by Nancy Hogan Neill, wordsmith & DRES marketing assistant

After our usual 5^th of July’s arrival of true summer weather, the thought of swimsuits can’t be put off any longer. Be honest: Do you know anyone who enjoys shopping for a bathing suit?! It doesn’t matter if we’re thinking string bikini or modest one-piece, either.

The first secret to a flattering swimsuit is really a by-the-numbers thing. Know your current, accurate measurements and your true DRES shape (Diamond, Ruby, Emerald or Sapphire).

The second secret? Shop online--you can have a look at swimwear from many retailers. Compare your measurements to their size charts. This really works! Look for shoulder-strap and tush configurations that flatter your DRES shape. Landsend.com is a great place to start as they offer many options, good quality and value.

If one’s figure needs “encouragement” from something like a Miraclesuit® (mine!), it can get pricey. However, in bathing suits you really do get what you pay for.

If one is more goddess-like, lucky you! There should be some savings in that, as a sleek, simple tank suit will probably look fabulous. Happy Summer!

by Nancy Hogan, wordsmith & DRES marketing assistant

Around the Pacific Northwest, the irony that is our good weather seems to always start on the 5^th of July. But that doesn’t stop any of us from shopping for beachy and sunny summer gear. Here are some great examples of things to look for that will help keep you cool and stylish on a budget:

A maxi- or ankle-length dress in a fun print--it can work as a nice beach cover-up or as party wear, worn with a coordinating, lightweight scarf or shawl. Under a blue or white jeans jacket, you’re good for running errands or sightseeing. This one is from Nordstrom.

Some fun or fancy footwear; And there are so many options! I love these from OTBT Pendelton. This is a less well-known brand perhaps, but they come from locally owned Onlineshoes.com. They specialize in more wearable brands.

And to finish almost any summer look, go for some bangles and dangles! Happy summer!

By Nancy Hogan Neill, Wordsmith and Marketing Assistant

The post-holiday sales are still on, so it’s a great time to shop and save on some of those winter basics we always seem to need. I hope you all can take some time to check in with your DRES System Certified Stylist or flip through your StyleLog to see what core basics you need.

It’s the perfect time to acquire or update items such as a dressy winter coat, or a dark pants or skirt suit whose pieces can easily be broken up to work with jeans and sweaters for more casual occasions. And it’s also a great idea to check out the 2013 pre-fall designer collections just to see what types of colors and garment styling you’ll be seeing next autumn. Do you see items that fit your DRES Shape & Color profile well?
For instance, Chanel’s collection (http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/2013PF-CHANEL) is previewing lots of black/red and black/white knits, particularly in tartan plaids. If you know that tartan plaids look good on you, great! However, if you’re an Emerald DRES Shape in a larger size, you know those tartan plaids aren’t going to flatter. So it’d be better to pick up plaid accessories, like a scarf or vest, or maybe a nice clutch.
Women-oriented websites and the morning/afternoon TV and cable shows are also a great place to learn what’s fashion forward in 2013. For instance, the peplum will continue appearing in department stores and on the runway. It’s feminine, universally flattering and shears 10 lbs. from anyone’s figure. Genius, right? Here’s a great example in several petite sizes, on sale right now at Nordstrom:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-peplum-sheath-dress-petite/3401811?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=60139127&fashionColor=&resultback=0

By Connie Zunigha, Marketing Assistant

Clothes courtesy of Mango.com and riding boots courtesy of Piperlime.com

One shoe style that never seems to fade is the classic riding boot. Whether relaxing on the weekend, going to work, or have dinner with friends, the riding boot is a fashionable and practical shoe for the upcoming months. 

For a more formal outfit, try pairing your riding boots with a skirt that hits below your knees and a tucked in blouse. To transition the outfit into the winter months, add a pair of thick tights that match your riding boots and a pea coat or parka!

For a more casual look pair together straight-legged trousers, a fun top and a blazer with your riding boots. I also love pairing my riding boots with dark-wash skinny jeans, a floppy sweater, and a structured purse. It strikes the perfect balance of looking put-together, but comfortable.

Tip: Choose more neutral colored riding boots, sticking to shades of black and brown, and be willing to spend a little bit of money on a pair of good quality boots. This way the boots will last for years and always be on trend.

For a good selection of riding boots click here.

By, Amy Zentz DRES Marketing Assistant

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is the answer to all of your tropical vacation dreams.  With ocean-front resorts, silky sand beaches, tropical forests and culturally diverse , fun and interesting villages, Mexico offers a variety of alluring features.  The Hotel Boca Chica in Acapulco, Mexico is romantic and stylish.  Located in the vibrant Celeta neighborhood, it is just steps away from an idyllic beach cove, and near the yacht club La Caleta.  Spend the day lounging by the kidney-shaped pool watching the yachts, or relax in the spa featuring Turkish hammam and Japanese furo tubs.

What to pack for this Mexican get away?  Have fun!  Your wardrobe choices can be vibrant and colorful.  Bermuda shorts are a comfortable choice for strolling the local town.  Comfortable sandals are essential for walking long distances, and for more dressy occasions wedges are always a good choice, a comfortable but still dressy option.  Lightweight skirts are wonderful for beating the heat, and most importantly, a flattering swim suit for lounging by the pool or Oceanside. For this destination any swimsuit style is optional. If choosing a one-piece, pick a feature you would like to emphasize and find a swimsuit that does that, be it curvy hips or shapely legs. If choosing a one-piece, look for a style that offers support and shaping. Be sure to pack a nice sun hat for shade, all of the colorful fedoras and hats in stores make picking difficult, but try designer Eugenia Kim for every style of straws wovens and silks under the sun. Finally a great pair of your favorite sunglasses to cut the rays.