SWIM SEASON PREPPERS

Too soon?

While it's not quite swimwear season just yet, we're getting ready for those rising temperatures and our adult versions of spring break (hello, classier wine). From one-pieces to teeny-tiny bikinis, we've curated a few swimsuit looks that work for everyone tastes. Now let's hope summer gets here quickly!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Lasercut Top ($132.00) and Lasercut High Waist Bottoms ($132.00) - Free People, 2. Georgica Beach Stripe Underwire Bandeau ($98.00) and Georgica Stripe Classic Bottom ($67.00) - Kate Spade, 3. Vogue Vibes One-Piece Swimsuit ($137.99) - ModCloth, 4. Zimmermann Verano Playsuit ($27.99) - Madewell, 5. Bambi 'Candy Sunset' ($79.00) - Triangl, 6. Wildfox 'Mai Tai Drinker' Cover-Up Tee ($88.00) - Nordstrom, 7. Double Scallop Swimsuit ($68.00) - Topshop, 8. Confetti Waterfall Bikini ($240.00) - Zimmermann, 9. Hibiscus Maillot by Lenny Niemeyer ($251.00) - Anthropologie.

Don't forget your SPF!

Jess & Jill

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The heat is up and the sun is out... it finally feels like summertime in Chicago. And while we're definitely loving the fact that we can say bye bye to layers for now, there are a few essential items that we couldn't brave this season without. Check out our summer essentials that we're currently loving!

1. Keynote Dress ($74.50 - On Sale!) - Madewell, 2. Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss ($18.00) - H2O Plus, 3. Printed Canvas Tote ($44.95) - Gap, 4. Sam Edelman 'Beck' Sandal ($99.95) - Nordstrom, 5. Summer 2014 Aster ($16.00) - LVX, 6. Simple Skincare Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 ($13.49) - CVS, 7. Paula Sunglasses ($125.00) - House of Harlow 1960, 8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ($9.99 - On Sale!) - Barnes & Noble, 9. Neutral Straw Tie Hat ($39.50) - GUESS, 10. Le Shine Halter Maillot ($151.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs.

What are some of your summer essentials?

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: MOEVA LONDON

Although I'm not your typical Florida girl, (hello pale skin and dark hair), one thing I do miss about the sunshine state is hanging out by the pool - with sunscreen, of course. Part of the reason is that I love shopping for a new bikini, and recently, it seems like designers have gotten insanely creative with their pieces. One of these designers is MOEVA LONDON swimwear. 

I recently received this MOEVA bikini and I'm in love with the quality and shape. Especially for girls like me who go to the beach more for hanging out rather than tanning, I can appreciate the uniqueness and look. (I'm not worried about crazy tan lines!) They're pieces you will have forever and that can withstand many, many summer days. And just in case your summer day turns into a long summer night, they have gorgeous cover-ups, that compliment the swimwear well. Because really, why would you want to these pieces up?

Mansfield

Lucille

Carla

Camilla

Grace

Hayward

I can't wait to hit the beach... err, lake... in mine!

x Jill

 Jess & Jill received a swimsuit in exchange for this post. Commentary and opinions are of Jess & Jill.

NASTY GAL SWIMWEAR: LOVE IT OR HATE IT?

In preparation for upcoming summer festivals and pool parties, Nasty Gal launched a new swimwear collection at midnight Tuesday. And I have no idea how to feel about it.

A part of me kind of gets it, and the other part of me is squinting to try and figure it out. If you're one to tan at the beach, the interesting fabric cutouts aren't going to do you any favors. I like how they balanced unique shapes with basic colors, and that the pieces can be mix matched. Some of them are a little too revealing for my taste, but with a friendly price point, hopefully they will be adding more options to the collection!

Kauai Bikini Top ($48)

Cruz Bikini Bottom ($40)

Siren Bandeau Bikini Top ($48)

Bora Bikini Bottom ($40)

You can shop the rest of the line here.

What are your thoughts on the collection?

x Jill

PERFECT FOR FOURTH OF JULY

Whether you wanna get cheesy with it, or stick to some Americana classics, here's a few things perfect for Fourth of July. So grab something red, white, and blue and celebrate USA's 237th birthday!

1. Project Social T USA Peace Hand Crop ($40.00) - Topshop, 2. Wishing Star Ring ($56.00) - Anthropologie, 3. USA Bracelet ($9.00) - 2020AVE, 4. Freedom Scarf ($16.00) - 2020AVE, 5. BP. American Flag Aviator Sunglasses ($14.00) - Nordstrom, 6. Seychelles Lost Continent Platform Wedge Sandal ($95.00) - Urban Outfitters, 7. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Reluctant Stars' Stud Earrings ($48.00) - Nordstrom, 8. Jacquard Pattern Shorts ($29.99 - On Sale!) - Zara, 9. Lauren Moffatt Dropshot One-Pieces ($210.00) - Madewell, 10. Flag Pullover ($128.00) - Free People, 11. Tommy Hilfiger Stripe Cover-Up ($120.00) - Nordstrom, 12. Bistro Dress in Ridgestripe ($118.00) - Madewell

'Murica!

Jess

POLKA DOTS & STRIPES

A classic that will never go unnoticed, nautical and swimwear go hand in hand, and are perfect for the season. Summer is around the corner, and with swimwear flooding stores everywhere, now is the time to start your new collection of adorable sets (or onesies). Here are some options that work perfectly for laying by the pool, enjoying the lake (Florida has made us beach snobs), or yelling "I'm on a boat!" for the third year in a row. With so many choices out there, we made it easier for you by having them all at one stop, Nordstrom (520 N. Michigan Ave.)!

 

Seafolly Polka Dot Halter Tankini ($134.00) | Nanette Lepore 'Riviera Stripe Diva' Bikini Top ($88.00) | Splendid 'Marcel' One Piece ($119.00)

Seafolly 'Pin Up' Halter Bikini Top ($81.00) | Tory Burch Ruffle Bikini Top ($150.00) | Betsey Johnson 'Ship Shape' Bikini Top ($108.00)

Ralph Lauren Tankini Top ($91.00) |  Nanette Lepore 'Marseilles - Goddess' ($154.00) | Beach Bunny 'We Found Love' Top ($111.00)

Now we're regretting that Chipotle...

Anyways! What are you eyeing for this summer?

XO Jess & Jill