It is with great pleasure that we introduce the new KarenKane.com!

Michael Kane, son to founders Karen and Lonnie, had the complex task of launching Karen Kane’s first online store. My head is spinning just thinking about the time, energy and stress that went into this project. Congratulations, Michael!

The assortment is deliberately small to begin with, but will grow each month as traffic builds up. It was a real challenge coming up with the right range of items to launch the site. Michael didn’t want to overstock the store upon launch, but he also needed to provide a good taste of the whole collection. So Karen Kane supplied the store with the type of merchandise they produce for “A doors”, or top stores in the nation, like Macy’s Herald Square in NYC. In future they will also include items that are exclusive to the online store, and I can’t wait for those goodies to appear.

The launch merchandise is a fabulous mix. Of course, I have my personal favourites:

• Side Wrap Halter Top: A versatile piece that works on it’s own or layered under a jacket. Great for casual or career wear. Nice in burgundy.
• Blouson with Beaded Scroll: This reminds me of the Elves in Lord of the Rings. So fab! I can see it work over a pencil skirt and jeans too. I love how a black camisole gives this blouse extra body.
• Pleated Neck Belted Dress: Simple, elegant, chic and easy to wear. Wear it on it’s own or pop it over skinnies or leggings.
• Palm Print Dress: A no-brainer easy style in a pretty colour. I’d wear it with little ballet flats and a denim jacket.
• Dark Rinse Jegging: Soft and stretchy, and just look at the length of that girdling high rise.
• Raw Seam Godet Skirt: Elegant and comfortable. I’d front knot my denim shirt with this skirt and add my sling back wedges.
• Pencil SLV Ruffle Shoulder Top (Plus): Something different and with a sleeve!
• Extended Black Hem Dress (Plus): A signature Karen Kane piece that’s as comfy as your sweats, but a lot more stylish.

The site will be loaded with new product on July 27, in time with the launch of Fall collections. So as with any online shopping destination, it’s worthwhile to keep checking back. Karen Kane will also be launching the online store for their more contemporary label “Fifteen-Twenty” in the Fall.

To kick off the launch, Karen Kane is offering a 20% discount code for all YLF members until 8 July. Just use the promo code YOULOOKFAB when you make your purchase. I am off to purchase some fab new stuff.

Anyone play with Smurfs and Smurfettes when they were little? These stylish Surfettes are accessorized to the hilt, which Anna thought made for a fun fashion shoot.

Style never goes out of Fashion as AdvancedStyle shows fabulous women rocking their looks over the age of 80. Rosee really likes the way these ladies wear their clothes.

Taylor, our Captain of Team Heels, was impressed with this guide on how to take care of her beautiful heeled shoes.

Lisa was looking for outfit inspiration for her white jeans and came across this guide from denim debutante. The adorable white kitty stole her heart.

This bold outfit from from Citizen Couture, worn by a hat designer, intrigued Jonesy because of it’s many interesting elements.

Kyle likes Florida local J’s Everday Fashion, because her outfits are real world and budget conscious.

Imogen’s question on why we hate our stomachs so much had a positive effect on Queen Mum, who thereafter embraced her own lovely tummy.

Rae was mesmerized by the intricacy of these woven Prada pumps. Different colours, checks and stripes. They inspire a lust so strong it trumps fiscal sanity.

Inge liked Fashionista’s take on the 10 Best Fashion Illustration Blogs. They interpret current fashion trends and portray people in the fashion industry. Fun!

Alicat is crazy for Mrs. O’s style.

Patti Smith’s Uniform on Tomboy Style was inspiring to Desmo April in light of a great recent forum discussion on the meaning of androgynous style.

Mo, who awaits the arrival of her own LBD, thought that these 5 ways to style a LBD were both achievable and well illustrated.

Maryk liked Jennette’s post on how to edit your closet when your weight keeps on fluctuating.

And last but not least, I loved Mrseccentric’s rugged yet chic look, and was even more impressed when I read that she made the blouse!

These items deserve a special mention because the prices are affordable and the details interesting. I’ve seen most of them in real life as they were tried and tested on my clients.

