Bikini Madness!!!

Bikini Madness by elbonner featuring a strapless bikini

Oh my god I love swimwear! It's the number one indicator that summer is on the way. Neons and brights are back and making a huge impact on summer swimwear. I also LOVE the flowy tank top suits that have magically appeared. There are new swim brands popping up all over the place and I can't be happier. So much fun! If I had all the money in the world I would have a bikini closet, live by the beach, and never have to mop my kitchen floor. Since I don't live in an idyllic dreamworld, I'll have to settle with perusing the newest swimwear trends on the internet.  The above suits are some of my favorites, so get excited northern hemisphere, it's bikini season!

Seea
Tallow
Basta Surf
Tori Prayver
Mikoh
Mara Hoffman
L*Space
Beach Riot

**PS** I've created an Instagram page just for the blog, so follow @e_bythesea to get random stuff and updates from yours truly. Follow away!!

Outfit Inspiration: Beach Evenings

Beach Evenings by elbonner featuring t-bar shoes

I have given the whole "maxi" trend a lot of grief that it really doesn't deserve. When I first started seeing people out and about in maxi dresses, it was usually followed by some sort of snide comment along the lines of "who thought prom was at Walgreens? AmIright?!". I can now honestly admit that I was a jerk and have jumped on the maxi bandwagon, especially with the maxi skirts that have been surfacing recently. The fold-over ones are my favorites, combining the comfort and laziness of yoga pants with something that looks better than going out in pajamas. Like the title insinuates, this is a great llok for maybe evening bonfires on the beach or sunset boardwalk strolls. Pair with a flowy tank, a bandeau and two thing that will never go out of style: hoop earrings, and gladiator sandals. They've been around for 2000+ years, they are not going away any time soon. My favorite are Ancient Greek Sandals. Though they are on the pricey side, they are simple, elegant and very unique. I bought myself a pair as a graduation present last year and though they have the hardest soles of any shoe I've ever owned, I love them to death and always get a lot of compliments. Thrown on a fringe bag and a beachy fragrance and you're good to go for a carefree summer. Hell, you could even wear this to something like oh, I don't know, Coachella maybe? Or is it too feather-free? Either way, I think the way to go with most outfits is to keep it simple and not overthink things and this outfit makes you look cool without even really trying. Get comfortable Y'all!

Get On Your Feet: Stance Socks

Stance Socks by elbonner on Polyvore

Can I get a moment of silence for Stance Socks?! These socks are friggin' awesome if you couldn't already tell from the photo above. They have socks with fringe, socks with beaded detail, socks with crazy print on them. They are so much fun; I want all of them! The only problem with Stance Socks is that everyone else likes them too which means they sell out really quickly, so if you're in the market for some new socks or you have an unhealthy and uncontrollable spending habit then go to their website and stimulate that economy! I know it's getting out of sock weather, but these would still be fun to wear with cutoffs and simple low-top Converses. My boyfriend decided a few years ago that he wanted to be "that guy with the cool socks" and bought the brightest argyle socks you could find and whenever he sat down people saw his cool socks and told him how clever and stylish he was. Guess what happened, HE'S THE COOL SOCK GUY NOW. So be the cool sock person in your group of friends and hit up Stance Socks!

A Desperate Plea to Isabel Marant: Please Adopt Me.

Isabel Marant by elbonner featuring super skinny jeans

I want everything from Isabel Marant's collections. Whenever I come across something new from her I face-palm
 and say "Damnit Emily, why are you poor?!". This is pretty much what every cool Parisian is seen wearing and I like it because it's mostly simple pieces, but they just ooze originality and cool. Those burgundy boots just look like something Blanche Devereaux would have worn out on a hot date with a retired Navy admiral. I love that her pieces have taken on this feminine western gypsy vibe, it's great for fall and great for every situation ever, no questions. Well, that's about it for now. I have to go back to rethinking my life choices and how low I'll stoop to get those embroidered jeans. Lie back and think of Isabel Marant! (joking...)