I’ve found the perfect solution, but this week I’m putting the “wish” in Wardrobe Wish List. I’ve fallen in love with a swimsuit that would equate to at least 50 hours of work form your on-campus job (sorry!) at $350.00. Before you start raiding the dorms for bottles to return, let’s gaze longingly at this Norma Kamali masterpiece.

The Bill Swim Suit is the epitome of classy. It’s a little more “vacation-with-your-boyfriend’s-parents” than it is “pool-party-with-the-frat-boys” and you’re getting a lot more fabric here to justify the price. (Look, I’m trying, OK?) The silhouette is so 1920s classic and literally could not be more flattering.

The halter top and sweetheart neckline offer amazing support for the ladies (it’s no fun to be afraid of a nip-slip in front of your bf’s ‘rents) while the bottom of the suit has this forgiving overlay that saves you that bikini-line-cutting-into-your-flesh look. The color is deep, rich and fabulous.

I adore this look because it’s so different than any other swimsuit. Especially if you’re top heavy, it’s the perfect look when those teeny triangle bikinis aren’t going to cut it. It’s conservative, but in a way that shows just enough of all of your best assets. You can also pop the halter strap off your neck to avoid any weird tan lines without worrying if your top will blow down in the wind. Unless, of course, you’re on Spring Break and you’re aiming for that kind of thing.

Maybe I won’t be getting this suit for an upcoming vacation, but if I start saving now, maybe in August (of 2012? Yes I’m that broke) I can rock this suit like it’s 1929. And if I can’t wait until then (who needs to pay rent, anyway?), where’s the next polar plunge??

Seriously, I need this. NEED IT. Maybe I can make it double as a formal dress?

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It’s starting to get hot, hot, hot outside! While I’m stuck in landlocked Alberta, where no one has pools, I’m sure many of you out there are gearing up to start hitting the beach, or hang out poolside on a weekly (if not daily) basis.

Whether you choose to wear a bikini or a one-piece, you’re going to need a cover-up for going to the beach, or even just covering up a bit to avoid extreme sun exposure.  Lucky for you there are some really cute options this year that will easily transition from the beach to the boardwalk (assuming you dry yourself up enough to avoid those pesky wet marks around your boobs…). Seriously, toss a pair of wedges and a few bangles into your beach bag and you can take these things all over town.

So put on your sunscreen, grab your shades and don a cute cover-up as you get ready to hang out by the water!

The beach has been calling my name lately.  Seriously, I think I heard it.  But I’m having a slight issue… all of my beach cover-ups are worn and tired. And one cuts off the circulation to my boobs. Seriously.

Anyways, I use and abuse them because they are my most comfortable items of clothing (breathable, and perfect for a day dedicated to drinking beers and beaching it out), but now they’re way past their prime and I have nothing to wear with my bikinis and high heels. Just kidding. I mean, who wears high heels to the beach?

Since money is tight for us post-grad and for all you full time studentd saving money this summer for booze next year paying those loans, it’s not so easy to find that perfect summer cover-up. But don’t settle for the ol’ wife beater and running shorts combo. We have the eight, easy and cheap solutions for you. So stop worrying about your bank account and start relaxing on the beach. Those loans will still be there come fall, but the perfectly sunny summer days will not:

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again; stripes are in. This dress looks so comfortable and would match perfectly with those brand new pair of Havaianas you’ve been waiting to slip on for some quality beach time.

Walmart is really doing some good things these days, including selling this number for $12.00. My closet it hungry for something like this – breezy, bright and casual. Perfect with a pair of wedges for a day at the beach and lathering on sunscreen.

This girl-next-store dress would look adorable with a chunky pair of wedges or a bright head-scarf. It’s modest, cool and slimming thanks to the array of buttons down the center. It could be worn at the beach, but could also be easily transformed into a summer-bar-outfit with some gaudy jewelery and a jean jacket.

Lately, I’ve been warming up to the romper. I know, I know – it’s a hard thing to love and an even harder thing to pull off. But just look at this incredibly playful and vintage cover-up.  It comes in pastel green and blue and would look great paired with a sun-kissed glow and a fedora.

This black and simple cover up would look great paired with some chunky colorful jewelry.  At its sweet price of $12.00, it’s irresistible to pass up.  The deep neck line can show off your colorful swimsuit and with an adjustable waist, this can be easily tossed on and off.

I love the color purple because it looks fabulous with dark and light colored hair tones.  The best thing about this cover-up? It has two pockets. I love the casual and laid-back attitude of a dress with pockets. And I especially love that I can throw my cash and cellphone in there when I make an ice cream run mid-day.

