Soon-to-be heated temps ain’t the only thing sizzling these months.
In the summer, it seems like pretty much anything goes fashion wise, but who really wants to be caught in just anything? So grab your Visa, MasterCard or Discover: Here’s some of your best bets for soaking up rays and stepping into oh-so-fashionable summer, found right here.
Bathing beauties
A summer staple to start -- which luckily for us curvaceous women come in all sizes, shapes and colors -- are bathing suits. Stock-pile and suit-up in the classic string bikini; low-riding hipsters; mixed and matched sets; punchy, bold and tropical patterns and anything adorned with bright colors.
Whether it’s a halter top, side-ring or low-slung style you’re seeking, head to the Somerset Collection in Troy where you’ll find almost every variety. Everything But the Water has the hottest designer-brand swimwear, Victoria's Secret delivers the trends in water-wear, Roxy has got the surfer girl skins and Macy’s is equipped with a plethora of affordable options.
Strap one on
The ultra-trendy know that No. 1 this season for your feet come in the form of a gladiator. I’m not talking about the Roman general (although that may make a nice accessory). I’m talking the beaded, metallic, leather and laced-up-the-ankle gladiator sandal.
For other fancy footwear options go for the ethnic-influenced sandals, open-toed booties, jellies (yup, you heard me, and yes they’re back for all you ‘80s fans) or TOMS for those do-gooder, vegan hippie types (who by the way will also donate a pair to those in need for each purchase made.) Shopping stops include Lorla’s in Northville, My Shoe Closet in Royal Oak, Sole Sisters in Rochester and Royal Oak and Burn Rubber in Royal Oak for that Dee-troit flair.
Hot handbags
If you’re as obsessed as I am about handbags you probably want to have just the right one for every day, month, year and season. Yup, recession and all, there are bags to hit the beach with, bright bowler-styled purses, woven satchels, leather lady-like bags and embellished hobos to give that boho glam feel.
The bigger you go is always the better with handbags (hell, you can fit all your summer gear in it, too). If not, you can always opt for a tiny, eccentric tote or clutch. Help keep the economy going with bags from Bella Mia in Plymouth, Tender in Birmingham for the upscale latest or Sole Sisters.
Turn-it-out tops
Summer glamour always feels its best when it’s laid-back, yet irresistibly flattering fashions. Break-out the flowing cotton and sweet sundresses, white or distressed jeans, tank and billowy tops in a wide-array of colors, vintage T-shirts that are so thin they’re almost see thru and all those other comfy basics.
Faded fabrics give you that “Yeah, I look good, but I don’t want people to think I’m trying too hard” effect, while florals can be found for any outfit and, be sure to mix in some modern details to any attire.
Rock on Main in Northville has got the T’s and the jeans, Flair Boutique in Rochester and Royal Oak will offer both new and vintage inspired looks, Lost and Found Vintage in Royal Oak for the classi t-shirts and Regeneration in Pleasant Ridge have all got those quirky summer hits.
Shade the sun
It seems the ‘80s are being channeled more than ever in this accessory for the summer 2009 season. Whether it’s shutter shades, retro Ray Ban wayfarers or Devo-inspired lenses it’s hot, hot, hot.
Bigger is also better when it comes to sunglasses, too. The oversized styles are still popular, along with more high-end name brands like Louis Vuitton and the classic aviator style Ray Bans are always in.
Make them flashy, make them colorful; just make sure you got them because although the job is to block out the UV rays, you also want to do so without compromising an once of style, of course. Rock some eyewear out at Retro Threads in Ann Arbor for the vintage finds at Optiks and SEE Eyewear..
