Southern Protocol

I’m not a beer drinker. Never have been, probably never will be. Instead of craving a “nice, cool Bud” on a warm summer day, I still find myself reaching for a bit of champagne… to each their own, right?

Which is why I literally exclaimed from my seat when I saw this “Patriotic Pop” feature on Glam.com – it’s PATRIOTIC CHAMPAGNE! For only $14.99 a bottle!

The mini bottles of champagne are manufactured by Pommery, and are appropriately called “POP America Champagne.” Love it. Absolutely must have it for this weekend.

Warm weather, free weekends and the approaching summer season. That only means one thing: it’s time for the dreaded swimsuit shopping session.

But here’s a newsflash! Shopping for your summer 2010 swimsuit doesn’t have to be a painful affair. By knowing what cuts and styles are right for you before you shimmy into the dressing room, you eliminate self-confidence breaking options and focus only on silhouettes that flatter your figure. It’s really that simple!

Top heavy: You need support, and you need thick material. I once ordered the cutest lavender, scallop-edged bikini from Victoria’s Secret, and I swear when I got it in the mail and tried it on, it was like someone had painted a swimsuit on my body – holy unflattering. You need padding, and you need thicker halter straps that will hold the girls in place. Corset-boning on tops is super popular this season, and is a perfect option for you! Avoid tiny patterns; opt for solids or medium sized florals.

Bottom heavy: Finding a pair of bottoms that fit to perfection is the hurdle for all you pear shape gals…Nothing is worse than feeling like your love handles are graciously pouring over the side of your suit. Look for bottoms that can adjust to fit your specific size (strings, ruching, etc) – not solid “underwear” bottoms that will cut into you. Your frame is also great for the mixing and matching of tops and bottoms; just be sure to keep a darker color with no pattern over your rear, and have some fun with color on top.

Boyish figure: (Sidenote: I’ve always really disliked this term. Just because you have less substantial curves than the Ms. Marilyn next to you doesn’t mean you look like a boy! So actually, let’s change that to Straight Figure). Straight Figure: You want to create some curves. Opt for a bandeau top with a halter string for the neck; you’ll push up what you’ve got and highlight your slender collar bones. The teeny triangle bikini tops are also made for you – it’ll make what you deem small seem much more significant. As for bottoms, avoid high rises and go for low bikini rise.

For women who just want to cover it all up/are sick of bikinis: I am of the personal opinion that one-pieces are severely underrated. Thankfully, that mindset is slowly but surely changing, as one-pieces were all over the resort runways this year…they really can be 100% sexier than a bikini or tankini, and it covers all your insecurities! For the mom that wants to cover everything up, try a trendy one-shoulder with a metal hardware piece, or even an option that is covered up front but has a completely open back. Hot mama! For the girl that just wants to try rocking this new trend, opt for a cut out suit – just make sure that you lather up on sunscreen to avoid awkward tanlines, and find a suit that lays flat around the cutouts (instead of pooching up).

Conveniently for time and your wallet, Land’s End is having a 25% off AND free shipping special going on right as we speak! The high quality retailer has some truly fantastic swimwear to choose from; they also make it so I can’t use their pictures to show you firsthand! But hop on over to their website to see all kinds of great options for your figure – they even have specifications like “short torso” or “long torso”. AMAZING!

The most commonly given beauty advice from almost every source is protect your skin; wear sunscreen. That comes from older women, doctors, anti-tanning bed advocates…and it’s a topic that we could all probably stand to know a little more about.

Sweet185 on King Street is giving you a perfect opportunity to learn! Join them on Wednesday, March 31st from 6-7 pm for an Organic Skin Talk. The event, presented by the boutique’s skincare professionals, will be informal and fun, focusing on how to best protect and nurture your delicate skin in the upcoming summer heat.

Of course there will be “sweet demonstrations and samplings,” too, including wine, Sweeteeth chocolates, appetizers, door prizes, and discounts exclusively for the event’s guests. There is limited space for the evening, so RSVP today if you’re interested in attending! 843.829.3500.