Swimsuits: Find Your Perfect Look

Suns out, thighs out! Yup, it’s time to rock those swimsuits, ladies. It’s beach season and you deserve to relax and enjoy the sun while looking your best. If you’re in the market for a new suit, I’ve got some pieces that are perfect for your figure and your budget. Check them out below and read my tips to help you find the right bathing suit for you! Do you have a vacation planned this season? Let me know where you’re off to in the comments section!

Pear Shape- If you’re small up top, but have some great hips like Beyoncé and want to give your bust a little love, aim for a full piece with a deep v. This will give your body a curvier shape and an elongated frame. I’m loving this piece by Ted Baker London. It’s got that deep v, plus a bright red color to make you stand out ar the beach

Rope Strap Swimsuit

Large Bust- If you’ve got a larger bust, you’re going to want something with support to keep those girls up! Bra-style sized bikini tops are key. Add some underwire and you’re all set. Loving the bikini top from Asos below. It’s got everything you need to keep those girls in place.

Smaller Bust- If you’ve got a smaller chest, fear not because you have a chance to play with some ruffles and patterns in order to give the illusion of a larger chest. You can also go for something with some padding. Triangle tops give you the illusion of curves so feel free to go for that classic bikini. Check out the bikini top below. It’s perfect for you you! Betsey Johnson

Straight Athletic- If you’re shaped like a ruler, then it’s all about giving you the illusion of some curves. My top tip is to get a full piece that’s got some cut outs in all the right places. The Michael Kors bathing suit below has got some side cut outs to give you what you need. Slip into this suit and you’ll be ruling the waves with some curvaceous appeal. Michael Kors

Full Figured, Curvy- For women with body shapes like my gorgeous friend, Kim K West, you want to accentuate your shape without going overboard. You still want something that covers you up and gives you some support without exaggerating your curves. Retro bikinis are great for your shape because they’re all about the waist. Asymmetrical tops also do the trick for you because they draw the eye up towards your neckline. I’m currently coveting the One Shoulder Bikini Top by ASOS below. Curvy girls, would you go for this bikini? Let me know

 Keep styling

Angelika

(credit: L.R.)

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Sweden- The Swedes celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia at the beginning of the Christmas season. Santa Lucia was a martyred Catholic saint who wore a wreath of candles on her head to light her way as she brought food for the Christians hiding underground. On this day, the eldest daughter of the family dresses in a white gown with a wreath similar to Lucia’s famous one and takes breakfast to her parents in bed.

Ireland- On New Year’s Eve, at the last stroke of midnight, the Irish open their doors to welcome in the New Year. Their hope is that a dark haired man will be the first to open the door, as a dark haired man is considered a good omen.

Spain- Spain, along with people from some other Latin countries, eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight to symbolize the twelve months of the year. Eating all the grapes is a symbol of fortune and good luck for the New Year.

Puerto Rico- During the Christmas season Puerto Rico celebrates Asalto. In this tradition, friends show up at your doorstep unannounced singing and playing instruments. They’re invited in to drink dance and— well, be merry. Sounds like my kind of tradition.

Poland- The Polish enjoy Wigilia on Christmas Eve. Wigilia is essentially a dinner celebrated on Christmas Eve where guests enjoy different types of fish and starts when the first star of the night appears. Everyone gets a piece of oplatek, a paper-thin wafer. The oplatek is broken into pieces and offered as wishes to each guest. There is always an empty seat left at the dinner table for Jesus on his birthday celebration.

Check them out and be sure to leave a message in the comments section. What are your favorite holiday traditions? 

Keep doing

Angelika

( credit: L.R.)

To Heal a Sunburn

Even if you’ve made a conscious effort to protect yourself from the sun, outdoor summer activities can easily lead to sunburns. When SPF, hats, and shelter aren’t enough to protect your sensitive skin, the results can be painful. Here are 10 ways to soothe irritated skin with products you’ll likely already have around the house. 

