Splish-Splash in Style!

This summer take a dip in cool waters with chic suits that will definitely make a splash! Whether you like to go for teeny tiny bikinis or modest one-pieces, this season there’s a swimuit that will suit your needs.

If you’d like to create the appearance of an ample bust, try a suit with ruffles across the chest. To tame tummies, one pieces in solid colors will work best. To slim thighs, go for bottoms that tie at the hip. Whatever your shape, the key to looking fabulous is to exude onfidence. Just be sure to use sunscreen!

What’s your favorite style of swimwear? Are you planning any sunny vacations this summer?


O Beach Aloha Ring Frilled Bikini available at www.figleaves.com for $18 (bottom) -$21 (top)


Sliding Halter Top & Bottom available at www.victoriassecret.com for $14.50 (bottom) -$15 (top)


Badgley Mischka Tankini available at www.spiegel.com for $41 (bottom) – $108 (top)


Emilio Pucci Bikini in Coral available at www.madisonlosangeles.com for $343


Marc by Marc Jacobs Two-Piece Swimsuit with Buckle available at www.bloomingdales.com for $170 ($85 each)


Medallion Wide Band String Halter & Hipster with Ties Bikini available at www.jcrew.com for $44 (bottom)-46 (top)


Free People Ring of Light One-Piece available at www.freepeople.com for $198


Shapefx Triangle Bikini available at www.spiegel.com for $29


Vitamin A White Shimmer Paparazzi Cut-Out Swimsuit available at www.figleaves.com for $188


Solid Ruffle Tank Swimsuit available at www.jcrew.com for $80


Trina Turk One-Shoulder Swimsuit available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $147

Skirting Around Style!

Don’t let spring/summer pass you by without sporting a stylish skirt. Showing off your gams in a gorgeous mini or a sexy, silky skirt will surely get you noticed. Mix and match with fashionable tops, tanks and cardigans for endless options that are sure to please.

What’s your favorite skirt style? A-line, pleated, ruffled, mini, etc?

Check out some of these:


City Stretchy Silky Pleated Wrap Skirt available at www.nyandcompany.com for $34.95


Walter Water Color Plaid Skirt available at www.dillards.com for $112.80


Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt available at www.jcrew.com for $59.99


Inverted Pleated Skirt available at www.martinandosa.com for $64.95


Pleated Full Skirt available at www.revolveclothing.com for $231


Wes Callie Pencil Skirt available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $69.99

Must-Have Hair Accessories!

With most weddings taking place in the spring/summer months, that means many of us BGs will be donning our ‘dos with pretty hair accessories. Even if you’re not attending a wedding this season, adding a bit of sparkle or a beautiful band to your coif with a hair ornament is a cute way of transforming your tresses during the warmer months.

Would you wear hair accessories? Are you attending any weddings this summer? If so, check out some of these:


Multi-Blossom Adjustable Headband available at www.andreabeau.com for $24 Get 20 % off all accessories when you enter the promo code “BrownGirlGumbo”


Floral Bobby Pin Set available at www.forever21.com for $3.80


Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Bangle Hair Barrette available www.bloomingdales.com for $98


Jewel Encrusted Clip available at www.forever21.com for $21


Juicy Couture Butterfly Barrette available at www.saks.com for $40


Motteshard available at www.aldoshoes.com for $10


Swarovski Crystal Barrette available at www.saks.com for $65


Rose Headband available at www.charlotte-russe.com for $3.99


Swarovski Hair Pins available at www.swarovski.com for $125

**The winners of the Bio-Oil are Rebee and Coco. Congrats!! Please email me your mailing address info!

Dresses for the Recessionista!

Nothing says spring/summer like a lovely laid-back day dress. Since many of us are no longer splurging on expensive clothes, a frugal flirty frock is just what the financial savvy shoppers ordered. This spring/summer you can be stylish and sensible with affordable dresses that are comfortable and perfect for many occasions, such as picnics in the park or afternoon strolls.

Are you a fan of sundresses?