1. Michael Kors Three Quarter Sleeve Snake Skin Blouse: This blouse is better in real life than on the models. Looks sensational over a pencil skirt. Don’t let the high neckline put you off either. I had this on a petite client with a full bust and we added a long pendant necklace to elongate the silhouette. She looked killer. It’s available both in petites and regular sizes.
2. Rachel Roy Twisted Up Sleeveless Mesh Dress: Give this a whirl if you like cobalt blue. It looks especially good over black leggings and layered with a scrunched sleeved boyfriend blazer.
3. Free People Plaid Shirt: Cropped asymmetrical blouses are everywhere right now, and this one is a personal favourite. Love the drapey pockets and crisp plaid design. The style is supposed to be extra boxy so don’t be shocked when you drown in the style.
4. Olivia Moon Print Chiffon Blouse: It’s bold, breezy and easy to launder. There is little wrong with a good quality polyester these days. If you are after something non-iron and machine-washable that’s much less expensive than silk, this is the way to go. Belt it for waist definition. Also available in this print.
5. Karen Kane Handkerchief Hem Dress: I wore this drapey delight over the weekend with a cropped denim jacket, black and white ballet flats, white watch, green bag and RayBans. I officially declare this dress as comfy as my sweats.
6. Gianetta Pinch Shoulder Blouse: The colours are more dull than they appear in the photograph, but the sleeve details are interesting. Cool yet covered.
7. Steve Madden St. Tropez Pants: It truly doesn’t get more cozy than this for Summer. The drawstring is a little long so feel free to trim it to a shorter length.
8. Grace Elements Smocked Waist Crinkle Paisley Skirt: This skirt is so flattering. I love the way it hugs the midriff and flares out at the hip to a fab midi length. Cool and insanely easy to wear. Add a simple tank top, cropped jacket or cardigan, heels, and you are good to go. It’s available in several patterns from paisley and patchwork, to butterflies and florals.
9. Gap Two Tone Pocket Top: Chanel-esque, on-trend and perfect with casual short shorts. Layers nicely underneath jackets and cardigans too.
10. Maggy London Drape Jersey Sheath Dress: Great drape and nice colour. It’s a super departure from all the empire cuts and sheaths that rule the retail floor.
11. Fidji E286 Booties: Kickstart Autumn with these discounted darlings. Super comfortable, a little edgy and run true to size. I love Portuguese shoes.
12. Stephan & Co. Endless Beaded Necklace: The retro yet modern appeal here is fab. Knot it high or low to add interest to both casual or dressy outfits. Available in gold and silver.
13. The Original Falling Whistle Necklace: Stop traffic with this one. Just for fun!
14. Birdcage Charm Bracelet by Monserat De Luca: Quirky and fabulous don’t you think?
15. Club Monaco Wild Pearl Ring: Its delicate yet chunky integrity is divine.

Stock up now if Summer is your dominant season. Autumn merchandise will be in full swing on shop floors from mid July onwards. In the Northern Hemisphere, our days are already getting shorter.

This post contains affiliate links.

Bare Necessities is an online store that offers lingerie, swimwear, hosiery, socks, shapewear and layering tees for both women and men across a range of quality international brands. I never tried items from Bare Necessities until the opportunity recently arose to review their swimwear. And this process ladies, has been a humbling experience.

When I review an item for YLF, I put it through it’s paces and then share my thoughts along with photos of me modeling the item. Clothing, accessories and footwear are easy to review and my confidence levels are high throughout the process. But throw in swimwear and I’m a little more shy. Despite my slight apprehension, I agreed to do the review. After all, I bat for Team One Piece and I thought I’d be comfortable seeing myself in a flattering one piece swimsuit on the pages of YLF. Furthermore, hubby Greg would be taking the photos and for that reason alone, I would feel perfectly safe in front of the camera.

So I hopped onto the bare necessities site to choose a few one piece swimsuits. I saw lots of styles that tickled my fancy by great quality brands like La Blanca, Miraclesuit, Panache and Magicsuit. I also saw my favourite swimwear brand Gottex, but was not as excited by any of the styles currently available. That’s okay. I was excited to try a new one piece swimwear brand.

Unfortunately, Bare Necessities does not stock my size in one piece swimwear. The smallest size was 6, and I need a 4 (one piece swimwear is sized differently to clothing). I gave it a bash anyway, hoping that the size 6’s would run small. But they didn’t work.

