My 70s Collage

Okay, are y'all watching Swingtown yet? Loved that bikini Lana Parrilla wore in last night's episode! Some more 70s-inspired duds, from Missoni's Resort 2009 Collection. Photos via style.com.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BEACH VACATION

Couture Carrie received such wonderful feedback on yesterday's luxe luggage post... the travel theme continues!

Hit the resort in style! What to Pack:

1) Many bright patterned sundresses, some for day, others for evening. I love T-Bags (featured above, and available in a variety of lengths, styles and patterns at shopbop.com). If possible, bring your portable steamer. No globe-trotting gal wants to look all rumpled! For more frock fabulousness, see the Resort 2009 runway looks at right from Zac Posen, Prada, and Brian Reyes (top to bottom; photos via style.com).

2) A slim journal or sketchbook and/or tiny digital camera, so you can document all the delicious details of your vay-cay! At left, Smythson journal. Go to smythson.com.

3) A double beach towel: plenty of room to roll around, and you never know who you might share it with!

4) Shoes: (a) gold or silver flat sandals (like those in the Zac Posen look above); (b) throwaway flip-flops (Old Navy or Wet Seal, top left of polyvore); (c) lightweight pair(s) of heels, such as Manolo Blahnik, Alexandra Neel or Jimmy Choo; this way you won’t feel bad having lugged them around if you don’t wear them; (d) trainers – you WILL work out!

In collage: red Dior stiletto, eLuxury.com; turquoise Sergio Rossi elastic strappy sandals, stylefinder.com.

5) At least as many bikinis as the # of days you are staying; double if possible. I like to change bathing suits after lunch. And of course, if you hit the Jacuzzi at night, you’ll want a fresh triangle top and side tie bottom for that as well. Never repeat! At left, Rosa Cha bikini, via nymag.com.

All suits in the polyvore above are at net-a-porter.com. From left to right: Emilio Pucci, Milly, Missoni & JG4B.

6) Silk or terry shorty robe, for poolside or bedside.

The beige Stella McCartney hooded robe in collage is available at net-a-porter.

7) Pashmina or other large wrap that can double as a cozy blanket on the airplane or in your suite; also a sarong or two – so versatile!

The teal wrap above is from Forever 21, and the towel is Pucci.

8) Copious numbers of magazines and a few “disposable” books (i.e., ones you don’t mind tossing or giving away after reading so you don’t have to carry them home – more room in your Goyard luggage for souvenirs!)

9) Lightweight denim – a go-with-everything, chic pair of dark jeans that is suitable for day or night and a pair of white jeans, like the True Religion Candice Trouser Stretch Jeans above, for purchase at Nordstrom.

10) Lightweight cashmere cardigan – green J. Crew sweater pictured above. For cocktails on the veranda or that midnight stroll on the beach!

11) Adorable hat –for protection from sun and humidity; I like this Cordon straw fedora at left from Forever 21. Go to style.com for more info. on the Lola large-brimmed straw hat in the collage.

12) Silk sleeping mask, for those 5:30 Costa Rican sunrises or the occasional post-beach catnap. Couture Carrie likes Mary Green’s, and you can usually find them cheap on ebay!

13) Accessories! UV-protectant sunglasses such as the classic Ray-ban aviators pictured in today's polyvore; costume or inexpensive jewelry to throw on with a sundress – bangles, chunky necklaces (see Brian Reyes pendant), big earrings (see Prada look above), etc. Gold always works, too. Collage looks: Henri Bendel bangles; Kenneth Jay Lane necklace and Zoe & Morgan Isis wing drop earrings (both at net-a-porter.com).

14) Casual no-brainers such as white tanks and tees; yoga pants; city shorts (see Resort 2009 look at right by Isaac Mizrahi).

A word to the wise jet-setter: Many experts will advise against it, but CC believes that it’s better to overpack than underpack. And remember: always carry at least a day’s worth of clothing in your Goyard carry-on, in case your checked luggage is mislaid. Also, keep a record of items packed in your checked bag; most airlines will reimburse you up to $500 if your bag is lost.

Did I leave anything out? Also, better to check or not to check? I know it's sneaky, but sometimes I take 2 huge carry-on bags, and claim that one of them is my "purse". Then, if the flight attendants object and insist that I check one, it's the last to be stowed, and thus the first piece to come out on the conveyor belt! Happy traveling, darlings!

That's a seahorse of a different color!

Cutesy stuff like this kinda makes CoutureCarrie nauseous, but for those who want to channel a little prepitude without wearing Lilly Pulitzer, here are some adorable seahorse clothes and accessories . . .

