Reader Request: Bras for Bombshells Part I

When I was visiting my lovely friend Amie this summer, our conversation naturally fell to bras. Which brand do you wear? Comfy? Pricey? Does it lift? Whether you’re an A or a DD all fabulous girls have some kind of bra battle every summer as the clothes get smaller and bosoms must be bolstered, enhanced or simply just covered up! This is the first post in a series of bras for the bombshells (that’s you ladies!)

My best bra advance for Amie? The filets! Filets are actually a self-adhesive silicone bra which can be snapped together in the middle to form more or less cleavage. They miraculously lift, separate and just generally improve the look of your chest. They also have absolutely no straps! The filets are recommended for women with sizes A-C. Now if you’re a little more voluptuous D+ you can still wear the filets, but I recommend wearing a bra in addition to prevent sagging. That may seem over the top, but once you have the bra on, you can hardly tell it’s there. It also is a fool-proof way to avoid a nip-slip in a low cut top or dress.

Vicky’s sells an adhesive bra, which is a little on the more expensive side, but you can find filets in almost any lingerie shop or major department store.

Invisible Shaping Bra, Victoria’s Secret $68

P.s. The filets are also way cheaper than a boob job, I say yes to that!!

Summer Trauma: Greasy Unwashed Hair

In my family a certain cousin, who will remain nameless, believes that you don’t have to take showers everyday in the summer, especially if you’ve been swimming in the pool. Chlorine is a disinfectant, right? The truth is we’re usually having too much fun to worry about looking our most fresh. But recently at the end of our beach/pool days we’ve been heading to the local bar for a little cocktail hour refreshment. There’s never enough time to take a shower, so what do you do about that sea salt mop? Sprinkle on some dry shampoo!

Dry shampoo is basically baby powder that is scented and is made to absorb the extra oils in your hair and scalp. I’ve been using Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo and it’s essential in a pinch to refresh your hair. It has a lemon verbena scent, which is kind of citrus-y, and very light. It amazingly plumps up your roots, de-greases and makes your locks smell summery.

The best way to apply it is to part your hair on one side, sprinkle the shampoo on your scalp, then part your hair on the other side and sprinkle again. Run your fingers through your hair and distribute the shampoo throughout the hair. You can also brush it, but I find that using your hands works just as well.

Now you’re ready to dazzle ‘em at happy hour (even if only the local fishermen see you!)

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo $10-$19

Summer Trauma: Peeling Skin

Ah summer. The sun, the sea, the salty air, just close your eyes and….you’re burnt to a crisp and now its peeling! Ahhh! Nothing looks worse with a tube top than blotchy peeling shoulders and backs, not to mention scalps. Fortunately on my trip to Sephora today, I found two amazing products that will buff away just about any sunburned disaster area. Of course this is after your skin has recovered from that naughty sunburn (where was your SPF 55???!).

Super Skin Saver #1: L'Occitane Crushed-Grape Polish $26 Unfortunately Sephora won’t let me copy the pic, so check it out on the site!

I spotted this buffin’ miracle because of its gorgeous pink tube and since I haven’t bought an L’Occitane product in a while I thought I would see what new things they had. My first impression of this polish was its refreshing scent. Don’t be scared by the “grape” in its name, it smells more like a fruity garden than a grape. It does have grape extract in it, and the main exfoliating element is the crushed up walnut shells (which are very gentle by the way). It also has grape seed oil in it which is a perfect emollient to smooth out your skin as it scrubs away the dead grossness. This polish would be great for the usual rough patches, knees, elbows, and as prep for the St. Tropez sunless tanner that you will inevitably need to even out that spotting patch under the peeled off skin. It’s also supposed to “eliminate cellular waste.” I’m not too sure what that is, but I’m pretty certain none of us want cellular waste!

Super Skin Saver #2: Sensitive Scalp Exfoliating Tonic Fredric Fekkai, $30

When was the last time you pampered your scalp? I’m sure most of you weren’t too keen on the hot olive oil treatments like I was in 8th grade (I was a very advanced child). I hate to break it to you girls, but your scalp is screaming for attention! A healthy scalp directly correlates to more healthy and shiny hair, so give it a little love. The summer is an especially hard time for you scalp since it’s almost impossible to apply sunscreen on it, and if you actually dare to lather it up, your hair is guaranteed to be greasy. So give your scalp a break and sooth it with this exfoliating tonic that comes as a 4 week treatment. It calms the scalp with botanicals and afterwards your scalp will be completely moisturized and back to its old self.

Beach Weekend Essentials

Let the weekend beach vacations begin! Try not to think about how much traffic is on I-95 and instead think about how cute you’re going to look when you get there! Besides, maybe they’ll be a hot James Dean type starring you down in the car next to you :-).

Here are some of my beach weekend essentials:

Sea Horse Tote, Gap $19.99
I think I’ve adopted seahorses as my new personal symbol. This Gap tote is perfect for fitting all your beach affects and it’s a little more flashy then my ole L.L. Bean Boat-n-Tote. (Don’t worry little Boat-n-Tote, I’m still obsessed with you!)

Babydoll Halter, Victoria’s Secret $29
I got this dress last year for my Halloween costume as a champagne bottle, and I’m pretty excited to wear it this summer. Beware, you will have cleavage in this dress, but it does have a built in bra. So forgo the strapless at least in the summer.

Tie Front Top, Victoria’s Secret $25 2/$40
Every beach babe needs a fool proof going out top for a little après-beach partying. This one is perfect with the eyelet lace detailing. It also comes in a bazillion colors to choose from.

Mother of Pearl Sandals Mystique, $120
I’m pretty sure there is a mystique sandal cult out there, and I might just be part of it. Mystique makes a huge variety of leather soled sandals with shells, beads and gorgeous rhinestones. They are a little pricey, but extremely comfortable and add elegance to your daily summer routine.

Antique Hoodie, J.Crew, $50
Beach nights can be chilly, even if you’re singing patriotic anthems around a bonfires (gosh, what dorks do that!) This hoodie is perfect for summer nights. Believe it or not, it’s actually slimming. I know, you didn’t think that could be possible, right? I’m in love with this hoodie and may just have to get another one!