Summer is right around the corner… which means many south Texans are bracing themselves for two things:  oppressive heat and the dreaded swimsuit season.  I can’t do anything about the heat, but, in this week’s, “Style in Seconds,” I can help with your swim attire.

Here are a couple of slimming swimsuit options:

1) The first option is this black suit (above) from the store, “Everything But Water” at The Shops at La Cantera.  This gorgeous, one-piece by Miracle Suit lives up to its name, helping you look ten pounds skinnier in ten seconds!  This suit has amazing built in tummy control, so it masks any extra padding you have in the middle.  It also has a built-in shelf bra to keep the girls in check.  I love the mesh cut outs on this suit. It is sexy without showing too much skin and the one shoulder detail adds glamour.  For even more glamour, add a wide brimmed sun hat. This hat by San Diego Hat Company is perfect for travel, by the way, you can literally sit on and it, and it will keep its shape.

2) The second slimming option is also from Everything But Water (pictured above).  See all the detail at the top of the suit? The lighter coral and white shades, along with the silver hardware, highlight the bust and chest areas. This takes your eye away from the typical problem areas:  the tummy and thighs.  The ruching panel down the middle of the suit minimizes the tummy.  Throw on a sarong or pareo for extra coverage and confidence!

And don’t forget some fab wedges to make your legs look a mile long.  These black and white wedges are both from Carlo Pazolini at Northstar Mall.

Again, I know it is sooo hard to find a suit you feel good in. but, hopefully understanding what you need to look for, can make the process a little more tolerable.

Have a style/fashion question for me? Email me at Erin@BusbeeStyle.com

This week’s “STYLE IN SECONDS,” sponsored by The shops at La Cantera is all about prints!

Prints are definitely on trend right now.  They’re everywhere…and they’re bigger and bolder than ever! On the runways, we saw lots of prints on prints.  If you want to try head to toe prints, I suggest trying the same pattern…think monochromatic prints.

For the style novice… it’s easier to start with one printed piece. For example, you can try a printed blouse like the one on our model from Free People.  I love the Peter Pan collar on this top.  It gives the look a 60’s spin.

Keep in mind when wearing prints, though, they draw attention… so if you are busty or thicker in the middle, you should probably avoid prints on your upper body.  You can opt for a hip pair of printed trousers or skinny jeans instead.  The uber trendy, printed pants work really well on women with the inverted triangle body type. These are the ladies that are busty on top, and super slim on the bottom.

Back to our pictured look, if you don’t do sleeveless tops … you can always throw a cardigan or jacket over the blouse.  You can also find a printed option with sleeves instead.  Okay, so I paired the blouse with these solid, mustard colored pair of skinny jeans. Again I would pick a solid to offset the print. On her feet, some fabulous, black wedge sandals.  These add height and polish.  This look is fresh and fun, but also sophisticated and grown up…so women of all ages can wear this.

If you liked the outfit, you can find it at Free People at The Shops of La Cantera.  Also, you won’t want to miss La Cantera’s annual Sip, Savor and Shop event on May 16th!  You can try all kinds of delicious dishes from local chefs, sip amazing wines and take advantage of the great shopping deals.  Tickets are $35 dollars if you buy ahead, and fifty at the door. For more information, log onto culinariasa.org.

If you have a style question for me, send me an email at erin@busbeestyle.com.  For more style tips and tricks, you can log onto my website, BusbeeStyle.com.

The first video focuses on MOMS and what to wear on Mother’s Day.  Here is one chic and sophisticated option that is perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner or whatever special mother’s day outing you have planned… (except for maybe rock climbing)

The model is wearing a simple, bright pink sheath dress.   It’s the Jackie O dress by Black Halo . A sheath is a fitted silhouette that flatters many different body types.  The bold, jewel tone color is also amazing on most skin tones.  The cowl neckline is universally flattering and the belted waist helps to create that coveted hourglass shape whether you are already curvy or need a little help.  This sheath is so simple, it is easy to dress up or down if you simply change your accessories.

For a more refined and elegant look, try a classic pump like the one our model is wearing by Carlo Pazolini at Northstar Mall.   When you wear a skin colored sandal or pump, your legs will look longer since the shoe becomes an extension of your leg.  Make sure you buy a pair that most closely matches your skin color to maximize this elongating effect.  To complete the ladylike look, a sleek, structured handbag in black and beige with a pop of royal blue.  The pop of color is a surprise element and adds a modern twist.  This bag is also from Carlo Pazolini. (Btw, If you haven’t checked out this Italian designer’s duds, you should definitely stop in.  It’s a great place to pick up some classic, investment pieces).

If you want to make your mother’s day look a bit more casual, simply swap your Pazolini pumps for an espadrille, wedge or chunky cork heel.  These shoes will dress you down and offer you more comfort without sacrificing height.

364 days a year, Moms are carpooling, cooking, cleaning, among 5,000 other things. Mother’s Day is the one-day dedicated to you!  A time for you to sit back, relax and look as amazing on the outside as you are on the inside.

Need wardrobe help? Hire Fashion expert Erin Busbee from BusbeeStyle.com to come into your closet and find amazing outfits that fit and flatter you!

2) Gweneth Paltrow - Minimal, modern, gorgeous in Tom Ford.  I liked the dress better without the cape, but BIG props for having the courage to try something different.  I mean…how many stars could actually pull off wearing a cape?

3) Octavia Spencer – I love how she’s not a size 2 and yet she always looks flawless and fabulous.  This Tadashi Shoji dress did all the right things for her figure and accentuated her hourglass shape.

4) Michelle Williams - Here’s one I wish I could have seen in person to really decipher the color and the detail of this Louis Vuitton peplum stunner.