Clockwise, from top left: Letarte seahorse bikini, at figleaves.com; Seaton tee, at shopbop.com; J. Crew bead necklace, at jcrew.com; Giles & Brother stud earrings, on sale at shopbop; Eva Franco navy tank dress, at shopstyle.com.

IN THE PINK

Here's hoping that your weekend was lovely and that the only thing pink about you is your wardrobe! Here are some fun pieces in rosy shades

Above, you see my first polyvore experiment . . . this site is totally incredible, and if you haven't discovered it yet, you simply must check it out! I was turned on to it by fellow blogger and fashionista Danz at http://fatalfashionattraction.blogspot.com/.
Below, some more fabulous pink items presented the old-fashioned way. Get pretty!

First up (above), a flirty fringed number by Bruce, courtesy of the brand-spanking-new online version of the fab real-life Presse. The much-anticipated website is finally up and running, with a divine, carefully edited selection of pieces from unique designers. Go to presseboutique.com asap!

If over-the-top pink is more your style, you are going to adore Enrico Coveri's head-to-toe runway look, complete with gloves, tights, and decorative flowers in rose and fuchsia. Photo at right courtesy Vogue Italia.

Get glam with these Christian Roth oversize shades, at presseboutique.com.

Or, keep the frill at your feet with some incredible Pedro Garcia Leslie square toe satin pumps, now half off at netaporter.com!

Diane von Furstenberg's Nalia silk jersey wrap dress is a fun way to wear the trend . . . perfect for your son's backyard birthday party or lunch with the girls at La Goulue. Go to Neiman Marcus or shop online at neimanmarcus.com.

If you are reluctant to invest in a pink piece, don't fret! You can get the look on the cheap at Forever 21: this cinched-waist chiffon petal dress is utterly affordable, and undeniably chic!



And speaking of inexpensive items that are sure to impress, what an amazing find at left . . . a jeweled headband (can also be worn as a choker) from Twelve by Twelve for only eight bucks!!

Last, for your viewing pleasure, a pink gown, like a lovely flower in bloom, by Marchesa. Once again, Georgina Chapman creates a stunner (2008 Spring Collection photo via style.com).

MADRAS ABOUT YOU

What a perfect day!

A quick bite of fashion sustenance before you hit the beach, darlings:

Summer Plaids!

I am absolutely enamored of Anna Sui's layered gingham dress, now half off at net-a-porter.com. Ideal for that Montauk wedding!

For your Martha's Vineyard beachgoing pleasure (and, doubtless, to the delight of many a male onlooker), here is Victoria's Secret sexy/preppy madras

balconet bikini top and double-string bottom. Go to victoriassecret.com.

Lastly, pair Matthew Williamson's striped fitted plaid jacket with a clean white tank and some lightweight JBrand skinnies, and you'll be good to go for dinner in Bridgehampton! Also at net-a-porter. Enjoy this gorgeous day in sassy summer style, gals!

IN THE NAVY

YO (NO) SOY MARINERO . . .

The summer is officially upon us, and Couture Carrie simply can't hit the beach without providing her dear readers (who all surely toted their iPhones and blackberries to the pool today so they could stay abreast of fashion's goings-on . . . ) with some seasonal sustenance!

If you only take one lesson away from this prep school class, it should be the following: every girl must have in her repertoire an adorable navy boy blazer, like the one pictured at left, by AKA New York. Go to http://www.ronherman.com.

For the office, a conservative dark blue dress like David Szeto’s puff sleeve frock, for purchase at Barneys New York, could be paired with a fanciful pair of stockings, like the anchor-emblazoned hosiery donned by the runway models at Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring Couture show (detail photo at right via style.com)!

Universally flattering and a versatile day-to-night transitional piece is Proenza Schouler’s petticoat tank, pictured at right, and also at Ron Herman’s sassy Los Angeles boutique.

The best in blue for shoes? Of course, Manolo Blahnik! This cleverly perforated open-toe Gloria pump can be found at barneys.com.

Sonia Vera’s Canne striped string bikini (pictured at the top of today's Couture Carrie post, in signature Molly Brown mirror-image photographic style!) is the perfect way to wear the navy trend. Go to http://www.mollybrownsswimwear.com.

In conclusion, let us all take a cue from Gossip Girl’s Blair, played by the lovely Leighton Meester, by donning (ironically, please! i.e., paired with something outré and decidedly un-preppy!) this Stacey Lapidus crystal & chain headband. Visit http://staceylapidus.com.