Paired with some casual jean shorts, this shirt is to die for. The smocked waste makes the top look delicate and soft. I love the floral detail and lace swoop-neck.  And it’s another perfect transformer for evening – leather jacket and jeggings? Yes, please.

Last but not least, this jersey knit gray tube dress looks like pure comfort. Also sporting two side hand pockets, I can see myself wearing this over and over again. This would look great with some black sandals and a beach tote. Casual, light, summery…. I’m in love.

By now, everyone is looking forward to the summer. Thoughts of a pool, a raft and a cold beer are about the only things getting us through the hell that is finals week. But while I love me some summer sundresses and the prospect of a steamy summer fling, summer isn’t all rainbows and butterflies for me. Yes, this whiny girl with a Jew-fro has a bit of a bone to pick with summer.

Actually, I’ve got ten bones to pick. Not that I really understand what that little phrase means anyway. It’s sorta gross, right? Picking bones? All I can think about is that graveyard the hyenas hung out at in The Lion King.

Anyways, back to the list:

10. It’s really hot
Great for a day at the beach, not great for a day in New York City when you’re running late to your internship and have to stand in a 100 degree subway station (that always smells like pee) with zero breeze and you can feel the sweat start pooling on the back of your neck and between your boobs. By the time you get to work, your armpits are completely soaked through and you have to manually pull your thighs apart as they have molded into one thunder-thigh on the train.

9. It’s really humid
I don’t know about you, but my Jewish hair gets along with humidity much like Spencer Pratt gets along with anyone. Now that I think about it, Spencer Pratt’s hair might have the same issue.

8. Cars are HOT
You know that moment when you’ve taken a bite of pizza and as it hits/melts the roof of your mouth you realize, a little too late, that it’s really effing hot? Yeah, that’s about the same feeling as getting into a car that’s been sitting in the summer sun for awhile.

7. There’s no good TV on anymore
Every show worth watching (or at least scripted shows that you’re not embarrassed to tell the boy you have a crush on about) ends in the next 3 weeks. 30 Rock, Modern Family, Glee, The Pacific (if you haven’t been watching this mini-series on HBO, watch it OnDemand now!), Gossip Girl…. And what are we left with over the summer? Sunset Daze and Dance Your Ass Off?

6. Two words: bathing suits
Vom.

5. Sunscreen in my eye
It doesn’t matter how careful I am, I have not gone a week in the summer without getting sunscreen in my eye. And that sh*t BURNS. Oh my god, how it burns.

4. I spend all of my money
There’s something about a beautiful, sunny day that just makes me want to shop, shop, shop. (Perhaps it’s the promise of A/C in the store?) And if I’m not shopping, I have a hard time turning down al fresco dining or drinking. All lovely activities, until I realize all that hard-earned summer cash is gone, gone, gone.

3. My friends are not with me
My best friends are from everywhere from California to Boston…. and that’s where they returned to this summer.

2. But my annoying, overbearing parents are.
As are my 2 older brothers who still find “pull my finger” and “throw Lauren over the couch” funny.

1. Skin, skin, skin
Sure all the shorts, mini-dresses, bathing suits and tank tops are totes cute, but with that cuteness comes a whole lot of shaving and waxing. And more shaving. And more waxing. And a lot of cellulite exposed. Thank god for maxi-dresses, am I right?

We all remember that scene in the first ‘Sex and the City’ movie. You know, the one where Miranda’s hair down there is doing a bit more than just peeking out of her suit. But if I’m being honest, when I first saw the movie I didn’t even pay attention to that extra “collection” south of the border. Not even a bit. For all I know, there could have been dread locks coming out of there because my eyes were glued to her amazing, fabulous, please-can-I-have-it-NOW Red swimsuit.

And every summer since then, I’ve spend many hours drooling all over Norma Kamali’s swim collection. Retro-inspired with real women in mind, her bathing suits make me want to put on some red lipstick and start dancing around to my favorite ’60s jams. Her prints are fun, her cuts clearly keep a woman’s body in mind, and there is really nothing bad I can say about ANY of these amazing swimsuits. Whether it’s her collection on eBay, department stores, in the magazines, every suit I see leaves me saying “I want. I want. I WANT.”

The only flaw is the upwards of $100 price tag that come along with looking so retro cool.
Until now.

Walmart’s Norma Kamali swim line is CHEAP – think $15-$30 for a swim suit – but still has the same look she’s known for. Here are three of my favorite looks: a bikini, a tankini and a one piece. All equally fabulous and all currently in my closet just waiting for a warm weekend to wear ‘em.

