Stop Dreading that Swimsuit!

We're almost saying goodbye to July! Are you still fretting over your ill-fitting swimsuit?  Is it cramping your style?  Are you glad you invested in a cover-up?  Well, that's not good.  Help has arrived!  You'll love the 2011 Nautica swimwear and the retro inspsired swimwear and plus size retro swimwear.

 

(flickr.com)

Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound--who can discover it?  Ecclesiastes 7:24

Ask most women what their least favorite thing to shop for is... many will say the dreaded swimsuit.  Even if you're in the best shape of your life, you'll still probably find something wrong with that swimsuit fit.  Even if you have over 30 pounds to lose, you can still have a pleasant swimsuit shopping and wearing experience. No, I'm not on mind-altering meds.

 

Miracles and Blessings... happy end of July... Kiki here, and we're having a blast this summer here at your favorite virtual women's cafe, iCafe Woman Moderne.  We hope this fun-in-the-sun text webisode will help you throw away your dread of shopping and help you find the right swimsuit (if you haven't already) that'll fit you, your summer lifestyle and personality.   

Are you hiding out in a tee-shirt or cover-up?  If so, get back online or visit your favorite shop after you read this text-webisode.  And if you shop now, you'll get a nice savings.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that swimsuit you bought in February is now half or 30% off.

You don't have to be a size four or a surfer girl.  Great if you are, but it's still great if you're not.  Embrace the womanly curves you have and tend to hide, or enhance what you don't have and give yourself more womanly curves. 

We have our iCafe Woman Moderne Divas here to help you get there.  We have sizes 2 to 22 represented here at our annual swimsuit fashion show.  What's different this year is that we're featuring the new retro swimsuits that flatter both the athletic small and the curvalicious.  All sizes are beautiful, you just have to own what you have.  So enjoy your fun in the sun with these retro-inspired swimwear before the leaves change... you'll thank us later.

 Genevieve 35 - a paralegal at an entertainment law firm loves the new retro swimsuit that hugs her curvy body in a flattering way.  No longer does she go in the water with a tee over her swimsuit.  Thanks, Esther Williams for giving women to teens swimsuits all sizes can feel oh-so glamorous wearing
(Mod Cloth)

Daria 42 - this food blogger and web copywriter has a secret beach blanket bingo side.  Move over Gidget and Moon Doggie, Daria's commanding her own beach blanket fun.  Her prized collection of Gidget and Elvis Presley movies are best enjoyed on rainy days.  She's thrilled with this daisy-patterned two-piece. (Mod Cloth)

 At Last! Vctoria's Secret has gone retro- inspired in its swimsuit collection for you divas snorkeling in the South Pacific, jumping waves on the Alantic shores or chilling at one of our country's mountain lakes.  You'll feel and look fantastic in the vintage retro swimwear.

(Mod Cloth)

Austin  22 - Hair Stylist

When most twenty-somethings can't wait to slip into a teeny bikini, Austin, the drummer of her own beat, prefers the sophistication of this Victoria's Secret aqua halter one-piece.

Fabulous at 50, Lorene just celebrated her 50th birthday in style with this head-turning bikini, (why not?) This Zumba, Rebounder and Hula Hoop Dance class instructor celebrated her milestone with a Victoria's Secret BioFit bikini in Antigua.

 (shuttle)

 (coconut vendor)

Victoria's Secret Biofit Bikini

What's great about this swimsuit is that it custom fits your cup size from A to D.  If you're an A, you get the full padding, B cup... lightly padded... C ... for shaping and D cup with contouring.  But it doesn't stop there.  Uh-uhn... like Burger King, you can have it your way... wear it as a halter, strapless, V-neck, classic and cross-back.

For Sarah 48, a self-employed electrician and avid surfer, there's nothing worse than losing your bikini top on a stoked wave.  This Fisherman's net tankini by Nautica gives her the freedom to surf, kite board and snorkel to her heart's content.  And the fishnet material adds interest to a safe color.

 Daria also likes this size 14 Nautica striped, high neckline tankini for swimming and hanging around poolside.  You can even wear the top with a pair of white shorts and nobody would be the wiser.

No worries, we haven't forgotten you divas who want to add more curves.  Nurse Annie, 25, likes the movement and curves of this Nautica retro-inspired halter-back bandeau bikini. 

