Creating a Poolside Living Room

by Brian Patrick Flynn republished from Hayneedle.com

Poolside lounging: something I gave up in my mid-twenties after finding those strappy pool chaises more irritating than a nagging aunt. As I’d try to unwind and get my brain out of work mode, they’d instantly start digging in — first to my skin, then into my soul — until suddenly what was supposed to be fun, quickly turned into a battle of strap vs. skin. Keeping this in mind, I stuck with a “No Strappy Seating” rule when outfitting the poolside area of a Sherman Oaks, CA house as a cool, calm waterfront (well, that is if pool water counts as waterfront) living room for a young social couple. (That would be me & my husband.)

My team and I showed up, pulled out our designer bag of tricks, then went all California preppy on the space — using a Southampton-meets-Los-Angeles sectional rather than a strappy-naggy-aunt-ish lounger. Check it.

Thanks to the Royal Teak Miami Sectional, what was a lackluster space is now a rich, preppy poolside living room. Configured as a 6-seater L-shaped sectional, the modular teak mastermind allows the homeowners and their guests to lay out by the pool with just as much comfort and style as the home’s indoor spaces. The navy blue/white upholstery is indoor/outdoor so it’s durable and totally low-maintenance, and the frame is made of rich teak which is super heavy and sturdy. So when those damn Santa Ana winds come into town, this navy blue bad boy ain’t goin’ nowhere. To punch some prepster pizzazz into the space (she’s from NYC and well-versed in all things Southampton, and he’s sharply dressed in J.Crew), we added custom plaid and tartan pillows in an all American palette.

With a pool this fancy, we couldn’t just toss any old big box retail floats into it. Instead, we stuck with Splashnet Xpress Cool Wave Foam Swimming Pool Floats which have quilted, upholstered construction as well as an integrated head pillow.

Bucking the trend of poolside furniture which looks like, well, poolside furniture, we instead opted to go with the Immer Mid-Century Modern Style End Table-White with a powder-coated steel base and a marble top. Since most of the area is covered, it’s safe from the elements; however, should rain actually make its way to Los Angeles (for a few hours one day this summer), the table gets covered by a tarp. With the main level of the house one flight of stairs up, forgetting things like towels and drink ware once situated near the pool can be a major annoyance. That being said, towels and serving accessories are carried down and laid out in the Set of 2 Wood Iron Serving Trays.

For pattern with a multi-purpose twist, we used the Chooty & Co. Tidal Bay Square Tablecloth not only as an option for adding poolside picnic space on the floor in front of the sectional sofa, but also to double as extra cover-up for any bathing-suit-shy guests. Hanging on the arm, it totally looks like a throw blanket; however, it totally is not a throw blanket.

To add layers of life to the space, we brought in three Square Resin Wicker Vista Planters, then outfitted them with bushy greenery. In the event that any of the woven strands get nicked or come loose, replacement strands are also shipped along with the planters. So nice, right?

Thanks, Brian. We love relaxing by our pool.

I loved the dress the moment I saw it in J. Crew. The bright Kool-Aid color was perfect without being a queasy pink or purple hue. I wore it to host a blogger event in Miami and received mulitple compliments and slipped it on again for a TV segment. But after just a few wearings, the silk fabric on the sleeves was pulling and my dress started taking a turn for the worse. DIY to the rescue! I knew there was a better life to be had as a sleeveless dress and with a few snips, scissor and thread my love for this dress was renewed. It now ranks in the top 10 of my summer dresses. What do you think of the "new" version of the dress?

BEFORE - Paired with gold braided belt and Jennifer Lopez platform sandals
AFTER - Paired with a Alexis Bittar ring, Vince Amuto cuff, vintage belt and Missoni heels

Share this double duty DIY.

Sync your personality and shape with a new swimsuit for summer.

