Utterly Smitten

When it comes to bathing suits and jeans, I almost never find the perfect match for my body type, personal style, fit … the list goes on. Full disclosure: I end up wearing the same two pairs of jeans everywhere!

So I’m very excited about this little deal from Daily Candy that landed in my inbox this morning. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a website that lets you design your own jeans to match all of those picky areas (fit, style, etc.) I mentioned above, but it sounds like heaven. I must admit, the regular price of $185 is a lot more than I normally spend on jeans, but the Daily Candy deal makes them a steal.

Still skeptical? Just pop on over to INDi’s website and try it out. I was amazed at how in-depth the questions are. Now,  if only there were one of these for bathing suits …

Oh, and guys, they have jeans for you, too!

Now is a great time to stock up on winter coats (stores are putting them on sale to make room for the spring lines) and I love the styles available right now at Zara. The ones pictured above are all on sale for under $90 and there are also trenches, sweaters, and wraps. Also, how great are the coat-and-tights color combinations?

Beach season is just a few months away and it’s time to find some yummy new bikinis at a great price. I used to frequent Target for all of my swimsuit needs, but lately their designs have gotten a bit cheesy (picture the typical anchor prints) and their prices have gone up, averaging about $36 a set. I also checked out Forever21′s swim collection over the weekend, and even though the prices are amazing (about $18 a set) the fit wasn’t very comfortable.

Enter Victoria’s Secret, my new go-to swim shop because of the amazing colors and cuts. I never paid much attention to their swim line before because they were in the $70+ range, but I’m loving the array of bikinis for under $39 available in stores or on their website. The fabric is high quality, the designs are on trend, and the fit is great. Here, a little tour of some favorites:

Perfect for the tan-line haters: Bright Stripe Twisted Bandeau Set, $39

I’m partial to twisted bandeau sets because they have a sweet retro feel, don’t make A-cups look flat-chested, and are the best for an even glow without the tan lines. Plus, they’re cinched deep in the center so you can still wear V-neck tops without the unsightly pale-skin-dip other rectangle bandeau tops cause.

Perfect for the hotel poolside: Neon Sliding Triangle Top, Victoria's Secret $29.50

On the other hand, tan lines from a classic triangle bikini are always carefree and sexy. The styles without bells and whistles that come in a simple, eye-catching color are my favorite. Victoria’s Secret has a range of neon brights you can mix and match and I love this cut in Lavendar or Carabi (shown). Also, you can’t go wrong with a sophisticated all-black bikini (or other basic colors for $19) here.

Perfect for the beach: Beady Sliding Triangle Set, $39

If you like subtle embellishment, bright beading against pale blue creates a bohemian, free-spirited vibe.

Perfect for a weekend getaway: Ruffled Triangle Bikini Set, $36

If you’re on the girlier side, the muted colors and flirty ruffles of this set are feminine and romantic.

Perfect for a swim: Push-Up Halter Set, $38.50

Want something sporty with a little more coverage? This style comes in both solids and patterns such as polka dots, stripes, and plaids.