Teens... you're in this mix too.  Afterall, iCafe Woman Moderne is an inter-generational virtual cafe.  This smocked bikini by Roxy with amazing cup support and boning at the sides is not going anywhere once you put it on.  I heard that sigh of relieve, Mamas.  It also comes with skinny halter straps adding another secure dimension.  

Sixteen-year-old Carmen snatched this bikini up with the quickness.  The yarn dye stripe has enough wow factor for our creative cartoonist.

 Leah, 18, a dancer, and soon-to-be freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design was drawn to this Roxy Fire Dancer swim suit like fish to water.  It's fun, playful, has the support and makes a summer statement.  It checks off all of her design requirements. 

 We would be wrong if we didn't mention some of the swimsuit don'ts provided by Glamour.com 

SWIMSUIT NO-NOs

1. I beg you... please don't wear heels with your bikini, unless you want to look like you're taking a break from dancing in a Chris Brown music video. 

2. Don't wear a swimsuit top that's too small.  A belly flop in the pool and it's coming off.  You don't want your girls making an appearance in the cyber-underworld.

3. Don't wear a lure-him-in swim suit that could pass for lingerie. You may lure in something you don't want.  

4.  Finally, a Do... This is the transition look you want from beach to beach side restaurant.  A stylish swim suit under a full-length cover up, sunglasses, bottled water to stay hydrated and safe this summer season.

Our iCafe Woman/Girl Moderne Divas picked these swim suits as most suited for many shapes and sizes from Overstock.com.

Ray Women's Retro 1-piece Color Block

Jantzen Teal Ruched One Piece

 Jantzen's Women's Pleated Tankini Top - You can wear this with boxers, hip huggers, low rider, skirt...etc. depending on the fit and comfort.

Ray Women's Retro 2-Piece Bikini with Button Trim Side

I know what you're thinking. "But I'm a size 16, I can't wear this two-piece."  Yes you can. It gives you enough coverage on the bottom and support on the top. Also, because it sits low on the hips, the suit elongates a thicker middle.  Whereas some one-pieces make the middle appear thicker and wider.


Color blocked and mock tankinis also flatter many figures.


Cowabunga!

The Little Black Dress Experiment

Could you wear the same Little Black Dress for 31 days?

Valerie Elizabeth, owner of Society Stylist, came up with this innovative idea in the Summer of 2009... proving the point that you can transform the perfect little black dress into many perfect looks with what you already have in your closet by simply changing accessories.  In her case, she had 31+ looks, often making changes twice in one day.

 "She is a woman of strength and dignity, and has no fear of old age."  Ecclesiastes 31:25


Miracles and Blessings, Kiki here... You'll still see plenty of  little black dresses or perhaps wear one yourself during the dog days of summer at sidewalk cafes, concerts in the park or during your normal business commute.  You'll probably want to carry a shrug, a thin jacket or drape it with a shawl to stay comfy around office air conditioning.    

As you've already figured out, all of our iCafe Woman Moderne Divas own a little black dress or two... most... three.  What can I say, it's an iCafe Woman Moderne standard.  This dress that never goes out of style has inspired me in many ways that I'll elaborate more about in the next few months.

Valerie Elizabeth calls her fashion-forward study... the Little Black Dress Experiment... which I stumbled on at the Diva Cafe, during my daily cyber-surfing.  

Little did I know that a few decades earlier, I was living my own Little Black Dress Experiment alternating between my two little black dresses on a weekly wear basis, each time perfecting a different look, just like you saw in the Little Black Dress Experiment video above.  
  
I coordinated them with long scarves, shawls, five or six strands of pearls, belts, blazers, big blouses... boots, pumps, platforms and hats... specifically, cloche hats.

Wow, I didn't know I was doing my own Little Black Dress Experiment when I was paying my dues on the newspaper reporter's beat and in my copywriter's cubicle.  I'm just sorry I missed Valerie Elizabeth's Little Black Dress Experiment Tours America last summer (July and August 2010) when she gave 31 bloggers/fashion icons an Ann Taylor Little Black Dress to style in celebration of the first anniversary of the Little Black Dress Experiment.

Here's a look at what the Little Black Dress Experiment Tours America uncovered:





Anne Taylor Little Black Dresses

Does a custom-made little black dress 
whet your fashion appetite?

