We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we just have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old lady  department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

I hate Walmart. Like, really, really hate Walmart. So much so that I’ll drive half an hour out of the way  and drop an extra $20 to avoid stepping foot in a Walmart. I’m opposed to almost everything about America’s not-so-favorite superstores — especially the fact that they stopped handing out those smiley face stickers at the door. But when I’m home with the family during breaks, running errands for my mom typically means I’ll have to make a trip to the big W, as much as I may protest and swear that Target is just SO. MUCH. BETTER.

Here’s the thing, though: on my last trip to Walmart, my 16-year-old sister tagged along, and during my hunt to find bargain paper plates and the latest Nora Roberts paperback for my mom, she dragged me over to the women’s clothing section to see what they had. And what they had was…actually really cute. She and I tried on a few fun tops and dresses, and I ended up walking away with a lacy going-out top that all my friends loved — for only $6.

Now, I won’t call myself a Walmart convert just yet, but I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. And I might head back there next time I’m home to stock up on cute-enough-t0-wear-out-but-cheap-enough-that-I-don’t-care-if-I-spill-pizza-sauce-on-them tops. And rainboots. And sweaters. And….

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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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?

I like American Apparel for the most part. Although their prices are a little steep for me, the trade offs are comfy basics that don’t fall apart after one wash *coughForever21cough.* You should be warned, though; try navigating their site and you’ll have to push through a bunch of these:

Now I really don’t know how to feel about this “swimsuit.” I honestly can’t believe that people actually buy this stuff (at $36 – really, American Apparel?) but after sorting through 35 mostly positive reviews about it, I’m torn. Not that I would ever wear this, but still – I can’t figure out if I’ve missed something crucial that makes this outfit socially acceptable. Like the very limited nipple coverage, perhaps?

Of course, to help me with my confusion, I’ve turned to my favorite guys for their opinions:

The Boyfriend, Rutgers University – Didn’t Borat wear something like that?

Photographer, The Art Institute of Houston – WTH is this?! They’re like the “mom jeans” version of a bathing suit; not attractive on anyone. I mean, if you like the elongated ass look, then by all means, buy it. But at least make it respectable with a bandeau top or a cropped tee underneath.

Premed, NYU- It’s pretty trashy; I’d never be okay with my girl wearing that, especially not around my family. But then again, isn’t this American Apparel? Aren’t all their ads super porno-ish?

*Touche, NYU*

G., St. John’s University - Can you wear that in public? Her boobs are like, literally popping out. What if they fall out? There are little kids at the beach!

R., Fordham University - She’s pretty hot. But still, I feel kind of violated/dirty looking at this.

Little Brother, 12 - *HA! Yeah, okay. Like I was going to let my little brother see that!*

I have to admit, Photographer’s advice to pair it with a bandeau top is pretty appealing, but not appealing enough to make me want to try it. Think of the tan lines! But that’s just me. What do you think? Will you be rocking this Nylon Tricot Swimsuit this summer? Any guys willing to share their opinions?

But what to wear?

Not only is it day-to-night activities, but you don’t want to pull a George Banks and be a total party pooper (that’s why we invited you!) avoiding the red, white and blue all together, but, then again, you don’t want to be so obviously festive that you look like a walking Old Navy ad (or a pro wrestler). Thank God I’m here!

I can dress you from the beach to the fireworks so all you have to do is show up, grab that Corona and hot dog and enjoy.

For That Beachy BBQ/Poolside Celebration:

Bathing suit

Fourth of July or not, this badboy is adorbs.

Cover Up

For the Fireworks:

Swimsuit shopping has been dreaded by women for a very long time, but it doesn’t have to be.  Sure, seeing all that cellulite harshly highlighted by the flourecent lights of a dressing room is U-G-L-Y, but there are so many cute suits this season that you may not even notice those ripples.

This summer there is no one-size (or style) fits all for bathing suits.  There truly is a bathing suit for everyone regardless of shape, size, style or skin tone.  No longer are you bounded by the basic two options: the one-piece or the bikini.  Stores are carrying the monokini, the bikini, the tankini — and many variations on each of these different basic cuts. With all the options out there, you are sure to find one (or one for everyday!) that fits your budget and looks H-O-T.

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If any of you have watched Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches on The Travel Channel, you have without a doubt seen some pretty crazy swimwear. Each episode, Bridget, (who generally looks perfect in everything, even though she says that her “stomach should be firmer”) wears multiple swimsuits and cute cover-ups that make you wish it were summer. And that your body was bikini ready.

Naturally, a show about beaches hosted by a former Playboy Bunny has to feature totally adorable bikinis, and Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches does not disappoint!  Just look at the suit she wore in Croatia or in Jamaica or Turks and Caicios!  It’s clear that Bridget (or the show’s stylist) has great taste and killer style.

A style that I want to emulate.

If you’ve got some a lot of summer cash to spend and want to get a really fabulous bikini, look no further than Beach Bunny Swimwear, who provides many of the bikinis for Bridget’s show. My personal favorite is the Lady Lace bikini in aqua and ivory. The color combination is perfect and will look great with a tan, and the bottoms feature a thick lace band–like Hanky Pankys! Except, you know, with a back. And not a thong.

But I digress. This lace band is super flattering as it won’t cut into your sides giving you the dreaded muffin top! And it looks like lingerie, which is the answer to all those days spent in front of the mirror wishing you could wear that perfect bra as a bathing suit top.

Beach Bunny was actually inspired by couture lingerie, and was featured in last year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition (which means – bonus! – the boys will love it too!). And Bridget isn’t the line’s only celebrity fan, either–Eva Longoria, Mariah Carey, and Amanda Bynes all love Beach Bunny, too.

After I get this body in shape and start this year’s bikini hunt, Beach Bunny will definitely be my one and only stop.