Wearing Green and Dreaming Vintage

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!! With any luck, you're all off from work, drinking green beer, and enjoying parades!

I'm not.

As I am stuck inside for the wearin' o' the green, I've decided to daydream a bit, and pretend that it's already Summer, and I am on vacation somewhere beautiful and warm with a pool. Unfortunately, that reminds me that swimsuit season is just around the corner, and I am in no way ready for it. I am counting calories, excercising more, and doing what I can to make my cellulite less visible, so there's hope (though, for my feelings on hope, see yesterday's post), but I'm not jumping into a teeny bikini anytime soon.

Of course, I'm not opposed to something a little more vintage-inspired, that would cover what was needed and let the curves shine through. Something like this, perhaps:



Photo Credit: Unique Vintage

 How cute is that?! I love the shirred fabric across the middle (instant flat stomach), the longer torso that makes you look taller and covers problem areas around the rear, and the super-adorable sweetheart neckline. This is a great suit. My only gripe is the price tag: $75.00 is a bit much for my budget.

Thankfully, there's an alternative:

Photo Credit: Target

This is pretty darn close. Same shirring, same long torso, same sweetheart neckline (though, this one has a little twist), even the same color. Also, if you want the halter strap, it comes with one that can be attached. It's not as thick as the Unique Vintage suit's strap, but more of a spaghetti-style. Still, I like having the option to go strapless and avoid those pesky tan lines. Best of all, this bathing beauty is only $34.99. Now, that's a price I can live with.

Don't forget, folks, you have to cover up your skin, too!

Photo Credit: e.l.f. cosmetics
(I'm so sorry it's grainy.)

This SPF Kit from e.l.f. is a great way to keep away all those nasty UV rays. It contains their Studio SPF 45 powder, Studio SPF 15 lip balm, Super Glossy lip shine in Candlelight (SPF 15), a Studio Kubuki face brush, and a lip brush.

Believe it or not, I've used all of this stuff before. The powder was a little too dark for me (I'm kin to Casper the Friendly Ghost), but it has a lovely matte finish, and will work well over a Summer (sunless) tan. The lip balm is a staple of mine. It moisturizes amazingly well, feels like butter, and makes your lips look gorgeous. The lip shine feels awesome, isn't sticky (yay!) and smells scrumptious. The face brush is soft and blends well, and the lip brush is...well, a lip brush. It doesn't shed, but that's pretty much all I can say about it. The kit runs $16, and is well worth twice that price.

I hope everyone finds a pot of gold!

If you do, feel free to send me two tickets to Aruba. I'll be your best friend forever. Please? Pretty, pretty please?