{ simple suiting }

i've never been an itsy-bitsy-bikini kind of gal ~ i find one-piece swimsuits to be much more elegant and comfortable. lately, i find myself most strongly drawn to classic black styles that recall an old-hollywood aura ~ think grace kelly or marilyn monroe on the riviera.
{ above: john rawlings for vogue, c. 1953 }

chic as the look can be, it's still infuriatingly un-fun to shop for (especially when you wait until the last possible second and are in dire need, aka my usual routine) ~ which is why i've done a little pre-summer legwork for us all! here are my picks for the sweetest, simplest suits of the season:

{ top row: vitamin a spotted suit ($238), newport news side-lace suit ($59 ~ i put an order in for this one but have yet to test it out), lisa marie fernandez silver suit via kirna zabete ($385), white house black market ruffled v-neck ($78) // second row: threeasfour mesh-panel maillot via oak nyc ($222 ~ i picked this one up too and LOVE IT), juicy couture side-cinched suit ($164), spiegel corset-style suit ($15), cheap monday simple strapless suit ($52) }

then again, there are also a few totally on-trend, prada-spring 2011-approved, striped varietals currently catching my eye:

{ above: anthropologie bandeau ($144), tommy hilfiger striped maillot ($50), dkny one-shoulder suit ($108) }

finally, as far as coordinating cover-ups and accessories are concerned, i'm really loving:

{ missoni beach towel, classic panama hat (i bought mine last year at brimfield market, from the same guys who supply j.crew with their version), cheap monday dress via modcloth, j.crew leather capri sandals }

what's your poolside strategy this season? or am i the only one shopping like it's already summer?!

{ above: cyd charisse, c. 1954 }