The sun is shining with all its might, the skies are as blue as can be, and it’s finally time for some much-deserved R & R.

Summer. Is. Here.

In the same vein as Maria who cheerfully sang a long list of her favorite things to the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music, please allow me to share with you the top 5 things I love most about this spectacular season (minus the melody, of course, if it’s all the same to you).

1. Maxi dresses

Yes, I know, we’ve been over this one. But I can’t help myself: I LOVE MAXI DRESSES. I would wear them every day if I thought they were appropriate office attire; but I’ll settle for showing them off while I’m on vacation. Top picks include Addition Elle’s tie-dye maxi, the maxi with medallion, and the challis border feather print maxi.

2. Sitting out on terraces

Whether for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or drinks, sitting out on a terrace with friends is one of the most enjoyable social activities the season has to offer. But choose your venue wisely: intimate conversations call for a spacious garden terrace; people-watching requires the hustle and bustle of an urban setting; and taking in the sun on a late Sunday morning is ideal when accompanied by a waterfront view.

3. Homemade guacamole

• 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• ½ an onion finely diced
• The juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Need I say more?

4. Outdoor festivals

Urban centers and smaller towns alike take advantage of the summer season to put on shows, set up fairs, and plan activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. So whether you’re into rodeos, circus acts, jazz performances, fireworks, or comedy routines, chances are you’ll find something right up your alley if you look for it.

5. Pool parties

Bring on the sangria, the barbecued fare, the Caribbean music—oh, and the crystal-clear water of a perfectly cool swimming pool. All you need is a flattering tankini top and skirtini bottom, a cover-up for trips inside the house, and a summer dress after the sun sets.

Of course, this list is just a prelude to everything this spectacular season has to offer. So let loose, ladies, and have some serious fun in the sun. (And don’t forget the sunscreen!)

What beats a beautiful, hot summer day? Spending that beautiful, hot summer day by the poolside or on the beach.

Oh, I can almost taste it: a chilled raspberry mojito in hand, the smell of fresh grilled veggies on the barbecue, a cooling dip in the water, and generous intakes of vitamin D thanks to our long lost friend, the sun.

Really, the only way to truly enjoy yourself under such sizzling circumstances is if you're wearing comfortable and flattering swimwear; and on that front, Addition Elle has made sure to cater to all your poolside and beach-going needs.

Printed tankinis that have you covered

Sure, black is always a safe, slimming, and classic choice for swimwear. Addition Elle has plenty of choices there. But don't shy away from prints this season: they scream summertime style! Some of my personal favorites:

• The plaid tankini top (featuring diagonal lines that will work their magic on your silhouette)
• The flower-print crossover tankini (with molded foam cups and power mesh for better comfort and control)
• The mosaic-print crossed-back and ruched-front swim top (with a gorgeous, feminine structure that bears a retro-chic appeal)

All of the above-mentioned picks can be paired with either a skirtini bottom or a solid panty with tummy reinforcement.

Shorts, skorts, and other essentials

The outfit you wear on your way to and from your waterside destination is just as important as the swimwear itself. Keep it cool and simple with the following basics:

• The sporty board short with white piping that will allow you to move around freely on the beach, by the pool, and beyond. Pair it with a colorful T-shirt and your set to go.
• The pretty white or black cargo skort, which is a cute yet casual sidekick to any summer swimwear. You can dress it down with flip-flops and a beach bag, and dress it up with a pair of wedges.
• The ever-so-convenient hooded cover-up dress that'll take you effortlessly from pool to poolside café. Its empire waist, V-neckline, and short raglan sleeves will keep you looking fab and feeling confident.

With your swimwear and other must-haves in check, you can fully enjoy the summer season in all its glory. You bring the sunscreen. I'll bring the mojitos.

Cate Cadbury Fashion Expert for Addition Elle

Have I mentioned how much I love summer? Because I do. I love summer. And while ice cream cones, fresh fruit cocktails, and swimming pools are high on my list of favorites, the one thing that systematically adds to my wholehearted glee is the fashion. What, you ask, are the top 5 essentials to look forward to this season?

5. Tunics that take you seamlessly from one setting to the next.

4. Capris that are easy on the eyes, and even easier to wear.

3. Beautiful, bright, and bold colors—from jewel tones to Caribbean-inspired hues.

2. Floral prints that inject your style with an exotic appeal.

1. The must-have of all must-haves: the long and flattering maxi dress.

Now go. Shop ‘til you drop at Addition Elle and fill your closet with the ultimate summertime staples. If you’re anything like I am, you’ll hardly be able to contain your excitement.