5) Jennifer Lopez – She looked amazing last night in this Zuhair Murad gown.   It was sexy, yet still elegant.  A show-stopping piece.

Other notables:  Angelina Jolie and her leg, Rooney Mara and Cameron Diaz.

Look like a celebrity with help from a fashion expert.  Check out BusbeeStyle.com!

Jennifer Aniston's CLASSIC style

1) CLASSIC – timeless, traditional and elegant pieces are your thing.  You like clean lines with minimal details.  Your current celebrity style icons are Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.

Kate Hudson's BOHEMIAN style

2) BOHEMIAN – You admires the 70′s easy going style vibe.  You are attracted to loose, flowy clothes like maxi skirts and dresses.  You also love some fringe and a pair of wide leg trousers. Your celebrity style mentors are Kate Hudson and Nicole Ritchie

Scarlett Johansson's ROMANTIC style

3) ROMANTIC – A romantic style type loves lace, ruffles, chiffon, pleats…basically everything girly.  You are uber feminine! Your style mentors are Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson

Gwen Stefani's TRENDY style

4) TRENDY – A fashion risk-taker.  Loves cutting-edge fashion finds that no one else might dare to wear.  Celebrity style mentors include:  Cate Blanchett and Gwen Stefani.

DIFFERENT BODY TYPES:

1) BOTTOM CURVY – hips are wider than your bust by at least two inches. You usually carry most of your weight in your hips, thighs and butt

2) TOP CURVY – Your bust is larger than your hips.  This is also referred to as the ‘inverted triangle’.

3) APPLE-SHAPED – The apple ladies carry weight in their mid-section and often have slim arms and legs.

4) ATHLETIC/STRAIGHT – Slim all over, little to no curves, little to no definition in your waist.

5) HOURGLASS – Curves for miles.  Your waist measures at least 9 inches less than your bust or hips.

BASIC WARDROBE CHECKLIST

1. Great fitting bra
2. Tummy control tank
3. Spanx
4. Dark wash, bootcut jeans
5. Black trousers
6. Black pencil skirt
7. Little black dress
8. Black blazer
9. Black cardigan
10. White shirt (button down or blouse)
11. Black flats
12. Black heels
13. Black boots (ankle or knee high)
14. Pendant or long necklace
15. Collarbone length, everyday necklace
16. Leather handbag

CLICK HERE for printable Wardrobe Checklist

Let Fashion stylist Erin Busbee help you spruce up your style.  Click on www.BusbeeStyle.com for more information.

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Stylemaker Erin Busbee

You can never have too much style, be too rich or too thin, right? Around here we just love Erin Busbee and her eponymous Busbee Style. The girl’s style radar is off the Richter Scale. Plus, she wants to make this world a more beautiful place. She is offering a new style service designed exclusively for those who want professional expertise to ramp up their own style. Sign up and you can be among very few fashionistas to know about Busbee Style’s fabulous fashion finds, including unbelievable sale items. The great thing about it? Just send her your shopping wish list and let Busbee Style do the rest. She’s developed some great ways to work with her clients, too…

Busbee Style will send each subscribing client ten fashion recommendations throughout the calendar month based on the client’s shopping ‘wish list’ and Busbee Style’s knowledge of the individual client’s fashion goals, lifestyle, body type and budget. In the case of a new client, a free consultation will provide the necessary information.

If the client chooses, he/she may use the monthly subscription to inquire about one specific item. For example, if the client is searching for an evening gown, Busbee Style scours its insider industry resources and sends the client ten recommendations (based on as much information as the client can provide – color, style, fabric, budget). Another example might be shoes. If the client is looking for a fabulous pair of knee-high chocolate, leather boots with a chunky heel, Busbee Style will find the dream boot for you! The client will receive ten suggestions in his or her size and price range.

The client may also use the service to email pictures of looks they have purchased or put together themselves and get expert feedback. Busbee Style will let the client know why something does or does not work and offer suggestions to make the look more polished and sophisticated. (Limit: Up to ten looks)

The really cool part? If you decide early in the month you would like to choose a combination of the options above, that is totally fine. For example, you would like me to look at five of your recent purchases, but you also want five dress suggestions for your upcoming party. To utilize this option, the client must tell Busbee Style during the first week of the month.

Let Busbee Style do all of your heavy lifting. It’s just $100 a month and you can learn more at Busbeestyle.com

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

I ordered this necklace and can’t tell you how many complements I get when I wear it.  Simply put, it’s stunning!

http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/shop/necklaces/necklaces-all/n219.html

Stylist Jen Sullivan sent me this mixed metal, cocktail ring that I adore. What is great about mixed metal is its versatility. You can rock your favorite gold or silver earrings…and not worry about coordinating.

http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/shop/rings/rings-all/r115h.html

Jen also sent this really pretty, charm necklace.  It’s perfect for a teen or a woman who wants a subtle, everyday pendant necklace.  You can throw it on with everything from a T-shirt to a silk blouse.

http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/shop/necklaces/necklaces-all/n245g.html

And, lastly, I haven’t seen this one in person, but I am thinking about ordering it.  Spring is going to be all about bold bling and bright colors. This necklace would be a great way to add a little pizazz to your spring 2012 wardrobe.

http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/shop/necklaces/necklaces-all/n243.html

If you do order a piece, please help my friend Jen and order through her website – www.stelladot.com/jsullivan. (Any woman who can work AND raise triplet girls, deserves some support in my book!

Need help picking out amazing accessories? Check out BusbeeStyle.com. San Antonio Fashion Stylist & Personal Shopper Erin Busbee will use her expert eye to find special pieces that will transform your outfits!

I bought the Via Spiga cape because I loved it so much… it’s also perfect for my growing baby bump!