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May
29
Dear Shop Tart…
Filed Under Shop
Dear Shop Tart,
I’m 34 years old and just had my fourth child. My bitchy darling, 22 year old sister is getting married in July. I should be happy for her, but she’s having her wedding on the beach and all attendants, including my mature self and a bunch of 22 year olds, are expected to wear bathing suits! I don’t understand why she would do this to me. I was a pretty decent older sister. What do I do? -Desperate Mom of Four in Aiken
Dear Shop Tart,
My boyfriend recently asked me to travel to his home in the Bahamas to meet his family, including his sisters who happen to be beach bunny surfer types…and recently retired Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. I’m petite and curvy. My boyfriend loves the way I’m shaped, but I don’t have enough confidence to rock a bathing suit all day around his leggy sisters. Apparently, his family spends the day in their suits, including meal time. I’m a city girl. Would it be rude for me to insist on wearing my going-out-to-eat pants at meals? -Curvy and Stylish in Columbia
Dear Shop Tart,
I’m about to attend an all-day pool party celebrating my 15th High School Reunion in Garden City. I plan to have like twelve beers and some Tequila a few drinks at the party and don’t want to risk any wardrobe malfunctions. Also, I would like to appear successful and glamorous. It is a high school reunion, after all! All of my exes will be there! -Beach Girl, Class of ‘93
Dear Shop Tart,
I’m a twenty-three year old, vivacious fourth wife of a distinguished gentleman who is eighty-seven years young. What should I wear around the pool at his fancy club? I’m ready to get rid of my cut-off jeans and tube tops. Also, I think a makeover might encourage the other ladies at the club to include me in their Bridge game. I love Bridge. Help! -Trophy Wife on the Coast
Piece of cake, ladies! In her quest for the perfect bathing suit, the Shop Tart ran across quite a few of what she calls “Special Occasion Cover-Ups.” These are statement making cover-ups, with bags and shoes to match! The statement is something along the lines of, “Look at me! I’m gorgeous, comfortable, glamorous and mad stylish!”
This look, from VanJean, is guaranteed to make you feel glamorous. The Milly top would work well over any bathing suit, with or without pants. Underneath is a green Milly bikini. The white linen pants are by Elijah and can be worn dressed up or down. The Shop Tart has been watching a lot of “Love Boat” re-runs these days and driving her husband crazy as she squeals over the glamorous resort clothes, which are so now! The outfit below would be perfect for having a drink at Isaac’s poolside bar…
How about this ensemble from Pink Sorbet? The fabric is gorgeous, a re-introduced vintage Lilly Pulitzer feather pattern. This top is thin enough to be worn in hot weather and it can keep some of the sun off your delicate shoulders. It could be worn alone or belted with white pants for a dressier look. And check out this caftan in the same fabric, très “Gilligan’s Island”, in a good way!
And how about these two, in terry from Mary! The one on the left could go to the pool or a night club. The one on the right could go, well, just about anywhere! Both are made of the ultimate beach fabric, terry cloth.
The look below was a Shop Tart favorite, by Milly from VanJean. Milly has a whole line of resort wear. The bikini is in the same print as the tunic. How cute! The navy print beach bag and gold charm bracelet are the perfect accents!
For an easy evening look, try the stretchy dress by Tibi, shown at left with a navy blue Milly bikini and straw bag, all from VanJean. Add a stack of thin gold bangles for extra glamor! The maxi dress on the right is by Lilly Pulitzer, shown in the window of Pink Sorbet, perfect to throw on for cocktails by the pool*!
The tunic below was another Shop Tart favorite, from Pink Sorbet. The colors are gorgeous and the fabric is a light and cool silk. And those wedges (see them closeup here) would look great with so many summer outfits!
Pink Sorbet had more sandals than the Shop Tart could count, most of them jeweled. There was a pair to match every piece of clothing in the store! Owner Beth Baxley also had a great collection of beach bags, casual and more dressy, like the one shown above. VanJean had bigger beach bags by Milly, just perfect for a full day at the pool or beach!
Kicks had an enormous selection of slides and flip-flops with a high glamor factor. The picture below shows just one of a few tables they had fully stocked. How much do you love the rhinestone slides in the middle?
For the daring (and those who really want to call attention to a perfect pedicure!), Kicks also had this pair of metallic sandals, with clear wedge heels. Gorgeous!
The Shop Tart has probably rambled on long enough, but for a few more great looks, go here. Or just pop into the shops mentioned and see for yourself! These looks are only samples of all they have available… Don’t forget the self-tanner!
By the way, the Shop Tart is happy to answer any and all questions about shopping, eating and fashion in Columbia, South Carolina. Just drop her an email if you think she could help. Your letter might get printed here, but do be assured that you will remain anonymous! The Shop Tart is nothing if not discreet. Mwah!
Happy Shopping!
* Ten points and a Bellini to the first reader who can spot the Shop Tart in the picture on the right!
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