Cate Cadbury Fashion Expert for Addition Elle

Calling all beach beauties
I don’t know about you, but by the time March rolls around, I’m desperate ready to crawl out from under all those winter layers and greet the sizzling sun with open arms (and protective sunscreen).

So in an attempt to project myself unto an exotic beach or by a luxurious poolside (something you might actually consider doing this time of year), I thought I’d share some insights with you into which swimwear will most benefit your full figure.

1. Bottoms

Here are three basics that will contain your curves and work with any top of your choice: the classic black swim brief with a power mesh front panel for ultimate control; the alternate black swim brief with side ruching and adjustable ties; and the flirty skirtini with front slit, complete with panty and skirted bottom for better coverage.

2. Tops

Feeling wild and vivacious? Show your true colours with a sweetheart tankini in eye-catching jungle prints, a stylish striped design with adjustable straps, or a contemporary model with strategically placed ruching and power mesh panels. Need something a little more understated? Try a black tankini with metallic detailing.

3. Cover-ups

When you step out of the water to grab a bite or take a stroll, there’s no need to change out of your swimwear. Penningtons has the transitional pieces you need to save time and limit exposure. Top picks include the cover-up dress with tie-dye embellishments, the hooded cover-up, and the short-sleeve model with pockets.

Get your hands on these key swimwear essentials, and you’ll have what it takes to look fabulous and feel confident by the beach and beyond.

http://www.1-plus.com/penningtons-Swimwear-_stcVVcatId491826VVviewcat.htm

Cate Cadbury Style Consultant for Penningtons

• Pear-shaped bodies have a waist that is larger than the shoulders.  One-piece suits with tummy control help create a flattering waistline.
• Apple-shaped bodies have broad shoulders and smaller hips.  Tankinis with solid-color tops and patterned bottoms balance your appearance.
• To enhance a small bust, try a halter-top style one piece or tankini.  Textured fabric can also draw attention away from the bust.
• Skirted swimsuits flatter fuller bottom and are back in style this season!  Boy-short styles also offer more coverage.

Want to stay cool and comfortable in between swims without lounging in your suit?  Try a fashionable cover-up!

This cross over cover-up will keep you covered and stylish at the pool. It features a drawstring detail at the bust and pockets - perfect for keeping your fave lipbalm close at hand.

It's made of a cool cotton-polyester blend and is machine washable. 

Available in sizes X-5X.

Visit us online by clicking here to see stylish plus size summer wear like this cover-up at Penningtons.

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One of the best things about summer is enjoying an afternoon sunbathing or swimming.  It's such a wonderful stress-reliever and can be great exercise!

But every woman worries about finding a flattering swimsuit.  At Penningtons, we have a great selection of plus size summer wear, including a nice selection of swimsuits flattering to every figure.

You can feel confident at the pool in this V-neck swimsuit with solid black bottom and colorful dot print top. The suit features a black plastic decorative ring at bust with wide band under bust and fabric shirring at sides.

There's an inner bra with elastic under bust, foam cups and power mesh fabric.  It's made out of 80% nylon with 20% spandex.  And it's machine washable on the delicate cycle!

• Sizes: 14-32
• Item: 693406



Click here to shop flattering plus size swimsuits like this one at Penningtons.

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• My Sunglasses
• Flip Flops (in a neutral color or metallic, so they go with everything)
• Flat canvas shoes (for touring & shopping)
• Dressy sandals (for dinner & dancing)

• Summer dresses (some in crisp cotton & some in easy travel knits)
• Capris (for touring, shopping & early morning strolls on the beach)
• Tank Tops (because it's summer, or it's summer here!)
• Bathing suit (mix and match tankinis to create a few swimsuit looks)
• Lightweight sweater or cardi shawl to pop over tops and dresses
• My camera
• My summer booklist
• sunscreen
•  big floppy hat

Whether you are taking a stroll around the deck on your cruise trip this summer, or simply strolling around the deck of your community pool, you'll feel great doing it in style.

Penningtons has a great selection of plus size summer wear for your every need.

This stripe V-neck tankini has adjustable straps in solid fabric and also features a solid band with ruching detail at center of bust.

What's even better?  There is inner bra support!  Gotta love that!

It's made of 80% nylon with 20% spandex.  This one's hand washable, but you can also put in the machine on delicate cycle. Available in sizes X-5X

Do you like tankinis or are you more of a full piece swimsuit type of girl?  What other plus size summer wear do you like from Penningtons?  Share your thoughts with us so we can add them to the Penningtons Blog!

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