I've been dying to wear this Ann Taylor Loft maxi that I bought a few years ago on sale, but it's progressively getting too clingy around the middle. I pulled it out today and paired it with a denim vest--(this season's purchase), which gives me the coverage I want but is light enough so I won't overheat (happens easily these days!).

Dresses make life so easy...just throw on ONE piece and you're done.
Plus, the right dress can really play up your assets and elongate your body (and legs!).

Here are a few that I like and why. Click on each photo for more details.

The beautiful blue color works for so many skin tones!  I also love the placement of the flowers at each side of the dress which creates the look of a cinched waist and accentuated curves.

Everyone needs a simple tee-shirt dress that goes from grocery shopping to a casual dinner. Choose a slightly relaxed style (like this one) to allow a little room around the mid-section. I love the pop of color at the bottom of this dress!

Calvin Klein makes great dresses and I love this figure flattering faux wrap dress (no worrying about the skirt flying open!). Accessorize with another bold color such as royal blue or let the dress be the focal point by adding neutrals.

This Donna Morgan wrap works well for most body shapes and the color are fabulous! This dress will keep you wrinkle free and the bold pattern distracts the eye (camouflaging figure challenges).
The best thing about all of these dresses (besides the fabulous styles) is that they're all under $150!

Cork is no longer just for wine bottles....it's a fashion statement!

I just got back from an amazing trip to Quebec City. Richard and I have made it a tradition to celebrate our anniversary in this very romantic place!  This year, we stayed at Hotel Le Priori--an stunning boutique hotel located in the lower section of the historic district.



 

Boho style is nothing new. Back in the late 60's and 70's I was in love with peasant blouses and fringe.  Even my prom gown circa 1979 was a white gauze number with embroidered flowers down the middle. And like everything else, what's old is new again. Peasant tops, flowy skirts, fringed bags, and embroidered dresses are all back in style and reminiscent of times past.

Although I can't say that my style is completely boho, I do like its laid-back and casual vibe. I'm a huge fan of long unusual necklaces and fabric bags. And who doesn't love the feminine feel of a flowy top? Are you ready to dress like a peasant?

I recently bought this fabulous Hinge "topper" at Nordstrom. My original plan was to wear it with a tee shirt and jeans--but then I had the idea that it could double-duty as a bathing suit cover-up. Brilliant isn't it?

Unfortunately, this Hinge topper is sold out--but I found some similar pieces at great prices for you HERE , HERE, and HERE .   Don't forget a straw tote, sunglasses and sandals too!  And off to the beach you go!

Photography by Cathleen Trainor
Location:  Seabrook Beach, Seabrook, NH

This post has nothing to do with clothes, but lots to do with our health....our skin health that is. Several years ago I noticed a small red mark on my neck, which looked like a mosquito bite.  After a few months it was still there, so I visited my dermatologist. It wasn't a bite, but rather basal cell skin cancer that had to be surgically removed. Luckily I caught it early on and I barely have a scar.

A month ago, I developed a red mark on my nose. Within a few weeks it went away so I thought nothing of it. However soon after, a little brown spot surfaced in the same place. Initially I thought it was an age spot, but because of my overly cautious nature I got it checked out.  Unfortunately, it was pre-cancerous--fortunately I caught it early on.  A quick hit with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery it's called) was all that was needed...luckily this should wipe it out with minimal scarring (nothing that make-up can't cover anyway). Skin cancer on the nose can be very difficult to treat and can involve plastic surgery. I'm so glad I listened to my instincts.


So why am I sharing this with you? Because I want to stress the importance of yearly visits to the dermatologist for skin cancer screenings and to also be aware of skin changes (know your body!). Get suspicious spots checked--early detection is key!

Wear sunscreen religiously, wear a hat, and avoid those dangerous tanning beds.  If you want some color, I love Jergen's Natural Glow (this one actually has added sunscreen!) and it is SO worth the money to invest in a good sunscreen such as La Roche-Posay  Buy a pretty hat and look stylish this summer while keeping the sun off your face.

Growing up in the 60's and 70's, no one ever thought about the hazards of spending hours baking in the sun--back then baby oil was our sunscreen!  I remember going to the beach WANTING to get sunburned so my skin would glow (CRAZY!). Years of skin damage is now catching up to me and I'm paying the price. It pains me when I see women sizzling in the sun or going to dangerous tanning salons. There is a huge price to pay for a tan. Is it really worth it?  I'll take pale, thank you.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July and wore sunscreen!

XO Susan

Pull off the red, white and blue theme without looking like a flag!
Happy 4th!