Why this maxi dress works:
1. It accentuates the waist.
2. It’s a good length.
3. It has just the right amount of volume.

Why the 3 maxi dresses on the bottom don’t work:
1. Too much volume, adding bulk to your frame.
2. Doesn’t enhance the waist enough, which makes it look like a sack.
3. Too long, which makes it look like a nightgown.

When I come across an item that I love, I look forward to sharing it with you. I recently tried LUCA Sunscreen and fell in love with it. I usually have such a hard time finding a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my skin and that isn’t really greasy. Cut to … LUCA. I use it everyday, and I can’t even feel it under my makeup. I love that! It’s the real thing when it comes to protection. You can halt the drastic effects of the sun, be wrinkle free and ultimately cancer free (which is the most important). AHHH… think of the money you’ll save on Botox! Plus, being tan is so fifteen years ago! If you’re going on a beach vacation over the Holidays, pop a bottle in your bag and give it a test drive. Let me know how it works for you. Be safe, and have a great trip.

LUCA is:

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The salt air hits her face as she walks to the upper deck of the ferry and she’s immediately transported. The island she’s visited every summer for the past eight years is fresh in her mind once again. Crisp cool air, bike rides to the beach, the romantic feel of the fog rolling in, and the unforgettable family moments marked by the island. It’s a casual-chic island. It’s all about cotton tunics, white jeans, linen, a cashmere cardigan, a straw bag, and a pair of great sandals. The whole point of the island is to take in the sea air, embrace the outdoors, and escape the hectic life of the city. So, convince yourself to get away fom it all. Go sit on the beach and listen to powerful east coast waves as they crash down on Madaket sand. After a week, you’ll be refreshed and welcome your return to the big city.

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It’s crisp, refreshing, and an All-American look. Nautical inspired pieces make an appearance every summer. It’s a consistent, classic style that women always seem to welcome. Jackie Kennedy pulled this look off brilliantly. She looked great in a blue and white striped shirt with white pedal pushers and her signature giant sunglasses. There are so many ways to wear this style, we’re going to show you four. The first look is perfect for cocktails on the boat. White linen pants with sailor buttons, a yellow and white stripe tank, a bag made from recycled sails, an anchor necklace for added detail… and, of course, yellow aviators. It’s a relaxed casual chic that doesn’t come across as trying too hard. The next look is perfect for a day of boating. You’ll need your suit to catch some rays, a wide blue and white stripe is a classic. You might get cold after water skiing, so throw on a cute pair of anchor sweats, and a pop of red with a hoodie. Don’t forget your boat shoes, and a navy tote to hold your towels and ipod. The third look is great for everyday running around. A sailor tunic, paired with leggings or denim shorts. A boat bag that makes a great tote, and a pair of flat espadrilles. Add some fun jewelry, like an anchor necklace and a rope bracelet. You’ll look good and feel comfortable all day. The last look is a bit dressier. A white skirt with sailor button detail, mixed with an ocean colored striped sweater. Pop in a denim luxury bag, and tie an anchor scarf around the handle for effect. It’s the perfect outfit for an evening poolside or party on the beach. Even if you’re not near the ocean, this is a great style to embrace. Trust us, this style will be around for a long time, so it’s a good place to invest in important pieces. All aboard!

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Let the festivities begin! Memorial day is upon us and we can smell summer in the air. Cruising with the top down, grilling in the backyard, hanging on the beach… HANGING ON THE BEACH… OH NO! That’s always how it happens; it sneaks up on us. We are quickly reminded that with all of summer’s delights also comes bathing suit season. The first few trips to the beach can prove to be the toughest. Getting beach ready is something you have to ease into. It’s a process for most of us. We are not entirely ready to shed all our clothing on the first day. I guess you could say, we like the summer to court us a little bit. I want to feel comfortable peeling off the layers, and exposing myself to the sun little by little. So, if you have to be poolside or on the beach this weekend, no worries. We’ve got a plan for you. A one piece is a good place to start. Go for a basic but sophisticated color like black or red. Cover it up with one of this season’s hottest trends, a jumpsuit. A jumpsuit will come across as playful while still maintaining it’s elegance. Pull out your summer accessories this weekend. If you’ve got a great summer tote, it should make it’s first appearance this weekend. Reminder, the tote should blend with the suit and cover-up. Slip into your new summer sandals and you’re ready. Oh, don’t forget a great big pair of sunglasses! They’ll be dying to know how you pulled it all together so early in the season.

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It’s almost that time of year, bathing suit season. Getting beach bound ready can be a bewildering task. What suit should I wear? What suit looks good on me? Should I buy a new beach bag? What type of cover-up should I wear? Your head starts to spin, and sometimes that can cause you to make some bad decisions. We are here to give you a little head start, by breaking it all down for you. Hopefully, this will help you organize your thoughts.

Wouldn’t we all love to don this airy little cover-up and bikini. Can’t you just see yourself walking down to a lounge chair somewhere in the fabulous Caribbean wearing this perfect cover-up from Melissa Odabash? So, why can’t I get past the fact that its $240? For some absurd reason I have a threshold for cover-ups that’s in the under $200 range.

I can even come up with several reasons why it is a good purchase:

1. I will wear it all vacation and a lot in the summer.
2. It will be in style for years.
3. It’s a special piece that will boost my poolside confidence.

Foolishly, I will spend hours trying to find a cover-up that is similar but less expensive, and probably will not be nearly as good. So, my advice to you - if you don’t have a price issue here, buy this ultra fabulous cover-up. You will be the envy on the beach and by the pool. If it is too much to spend, there are other options. Several stores are having major sales right now and you can usually find a cute eyelet dress or cotton tunic that will look great for the summer.