Category Archives: Fashion Friday

Best Bathing Suit I’ve Ever Owned

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Rena Anne

Let me start off by saying that I’d rather go to the beach on a cold and overcast day in sweats than to be caught dead in a swim suit. I am not the type that likes to show too much, if any skin. I am incredibly modest and prefer to cover up any spots (*cough my stomach, thighs and butt cough*) that just aren’t that lovely and should be hidden away from any seeing person.

That being said, I have found a new suit that I LOVE and that pushes me out of my comfort zone, although I’ve never felt sexier. Go figure.

Here’s the story:

Right before Memorial Day, I was shopping at Target and got the urge to buy a new swimsuit. It has been two years since I bought my last swimsuit and I was still working off some baby weight back then, so there aren’t good memories attached to it (you mamas know what I mean). It’s a tankini and nothing is wrong with it per se, it’s just not incredibly flattering.

I went looking through the bathing suits and threw three one piece suits (two were the same in a different size) in my cart and walked to check out. There is no way I was going to put myself through trying on a bathing suit with those dressing room mirrors and bad lighting. No thank you.

I took them home and tried on the first one. And it was love at first sight. It definitely shows more chest area than I prefer, but it boosts my girls right up, instead of flattening them in an unflattering tube like my tankini.

I looked at the tag and realize it’s made by Assets which is a version of Spanx.

SPANX MAKES BATHING SUITS!!!

I really wish someone would have told me this ten years ago. I would have possibly attended a lot more pool parties sans board shorts and t-shirt. 😉

No wonder I feel so incredibly sexy! It hugs/lifts in all the right places and is a HUGE boost of confidence to this mother of two.

If you need a bathing suit for this summer, I urge you to look at Target. You can buy the same one as me online here. (I got a Large and normally wear a 10-12.)

Happy Fashion Friday!

Shoes. Shoes. Shoes.

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Rena Anne

You might remember my gorgeous, model-tall friend Lydia from her amazing outfits (here and here)? She has very graciously put together this post for anyone that might have a hard time finding shoes in a size that isn’t an average size carried in stores. As an average 8 1/2 myself, I have the problem where I can’t find shoes my size because everyone and their mother has bought them already.

I hope her tips help! Don’t forget to leave Lydia some comment love! Plus, enjoy pictures of her gorgeously organized shoes! I’m having a bit of closet envy over here.

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I love shoes. I have boxes and racks for each pair: about 35 pairs last count. I take a photo of each pair and put it on the box for reference because for the first time ever I have choices!

Shoes were tough for me. Like most people, in some area of their wardrobe; I have difficulty. My dilemma? I hate paying retail and I have enormous feet. Fortunately, my feet are in direct relation to my height… I’m 5’11 and wear a size 11- 12. My big feet never bother me until I need something specific, like a satin purple pair for a bridesmaid outfit. Generally, there are plenty of shoe choices even for non-Cinderella types.

Here are my tips for getting awesome shoes for feet that are not your “average” size:

1. Always shop for shoes.

These are the best options for where to find shoes:

– Online. You get the original box, the shoes aren’t beat up and you can find deals quickly. Most shoe sites offer free return shipping too. Some of my favorites are various online flash sales like Gilt Group and Ru LaLa. I have also scored on eBay, Amazon, Piper Lime, and Zappos. When I do online shoe searches, I keep a list handy of the brands I buy often. Brands like: Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, Sofft, Stuart Weizmann, Cole Hann, Delman, Coach, Tory Burch, Banana Republic, and Attilio Giusti Leombruni.

– Shop shoe stores with giant racks crammed with shoes sorted by size, and between 30 and 90% off retail. I go directly to my size and in 10 minutes or less, I’m done. My favorite shoe stores in order: The Rack, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross. (I prefer online sales since shoes on the floor of a store get beat up if they are there long enough to get marked down.)

– Shop at the mall. When browsing shoes I’ll ask up front if they have any sizes in 11 or 12. It beats falling in love with shoe after shoe only to realize that nothing will fit.

2. Keep an open mind.

My main criteria is this: the shoes must fit well, be quality, new-ish, reduced price, and current style. Bonus for metallic leather, my personal vice. Generally, I’m into anything that fits and says “vero cuoio” on the bottom.

3. Take care of your shoes!!!

When you invest time and money in buying cool shoes, take care of them. Keep them organized and separated…not in a pile on the floor or in a shoe bin.

Find a cobbler or leather guy in your area. I repair my shoes until they are outdated. It costs about $30 a pair per year on pointy heels, $15 for heeled boots, and I rarely replace soles. They go out of style before I get that far. I have done this with a particularly cool pair of Coach sandals twice… The going rate for replacing soles is about $60.

I do a quick assessment at the beginning of each season and decide repair or retire. Recently, I saw replacement heel tips at Target in the shoe section… You get 2 pair for $10. It’s only $8-12 to have a professional do it. The verdict is still out on that one. I’d be interested to hear from someone who has tried them…

Happy Fashion Friday!

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Bridesmaid Hair

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Rena Anne

I have been so tired this week. Like so exhausted there have been times I questioned why I was driving (don’t worry, I was fine and still making smart decisions). Tomorrow is the last day of school, so things this week at work have been streeeesssssffffuuuulllll. Needless to say, I don’t feel like I have a lot of fashion “advice” to give you today.

But bear with me…my best friend is getting married next week and I will be doing my own hair. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do, but here’s what I was thinking:

1. Milkmaid braid-Cute, easy to do and different. Also very country-ish and the wedding will be in the country, so it’d be fitting. But is it too childish?