changes, as I usually just squeeze in all the prepping in ONE hour. That means, if I change my prepared outfit, I need to spend additional minutes that I don't have. 

What I love about rainy days is the chance to layer. Being in a country where it's sunny most time of the year, rainy days are the only chance for us to strut in layered outfits or wear booties without attracting so much attention. There are actually a lot of opportunities during rainy days, fashion-wise, and here are just some of my favorites:

1. Matching your umbrella with your outfit

And looking extra cute! Need I say more? Just lookie!

Picture from here.

2. Feeling cozy in sweater.

I love sweaters! But despite them being easy to style, comfort still is key; and we sometimes tend to risk that with them. During the cold, rainy weather, however, style and comfort are assured in sweaters. 

Photo from here.

3. Layers, baby! (Got it? hahaha! No? Fifty of Shades of Grey! Hello?)

As mentioned above, this is such a rainy-days-advantage. Yeah, like try wearing scarf and tights on other days! 

Photo from here.

4. Brighten up the day with colors

It's gloomy outside; now why don't we try to brighten it up with a colorful outfit? 

Photo from here.

5. Style it with hoodies

Hoodies have got to be your rainy day staples. Strut in style while having an instant cover up when it rains.

Photo from here

Ah, so now you're ready! Enjoy the cold, pretties! Opportunities to dress up like this do not come very often. Let us just pray that Crising leaves right away and doesn't cause any trouble to the country.