Summer Swimwear–It’s Not Over Yet

House of Plates' vintage swimwear fashion show at Fraternal Order of Eagles pool. Two-piece set from Commonwealth Couture. (photography by Jason Acton)

Kids are getting ready to go back to school, but summer’s not quite over there. There are more vacations to be enjoyed and, unfortunately, much more heat to escape, which means poolside is still the place to be and swimwear is still the thing to buy. If you missed the retro fashion show hosted by House of Plates this Sunday, check out the photo gallery here and StyleSheet’s recap here. I’m in love with that 70s two-piece, above. Then move on to modern with the D Magazine August issue’s look at summer style.

photography by Scott Womack

Texas Summer Beauty Challenge: Prolonging Your Airbrush Tan

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

If you’re like most business women in Dallas, you’re strong, independent, successful, and you haven’t seen the sun in weeks. But thanks to plentiful sunless tanning options, you hardworking Texans can still achieve a sunkissed glow, even if a trip to the pool is out of the question. The tricky part is getting your faux glow yo last, so we talked to Body Beautiful Studio’s Barb Yevchak on how to increase your tan’s longevity.

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Ice Cream! For Your Feet.

That’s right. Let’s skip the part where we feel guilty and wind up with bigger love handles. The Spa at the Stoneleigh is putting ice cream to healthier use: in their manis and pedis. During the month of July, you can get a muffin top-free Ice Cream Manicure, $36, and Ice Cream Pedicure, $56. The treatments include an ice-cream flavored soak, a sherbet scrub, and hydrating mask wrap. Sounds delicious. Book now.

On Trend: 3 Neon Pieces We Love

Shopping interns Kelly Belter and Kristi McCann are hitting the town and tracking the trends. Their mutual affection for shades of neon led them to this handful of brightly colored goodness.

You need your shades for this summer’s trend: neons. The spring runways were filled with the not-so-neutral colors. Whether the bright hues are mixed and matched like Nanette Lepore’s head-to-toe neon ensembles or sprinkled in with accessories like Louis Vuitton’s eye-catching totes, we love them all. Think this trend might be a little too hot for you to handle? Try incorporating a pop of neon by pairing it with a dependable neutral. -Kristi McCann

model from Nanette Lepore spring 2012 RTW, courtesy of sytle.com; all other photography courtesy of vendors

1. Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag in bright pink, $195 at Neiman Marcus
2. Alice + Olivia 5-picket skinny jeans in neon yellow, $190 at Tootsies
3. Tory Burch Aine thong sandal in fluorescent orange, $157.50 at Tory Burch in Highland Park Village

produced by Kelly Belter and Kristi McCann

On Trend: 4 Tribal Print Pieces We Love

When shopping interns Kelly Belter and Kristi McCann put their heads together to do some local trend tracking, it was twists on the tribal motif that caught their attention.

Tribal prints emerged as one of this season’s biggest trends. From the gradated graphics of Maria Corneja to the vivid maxi dresses at Michael Kors, designers were all about exploring the world less traveled. We were especially captivated by Balmain’s glimmering, Aztec-inspired motifs, ideal for the adventurous at heart. We searched Dallas high and low for the perfect additions to your wardrobe, all of which you can check out below. –Kelly Belter

Inspired by Balmain’s Resort 2012 collection, here are their four favorite picks, all available for you to pick up this weekend.

1. Fitted black and tribal print dress, $36 at Strut
2. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Rowley caftan, $275 at Elements
3. Mara Hoffman strapless Party dress, $277 at Stanley Korshak
4. 7 For All Mankind ikat toffee crop skinnies, $190 at Tootsies

produced by Kelly Belter and Kristi McCann

Huge Sale at Tootsies. Huge.

There’s a big sale at Tootsies right now. Like, really big. Nearly every shoe in the shop is discounted and racks of spring and summer threads are marked as low as 50 percent off. You’ll find Elizabeth & James blouses, a cream Rachel Zoe suit (gorgeous), blazers in colors, prints, and soft fabrics, summer hued denim, sexy army-colored shorts, and shoes. Lots of shoes. Like the Pour la Victoire pumps in pastel mauve for $179 (originally $250). Who’s ready to blow off eating lunch to go shopping instead? 

