Celebrity Swimwear: Where Can I Find Liz’s Bangin’ Bikini?

From a SheFinds reader: Does anyone know where I can get the swimsuit Elizabeth Hurley is wearing here? I love it!

Well, lucky for you, we've been showcasing celeb swimwear all this week. So this is right up our alley…

Answer: Liz Hurley would be happy to hear your positive response—the bikini she's rocking is one of her own design for international clothing retailer Mango (the same spot Penelope Cruz and her sister have a limited edition line with). The suits aren't available stateside quite yet, but when they do hit the online shelves, your favorite rum raisin-colored halter bikini will retail for $40.

The line is generating quite a bit of press, not because of the designs, but because of Liz's comments on her own photo campaign. According to the still-stunning 42-year-old model/actress, bikini shoots are "unmitigated hell" and "literally torture." Poor thing. Lucky for Liz, she's not above a little airbrushing, and says she counts on "nice photographers and a bit of retouching" to survive her grueling (we bet) day job.

 
If you can't wait to get your hands on a two-piece like Liz's, look for bust-boosting halter style tops and scoop or low-rise bottoms in shades of deep purple, dark chocolate, or shimmery taupe. May we suggest: Kushcush's chocolate-hued Milla bikini ($158), Fabucci's James Bond bikini ($202), or Gap's bargain-priced Essential halter and low-rise bottoms ($17 each) in either deep brown or eggplant purple.

Have a question for the SheFinds editors? Tell us what you're trying to track down—a special size, the solution to a style conundrum, something your favorite star has sported—and we'll get on the case.

And check out our Swimsuit Guide for more amazing summer suits. 

Good Question: How Can I Pull Off White Jeans?

From a SheFinds Reader: What would be cute to wear with my new white jeans?

Answer: Kudos to you for getting gutsy and jumping on one of the freshest resurrected trends of the season. Of course, the key thing you must always wear with white jeans is the right attitude. Walk tall knowing your white denims don't live up to the negative publicity of making you look wider, and laugh in the face of the inevitable spill, pen mark, or other defacing oopsie — they're bound to happen, but constantly being on the lookout will give you away as under-confident.

That said, feel lucky that you're wearing white jeans in a season of brights. While jewel and citrus tones will pop prettily against your white jeans, you can overdo it in the color department, so be aware that you don't have blend-into-the-background blue jeans to take your outfit down a notch. With that in mind, try variations on these trends, and you should be in the clear.

Boho chic: Pick patterned tunics and flowy tops that hit about mid-hip. The busy graphics will keep the eye moving (so it won't land on that aforementioned pen mark) and will downplay the starkness white jeans can take on. Catherine Malandrino's black-and-white cami ($375) would look phenomenal with bold jewelry. The Maia tunic ($68) from Anthropologie is just the right mix of flower girl and party girl; the cobalt blue will really pop against white. And Gap's girly paisley print scoop neck tank ($44.50) is delicate and feminine. Break it up all that white with a brown belt if you really want to pull the hippie chick look off to perfection.

 
Pretty Preppy: You've heard of tennis whites, right? Think of your jeans as a less sporty version of the country club staple. Opt for J. Crew's smart cashmere short-sleeved sweater ($148) in ice cream colored argyle. Or go sweet and innocent with Banana Republic's periwinkle ruffle front blouse ($58). A crisp black jacket ($128) is so chic and stylish - especially when paired with contrasting white. Wear it for drinks with the ladies or out to a power lunch.

Of course, no matter which style you opt for, there's one accessory no white-jeans-wearing gal should leave home without: her nude thong. Felina's Hint of Skin G-kini (3 for $24) will ensure that you look long and lean, not lumpy.

Have a what-to-wear question for SheFinds? Ask away in our forums and we'll give you the style scoop you crave. 

Good Question: What’s Up With Those Hot Prospects?

From the SheFinds Forums: I recently saw a girl in downtown LA that was wearing these cool jeans—flare or bellbottom style with flap pockets on the back. I tracked her down and asked her what brand they were, and she said Prospect. I looked them up and called some stores, but I can't find them anywhere. I am so frustrated!

Talk about fashion forward! The jeans-ophile you chased down on the streets of L.A. must have the inside track on denim, because the Evelyn style flap pocket flares she was rocking — along with the rest of Prospect Denim Co.'s line — won't be available in stores or online until this summer.

Prospect's award winning website is already generating a lot of buzz for the line, and for good reason. The rustling cornfields, lazily spinning windmill, and big red barn are evocative of a sunny So-Cal farm in the '30s. The brand is all about nostalgia and Americana (after all, what could be more classic American that a fantastic pair of jeans?). Named for the original moniker given to L.A.'s famed Hollywood Boulevard, Prospect plays on the laidback-yet-refined So-Cal vibe of yesteryear, when the glamour of the silver screen was just creeping into the national consciousness. Browse the upcoming men's and women's wares, and sign up for email updates about the brand. The collection will be available in five cuts and five washes, and pairs will cost between $168 and $232, with exclusive antique-washed and embellished pairs coming in at $300.