Swimwear shopping carries a four out of five on my anxiety scale. Nearly naked in a dressing room, bad lighting that highlights my cellulite and a perky salesperson who inquires about sizes.  When it comes to swimwear I have multiple personalities as I try to connect a bathing suit to an image of sweet and flirty, subtle and sexy or sophisticated and smart.  Perhaps that’s too many requirements to place on a small item that first and foremost needs to make my body look good from the butt upwards.  And even then it needs to work for me—I don’t want my breasts to look too small or flattened, I want my legs to look long and slender and my butt to be lifted.  Additionally, I don’t want to fidgit with the fit and be tugging or pulling to stay covered, no thong or boy short bottoms for me. Exposing my thighs gives me enough angst so my bathing suit needs to draw the attention upwards.

So, I skip the dressing room and now order multiple styles online to try in the privacy of my own home.

If you're like me and dread swimwear shopping, we’ve got some tips to help you find the right style for your body. The most important tip is to remember that you are aiming for a balanced silhouette.

Just add Havianas and water.

My Bathing Suit Pick

Off the Shoulder Suit, JCrew $120

I received four compliments (Yes, four compliments!) from gal pals at a recent pool party. I was so psyched to receive kudos from other women I immediately ordered this suit in another color just in case J. Crew decided not to keep this in stock. It's ideal for covering up any little flaws-gives the illusion of a flat tummy, good support for an A-C cup and flattering on the bottom half.

Truly chic!

Big Bust

You may need some extra support; under wire tops, formed cups and wider bands under the bust line can work well and look great.

Avoid strapless bandeau tops and those tiny, triangle tops that offer minimal coverage.

Halter-top bikinis offer support, while providing some great cleavage too. Look for styles that are banded under the bust line and can be tied in back and around the neck to make adjustments.

Look for one-piece swimsuits with some structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or a shelf bra.

Tie Back One Piece, Alloy.com $25

   Sweetheart Tankini & String Side Bottom, Alloy.com $35

Small Bust

Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire, demi-bra style that makes the most of adding to your small bust line.

You have the body to wear cute, ruffled tops that are hot right now, triangle tops plus bandeau tops are easy to wear as well.

Avoid tops with too much fabric or have a poor fit.

          BLEU Bright Young Things Bikini Underwire Bikini, Swimwearforme.com, $134

     Underwire Bandeau Top & hipster, Alloy.com $23  

No Waist

If you don't have many curves, choose a swimsuit that has a belted waist to create one.  Or choose a one-piece suit with a high-on-the-thigh cut. The cut-out one piece swimsuits instantly create a few curves at the waist and hips without adding “weight.”

Bikinis are also good for you. Add some details at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows.

   Side Tie Cut Out One Piece, Alloy.com $25  

Surplice Blouson Swimsuit, swimwearforme.com $120

Big on Bottom

A mini-skirted bikini bottom is made just for you!  Skip the super frilly ones.  Choose a skimming, smooth skirt that covers just what you need too.

Opt for a bikini bottom that has slightly wider sides, skip the string side tie versions that only draw unwanted attention. To balance your proportions choose a solid bottom and a patterned top. It will draw the eyes upward.

Play up your top-side to de-emphasize your bottom.

Avoid boy shorts, skimpy bottoms, or lots of ruffles and details at the hips.

Diner Dot Halter& Bottom, Alloy.com $70  

      Bandeau Skirted Bikini, Swimwearforme.com $130

Plus Size Figure

Look for one-piece swimsuits with lace or mesh inserts. Showing a little skin in the right places can be sexy.  A well placed cut-out or a deep v neckline can be a flattering visual.

Lengthen your thigh with swimsuits that have a high cut leg or adjustable ruching detail at the hip. 

Avoid too much fabric and boy short styles. Stay away from white, as well as bright fabrics.

Robby Dots Side Tie, Swimwearforme.com $80

                    Bandeau Halter Swim Dress, Swimsuitsforall.com $70

Too Much Tummy

If you are self-conscious about a less than flat tummy try one of those swimsuits with a little extra Lycra woven into the tummy area; they work wonders. A one-piece with some draping around the waist or hips can also help to conceal a “muffin” top.

If you’re going for a two-piece swimsuit, then opt for a tankini where top and bottom meet at the waist. They cover just enough, but you still have the freedom and hip factor of a bikini.

Avoid teeny bikinis.

   Sweetheart Tankini &bottoms, Alloy.com $30  

      Peekaboo Bikini Top& Bottom, Swimspot.com $150