Texas Summer Beauty Challenge: SPF For Acne-Prone Skin

photo courtesy of StyleSheet

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

FOR FACE PROTECTION EVEN WITH SENSITIVE OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:

We’ve all heard the lecture a thousand times: wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sweltering sun. It’s easy to remember to lather on SPF when you’re at the pool or beach, but wearing an everyday sunscreen is just as important, especially on your face. We hate feeling like we’re clogging our pores with some of the options out there, so we talked to Dr. Peter Malouf, founder of the Center for Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, for his sunscreen recommendations. (more…)

New Cozy De Rigueur Sweaters at Equinox

De Rigueur spring summer 2012

I know. It’s 90-something degrees outside. But it’s -20 degrees inside, so there’s no reason to snub your nose at incoming sweater news. After all, you should have a beautiful collection of office/movie theater/cold restaurant summer sweaters. Start with the new, seasonal knits from De Rigueur, Equinox gym’s private clothing line, now available at the locations in Highland Park and Preston Hollow. In photo from left, Go To Pullover for $110; Beach Cardy for $98; and Gauzy Cowl for $110.

Texas Summer Beauty Challenge: Hair That Can Stand the Heat

photo courtesy of StyleSheet

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

FOR FRESH HAIR THAT CAN BEAT THE HEAT:

Sometimes it’s tempting to forgo the lengthy hair prep in the morning, especially when you know you’re going to be running around in the Texas heat. By midday, your perfectly coiffed hair often feels ruined from the oils your scalp produces naturally and from sweating. But skip the ponytail. This week, we spoke to expert stylist Ashley Puig from Orange Salon and Spa to find out how to keep hair looking fresh even when you’re out in the sun.

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Three Golden Days of Airbrush Tan Deals at Facelogic

Facelogic gave me one of my favorite airbrush tans I’ve had so far. I was exotically dark (but friends told me it looked natural) and I faded evenly (no Michael Jackson splotches). Of course the skill of the airbrusher is a critical factor in the outcome of your tan, but it helps that the South Seas Skincare formula is paraben free and fairly neutral smelling. This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (that’s June 21-23), you have three ways to save on this airbrush tan at the spa.

1. Purchase an airbrush tan package of 4 for $99 and you’ll get one free. Five expert airbrush tans for $99 is a steal. (And, you can buy as many packages as you want.)
2. Get a two-for-one deal by bringing a buddy. Bring in your pale friends for their first tan and you’ll both score an airbrush session for $40. (That’s $20 a piece!)
3. Get a discounted one-time tan for $30. (That’s $10 off.)

Book now.

Blinc Has This Swimsuit in Stock. YES.

We Are Handsome The Secret Garden suit, left, and The Fighter suit, right.

I’ve been in love with the We Are Handsome “Secret Garden” paneled one-piece swimsuit for months (top left). But now, I’ve discovered the “The Fighter” tiger print version with sheer side panels is available at Blinc, and I’m over the moon with joy. Can’t wait to get my hands on a We Are Handsome suit in person. (Not a big fan of ordering swimwear through the mail.)

See more locally stocked swimsuits here.

Stunning Swimwear for All Body Types at Trousseau

(left to right) Pain de Sucre Kimy underwire printed one-piece with removable straps, $275 and Parah two-piece with leather straps in blue black; top, $205 and bottom, $119

Trousseau of Dallas has an amazing collection of European swimsuits right now that are on-trend, figure flattering, and stitched with such quality they’ll last you to the next decade.

For conservative (or self-conscious) types, there are beautiful one-pieces with sexy details, like the floral print Kimy (above) with bustier top or a solid black Zeki one-piece with a caged and crystal-adorned back. If you’re looking forward to shedding a few layers (I envy you), you can find frilly, cheeky bottoms in fuchsia and two-piece strapless bikinis with low-rise bottoms from French lines.