  
Do you break out into a grin just thinking about designing your own little black dress fitted for your curves and personality?   Then you'll want to visit:  Perfect Little Black Dress.com 

Upon entering the website, you'll be greeted by the The Breakfast at Tiffany's famed Audrey Hepburn Little Black Dress with elbow sleeves and striking pencil skirt.   Click the start here button and choose from a round, bateau, scoop, squared, sweetheart, diagonal and V neckline... cap, elbow, long sleeves, string, strappy, strapless and finally, select a pencil or flare skirt.   Of course, a custom fit does not come cheap.   

But it'll be the perfect little black dress you'll treasure forever.



Tall 60" VINTAGE STYLE IRON METAL DRESS FORM Mannequin



Sterling Silver Black Diamond Accent "Little Black Dress" Pendant



Ashley Arthur .925 Silver Black Swarovski Crystal "Little Black Dress" Pendant



D&G Dolce & Gabbana Women's DW0579 Ireland Watch



The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You

10 Eco-Friendly Graduation Gift Ideas!

(At Last Project) 

 

It's the graduation season!  Bring out the gifts and the hankies... your baby, little sister, big brother, the bully from down the street you babysat... are graduating and it's time to celebrate their well-earned achievements.  

 (Eco-Friendly Decorations - Party City)

 "Now glory be to God the Father who by His might power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes."  Ephesians 3:20

Miracles and Blessings, Kiki here... we're keeping the May college graduation decorations up here at iCafe Woman Moderne and adding a fresh bunch of latex balloons each week, which are biodegradable and compostable.  

They break down in about six months.  About the same amount of time it takes an oak leaf.  We also have paper lanterns in a wide range of colors to represent various school colors.  And yes, all of our decorations are eco-friendly.

 (Chocolate and Peanut Butter Graduation Cupcakes)

Thanks for stopping by iCafe Woman Moderne... a virtual cafe for inter-generational women inside a mid-century Art Moderne home... for your graduation gift shopping pleasure.  

Our iCafe Woman Moderne divas are fabulous at coming up with innovative and eco-friendly gift ideas. Why should graduation day be any different?  So sit back with your favorite cold beverage, relax and let your eyes feast on these green wonders your special graduate will never forget. 

 

1.  Apple MacBook 

No surprise here that Apple MacBooks are top graduation gifts.  What many people don't know is that it's also environmental-friendly.  Here's the breakdown:

a. Efficient Power Supply   

MacBook has a highly efficient power supply that reduces the amount of power wasted when bringing electricity from the wall to your computer. Lower power consumption reduces energy bills and lessens the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. 

b. Advanced Power Management  
Unlike a lot of Windows-based PC systems, MacBook uses energy-efficient hardware components that work hand in hand with the operating system to conserve power. Mac OS X spins down hard drives and activates sleep mode on already energy-efficient LED-backlit displays. And it balances tasks across both central processors and graphics processors.  It even regulates the processor between keystrokes, reducing power between the letters you type. 

c.  ENERGY STAR Qualification

MacBook meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, making it ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR 5.0 sets significantly higher efficiency limits for power supplies and aggressive limits for the computer’s typical annual power consumption.

d.  Fewer Toxins

BFR-Free, PVC-Free, Lead-Free, Mercury-Free Display, Arsenic-Free Display Glass.

e.  Lasts Up to Five Years
Battery in the newest MacBook lasts up to five years, and seven hours per charge.

2. Vintage or Upcycled Briefcase
I've said it before and I'll say it again.  What's old is definitely new again.  Let's say, you inherited a classic briefcase from a cherished grandparent that's collecting dust in an attic or basement, but with a little TLC... it can be good as new again.  Why not pass on the legacy with a briefcase that was part of a cherished relative's work life.  

Your grad will appreciate the sentimental value and the memories of grabbing the briefcase out of Mom, Dad or Nana's hand at five and playing CEO for hours.  And now, seventeen years later... your college grad is well on her way to making it a reality.  I just love the circle of life, don't you?

Vintage Cowhide Leather Briefcase

Recycled Street Sign Briefcase

Get Ready for Life in the Fast Lane! 

A perfect gift for the young woman about town, this one-of-a-kind briefcase are for those driving their God-given gifts toward their life's purpose.  The aluminum case, created by artist Tripp Gregson, gets its dose of color and modern iconography from lawfully salvaged traffic signs.   Interior organizer and file pockets, combination locks, a laptop compartment and carrying strap get you to the office and back in style and functionality.  Its unique exterior will stop all eye traffic.   Made in China. The veneer work is done in North Carolina.