If you need some flap pocket flares ASAP, get your fix with William Rast's Belle denims ($209) or 1921 Surplus Flare jeans ($178). You could also try Hudson Jeans' Signature Bootcut versions ($165) or Paige Premium Denim Pico jeans ($189) if you can't hold out 'til summer.

Need the SheFinds editors to do some sleuthing on your behalf? Ask your questions in our forums, and we'll get on the case.

Good Question: Is Rihanna’s Mod Minidress A Thing Of The Past?

SheFinds Reader Question: I MUST find a dress like the one Rihanna wore to the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. I've been looking for something with a similar shape for a long time.

Answer: We've got good news and bad news. We'll break the bad news to you easy: Rihanna's kicky little frock is from Gucci's Spring/Summer 2007 Resort line, so it's no longer available. But don't despair. The super short swing-style dress you're looking for is still in for spring, so lots of ready-to-wear designers are showing them this season. And with bright colors and bold patterns making a big impact, Rihanna's notice-me look is easier to cop than ever.

The shape you like so much is slightly Grecian, featuring a high rounded-neck top and a short, full skirt (perfect if you're a little bottom-heavy). Dresses with belts that hit near the natural waistline, like Maggy London's printed silk dress ($151) and Forever 21's pleated jade chiffon dress ($27.80), emphasize a narrow waist, while short skirt length plays up long legs.

You can also get the look with a little DIY work, taming a flowy trapeze dress with a structured belt. Try pairing Bebe's swinging halter dress ($129) with their white patent two buckle corset belt ($69), or cinching Yaya Aflalo's strapless army print dress ($385) with the natural-toned double buckle belt from Linea Pelle ($275).

Want the rest of Rihanna's mod-meets-high fashion look? Step out in towering silver Stuart Weitzman Nitetime pumps ($315)—they'll make your legs look even longer. Define eyes with bright shadow, like NARS' single shadow in pretty purple Night Fairy ($22). And grab some real Gucci, Rihanna's original inspiration, in the form of their mirrored Tippy evening bag ($2,095).

Have a question for SheFinds? Post it in our boards, and we'll do our best to help you out.  

Fraud Alert: Some Shopping Sites Will Hang You Out To Dry

We admit it, shopping online is quite the luxury. I get to lounge around in my pj's on any given Saturday perusing the virtual aisles of my favorite boutiques or department stores, snatching up designer finds and bargains with the slightest click of my mouse. But like all things in this world, it's sometimes too good to be true. Recently, more and more fraudulent sites are popping up who scam customers out of their money and never deliver on purchases. In one particular case, a consumer purchased 2 designer hoodies from stylerunway.com, and never received the goods. The buyer also later found out that the site ran under a different name - fashionmansion.com - a huge red flag for fraud.

So how can you know that you are purchasing your stuff from a legitimate site? SheFinds is here to help with tips to protect yourself from those dirty culprits who give online shopping a bad name.

1. Pay attention to the 'contact us' section offered on the site - or lack thereof. A site should give a company name, address, and phone number for where to be reached. 

2. Check the below sites to see if anybody has reported a previous scam involving the shopping site you are thinking of buying from (or search google with the site's name and 'fraud' to see what comes up):

• ripoffreport.com
• resellerratings.com
  
• complaintsboard.com
  

3. If you don't know a merchant, test-drive them by buying something small first before breaking out the big guns with an expensive purchase.

4. Only shop with companies based in the US - that way, you're protected by state and federal consumer laws. To see if a site is registered in the US, go to network-tools.com and look up their URL IP address.

5. You can look up a site's registration info at whois.net to see if everything seems to check out. For example, if no phone number is listed, it's a warning sign that the company doesn't want to be contacted - not good for you.

6. Never use a debit card when paying online - always opt for a credit card, since unauthorized charges over $50 are covered by federal law.  

7. Check to see if the site is encrypted by right clicking on the site with your mouse - BTW, stylerunway was not. 

8. If you are a victim of shopping fraud, be wary that it might not end at just not receiving the handbag you thought you bought. Many of these sites are out to steal your identity, so you should immediately file a complaint with the BBB, contact your credit card company and PayPal, and obtain a credit report to see if any of your other accounts have been affected. Also complain right away to the Domain Registrar via whois.net so the fraudulent site can be shut down stat.

Good Question: Where Can I Find Stylish Spring Dresses That I Can Run Around In?

Question: I'm a stay-at-home mom looking for some easy-wear spring/summer dresses that I can chase my kids around in and still look stylish. They have to be around knee-length and look cute with flats or flip flops. Any suggestions?

Answer: Summer is the easiest season for getting dressed, in my humble opinion. My uniform is always a cute dress and flip flops, or sometimes a breathable pair of ballerinas. No stockings or tights to hike up, no cumbersome layers, no gloves to search for in pockets and handbags, just a simple piece of fabric to slip over your body and you're out the door. For added comfort, we suggest that fabric be some kind of cotton or jersey knit.