Tankini
I love the yellow detailing on this tankini, especially when paired with some yellow shades to compliment it and a big, floppy sun hat that keeps it so retro cool. The polka-dotted cover up mixed with the striped suit peeking through is a perfect mix of opposite prints still working together. I’m in love.

Product Information: Tankini Top: Walmart, $15; Tankini Bottom: Walmart, $15; Hat: Forever 21, $10.80; Sunglasses: Lulus, $9; Shoes: Madden Girl; $39.95; Cover-up Dress: Delias, $44.50

Bikini
This option is a bit more modern mixed with vintage. I love the solid top with the printed bottom. Throw on the bolder sandal, cute romper and funky shades and you’re ready for any beach party.

Product Information: Bikini Top: Walmart, $15; Bikini Bottom: Walmart, $15; Romper: Heritage 1981; $19.90; Sandals: Lulus, $20; Sunglasses: Forever 21, $5.80.

One-Piece
No matter your figure, this suit is flattering and fun. I love the graphic tote and the dark red shades to match!

Product Information: Bathing Suit: Walmart,  $15;  Cover-up: Old Navy, $24.50; Sandals: Forever 21, $9.80; Sunglasses: Lulus, $9; Tote: Forever 21, $3.50.

It’s okay girls, count to ten and breathe. I know we all have huge under eye circles, our legs haven’t been shaved in a good week and these study munchies are starting to catch up with our love handles. But on the other side of this pit of fire that is midterms is a glorious week-long party fest.

The lucky of the bunch are going to spend this week soaking up the sun and downing frozen cocktails. And obviously the perfect beach attire is a necessity. But it’s so depressing opening up the catalogs and realizing that all the suits will cost you a couple weeks of happy hours, and are any of us really willing to give that up?

Luckily, we don’t have to. Here are five suits that are not only adorable, but totally affordable on a college girl’s budget. (And you can get them all in a week or less!)

Snake Ring Bandeau Top and Ruched-Side Bottom from Alloy ($19.90 each)

The snakeskin print is a fun alternative to the typical flowers or polka dot print that fills the beach. And the peep-hole top with tie at the neck is the perfect blend of sexy and comfortable.

Mix & Match Ruffled Tankini from Old Navy ($19.50 and $16.50)

When it comes to swimsuits, Old Navy is the place to be. Not only because their stuff is cheap, but also because they have a great variety of pieces that you can mix and match as you please. I love the adorable ruffle detailing and the bright color of this set, but I also love that I can get another set (maybe a bikini? maybe a different color/pattern?) and mix them all together to create a ton of different options. And when I’m hitting the beach every day, a little variety goes a long way.

Plaid Halter Bandeau Bikini and Side-Tie Bikini Bottom from American Eagle ($24.50 each)

I am absolutely in love with this candy color combo; the bubble gum pink and baby blue suit reminds me of sexy Little Bo Peep.

Ruffled Triangle Bikini Set from Victoria’s Secret ($36.00)

Victoria’s Secret gets the award for best swimsuits, hand’s down. But their prices aren’t always as friendly. Tip? Buy from the 2009 collection! Last year I splurged, and this year I cried when I saw my expensive designer swimsuit on sale for a quarter of the price. I am loving this peach colored string bikini with the demure ruffles; it is total sex kitten. (Though I don’t recommend going to buy flowers without a cover-up.)

Mossimo Shirred One Piece Swimsuit From Target ($34.99)

With all the stick thin models flaunting their six-packs and double D’s in every swimsuit catalog it’s easy to forget that not everyone wants to wear two inch triangles over each nipple. This one-piece suit provides the coverage while still having sexy details: a flirty skirted bottom, halter-top, and slimming ruching. Plus the color will look H-O-T on that hard earned tan.

It’s been a long, cold winter, but March and Spring Break are finally here! For those of you spending a week in a warm and sunny environment, here are some Spring-Break-I’m-going-to-paradise-and-I-need-to-look-cute-and-show-off-my-bangin-bod essentials for under $20.

And you know what that means: more margarita money.

Obviously, a bathing suit is the first thing on your list and Forever 21 has a great line of suits that are all $21 or less.  This is just one of my personal faves. The color will look great against your skin and you can pull off those straps easily to avoid an ugly tan line.

Chances are, if you’re anything like me, you’re white as a ghost and ready to look sun-kissed again.  But skip those harmful UV rays at the tanning beds and use this awesome spray tan from Vicky’s Secret.

And speaking of harmful UV rays, you’ll want to be sure to avoid those as much as possible if you don’t want to look like a raisin by the time you’re 25. So make it a point to slather on the sunscreen every morning before you hit the beach! Neutrogena’s sunscreen is consistently ranked at the top and the sheerness of it won’t leave you feeling sticky or icky, which means you can go from day to night easily and comfortably.

