2010 Summer Trends: Ruffled Swimsuits

Sometimes it totally pays to be a bargain shopper. Two summers ago, I shopped a discount bin at the end of summer at Old Navy to find a black ruffled swimsuit. I thought it was pretty standard and black, I could wear it without a problem. And BAM! Ruffled swimsuits and bathing suits are the total craze this summer. Who knew? I am trendy and the bathing suit I bought from Old Navy seriously only costs me $2.00. Love it.

Take advantage of this trend! It's really forgiving in places that you're not that well endowed in, and hides things you may not be proud of. If you're less busty, like myself, a ruffled swimsuit top will add more body to the area making it appear fuller. If you are not fond of your abs or buttocks, ruffles will simply drape over those areas hiding it while adding some style. Monokinis and one pieces are very flattering and fun.

If you already have a favorite non ruffled bathing suit that you love to wear every summer, opt for a ruffled cover up. They're totally cute and girly. It's like wearing a little dress while hanging by the pool or walking along the beach. So this summer, take your style poolside with this 2010 Summer trend. Here are my top picks for all ruffled swimwear:

Lauren Conrad Clothing Line At Kohls - Favorites Picks

Let's face it, she is a fashionista, a trend setter, a #1 New York Times bestselling Author. Ah yes, after Lauren Conrad left the Hills, she has been doing her own thing and doing it right. Everyone loves her cute girl next door and seemingly approachable personality and her simple yet classy style. Lauren Conrad had a fashion line before that didn't do so well, but she's now refocusing her clothing line to the average buyer. No longer will you find ridiculously priced items that can easily be found at Forever 21. Lauren Conrad's clothing line can now be found at Kohls. A couple years ago, celebrities were all about high end. But with the current economical climate, they need to re-evaluate their target market and lower their prices.

If you like Lauren's style, you can actually buy Lauren Conrad pieces for very cheap. If you want her look to inspire you to find similar pieces, check out my How to Dress Like Lauren Conrad post. Either way, her style is super easy to duplicate and you can find really good deals for her look. Here are some of my top picks from her line:

2010 Hot Spring Trends: Ruffles

Alright guys, you saw it on the red carpet and if you haven't already, you're going to start seeing it everywhere! The ruffle trend is back for 2010 and it's going on pretty strong. I love this trend because ruffles are playful, they add a lot of texture, girlyness and flirtyness and should definitely be embraced while it's here. You can use ruffles as your main style focus or in your accessories. Let's check out all the different ways we can incorporate this trend into our wardrobe.

Tops & Suits:
That's right guys, nothing as safe and fun as a ruffled blouse. If you didn't get rid of your ruffle blouse from the 90s, break it out and see if it'll work in any of your outfits. If you are bold and daring, I found some really cute ruffled suit jackets! This gives a little flair to that boring old suit you wear everyday and you can really let some style take over the bland cubicles at work. Here are some of my top picks for blouses to pair with slacks and unique ruffled suits to wear to work.

 

Dresses:
Without looking too salsa dancer (while there is nothing wrong with that), there are a lot of ruffled dresses that have the right amount of ruffle for you. Ruffles add a little more interest to that little black dress and draws positive attention. Choose any of the following dresses to wear for any formal, evening out, or daytime dress occasion. As I mentioned before, ruffles are flirty and girly, so to sport the trend in a dress, you'd be the ultimate girly girl. Here are my picks for some of my favorite ruffled dresses.

 

Accessories:
If big pieces of ruffles are too much for you, try out accessories. It's a cheap way to incorporate a trend without changing or budgeting for a whole wardrobe. Accessories are great accent pieces that bring together the whole ensemble. For example, you're wearing that standard black suit in the office and then woah! You go to lunch flashy a ruffled clutch purse. You leave people wondering where all this flair comes from! That's what accessories do. They keep people guessing. Here are my top picks:

How to Dress like Bradley Cooper

Aahh...Bradley Cooper. He's like the fraternity guy that kept screwing you over but you kept going back to him because he was so hot. He's totally got that playboy look down. If you want to get that playboy look too, perhaps you'd like to learn how to dress like him. I'm sure his good looks have nothing to do with those piercing blue eyes, it's all about the ensemble. This guy wears a lot of suits. He likes his blazers and if he doesn't have a tie on, he can be seen replacing it with a scarf. Three of my favorite looks that I've chosen to replicate, however, don't show him wearing a scarf. But you can always add that layer on yourself for warmth or extra color or texture.

Casual Look #1: Yummy Bradley Cooper
Alright so this example is more of a headshot/model photo. But this is a great example of how you can turn a regular old graphic tee and dress it up. I love how this look has a semi rocker flair without your typical black leather chains, bells, and whistles. It's Bradley, in a graphic tee with brown graphics coordinated with a tan/brown leather blazer with eyes just piercing through to your happy place. Is that just me?....Anyway, this look would be best with dark wash jeans and casual brown shoes or even black canvas zappos. If you're not into the leather, try wearing a canvas blazer or brushed twill. It has the same look without the hefty price tag and more economical all around. Oh, and if you're as into the eyes as I am, try out colored contacts. Why not have fun with it?

 

Casual Look #2: Traveling Bradley Cooper
So when you're traveling, it's hard to know what to wear. You gotta make sure you have something to keep you warm, but not too hot, something presentable, but comfortable, something to approachable, but not too approachable because you don't really want to strike up conversation with that guy next to you. Take a tip from Bradley. He's dressed in a neutral color, tshirt seems soft and comfy, light jacket, and a hat to keep his privacy, but a blue hat, as to not be so harshly stand offish. This look is great for traveling as well as getting coffee with friends.....do guys do that?....

 

Formal Look #3: DAYUM! Bradley
Ok, so when he wears his suits, he WEARS his suits! I love that he doesn't go with the normal black suit, solid dress shirt. Try out a little pattern underneath your suit. This changes up the look a bit and definitely makes you stand out without having to put on a zoot suit fot attention. The attention will be that you're fashion forward and stylish. All I have to say is, Dayum Bradley!