Summer time, summer time, sum-sum summer time!

Yes, it is that time of the year....bathing suit season. A season with mixed feelings. We love the coolness of pools, the timelessness of the beach, the comfort of being in and/or near the water. But we hate the gauntlet of buying a new suit.

Do we buy a two piece and worry about the muffin top or belly bulge? Do we buy a bikini and dare to be seen by all who judge? Do we buy a "tankini" with the longer top that covers our middles and has the benefits of a two piece? Do we buy a one piece suit? Do we buy one with tummy control?  Strapless? Skirted or boy legs? Do we want low cut or higher (for diving). Do we want solid or are we brave enough for prints?






Then there's the dreaded mirror in the dressing room. Why can't they all be slimming looking? And the lighting! It makes one look pasty and sick.

Then there's the suit cover up. Do we want a full cover? A pareo? A shirt? A sheer one or cotton?



Men even have to decide their own suit issues: board short or swim trunks. Some even consider buying thongs (but that's all I'm going to say about that).

Because summer is hot and the need to be cool means less attire, this season causes me some angst and concern. You?

Here are some tips to buying a good swim outfit:

1. Be sure to look in the mirror from the front AND the back.

2. Jump up and down in the suit to ensure your boobs don't come bouncing out.

3. Bend over in the suit to see how much of it rides up in the bum.

4. Sit down in the suit to see how the crotch fits.

5. Walk around the dressing area to see how the legs fit and if they ride up.

6. Do some arm swimming motions to ensure the straps don't inhibit your movement.

And be sure to rinse that suit out before you wear it the first time. Also rinsing your suit after each wear will ensure it has a full season of wearability.

Don't forget to wear sunscreen (age spots are not pretty on anyone and skin cancer is even less attractive). Wear a hat that covers your scalp, hair and ears...vulnerable exposed areas. And sunlight damages your already ageing hair.


Wear good sunglasses with great UVA protection...preserve your vision for your lifetime.


Hydrate...I know many of us like a cold beer or other alcohol but water is really important for your skin, kidneys and health. Chug several glasses or bottles while outside.

Cute sandals to protect your feet. The sand or pool decks can seriously burn your soles. And there are broken shells, glass and detritus in the water that can cut your feet.

Enjoy the summer, the beach and pool and remember that this is a short season for a reason. It makes being alive in the summer time a memorable experience of picnics, camping, cookouts and fireworks.

Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

Dressing Your Part in Life!

I just finished binge watching Netflix's "Grace and Frankie" starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. (Also Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen and Craig T. Nelson...but this post is about the two lead women).

Grace (played by Jane) is an A-type personality, hyper aware of her image, her status and her need to be admired.  Frankie is her opposite; an earth mother, organic vegetarian, pot smoker and regularly cleansing her chakras.



So after watching the thirteen episodes of what is essentially a woman's show, I want to write about their clothing styles and what that says about them.





No one can pop a collar as well as Jane Fonda can. And her crisp white shirts inspired me to go buy three new ones. Her clothes reflect a well to-do woman who is rigid, contained and controlled. She wears blazers, pearls, sweaters tied over her shoulders, beautiful shoes and has elegant hair.

Lily Tomlin plays a free spirited hippie who channels energy and shows it in the caftans, coveralls, tee shirts,big art jewelry and the vegan shoes she wears. She is mellow (thanks to pot) and a tad morose with wild gray strands in her long loose hair.

Recognizing that these "costumes" help define the characters, I had to think about what I wear and what it says to people who "view" me. And maybe it is something for you to think about as well.

Do your clothes reflect who you are? Do you dress for comfort? Do you dress for others to admire? On a budget? Do you only buy thrift clothes and are they who you want to portray yourself as? Are you stuffy? Trendy? Too casual? Not casual enough?

The show is about two women coping with the fact that their husbands (attorneys and law partners) have fallen in love with each other and left these women to deal with the aftermath. It is sweet, sad, charming and very realistic. The critics have been unkind but I can tell you that I hope for a second season because I already miss both Grace and Frankie.

But in the meantime, look at your wardrobe and see if you are consistent in dressing your "part."

Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz