A Day at the Beach: Romping in a Retro Plussize Swimsuit from Kiyonna

It’s finally swimsuit season in Chicago for real, and I’m celebrating by taking this Kiyonna Sand and Glam retro plussize swimsuit to the beach. In my last swimsuit post, I listed 5 adorable fatkinis, and I included this one from Kiyonna because, even though it’s not technically a two piece, it still gives the illusion of a bare midriff…and it’s got that awesome retro feel that I love so much!

The all-over ruching and criss-cross front with the mesh insert are details that make this suit stand out, and the color is just the fresh pop of glam for that sand!

Ruching can always be a little temperamental, so play around with it until you get in in a spot that you like! And there’s no underwire in this style, so it could present a challenge to chesty ladies who need a bit more support. But if you’re looking for a cute, retro swimsuit to romp around the beach in this summer, put the Kiyonna Sand and Glam plussize swimsuit on the list! 

JORD Wood Watches: Natural watches with fashionable flair

I’ve become obsessed with watches in the past few months….seriously, I went from 1 old one in the bottom of my jewelry box to 4 amazing ones that I rotate from day to day. One of my newest acquisitions is an amazing JORD wood watch. JORD is all Swedish-like, meaning earth, soil and land…And that describes their philosophy perfectly. They search the world for gorgeous sustainable natural materials and woods that can be crafted into one-of-a-kind watches that look stylish and modern. Check out their collection…and try not to swoon!

I chose the Fieldcrest watch in Maple, since I wanted something light, fresh and modern for the summer. I fell in love with it the first time I put it on, and it has become a summer staple!

Look at the amazing wood grain in the maple—and the white details are so fresh!

Soooo cool. Get yourself or your fella one of these watches immediately…and OH YEAH….It’s a perfect gift idea for Father’s Day! Amp up your Dad’s style with a funky, cool JORD watch.

OOTD: Land’s End Dress and Jessica London Sandals

Gwynnie Bee is totally my go-to source for cute clothes when I’m desperate for variety in my closet. The weather in Chicago has been a bit undecided…so I needed a dress that was not too light but not too hot. I was also craving something that was comfy and casual, but still cute enough to go to brunch and shopping with my gal pals. This Land’s End 3/4 sleeve floral pattern dress that I ordered through Gwynnie Bee (GB ladies, find it here) was just the thing! 

I love the combination of red and aubergine floral pattern…and the fabric is super soft. Up close, it looks a little washed out, but once you have it on, you won’t want to take it off since it’s so comfortable! It runs big, so size down or order your true size if you want some room. The surplice bodice is great for chesty ladies, and the gathered waist adds some shape to the loose cotton knit.

I paired it with my Jessica London ComfortView Alicia sandals in Mustard Yellow to add a pop of color to the mix. Did you know Jessica London recently debuted a whole line of comfortable shoes?? Tons of cute options that are built with comfort and cuteness as a priority! Most of the shoes are perfect for those ladies who prefer lower heels. Seriously, check them out!

Fabulous Fatkini: Daring to Wear a Plussize Two-Piece Swimsuit

In my last post, I shared some of the cutest plussize bikinis that have been cropping up everywhere this season. I just had to try one…and when I stopped into Forever 21 last week and found this adorable Fruit Frenzy two-piece, I positively swooned! I know this look isn’t for everyone, but if you are confident and daring, try one out this season!

The fruit and foliage pattern of this swimsuit is so kitschy and fun! The ruffles on the bust and the hips definitely add some flirty movement–that kept flying up in the wind! I like that the top comes with detachable straps and has a little peekaboo cleavage — or as Katy Perry likes to call it, “A Boob Window.” I had to size up because my bust is larger than my bottom, so they were a little saggy in the back…but a simple alteration can fix them in no time!

The key to a great plussize two-piece is the high-waisted bottoms. This is vital to smooth the line of your tummy, and show just a little bit of your midriff. I felt flirty, cool and daring in this swimsuit, and I can’t wait to wear it when the weather gets warm (it was about 40 degrees during this photoshoot!!!!).
What do you think?? Are you brave enough to wear a two piece and flaunt your curves at the beach??

Fabulous Fatkinis: Top 5 Plussize Two-Piece Swimsuits for 2014

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see my plussize sistas rocking two piece swimsuits this season. After last year’s rise of the “Fatkini”, the trend exploded…and now we plussize girls can flaunt our curves and bare some skin too! Here are 5 of the cutest two-piece plussize swimsuits I’m drooling over this season….And *spoiler alert* I will actually be modeling one of them in my next post!

Check out these adorable plussize swimsuits:
2. Sao Paulo High Waisted Plussize Bikini – Monif C ($158; top and bottom sold separately)
4. Retro Bikini Top and Ruched Swim Skirt – Lane Bryant ($105; top and bottom sold separately)
5. Andrea Ruched Bikini Top and High Waisted Bottom – Rue 107 ($110; top and bottom sold separately)
Have you spotted any plussize two-piece swimsuits that you will dare to wear this season?? Share your finds in the comment section!
And stay tuned for my next post, when I take one of these out to the beach!