Check out some of these all under $25!:


Cross-Front Sundress available at www.oldnavy.com for $15


Floral Bubble Hem Dress available at www.forever21.com for $22.80


Applique Jersey Dress available at www.forever21.com for $24.80


Teresa Woven Dress available at www.forever21.com for $22.80


Knotted Strapless Dress available at www.spiegel.com for $21.99


Smocked Tube Dress available at www.americaneagle.com for $19.95


Satin Oval Print Dress available at www.forever21.com for $24.80

Stylish Sunglasses for Spring/Summer!

With the spring time heat-wave that’s sweeping the country, I thought it would be a great time to round up the best shades to shield your peepers from the sun. This season, it seems like the retro Ray-Ban wayfarer style is the chic shade of choice for celebrities such as Beyonce and Jessica Alba. Although, my favorite styles are the classic oversized Jackie-O shades, I have entertained the idea of trying something new for those bright, sunny days. No matter what your style preference, a great pair of sunglasses can instantly make you look pulled together even if you’re not wearing a bit of makeup!

What’s your favorite frame style? Oval, Rectangular, Color-Tinted, Cat Eye, Aviators, Oversized, or something in between?


City Style Aviators available at www.nyandco.com for $16.95


Nina Ricci Jackie-O Sunglasses available at www.saks.com for $250


Forever 21 Sunglasses available at www.forever21.com for $5.80


Armani Exchange Butterfly Shield Sunglasses available at www.axexchange.com for $70


Forever 21 Sunglasses available at www.forever21.com for $5.80


Prada Signature Temple Round Sunglasses available at www.forzieri.com for $257


Ray Ban Wayfarer available at www.swell.com for $139

Can Stretchy Still Be Sexy?

Usually, when it comes to describing sexy shoes, elastic doesn’t come to mind. When I think of elastic in fashion I tend to immediately envision hideous shoes and clothes. However, I’ve been noticing an increase in elastic-styles that are quite fashion-forward. Since I have yet to take a step on the stretchy side, I’m assuming that they’re more comfortable than the typical leather, suede, etc. materials that tend to dig into your skin after long-wear. Could comfort finally be in vogue?

Would you wear elastic-strappy shoes?


BCBG Max Azria Ivanka Color Blocked Slingback available at www.bcbgmaxaria.com for $195


Nine West Ladron Mary Jane available at www.endless.com for $34.20


Sergio Rossi Elastic Front Zip Sandals available at www.saks.com for $670


BCBG Max Azria Elastic Banded Wedges available at www.saks.com for $198


Guess Digital Elastic Patent Leather Heels available at www.guess.com for $90


Georgina Goodman Helga Elastic Banded Open-Toe Booties available at www.shopbop.com for $610


Proenza Schouler Elastic Ankle Wrap Sandal with White Wedge available at www.shopbop.com for $595


Fendi Stappy Patent Leather Sandals available at www.netaporter.com for $615


Theory Yeva Elastic Wedges available at www.bloomingdales.com for $295

**The winner of the Vaseline Aloe Fresh Moisturizing Gel is Miss Mika! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info!

Bright & Bold Trenches for Spring!

There’s nothing that says timeless sophistication like a trench. This season, I’ve been thinking about changing things up a bit by getting an affordable one in a bright color. Usually when it comes to outerwear I’m all about subdued, neutral hues, but I’m slowly learning that wearing colors can be fun and allows you to stand out in a crowd. This spring, dare to wear a classic trench in a bold, colorful shade that will surely get you noticed!

Would you wear a colored trench coat/jacket?

Check out some of these rainbow-inspired trenches all under $150:


INC International Concepts Belted Trench available at www.macys.com for $90.30


Darlita Trench Coat available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $88


AK Klein Trench Coat available at www.dillards.com for $125.40


Laundry by Shelli Segal Trench Coat available at www.nordstrom.com for $118


Tommy Hilfiger Shelborne Piped Trench available at www.macys.com for $122.85


Mango Trench Coat available at www.mango.com for $59.90