Cover-ups are great for those treks to the beach or pool and this one is cute enough that you can still feel sexy when you pop into bar for some beachside cocktails.

Flip flops are another beach necessity, so why not trade in those rubber ones for some that are stylish enough to wear for dinner or a night out on the town.  Once again, these make the transition from beach to party easy, and make the walk home from said party pain free.

You can’t go on vacay without some cute shades, but rather than spending oodles on the hottest designer look, grab some that cost under $10 so you don’t flip when they get scratched by sand, swiped by the pool or taken by the ocean. (And at under $6, you can grab up a couple pairs so you have back-ups.) I love the retro feel of this pair and the fact that the large frames will protect your hungover eyes from that bright sun is just an added bonus.

Keep those premature wrinkles away and look chic doing it with a chic, floppy sun hat.

You’ll want your clothes to do double duty on Spring Break (so you don’t have to pay extra when your suitcase doubles the weight allowance for the flight) so a  tailored pair of denim shorts is key. These are casual enough to wear with your bikini, but the dark wash and added details are nice enough to rock with a pair of wedges and a tight tank for a night on the town.

I’ll be honest: I always thought Alloy was for the 12-17 age group, but then I started flipping through their merchandise and realized that they have a ton of cute stuff for us more sophisticated ladies. I mean, how could you not love this dress!?

Their regularly priced stuff is already reasonably priced, but they have a huge sale/clearance section that is even better. Another bonus: they have a wide range of sizes from petites up to plus-size so it’s a great option for you skinny minnies and us curvier gals.  Here are a few of my favorite things (besides raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, of course)…

It’s always good to have some casual cold-weather options besides jeans and what could be better than a hot pair of skinny cords? They come in a bunch of great colors and will look perfect tucked into a pair of boots (cozy Uggs, anyone?) with a sweater for class.

And while we’re talking pants, let’s discuss the cuteness that is a pair of wide-legs. They are the perfect dress-up jean. You can tuck anything into these (a loose fitting top, a white tee, a sexy cami) and you’ll look instantly glamorous.

It’s no secret that I’m a total shoe whore and am especially a sucker for shoes that stand out. These heels are super sexy and the tribal-y print will totally make your oufit. Just imagine how hot, hot, hot they’d look with a sexy LBD. Rawr.

I adore the girly ruffles on this shirt-dress and I’m in love with the idea of pairing it with some textured tights and boots for winter.

I heart BF cardis, especially when they’re in a fantastic jewel tone like teal. Wear it with a tee and jeans for class, or wear it open over an LBD for a chilly winter night out.

I know, I know; it’s December 1st… a bathing suit?!?  But hey, you can start planning for spring break (or the hot tub at that ski chalet) or just buy this totally darling bikini as motivation to work off all those holiday treats and cocktails.

This bag is a great everyday tote, but also folds over to become more compact for a night out.  And white?  No problem! Winter white is gorg.

This top is perfect for holiday parties: it’s festive, it will flaunt your cleavage, but the pleating and loose torso will help hide any tummy you may get from a few too many Christmas cookies.

Chances are you’ll be spending many days at the beach this summer. And chances are good that a day of sun time can often be topped off by a night of fun time out at the bars.  Heading out for some drinkies with the girls doesn’t mean you have to rush home to get ready; you can rock out the same outfit all day with a few quick fixes (and hey, tousled beach hair is damn sexy).

Bring along your trusty beach tote so you can carry all the beach essentials (towel, sunscreen, gossip mags & snackies) plus a couple quick add-ons (deodorant!) to make sure you look as hot as your skin feels.

Neon is a super popular trend this season and you can find adorable bikinis and tankinis (if your abs aren’t quite as hard as you’d like) that incorporate this trend for $24 at Wal-mart. Yes, Wal-mart! Yes, $24!

This cover-up from Target is the perfect solution for a summer day-to-night experience. It works four ways so you can wear it as a skirt over that bikini during the day, then pull it up for a cute strapless dress for night.  Could there be anything easier? I think not.

Flip flops are a beach necessity, and it’s hard to find many that are more comfy than Havaianas, not to mention they come in tons of fun colors, designs and styles. I’m loving the purple, mostly because I know my friends don’t have this color yet, so our flippies won’t get confused at the beach.

When it comes time to leave the sand and sun and head to the land o’ alcohol, switch the cover-up to dress mode, put on a pair of sassy wedge sandals, dangly earrings and a bracelet, and you’re set for some fun of the nighttime variety.

Run your fingers through your hair, spray on a little perfume and hit the bars to round out a perfect summer day.