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…. Read More »

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. Read More »

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!) Read More »

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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[Life isn’t black and white. As much as we wish we simply loved or hated things, there is often that whole annoying gray area in the middle. Like, we love sales, but we hate how we buy stuff we will never wear. Or how we love the summer, but hate shaving our legs daily. Damn you, gray area; you make decision-making that much more complicated!]

I’ll be the first to admit that I own a ridiculous amount of swimwear for a girl who lives in a state where the temperature reaches 80° for a maximum of three months. We don’t have real beaches, just lakes and pools. I’m not even a swimmer. I just really like bikinis. For the past few summers, however, the monokini has been a fierce alternative to the triangle top and the brazilian cut bottom. But will I actually buy one? Do I even like monokinis? I’m torn.

Love it:
I was first introduced to the concept of a monokini while watching none other than The Simple Life, when a non-emaciated Nicole Richie rocked the look while auditioning to be a mermaid at an amusement park in Florida. (Well, actually Paris was a mermaid; Nic was a turtle, but same difference.) After swimming, she pulled a denim mini over her suit and went clubbing. Swimsuit and sexy club top? Can’t (or at least shouldn’t) be done with a basic bikini. But with a monokini you’re getting two looks in one!

Aside from that, however no one can deny that monokinis are fierce and moderately new summer look. The fact that many girls haven’t tried the trend means that if you rock one, you’ll probably be getting a lot of looks on the beach. Monokinis are fierce because of their peek-a-boo sexiness. When you wear one, you’re not showing your entire body off, but you’re definitely hinting at and highlighting it. That being said, monokinis may be a good alternative for girls wanting more coverage than a classic bikini would provide without wearing a once piece or tankini. Read More »

If you’re like me, no matter how much time you spend in the gym, there are some body parts you’d rather not flaunt. But with spring break coming up, there’s absolutely no reason for you to hit the beach or pools without feeling fabulous. Never to fear ladies; I’ve dug around for some hot ideas for you to look and feel your best, no matter what body type you have.

If you’re worried about: Read More »

Though the weather is a little bipolar, it’s slowly but surely getting summery outside and mamma needs a new swimsuit. Mamma is also, incidentally, a total cheap-ass. Scope mamma’s favorite picks for under $50.

Xhilaration Polka Dot Bikini:

Clown-esque. Wear it when you bring your nieces to the beach.

Xhilaration Bandeau Halter:

For girls who love to shred.

Hot Topic Rasta Stripe Halter:

Perfect for enjoying the cheeba at a backyard BBQ. Puff puff pass!

Arizona Striped Monokini:

Sure that guy’s a douche, but he has a boat! Ideal for yachting.

Newport News Belted One Piece:

It’s belted so it doesn’t fall down while you’re fighting crime.

Newport News Lavender Swimdress:

For ladies who see no reason why one shouldn’t wear pearls while tanning.

Spiegel Print Tankini:

Doodles + swimsuit = funzies.

Spiegel Peach Brooch Halter:

So Sophia Loren. Comes with a bottle of champagne.