Now what? Bare Necessities suggested trying tankinis and bikinis because they were sized differently. I was reluctant at first because I don’t fill out a tankini and bikini’s are completely outside my comfort zone. Finally I agreed to browse the bikinis and see how I felt. No harm in looking.

I headed straight to a brand called Freya because I am familiar with their fit, styling and quality. I was able to order my bra size in the top (30D) and an XS bikini bottom. It was a positive start. Before I could change my mind I asked Bare Necessities to send over three cheerful bikinis for review. I chose the Circus swimwear top with classic briefs, the Venetian plunge swimwear top with Latino bottoms, and the Mystere plunge swimwear top with boyshorts. BN also said that they would send me a great tankini of their choosing.

I tried on the swimsuits the minute they arrived. I thought I might lose my nerve if I left them boxed for too long. As I expected, the tankini looked awful because I couldn’t fill it out. That left the bikinis as my last and only option.

Gulp.

Oh. My. Goodness. I HAVEN’T TRIED ON A BIKINI IN 20 YEARS. With a one piece I feel elegant and covered-up in all the right places. What on earth was I thinking? Silly, silly Angie.

Pulling myself together, I thought about how I encourage people almost daily to step out of their style comfort zones. If we don’t do this, how will we ever improve, update and evolve our styles? I must walk my talk. Fit on the bikinis, look in the mirror, and get on with it.

Well, here I stand, a modest dresser, pale as a lilly, covered in varicose veins, and 10 days shy of 41. I would have bet my Valentino handbag that I would never wear a bikini again. After all, they look juvenile and don’t make me feel fab.

But I feel great!

The fact that these photos made it onto our website is a strong testament to the quality, style and fit of these Freya bikinis. My actions speak louder than words. If I felt in any way uncomfortable about my body and the way these bikinis looked, I would have backed out of this review. If the quality did not meet my fussy standard, I’d have spoken up.

The Circus bikini (blue) was the simplest design. I chose it because Greg likes this blue against my skin tone and the micro polka dot pulled at my heart strings. I thought that the white in the pattern would complement my RayBans and its pattern was perfectly denim friendly. The top is soft and really supportive. I didn’t fidget with it at all during the shoot. The briefs, although a little skimpy, were more flattering than I expected.

The Venetian bikini (black) was the most girly of the styles. I am no longer into ruffles, but was somehow drawn to the playfulness of this style and how it matched my wrap. Of all the styles, this one probably fit the best. I enjoyed the fuller Latino bottoms and how the skirt flounced as I moved.

The Mystere bikini (pink) is more retro and pushed up my bustline. I have cleavage! I loved the fit of the boyshorts and the cut of the top is more alluring. I felt a little like Esther Williams in this suit which made me think of my precious late Mum. A comforting thought.

It helped that I chose supportive bra top styles, in my bra size and with adjustable straps. These tops fit better than the bikinis I wore two decades ago. The bottoms, apart from the blue polka dot brief, are fairly covered too. No panty plucking. Plus, I am the queen of cover ups! These are my own swimwear cover-ups and clothes, which worked well with the bikini styles. If I felt like I needed to cover up, I could do so, and do so in a way that was fun and stylish.

I still can’t believe that the review worked out the way it did. My swimwear search with Bare Necessities was a little rocky to start off with, but it ended in a very meaningful way. I’m grateful to Bare Necessities for nudging me to try a two piece. I am still a loyal one piece swimsuit wearer because they make me feel poised and elegant, but I enjoyed the fit, cut, colour and workmanship of these bikinis so much that I’d wear them in a heartbeat on a beach holiday.

I did not feel juvenile and immodest like I had expected to. Instead, I felt pretty fab. BN, your Freya bikinis reacquainted me with a playful style I no longer gave the time of day. Thank you for this lightbulb bikini moment.

Giveaway

UPDATE: Bare Necessities competition now open.

Bare Necessities is very generously giving away a $200 gift card in a competition that we will be launching later today. Be sure to check YLF’s competition section for details.

In the meantime, which bikini do you like best and why? I’ll reveal my preference later on today.