The formidable bikini season. Who doesn’t love trying on bikinis under the fluorescent lighting of a small cubicle dressing room? Let’s say it’s what we consider a less than ideal wardrobing experience. But alas, as Memorial Day officially rings in white jeans, seersucker galore, khaki, and a plethora of linen, it’s time to suit up.

While the futuristic inspired swimwear from designers such as Max Azria and Marios Schwab were quite tantalizing on the SS09 catwalks, I’m thinking it’s less than ideal for a weekend in the Hamptons or say, the local yacht club. A great translation of this trend are suits with more realistic, yet bold cuts and suits with bright colors. While the runways showed suits with multiple and daring cuts, you can choose a bikini that has the right cutout section to show off your assets, like something as subtle as a cutout in just one section of the bikini, like this Mara Hoffman Bikini from ShopBop. If you’re in the mood for something a little more daring, I’d suggest this cutout one piece from Armani Exchange. (Just be sure to avoid awkward tan lines!)

Whether you’re poolside, a serious beach bum, or perusing cocktail parties that requires beach-esque attire, I’ve shopped Closet Couture Seasonal and put together some looks that will help you plan your beach attire with hopefully a little less anguish than a fluorescent dressing room.

Of course you know that all of us at Closet Couture <3 Vogue and are still so excited about being featured in the May issue! It is sad to see the May issue go but I was so excited to see June's issue with Cameron Diaz on the cover in her all-white ensemble. From the moment I saw it I just couldn't get enough -WHITE! She looks so effortlessly chic and crisp that it inspired me to play with this idea of an all-white ensemble. I wanted to see how the look would translate to different style personalities as my style tends to be a little less classic than Cameron's and a little more 'downtownesque'. Check out my all-white looks for all different style types below!

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By Ashley Roberts

Memorial Day is here – whew! Didn’t know if we’d ever get there, right?

To kick off summer, I thought I’d do a packing list / outfit round up of my favorite Memorial day outfits from recent years. Though this year finds me in Los Angeles, most of the time I tend to be somewhere on the Eastern seaboard, accepting invitations from friends who are kind to extend them. The one commonality I have realized is that I am always cold in the evenings, thus many of my outfits are based around knits that are cute enough for BBQs and beaches but warm enough that I am not the one sitting in the car with the heater blasting at the beach (usually).

Here is my ideal packing list, minus bathing suits and shorts – that’s another post forthcoming – and some misc items that I would no doubt throw in at the last minute, like necklaces that travel well.

My goal is to look chic enough so that effort is apparent, but relaxed enough so hi-jinx are encouraged. Because after all, what’s Memorial Day without some grilling madness!

Check back tomorrow for my round up of hostess gifts for house-guests to bring – that is the secret of being invited back. That and no wet towels on beds.

IN THIS OUTFIT:

• Gypsy 05 Gisele Long Dress
• T-bags Jersey Strapless Maxi Dress
• Gypsy 05 Cantaloupe Organic Maxi.jpg
• Zucca Woven Buckle Sandal
• Via Spiga “eddie” Gladiator Wedge

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Recently CC member Chaotickelsey requested styling advice on wearing a Maxi dress with her shorter frame…

“I've been so inspired and fallen in love with so many maxi dresses this season! The only problem is…I'm pretty short. No, not pretty short. REALLY short. Is there any possible way for a bite-sized chick like me to pull off long dresses, or is this just a disappointment I'm going to have to live with?”

No worries Chaotickelsey, from one “shortie” to another here are some maxi styles that will work well with our shorter frames. You can avoid looking like you are drowning in fabric by simply cinching the dress either at the waist or under the bust (which these dresses already do for you). Also, try pairing with a wedge to give your self some effortless height.

By Ashley Roberts

The age-old wisdom of ‘never wear white pants before Memorial Day’ couldn’t be any more outdated or unadventurous, in particular when we think of Balmain’s throw back to 80s rock with house designer Christophe Decarnin’s reinvention of white acid wash jeans. While perhaps distressed acid jeans may not be suitable for your neighborhood Memorial Day BBQ, it does show how trends this season are an inspiring incentive to throw certain rules out the window.

I’ve done some shopping in Closet Couture Seasonal to highlight some of the pieces that I’m adding to my go-to summer wardrobe, and the key is to finding trends that suit your basic wardrobe. Whether or not that includes acid-white jeans, I’ll leave that up to you.

(Summer Look 1)

Among my summer basics, fresh white tees and tanks are a must. I like this Alexander Wang tank and Helmut Lang shorts, along with Miu Miu metallic sandals and my trusted Ray Ban Aviators. As for accessories, exotic tribal pieces and chunky jewelry are a great way to make jewelry the statement piece of your outfit.

(Summer Look 2)

Ranging from sun-kissed yellows to golden hues, bright yellow was a prominent color on the spring/summer runways this season. For a dressy evening in summer heat, brighten things up with this Burberry Prorsum golden zip front dress, Lanvin metallic cross sandals, and accentuating your look with a rich blue like this satin Fendi clutch.

(Summer Look 3)

In the spirit of reinvented cruise wear with the traditional nautical stripes, these outfits are examples of a practical and casual look for a variety of summer events. Regardless if you are at sea or on land, I like this Chloe dress with Miu Miu’s metallic sandals or pairing this Burberry nautical sweater with Vanessa Bruno’s trousers for an evening look.

By Courtney Peterson