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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer Fashion


Pinup-Style Bikini
This summer's swimsuit trend is not only sexy, it's truly flattering on all body shapes. Pinup-style bikinis bring a touch of '50s class to a sea of stringy, barely-there floss renditions by offering a full-coverage bottom and underwire bra-top that keeps your rack in place. Leopard bikini (pictured above), $24, Rewind Vintage (2829 Johnson St. NE, Mpls).
Straw Hats
Prevent wrinkles caused by overexposure to the sun with a glamorous and practical wide-brim hat. This versatile statement accessory works with any hair type and adds a dash of vintage sophistication to your summer attire. White floppy straw hat (pictured above), $29, B-Squad (3500 Nicollet Ave., Mpls); men's brown straw hat (left), $24, Tatters (2928 S. Lyndale Ave., Mpls).
Perfect Shades
There is no better way to perk up your look in an instant than throwing on a killer pair of sunglasses. Bright white, black, or tortoise cat-eye sunglasses for ladies add a bit of old Hollywood to the most casual summer outfit. Guys can never go wrong with dark aviators or wayfayers. Vintage cat-eye and aviator sunglasses (pictured above left), $8-$15, B-Squad (3500 Nicollet Ave., Mpls); red Ray Ban sunglasses (pictured above left), Tatters (2928 S. Lyndale Ave., Mpls).
Fringe Benefits
Fringe is one of those trends that reincarnates itself with every decade, and when it comes back as Prada, it's that much better. This perfect fringe handbag is subtle yet noticeable with tough bohemian elegance. Prada black suede fringe purse (above center), $300, June (3406 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls).
Free-Flowing Hair
Hot weather warrants easy-to-manage hair that isn't stiff, sticky, or pokey. For a quick summer updo, back-comb hair at the crown with a Mason Pearson brush, pull into a ponytail, and use a Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin to twist hair into a messy but secure bun. Finish off with a light, workable hairspray. Mason Pearson brush, $151 (above center), Juut Salonspa (555 Nicollet Mall, Mpls); Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin (above center), $4, Walgreens; Aveda Air Control (top right), $24, Aveda Institute (400 Central Ave. SE, Mpls).
Light Shawl/Scarf
One minute it's hot, the next it's cold. Minnesota weather is always unpredictable, so be prepared by tucking away a paper-thin shawl or scarf for breezy, romantic coverage. Ivory lace shawl (pictured above), $12, Rewind (2829 Johnson St. NE, Mpls). Red polka-dot scarf (top right and pictured), $8, Rewind (2829 Johnson St. NE, Mpls).
Summer Shorts
Shorts are a conundrum: You need to wear them to stay cool, but it's hard to look cool in them. For ladies, invest in high-wasted hot pants or go grunge with a pair of shredded cutoffs—you can always dress it up with a sexy tank and heels. For guys on the prowl, try to stay away from the baggy look and opt for crisp, tailored shorts free of cargo pockets. Citizen of Humanity jean shorts (above), $50, GH2 (318 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls).
Flat Sandals, Peep-Toe Heels, and Broken-in Boots
Three styles of shoes take you from dusk till dawn all summer. Flirty flat sandals are a lovely addition to anyone's daytime wardrobe, and if you're one for heights, peep-toe heels come with built-in air conditioning and make your legs look long and lean. For those who like hoofing around the city, a pair of broken-in boots is where it's at—just be sure to partner with short shorts or a relaxed T-shirt to summerize the look. Jelly flats and peep-toe heels, $8-$23, Blacklist Vintage (2 E. 27th St., Mpls); Miz Mooz motorcycle boots, $100, Baystreet .