Now, a few of our favorite pieces. (But there are dozens more in the shop.)

(left to right) Zeki ruffle top bikini, $235 and Zeki Misha fuchsia top, $149, and high-waist bottom, $98

JUMP FOR MORE SWIMSUITS.

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Must-Have Summer Swimsuits from Calypso St. Barth

(from left) Oiseau turquoise suit, Tulum Festival, and Rasa bikini (photography courtesy of Calypso)

Heading off to a tropical island to bask in the sun and forget all of life’s stresses this summer? Lucky you. Your beach tote might feel a little empty, however, without Calypso St. Barth’s bikinis. These suits are fun, flirty and feminine—what more would you want to feel like on the beach? Each piece (tops and bottoms sold separately) are priced at $85 and portray whatever vacation vibe you’re going for. If you’re planning a day of lounging in the sand with your favorite novel in hand, the Oiseau Turquoise suit might be your best option. But, if you’re attending a beachside party, you might want to opt for a little more fun-loving suit, such as the Tulum Festival bikini. My personal fave is the Rasa bikini, which looks more like a work of art for your body than a swimsuit pattern. And if you’re feeling extra daring this summer season, the Majadi Snake Print bikini is sold together for $195. The suit is designed by Malene Burger and has the extra edge  including tasseled ties. Make sure to check out Calypso’s dresses, tunics, and caftans to complete your carefree look.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

Signature Looks in Shades of the Rainbow at Abi Ferrin’s Revolving Door

Abi Ferrin's The Revolving Door

It’s been too long since we last visited Abi Ferrin’s studio and storefront, The Revolving Door. The newly redesigned space feels more like an elegant living room, which is the perfect setting for a private girls’ shopping experience, which you can book by appointment. (Wine allowed.) Abi’s five-way tops and dresses have always been a staple for the designer, and her spring and summer collection is full of the trademark look in sheer fabrics, fun prints, and warm weather hues (like coral and cyan). We also spotted slinky, one-shoulder pants jumpsuits, a sheer hemmed dress in flirty magenta, and beach chic blouses that double as swimsuit cover-ups. Also noteworthy are Abi’s new Freedom Project comfy five-way tops in colorful cottons. Created by Sak Saum for Abi Ferrin, this collection of clothing and accessories is handcrafted by a group of Cambodian women who have overcome abuse and trafficking. I love wearing pieces with a story. To check out the full collections from Abi Ferrin, head in to the store or reserve a private shopping experience.

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Your One-Stop Color-Shop: Elements

Rows of shorts in purple, green, linen, and pale metallic gold. Purple print dress by Alice + Olivia.

If any of the following are on your summer shopping list, head to Elements:

• caftans
• bold prints
• colorful shorts
• bright cuffs
• kaleidoscope patterns
• local jewels
• colorblocked clutches
• flowy fabrics
• massive sale racks

Plus, June and July are months of seriously hot deals at Elements. For starters, the sales racks (four large ones) are full of designer pieces marked down to 50 percent off. Buy two 50-percent-off items, and get the third for 75 percent off. (I scored this Erin Fetherston halter maxi dress with a sheer hem for half the price today.) Shop Monday-Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm and awaiting you is complimentary champagne and 15 percent off your purchase. (Who needs happy hour?) If that’s not good enough, how about gifts with purchase? On Tuesdays, spend $500 and receive a gift certificate for a mani or pedi. Spend $1,000 and get both. So basically, Tuesday between 3 pm and 6 pm is officially the best time of the week. You can snag free champagne, serious discounts, and a free mani/pedi.

(clockwise from top left) Locally designed stingray skin cuffs and bangles, new obsession: Erica Weiner jewelry affordably priced under $200; Dallas designed Archipelago clutches in solid colors and colorblock snakeskin, Park blouses in rainbow shades

Elements is FULL of flow-y, vacation-y caftans that will help you survive the summer. Prints cover the spectrum from ladylike hues to statement-making on-trend photographic prints.

The staple-worthy sheer blouse, made more interesting with a cage cutout.