PIN-UP GIRL GLAMOUR

The fashion-fabulous fifties are alive and well, 50 years hence! In today's post, Couture Carrie references both classic and modern takes on the pin-up theme.
First, recall one of the “originals”: Brigitte Bardot! Go to http://www.hollywoodpinup.com/pin-ups/_bardot.html
Hollywood’s interpretation, in a recent issue of Vanity Fair? This playful soft-serve ice cream dream, the lovely Transformers star Rachael Taylor. Visit: http://www.vanityfair.com/fame
Of course, the way to channel this eternally sexy look is with a suitably vamped-up bikini, like this Victoria's Secret retro bandeau top and ultra high waist bottom (at left), complete with adorable front patch pockets. This and many other gorgeous suits are on sale right now at victoriassecret.com! If you prefer a maillot, try the Chio Roma yellow halter suit pictured above, available at mollybrownsswim.com. Gorgeous gams deserve to be showcased this summer, in retrolicious style!

RED (WHITE & BLUE) ALL ABOUT IT!

AHOY, DARLINGS!

With the Memorial Day weekend nearly upon us, we are FINALLY able to bust out all of our preppiest, yachtiest looks.

Nothing says sexy sailor, on or off the boat, more than red and white wardrobe pairings. Toss in a little navy for fun, if you like. But please refrain from literally nautical nods, such as large anchors emblazoned all over your attire (though oceanographic hosiery a la Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture is acceptable - see detail photo at right of jellyfish-adorned legwear, courtesy style.com).

We’ll start from the ideal underpinnings and sail on from there: try this Lisa Curran mod striped bandeau bikini (at top left), available at shopbop.com with free ground shipping, always!

Or, even more naughty-cal, sport a Jessica Simpson striped halter top and denim cheeky boyshort bikini (at right), currently on sale at victoriassecret.com!

Layer on top: a playful sundress! Try either of these two amazing red and white dresses at left from Ron Herman’s L.A. Boutique: Ella Moss pleated stripe dress (top) or Jill Stuart Robin floral print frock (bottom). Go to ronherman.com. Alternatively, don this Juicy Couture scallop dress, with adorable self-belt, available at shopbop.com.

Stow your Ray-Bans, Bain de Soleil and MAC SPF lipgloss in this delectable Foley + Corrina patent and canvas mini city tote (at right), a style recently popularized by Gossip Girl. Go to shopbop.com.

No matter what, you MUST have a seasonally appropriate wrap, like this Brooks Brothers red and navy linen scarf (at lower left), for purchase at brooksbrothers.com. So chic!

Now you are truly seaworthy!

BEACHY GREEN

EMERALD ISLE

There’s something peculiarly pretty about wearing verdant volumes on the veranda!

First thing in the morn, when you part the curtains at your beach house and see that the sun’s a shining, don your fabulous Milly green paisley print bikini (upper left, at shopbop.com) and a sassy cover-up. See CoutureCarrie's April 21st It Takes Tunic to Tango post for ideas, or try this inexpensive Echo seaside stripe caftan.

Toss your towel and your No-Ad sunscreen into this adorable Echo Spectator Diamond Beach Bag (right, at echodesigns.com).

Lounge all day under a chic beach umbrella like this exotic leaf (at left, from shadeusa.com).

Or prance down the beach with a purpose by flying an

amazing L.L. Bean Prism Box Kite (in citrus at right, courtesy llbean.com).

For the cabana or the club, these Delia*s rugby stripe bangles are chic and utterly affordable. You can buy the set of three pictured at right at delias.com for a mere twelve dollars; talk about saving some green!

Once you’re back at your spectacular Hamptons manse, sipping muddled mint mojitos on the teak deck, keep the kelly coming!

Depending on the tenor of the gala, you may have the good fortune to don this extraordinary Diane von Furstenberg washed silk strapless maxi dress, as sumptuously comfortable as it is glamorous (at bloomingdales.com).

For a more "shrimp on the bar-b" vibe, pair these sexy grass-hued Rich & Skinny Sleek jeans with an alluring off-the-shoulder top or even a simple white Helmut Lang tank (pants at shopbop.com).

And what summer wardrobe would be complete without the perfect pair of practical yet gobstoppingly glamorous sandals? Go green by sporting these Jimmy Choo Aspen flats. After all, stilettos are splendid, but they have a nasty habit of getting caught between the slats of the wood deck – and the ship captain gets mightily annoyed when you try to wear them on the yacht, as they tend to scuff the finish . . .