6/12 Whine Wednesday

BODYSUITS

Yes, it is summer. No, that does not mean we can turn our grandmother's one-piece swim suit into a shirt. And no, that does not mean we can stretch out our old one-pieces from our baby years either. yes, I am talking about bodysuits.

Bodysuits emerged as a fashion forward piece in the United States last spring season and several years ago in Europe where it is especially popular. Bodysuits are worn as tops but are similar to a swim suit or baby clothing in the way that it connects at the crotch.

I'd assume women enjoy wearing bodysuits to ensure that their shirt stays tucked in at all times, creating a clean and polished look. Or wear them simply because they are in style, regretfully. I, however, do not understand why women wear bodysuits.

My first thought when this trend started was that it would be impossible to wear a bodysuit on a date. What if the date goes really well, you go back to his place and he tries to take your shirt off? Men don't know what bodysuits are! Talk about a major wedgie and some major explaining to do.

My second thought was that in the midst of crop tops and cut-outs revealing as much of the midriff as possible, where do bodysuits even fit in? Call me confident, but I am much more keen to that trend instead of this one.

Lastly, I thought, I don't like the slick, tuck-in look from the 90s. This brings back horrible memories of camisoles tucked into denim jeans. Especially with long legs, untucked shirts give the impression of a longer torso. Bodysuits are restricted to only being tucked in. Not to mention, bodysuits reveal every single curve, roll and pouch on your tummy.

If you have not purchased a bodysuit by now, chances are you will never become a part of this trend. I do not see this trend lasting any longer than it already has, and hopefully by next summer, bodysuits will have become a shameful joke. The moral of the story is swim wear should stay at the pool and baby clothes should not be worn over the age of 2. Therefore, bodysuits are unacceptable.

6/1 Saturday Rave

CHEETAH ACCESSORIES

The first signs of the start of a trend begins with the accessories, as any fashion forecaster will tell you. Applying this fundamental lesson, let the rise of the cheetah commence! Pops of cheetah print have been materializing since the fall season, and the trend has continued all the way up to this summer, and girl, we are glad it has!

The collection of neutral tones that comprises the coat of a cheetah is perfect for the sizzling summer weather. Accessorizing in cheetah print creates the right amount of sexy to turn your summer outfits from mundane to fabulous.

One way to accessorize with cheetah print is with a belt. Cheetah print belts should be relatively thin and subtle. However, belts are not restricted to merely keeping your pants from falling down. Use a cheetah print belt to define the waistline on a solid-colored dress or add it to a skirt for some extra oomph!

Turn cheetah print bohemian by draping it around your neck. This style would look great paired with combat boots, high-waisted shorts and simple crop top. Or like the picture above, style your scarf with a maxi dress or a maxi skirt.

Perhaps you are looking for a new purse for the summer? Rather than turning to the typical white or pastel hues of summer, opt for a cheetah print handbag or cloth. Cheetah print matches well with virtually every color, so you won't have to worry about your bag coordinating with your outfit of the day...or night. A cheetah print bag is a faultless investment for your summertime wardrobe.

Just like the purses, shoes guarantee multiple uses. Cheetah print shoes offer a sexy, yet subtle representation of the trend. And what better combination is there than matching your purse with your shoes? The cheetah print design goes along well with all colors of the rainbow, as well as all of the colors in between. The addition of cheetah heels, sandals or even Oxfords would make a fantastic statement in a sea of black and neutral toned footwear.

The best part about accessories is the unlimited use and options that come along with them. You can reuse a belt with different dresses, skirts and shorts. A scarf can be slung around your neck with anything (or nothing, I suppose) down below. And of course, the amount of wear we get out of our shoes and handbags is limitless. Cheetah print, to an extent, will always be in style. Coming from a cheetah girl, my only suggestion is to bulk up on the cheetah accessories while they last!