bikinis to fit any body

Spring is in the air, and in Arizona, that means summer {and bikini season} is not that far behind. 

I've struggled with finding bikinis that fit my shape - and more specifically, my bust. I envy those girls who can walk around in itty bitty string bikinis without a care in the world. I strap one of those babies on and the outcome borders on vulgar. 

Suffice it to say, while most people find bathing suit shopping difficult, I find it always unpleasant and disappointing...until now. 

Freya offers bra-sized tops! I picked up this style and am completely in love.

Ok, ok. Sure there are plenty of places that offer bra sizing, but these bathing suits from Freya offer sizes from C to GG. And they're adorable!

Find more styles here. 

all images via amazon.

 

snapshots of life lately

salty {and peppery} and sweet! salt + pepper shakers from my sweetpea

my favorite antique blush roses

a new gilded book and glittery mask

in-flight entertainment for an upcoming trip to san francisco

tom ford sunnies and a polka dot cluch

i'm dreaming of a white christmas...

...a white Christmas coat, that is. I popped in to Anthropologie and fell in love {it's too easy to do in that store, don't you agree?} with this winter white coat. As I mentioned before, I have an unhealthy obsession with coats, and this one is so gorgeous. That neckline? In the words of Rachel Zoe, I die.

Have I found my Christmas present to myself a little early this year?

~via~

I think so, yes.

spotted | kneepad tights

How cute! I spotted these kneepad tights over on A Cup of Jo. Aren't they adorable? I'm totally lusting after them.

~via~



Get your own pair here or here.

happy birthday

Hello, lovelies! So yesterday was my birthday {the first as a wife and a homeowner - eek!} and I quietly celebrated the day with coworkers during the day and my mom in the evening {Mark is traveling so we'll be celebrating later}. And at Banana Republic, who feted my day of birth by offering 50% off up to five full-priced items {ok, I'm sure it wasn't exclusively for my birthday, but I took it as an excuse to add some pretty pieces to my collection!}. They promoted the special one-day sale via coupon on Facebook. You really should like them; they have the best deals.

Care to see what I picked up?

~how sweet are the elbow patches? i can't get enough!~

~an easy lbd that fits like a glove~

~i love a good v-neck t - it's the best for my shape~

~a little glitz - and it's on sale~

There were a couple of other things - like this black dress and a bright pink taffeta skirt {that I can't seem to find online...curious} - that I would have loved to have made mine, but even a birthday girl must use restraint. However, they are on my wait-til-they-go-on-sale watch-list!

A little something extra : Markdowns at the store usually happen on Wednesdays!

my favorite olsen

Lots of people think Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are the bee's knees when it comes to fashion, but I'm enamored with their younger sister, Elizabeth {great name, don't ya think?}. She's currently staring in her first major role in Martha Marcy May Marlene and has been receiving great reviews. The film is on my list of must-sees, but my review is in - when it comes to her style, at least.

I love it - easy, effortless and always pretty. I say we keep an eye out for this up-and-comer. I know I can't wait to see her style evolve.  

~via~

~via~

~via~

fall wish list

blouse

dress

shoes

clutch

pants

elsewhere in the country...

...people are all about autumn, but someone forgot to tell Phoenix that it's time to cool down. It's supposed to be 108 degrees today. Ugh.

So instead of wearing something like this

~via~


  

I'll still be wearing something like this

~via~





make a statement

Big, chunky statement necklaces are a staple for fall and can instantly take your ensemble from ho-hum to fabulous with just the click of a clasp. Pair them with your favorite jeans and a t-shirt or mix them into your work wardrobe for some punch to complete your look.

~chic, affordable - a must have from Spike the Punch!~

~from Anthropologie~

~from J. Crew~

~oh, Kate Spade, how I love thee~



in the trenches

It's still more than 110 degrees here, but in my head - and in other parts of the country - we're just on the cusp of fall. And one of my favorite things about fall is the fashion.

I especially love coats and have cultivated a nice collection, especially for someone who lives in the desert. My favorite style of coat is the trench. Classic, polished, lightweight or woolen, trenches are always in style. And this season, they're perfect in camel or bright red.

BurberryBrit / Valentino / J. Crew / J. Crew / Lauren by Ralph Lauren

mad world

Oh, Banana Republic. You make me swoon. Just check out these looks from the "Mad Men" capsule collection!

And for those of you who thought this post was going to be about the song "Mad World," here's my favorite rendition by Gary Jules {you may know it from Donnie Darko}.

seasonal musts | stripes

I still love stripes - they're classic and a good staple for everyone's wardrobe. They can be thick and preppy, or thin and Parisian.

*where to find it: forever21, anthropologie, free people, anthropologie, target

seasonal musts | nude shoes

They are my go-to color for this season. In a heel, they elongate the leg. In a flat, they go with everything.

friday fave

I love everything about this photo. Absolutely everything.

Happy Friday!

{image via here}

swoon!

Let me start by saying that I love my wedding dress. But if I were looking...

Um...yes, please.

Bhldn has shared some of their pieces with Aisle Dash and Glamour. I cannot wait to see the entire collection on February 14!

{image via here}

cute and affordable

I know, I know. It's freezing where you are. And it's freezing here in the desert, too. But that doesn't mean you can't wish for sandal weather. Especially when you stumble across these pretties from Dolce Vita for Target.

This weekend is going to full of wedding errands with Mark. We have lots to do and I love to check things off my list. It gives a lovely sense of accomplishment.

What will you be checking off your to-do list this weekend?

sky high

I am totally obsessed with these shoes. I spotted them at Nordstrom Rack {love!} over Christmas and fell in lust. I didn't dare try them on at the time, because, let's face it - I'm 5'11" and I don't need to be walking around in heels that would make me 6'4".

Oh, but these babies make me swoon. Over the weekend, I was shopping with my soon-to-be sister{-in-law} and her soon-to-be cousin and my shoes were calling to me. I gave in, tried them on... and lust turned to love.

I still can't get over the fact that wearing these shoes would make me incredibly tall, so at the store they stay. I just hope they go to a good home.

dress lust

Mark and I have finally set the date for our engagement photos {just one day before Valentine's Day - tres romantique!}, so I'm on the hunt for the perfect outfits. I definitely want to show off both my feminine, girly side along with my fun, girl-next-door side. Right now, I'm obsessed with finding the perfect dress.

As usual, Anthropologie is delivering on some flirty frocks that would be perfect. Which is your favorite?

 

resolution support

How many of you included "exercise more" on your list of resolutions? Well, have I found something to help support your efforts.

My friend and teammate first introduced me to this fabulously supportive sports bra by Moving Comfort and I have to tell you, it's amazing.

It comes in bra sizes {a must if you have larger cup sizes} and perfectly keeps the girls subdued whether you're running, hiking, rowing or working on your inversions at yoga practice.

outfitted | a gilded nye *updated with shopping info

Part three of four in the Stephanie series!

This one is all about standing out in the sea of NYE black. Sure, there's black, it's classic - but this time, there's a little bit of golden glamour.



Get the look here.

As always, if you're in need of some style inspiration, drop me a line at modernlovely@hotmail.com or leave me a comment. Be sure to include your event, the time of year and the city!