Style Buzz: Swimsuit Guide + Special Offer + Anatomy of an Eye-Catching Outfit
- Eugene Stylist
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"I have a stockpile of outfits planned in my head that I would wear when I felt confident enough!"
Sound familiar?
It's a Catch-22, if you think about it. You wait for confidence to show up before you allow yourself to explore your style, when actually, style can give you the confidence you're waiting for.
So instead of missing out on something that can help you get where you want to be, take a few minutes to look at those outfits and see how you can make them work...right now. Even if you only wear them in your house, it's a real first step toward your goal.
xxx rachel
IT'S (ALMOST) SWIM SEASON!
I found my perfect swimsuit about 12 years ago at - of all places - the gift shop at 7 Feathers Casino & Resort. True story.
I love it so much - it's a navy and white floral pattern one piece with an empire-waist skirt. The straps are wide enough but not too wide, there's only a little bit of padding in the bust, and because of the square neckline, it doesn't show an uncomfortable amount of cleavage.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it's so old the tag has completely faded and I don't know the brand, and now that it's wearing out from so much use, it's really time to replace it and I fear I won't find its equal out there!
So, it's time to go on the hunt while I have time and patience and am not in a rushed, desperate panic. To help you all, too, I'm happy to share a 2026 swimwear guide that has a fabulous variety of styles and options, plus guidance on what you should be looking for based on your body shape, preference, and style.
Shopping for a swimsuit can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. The key? Dress the body you have and focus on fit that flatters, not frustrates. Aim to highlight what you love about your shape, not pick it apart for what you don't.Here are a few quick tips:
— Short legs: Opt for a high-cut leg to elongate
— Full bust: Try halter styles or curved prints for balance
— Small bust: Ruffles, high necks, and light padding add volume
— Full hips: Avoid side ties or other details on the hip; look for high-cut or mid-rise styles
— Full midsection: Rouching and busy prints help camouflage
— Broad shoulders: Wider straps create visual harmony
— Highlight what you love: Embellishment draws the eye to that area so be sure to find a suit that embellishes an area you want to highlight!
ps it’s also totally normal to size up in swimwear
Because, say it with me, every body is a swimsuit body!
And because I'm such a proponent of shopping locally, here are some places in town to find swimsuits, coverups, and accessories you'll need by the water:
FYI: Ruth's will also do alterations on swimwear!
... AND YAY FOR THE END OF TAX SEASON!
I presented at the DAC this week and created a special offer for the event: $50 off my Finding Your Style Course because it was Tax Day and we could all use a financial break.
So I've decided to extend the offer through the end of the month! For only $99, you can get the entire course (with me behind you all the way!) to develop and discover your own style. It's a great way to dip your toe into personal style but without someone in your personal space. It's also a path to saving money by making smart shopping decisions!
ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT
This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.
I love this blazer that I got in 2016 (!) from Loft. It's tweed, which should be a little prim, but because of the cut and black grosgrain detail, it's a little edgier than most tweed blazers. It's also got such a variety of thread colors that means it can pair with so many outfits (like this one in February). Ever since I had a color analysis done, I'm always on the lookout for pieces that really enhance my natural colors and make a statement, so I paired it this week with a deep teal blouse. Usually my eyes are more of a denim blue, but this teal really brings them out.
I like how the collar of the blouse peeks over the top and gives a nice v-neck that mirrors the lapel, and pairing it with black jeans tucked into black heeled boots draws the eye down in a cohesive, unbroken line to make my legs look longer than they are. Even though there's a gold thread in the blazer, I finished the look with silver hoop earrings, a silver necklace to fill in the v-neck, and stainless steel watch band because the lighter metallic popped nicely.
Blouse: Adrianna Papell
Blazer: Loft
Jeans: St John's Bay
Boots: Impo Stretch
Necklace: Tiffany
Watch: Michele
REMINDER: LAST WEEKEND OF SIP & SEAMS!
The annual Sip & Seams pop-up consignment shop is in its final three days. It's open Friday through Sunday, with most items discounted 50% off on Sunday. I'll be there for a bit all three days to help style, but if you're looking for some amazing deals on clothes, shoes, swimwear, accessories, bags or just about anything else home related, come by!
2975 Chad Drive, Eugene (in the Chambers Media building just past Costco) Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: $10 early entry from 9-10am, free from 11am - 3pm |
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