• Aloe Vera – 
Whether you choose to go with the store-bought gel or extract your own from the leaves of an Aloe plant, Aloe Vera is the classic, tried and true remedy for painful sunburns.
• Witch Hazel – Known to reduce swelling and repair damaged skin, Witch Hazel is an easy, topical fix for scrapes and burns. Using a soft cotton pad or cloth, gently dab the liquid on the affected area, being careful not to press too hard.
• Cold Milk Compress – This is an easy and cost-effective way to relieve a sunburn. Simply pour chilled milk into a bowl and dip soft gauzes in to absorb the liquid. Then place the gauzes across the affected area  and leave on until it reaches warmer temperatures; repeat.
• Corn Starch or Baking Soda Paste – Slowly add water to either baking soda or corn starch until it achieves a pasty consistency. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow to soothe. Wipe off and reapply if desired. Rinse off completely with cool water when done.
• Hydrate – Sometimes we forget the obvious: A sunburn is actual drying and searing of our skin and therefore a lack of moisture will only make the problem worse. Drink plenty of fluids while you’re healing.
• Minty Green Tea – Mint’s naturally cooling properties combined with green tea’s power to relieve pain make this an ideal sunburn solution. Boil 5 bags of green tea (strings and tags removed) and 3 cups of fresh mint leaves in 1 quart of water, then allow to steep for approximately one hour. Strain the liquid once it has cooled completely and allow to chill in a refrigerator before applying the mixture topically to the affected area using cotton pads or a soft cotton cloth.
• Yogurt Compress – With clean hands, directly apply a cup (or more if necessary) of cooled plain yogurt to your burned skin. Gently spread with your fingers or use a soft, rubber spatula to avoid any nails scratching your sensitive skin.
• Lettuce Water Tonic – Boil lettuce leaves in water, strain, and allow the liquid to cool completely (or place it in the refrigerator for a reviving tonic) before applying to the burned skin with cotton balls.
• Vinegar Spritz – Vinegar has been a long-time staple in healing burned skin. Use pure, apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to cool and then apply to the affected area. Lightly dap with a cotton pad or soft cloth.
• Cucumber Paste – This natural antioxidant is a refreshing way to relieve the burning sensation on your skin. If you need immediate relief, slice up 2-3 cooled cucumbers and apply directly to the affected area. Another option is to create a paste by tossing a few cooled cucumbers in a blender. Add a little cornstarch if you’d like a thicker paste. Apply directly to the affected area.

Do you have any tips for healing sunburned skin? What are your favorite solutions? Let me know!! xo

Keep doing

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

( credit: L.R.)

SOMMERZEIT - URLAUBSZEIT

Ja, wir lieben Ferien!!!

Und leider können wir nicht den ganzen Sommer Urlaub machen. Falls Sie spontan das Fernweh packt, hier haben wir zwei Hotspots bzw. Hoteltipps für Sie:

Hotel Pelican in Miami Beach ab € 75 / Nacht

oder in der Nähe

Hotel San Giorgio in Mykonos

ab € 70 / Nacht 

.... und schon die Koffer gepackt ?? xo

Keep relaxing

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

( credit: Grazia)

Swim Suit For Your Body Type

Summer, in so many ways, is the best time of the year. Beach days and bbq’s, boating and long days with friends are all things we can look forward to. But finding a swim suit that is both flattering and stylish is not easy feat. From not feeling totally comfortable to wearing a suit that simply doesn’t fit well, securing the perfect suit for your body type this summer is absolutely essential! Take a look at these tips for putting the fun back into summer with a swimsuit you can feel good about. 

• If a big bust  prevents you from finding the swimsuit of your dreams, keep this in mind: halter tops and racer backs are your best friends. They offer lift and coverage without giving you too much coverage. If you are top-heavy, wear prints on your smallest body part of your body to draw visual attention away from where you are bigger and wear sold colors where you are bigger.

• For anyone out there who’s blessed with a bigger bottom, find suits that bring the eyes up and take attention away from your problem area. Choose suits with a nice balance which may mean less coverage up top or by going with a brighter, more busy top.

• If you’re more of a full-figured gal, go ahead and show off your favorite assets with a plunging neckline. Go modest on other areas with a one-piece suit that hugs your frame and complements your shape. A bold print and ruching can help draw attention away from problem areas. But dark solids are also very slimming.

• If you’re petite, you own it to yourself to go bold. Choose a bright color suit that helps your small frame stand out. Look for solid, sophisticated colors like deep reds or vibrant blues.

• If you’re round in the middle, there’s a whole selection of slimming suit options out there for you. Try camouflaging your belly with bold bright prints or one piece suits with perfectly placed ruching to disguise your middle. This also works well when you are expecting.

• For those of you who are tall, thin and boy-shaped, choose swimsuits that accentuate your body. Go for angled stripes, soft colors and prints to show off your slim figure. xo

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

( credit: L.R.)