Bikinis in January

We've rung the New Year in, hung up the Christmas decorations, made our resolutions, entered the post-break real world once again, and now we're sitting here wondering what the next move is (because its definitely not the homework you should be doing).  As the department stores would like you to think, in fact, as any clothing store in or near the continental U.S. as well as many abroad would like you to think, its bikini buying time!  As you sit sipping your tea, browsing Pinterest, and glancing outside in hopes that the snow has magically disappeared and left you magically surrounded by the warm breeze of summer weather, you might as well be buying next summer's bikini.  No time like the present, right?  Well, the best time is actually after summer when everything goes on sale, but lets not get wrapped up in the details, shall we?  Besides, the endless days of bone-chilling, soul-crushing, mood-ruining, and numbing weather have nothing on the joys of searching for summer clothing.  Each cute bikini top is a little spot of warmth in my soul, or so I tell myself.  Regardless of whether its the bikini tops or the bulky sweater I have on, its time to talk suits.  I know its a little late to be bringing this up as a new trend, but it is relatively new to this style - high waisted bikinis.  Not only do they make you look like you keep up with the Kardashians and have secret fashion insider knowledge, they also do a really good job of covering up the unwanted fleshy area otherwise referred to as the "muffin top".  Also, I like the whole idea of mixing and matching.  The days of coordinating bikini tops and bottoms is over, from now on its watermelon print with pinstripes, checks with plaid.  Or, in this case, a more demure pairing of neon yellow with hounds tooth.

Resolutions

For the last few months, I've been putting off blog posts for several reasons.  I had to focus on college apps, I had to focus on keeping up my grades, I had to focus on my last season of club soccer.  But does it ever really get any less busy?  Even now that I'm done with the worst of it, I can see a fresh bundle of stress and furious ice cream binge sessions lurking just around the corner.  So, as part of my New Year's resolution, I've decided to view blogging as a way to treat myself rather than as a long and painful task I feel obligated to take part in, somewhat akin to visiting the dentist. That's not to say I don't enjoy it, but sometimes even the thought of going through the process of photographing and writing can leave me worn out.  From now on, I resolve to squirrel away precious free time for blogging, I resolve to look forward to it, I resolve to spend hours planning ahead for my next post instead of doing my homework.  Well, perhaps not that last one, but we'll see.

In addition to that specific goal, here's a few of my others:

1. Sing out loud more; in the shower, washing the dishes, walking the dog.  Sing more and sing louder.

2. Wear lipstick to school, not just pinks and browns, but dark purple or blindingly-bright red.

3.  Be nicer (less hitting my brother and more talking to strangers sitting next to me on the train)

4. Last, but not least; wear denim on denim, dye my hair crazy(er) colors, go swimming at 2 am, wear witch hats inside school, refuse to speak for a day, make duct tape clutches a thing, make guacamole on a Tuesday night, eat only carrots for a day, teach my dog to speak French, tell my principal her hair looks nice, and secretly pass out chapstick to the entire senior class.

  

One last note, I've decided to do away with listing the brands of every article of clothing I'm wearing in the post.  As a completely broke teenager, I don't have money to purchase up and coming or trendy brands.  Instead, I prefer to focus on styling and developing my sense of style with the materials that I have.  I've decided to quit the whole listing of brands thing in an attempt to convince myself that I actually mean this.  Besides, how many times can you really stand to see me list Target, American Apparel, and vintage?

Thanks to Shay Basa for the pictures