Upcycle Vintage Cowhide Leather Briefcase

Creative professionals-to-be will love this vintage cowhide leather briefcase upcycled with vintage Heathcliff comics.  You can easily do this yourself and decoupaged it with your grad's favorite comics e.g. Cathy.   

The linen interior looks like it has never been used.

 
Like the idea of recycling/upcycling an old briefcase, but don't have one?  No worries here, you can find them at flea markets, thrift stores, online vintage sites, Etsy.com, Ebay.com and even on your local Craigslist.org. 

 3.  Sustainable Desk - ReKindle Desk By InModern- $425
A healthy work environment is important whether it's at home or in a corporate setting.   You'll rekindle your love for mid-century modern design with this stylish, green desk... while taking care of business. 

Your recent college grad will make good use of this sustainable "ReKindle" modern desk.  It's built from FSC/Rainforest Alliance Certified SmartWood with 100% formaldehyde-free adhesives, water-based stains and a UV cured finish to minimize volatile organic compounds and indoor air pollution.

All pieces are shipped flat to conserve packaging and reduce waste, and it assembles (and disassembles, for easy moving) without any tools.  

4.  Change The World Organic Pillow Cover, $19, pbteen.com 
It's a known fact that the power of positive thinking feeds into your spirit and creates an abundant life.  This statement pillow not only encourages high school/college grads to be green in their new living space (dorm or new apartment), but also encourages them to make a difference in their lives and leave a notable footprint in the world.  But the encouragement and giving doesn't stop there.  It’s made from 100% organic cotton and $5 of every purchase will go to www.dosomething.org.

5.  Eco-Lounger - $159.99-$209.99
Your college-bound grad will study in style and comfort in this green chair.  Filled with eco-friendly recycled materials, this supercush seat is easier on the environment and provides a comfy place to study, socialize and chill.

Loosely packed filling creates a casual, beanbag feel.Single: 34" wide x 36" deep x 28" high
Double: 42" wide x 36" deep x 28" high
Cotton twill with all-recycled polyester fill.
Designed with a plush backrest and arms for extra comfort.
Personalization is available for an additional $7.00.
Available in patterns and solids.

6.  Plantable Journal, $25, Uncommon Goods 
Here's a place for grads to transcribe their new lives... those lovely struggles, challenges and joys that come with life's growing pains. 

Yes, you can judge this journal by its sustainable cover made from 100% recycled office paper and wildflower seeds while the inside is also recycled paper.   Once she's finished with filling it up with her deepest thoughts, she can plant the cover and watch the wildflowers spring up... kind of cathartic... don't you think?

7.  Etón Soulra Solar Powered Sound System for iPod and iPhone (Black) 
What will they think up next?  Well, apparently they thought of a solar-powered charging dock.  Soulra, an innovative solar powered charging dock for your iPhone or iPod has a re-chargable lithium ion battery pack, a rugged rubberized case and aluminum body that's splash proof.  It also boasts bumping stereo sound with full range speaker drivers and bass boost.  It doesn't get any better than that.

8.   IZZO's Sun Spot Solar Charger...Power Up Anywhere! ($34.95)
When was the last time you saw kids without a gadget attached to their bodies?  A solar charger is a practical and scientific  graduation gift for elementary, middle school, high school and college grads.   For the little ones, you can throw a solar lesson in there and quiz them later.   Sure, this is a favorite for golfers and include GPS, but it works for all eco-minded ages.

IZZO's Sun Spot Solar Charger provides charging power anytime, anywhere with a little light.  Pocket size, portable and super convenient.  Compatible with cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, digital cameras... Provides instant backup power when needed.  Includes 4-piece adaptor set and carabiner that conveniently clips onto backpacks. 

9. Recycled Colored Pencil Picture Frame - Starting at $14.99
Ingenious!  Color me unique with this innovative recycled colored pencil frame.  It's a definite ice-breaker when your college-bound grad go off to college or first apartment.

10.  Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablet - $32.99
No trees were sacrificed for your loved one's creative convenience.  It lets you make lists, draw doodles, jot down thoughts all without paper or pencil.  You write on it with the included stylus, or even your fingernail if need be.  Without wasting paper or ink, the Boogie Board displays your notes and thoughts until you decide to erase them.  And they erase simply with the touch of a button.  Boogie Board sealed internal battery uses no power until you erase--and lasts for about 50,000 erases!