Take this vintage cotton frock from Urban Outfitters ($58) - it is not too form fitting, not too low cut, those diagonal stripes are really flattering, and the color is bright and cheerful: the perfect summer dress for running around in and enjoying yourself. Just throw a cardigan over it during the spring and you can get two seasons of use out of it. 

We've pulled together a bunch of comfortable summer dresses for your perusal (J.Crew has a slew of them). Enjoy:  

Need help finding something? Tell us about it on the boards, and we'll get on the case.

Good Question: Are Star Worthy Mom Bags An Old Wive’s Tale?

Question: I am a professional stylist looking for new handbags fit for celebrity moms and all modern women out there. I just discovered the Roman Savell Bravo Bag. Do you have any other ideas for designer mom bags?

Answer: First off, what a great find! The Bravo Bag ($395) hits all the points of the perfect, stylish Mom Bag. Looking at photos of the world's most glamourous mamas, it seems that most mom-friendly bags meet at least one of the following criteria (with bonus points going to the bags that hit all four):
• Long shoulder straps that leave hands free for tot toting
• Lots of pockets to keep baby stuff and mom stuff separated, organized, and easy to find
• Enough room for keys, wallet, checkbook, cell phone, diapers, snacks, toys… you name it
• A bold color, bright pattern, or easy-to-wipe surface that masks the inevitable spill, scuff, or stain
And of course, the bag has to look fabulous, too.

For your celebrity clients, shoot for versatile It Bags like Just Cavalli's Metallic Nylon Backpack ($750). The multiple silvery straps can be slung over the shoulder or used as a slip-proof backpack, and there are tons of little zippered pouches to keep dangerous items out of baby's curious grasp. Mom-to-be Jessica Alba is already practicing with a bright bag similar to Chloe's Maya shoulder bag ($1,405), a bold blue statement piece that defies dirty smudges—and has plenty of room for wet wipes just in case. Tod's Ivory Leather-Trimmed T-Bag ($636) is a risky color, but all the pockets make it a risk worth taking, especially if you're taking your cues from too-cute mom-and-daughter duo Angelina and Zahara, who pull of white in style.

If you're looking for mid-range pricing, opt for something funky but still designer chic, like Stella McCartney for LeSportsac's small bowler ($350). Part diaper bag and part perfect carry-on, this pop-print purse was obviously created by a sporty mom (Stella's got three little ones). MICHAEL Michael Kors' Austin satchel ($328) is made of easy-to-clean nylon for little oopsies. And Cole Haan's sleek Aerin shoulder tote ($395) is the super wearable black-bag alternative that goes with everything. The cross-the-body shoulder strap makes it a cinch to lug your little lad or lass, too.

Not looking to dip into Junior's college fund to purchase a purse? There are plenty of fashionable options under $100, too. Nine West's bright, roomy Gain satchel ($89) is a sunny school bus yellow snakeskin that complies with this spring's trend of primary-colored accessories. Kathy Van Zeeland's Family Jewels square satchel ($80) has lots of little hiding places and a stain-disguising pewter metallic finish. And Old Navy's sturdy burlap-and-suede bowler is a steal at only $30. Take it to the beach, the park, the supermarket — this is the bag that can handle the wear and tear that comes along with chasing a toddler around all day.

Good Question: What Swimsuit Styles Look Good On A Plus Size Shape?

Question: I cannot find any cute and funky looking styles of summer dresses in plus sizes. My body is an apple shape and I have no ideas of styles that will look good on me. I am going to Cuba at the end of March and am desperately looking for bathing suits and cover-ups. Please help me.

Answer: With the exception of girls with model figures, swimsuit shopping is no picnic for anyone. We sympathize completely and will do our best to help.

When shopping for a plus size suit, it is alway important to think about support. They make many suits now with shelf bras and even bra cups, so we suggest shopping for swimwear like you would for lingerie. Also, halter styles or suits that have criss cross backs are best for added support.  

As far as being flattering, we've selected a few sample styles to give you a couple of ideas:

Just because you are plus size, it doesn't mean black has to become your favorite color. If you want to wear a bright shade, go for it—just keep it a solid. We like this find from Swimsuitsforall.com in bright blue because it has a soft cup bra and halter straps, a control panel which smoothes and flattens your midsection like your favorite Spanx, and the shirred fabric in the stomach area to camouflage flaws. Plus it has a cute little skirt to hide your bum. 

This paisley one-piece is a great example of how to wear a print. Try something with diagonal lines, which are much more slimming than the traditional tankini top with different colored bottom. That two-piece look chops up your body and has the same effect as the dreaded horizontal stripe. Diagonal lines will elongate you instead. 

This Miraclesuit from Lane Bryant is fun and retro with playful polkadots, and again notice the way the fabric is pulled up in diagonal gathers to help define the waistline. This swimdress also comes with a built-in bra.

As far as the summer dresses go, perhaps we'll just have to do a Good Question Part 2...   

In the meantime, take a peek at our Shapewear Guide, for the best pieces to keep you snug and fit under all of your outfits.  

Need help finding something? Tell us about it on the boards, and we'll get on the case.