Nautical

Set Sail with Nautical Trends

Boat Party by aprilrain007 featuring sailor shorts

Our Fashion Trend of the Month is Nautical. Ahoy, matey!

Like the waves in the ocean, we know the tides of fashion come and go each season. For those of us who spend our summers near the ocean, the nautical look is a staple in our summer wardrobe. However this year, even for those inlanders who don't spend much time near the deep blue sea, you too should pick up some classic nautical pieces to spice up this summer's wardrobe.

Men's Nautical by aprilrain007 on polyvore.com

Nautical-inspired styles have been featured at many retailers this season from top designers for both men and women. The good thing about this trend is that nautical fashion is always "in" for summer, especially this summer because of the Olympics. With his third collaboration with the United States Olympic Committee, designer Ralph Lauren creates a classic nautical look for the American athletes to wear at the London opening ceremonies. 

Most nautical fashion relies on blue and white hues as well as red. Other colors featured in nautical fashion include black and gold or brass; often the metallic tones take the form of buttons, and we sometimes see them in appliques on garments or fashion accessories. Horizontal sailor stripes dominate nautical fashion this season.

There is something so crisp and clean about stripes and white pants, skirts or shorts. They instantly give off a refreshing feeling, whether you'll be on the water or not.

Anchors Away!!!

Beach Chic Cover Ups

Beach Chic by aprilrain007 featuring genuine leather handbags

Today is officially summer which means time to hit the beach but finding that perfect swimsuit is just as important as finding that perfect cover up, sometimes you gotta cover it up. Designers have really stepped it up this year, designing chic but versatile cover ups.

Years ago oversized T-shirts and beach towels tied in a knot around your waist used to be the rage. Nowadays, however, swimwear cover ups have become a trend that just might be around for a long time. Why? Sexy lingerie stores and swimsuit shops across the nation are displaying sheer and exotic garments that will not only cover up a bikini but they can now be used as seductive robes or fashionable items to wear at the beach resorts, on boats, and while dining at a seaside restaurant.

Many designers are also choosing to add sheer dresses, shorts, and tiny skirts to their swimsuit cover up inventory. So, you can accentuate specific parts of your body with a cover up, and you can disguise or hide other parts of your body that you'd rather not be exposed while you're at the pool or the beach.

The first thing you'll need to do before buying a cover up is to figure out what part of your body, you want to cover up. Also, choose a color in the cover up that matches a color in your swimsuit.

The best cover ups and summer dresses can go from beach to swank restaurant and beyond. It just takes a little imagination and having multitasking clothing is a big help when packing for a trip. If a beach cover up can't be worn with more than one type of outfit -- don't buy it!

Look for pieces that are versatile like sundresses and tunics. You should browse until something looks like it will go with other travel clothes. There are nightgowns that look like maxi dresses, cover ups that work as jackets, and sheer caftans that could rock at nightclubs. Play with it!

Here are some examples:

Sheer cover up - can be layered over a simple tank dress or a tank top with a pair of jeans.
Maxi dress - can be worn with a fabulous sun hat to a cruise-ship, pool, but by adding huge earrings, and an armload of Boho bracelets, the same dress can be perfect for dinner.
Sundress - is appropriate for a beach wedding. However, add platform sandals, don a giant glamour ring, and clip some tropical flowers into one's hair, and the same dress can be worn for a night of clubbing.
Strapless dress - looks great in a solid or a pattern, it can go from day to night just add some cute strappy sandals.
Silk caftan - looks good on any body type, pick a vibrate pattern think tribal.
Lace dress - use this as a swimsuit cover up. Then, layer it over a simple dress or a cami with denim cutoffs.

Cover ups that seem to be very popular right now are the short tube dresses, flowing caftans, semi-sheer tunics, shirt dresses, flirty skirts and sweet-looking sundresses.

Cover Ups by aprilrain007 featuring silk tops

Hit the beach in style!