I don’t know about you, but swimwear is always number one on my summer checklist. And although the trends for swimsuits continue evolving, summer 2008 promises sizzling looks that will make temperatures soar!

Whether you are flaunting a bikini, a one-piece, or even a tankini, fresh new designs and styles seeped into every look. This year some of the hottest designs include bright white bikini halters, cutaway swimsuits with retro prints, and embellished pieces.

Rounded bikini top styles are a thing of the past. Reversible string bikinis, triangle cut tops and bikini halters are very in, especially if they show off vivid colors. With this swimwear, moderate to full coverage can be achieved in a sexy and ultra chic fashion.

Bandeau tops are back this season and paired with some of the coolest boyshorts and super-skimpy bikini bottoms. The idea here is tropical all the way! When wearing this fashion, seek out elegant colors like emerald green, turquoise, pink, blue or orange.

Flaunting one-piece suits has always been clean and sophisticated, and this beach season is no different. Salute summer fashion in high style with full suits adorned with sailor stripes or nautical prints. Look for one of these suits to highlight a great waistline and if you find one with keyhole cuts, V-necks, and cutaway styles (also called monokinis) heads will turn. Oh, and don’t forget to add a special touch to your suit with some red or navy accessories. They’ll go a long way.

Another smokin’ idea for one-piece’s is something a little glitzy. Look for sparkly silver, dynamic gold, and animal prints…anything screaming attention. These designs paired with high-cuts are popular and although it might be a little wild, the cool and refined look it gives off is phenomenal.

But swimsuits isn’t all you should be worried about, looking deliciously beautiful in a sassy cover-up is important too. Shop for tunics, sheer cover-ups, trapeze coveralls, and swimwear dresses because they are just as important as a cute suit. These accessories should fit wonderfully and flow comfortably. Opt for the basics, black and white, or liven things up with ethnic prints.

Like every year, fun in the sun gets more and more fashionable. But always remember to choose something you feel comfortable and attractive in. So, live it up and bask in the latest swimsuit trends because summer promises to be a HOT one!

 

Dozens of things make summertime the perfect season to say “I do.” But before rushing down the aisle women need to prepare.

Yes, dresses, bridesmaids, favors, and flowers are important. However, for any bride’s big day, preparing your style is imperative.

Beauty consultants suggest a bride-to-be should begin getting ready for her wedding weeks in advance. Everything from hair conditioning to facial treatments, help add that special touch to the whole look.

“Every bride needs to have the whole package,” says La-Te-Da Salon and Spa makeup artist and bridal consultant Christiam Alfonso. “A woman’s hair needs to connect with her makeup, which needs to connect with her dress. It’s all about a polished, yet natural look for the wedding day.”

Summer weddings this year embrace a renewed interest in classic styling. Everything from skin treatments to hair and makeup trends strive for a natural bride look that focuses on an effortless and radiant glow.

Loving the skin your in on such a big day is extremely important. Skin Care Specialist Jessica Lampitt says women should start a basic skincare regimen at least eight weeks before the wedding for their skin to have glow and luster.

“We suggest various treatments for brides,” Lampitt says. “First and foremost, we suggest something that exfoliates in order to get all the dead skin off and bring out the fresher, healthier and more vibrant skin.”

One treatment often used is microdermabrasion. This skin-resurfacing technique improves texture, acne problems, sunspots, blackheads and even promotes collagen to come to the surface to plump the skin.

“The microdermabrasion package consists of six treatments performed a week to seven days apart,” she explains. “The treatments include extractions, deep cleansing and moisturizing that are safe for all skin types and deliver dramatic results.”

Stylist Lisa Johnson says hair trends this season lean towards romantic styling.

“The trends this summer for weddings are updo’s,” says Johnson. “I’m talking about really soft, textured, undone tousled hair that is achieved with large-barreled curling irons or hot rollers. The ringlets of hair are then pinned and styled according to the look the bride desires.”

Don’t have long hair, don’t fret. Johnson says the latest trend is natural extensions that clip in. Extensions can be matched and ordered to help add that stunning fullness to any style.

When it comes to makeup trends, Alfonso suggests brides go as natural as possible. He explains that wedding makeup trends are both glamorous and elegant with soft colorful shades for eyes and a bolder lip for that romantic flare, but nothing too over the top.

“Brides are the center of attention on their wedding day,” he says. “I always suggest brides look like themselves, but also I understand they need picture-perfect makeup. So, I work with airbrush foundation because for photos it looks great. At first, it will feel like a lot of makeup, but since it is mineral based, the appearance will be natural looking with 100 percent coverage.”

Eyes come into sight with bolder shades of color, but still making sure to stay amongst the tones that blend best with your skin. Eyes enhanced with eyeliner and mascara will not only make the eyelid shade pop, but it will look wonderful on film.

Lips need to have that moist and full appearance. Therefore, a liner is suggested, as well as lipstick shades complimentary to ones skin tone, in order to highlight the bridal elegance.

“Blondes look best with Barbie doll looks, colors like rosy pinks,” Alfonso adds. “Brunettes have to look for golden earth tones like bronzes. Brides taking black and white photos have a lot of no-no’s. The number one rule is no red lips because they will appear black on the photo.”

Nowadays, salons offer package deals with hair and makeup pre-trials, treatments and much more. La Te Da even has a package including champagne and brunch for the beautiful bride and her friends.

Therefore, to be that blushing bride you’ve always dreamed of on your wedding day, choose your style with plenty of time and try it out to ensure that you love it!

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