Newest Spring Break Swimsuits

Today’s post is all about the newest swim that has hit the shops in time for Spring Break destinations! As a stay at home mom, I no longer get to indulge in the “Spring Break” trips but that doesn’t mean I don’t know my way around some swimmies! (Living at the Gulf Coast has given me tons of "swim attire" experience).

As a casual reminder before you scroll down the see what the new swim trends are PLEASE follow the Instagram page! I post daily on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I also give some peeks into my daily life living in the Gulf Coast.

Ready to see the Newest Spring Break Swimsuits -


American Eagle - This store has swim for all body types. From one piece, bikinis, to cheeky and Brazilian cut. Size range is amazing and if you can’t find your size in store have an associate order one for you with free shipping to store! I noticed a big trend is bold colors.

Abercrombie & Fitch - This store is a personal favorite of mine (not because I worked there for a decade) but because their swim is high quality and the styles are always on-trend yet preppy. My local A&F was stocked with tons of sizes and they do free shipping when ordered in store. The associates at my local store was super friendly and gave me tons of swim to try on.

Red Dress Boutique- This shop I’ve recently became a fan of. I noticed their swim is very boho and also super girly. The sizes are a bit odd (only small, medium, and large) so look closely at a size chart.

Everything But Water - This store is literally all swim. So the associates know what the trends are and how to direct you to the best fit. Their swim is of nice higher quality brands and a lot of their pieces have a classic feel.

Forever21- One of my favorite cheap thrills places. I would grab swim from here if its for a quick and carefree trip. Never expect a F21 swimsuit to last ages. This is a fast fashion store so its garments are made to be worn only a few times. They do keep up with the newest trends and they have some bold ’show stopper’ pieces.

H&M- This store is also known as a fast fashion store. So the swim isn’t going to be the quality of a store that invests more in their products. This year I noticed a lot of banded detailing and unique cuts in their swim (look below).

What NOT to Buy at Forever 21

Last Saturday I made a post about What to Buy from Forever 21 (Click here to see that post!!!). Today's post will be the opposite; what not to buy from Forever 21. These are the items I regret purchasing or had negative results from.

1. Jewelry
Forever 21 has some adorable Jewelry designs. The issue is the jewels are good for 1-3 wears. I highly recommend NOT getting the jewelry wet! I've had rings turn my fingers green after one night of wearing, and I've had earring + necklaces tarnish after 2 wears.

2. Cosmetics (Mascara, Lipstick, Nail Polish, Etc)
The F21 brand of beauty goods isn't the best. They do sell ELF products but the ELF cosmetics are cheaper at Walmart or Target verses the price at F21. I recommend investing in CoverGirl before F21 Beauty.

3. Swimwear
Swim is a hit/miss. I've had some good swim purchases but I've had some bad. I suggest trying on first (swim is non-refundable).

4. Anything with beads or rhinestones
A sparkly dress is cute but the quality isn't. I've had so many issues with anything from Forever 21 that has stones, jewels, buttons, etc. I try to avoid them at all cost.

5. Undergarments
The Undergarments are not Victoria's Secret or Target quality. I overall avoid and just invest in the higher price items.

6. Cheap Fashion Shoes
Just like the Jewelry, Forever21 comes up with some adorable shoe styles. But I've had MANY fails. A pair of look-a-like Steve Madden sandals turned out dyeing my feet black. And the strappy wedges ended up coming apart after 2 wears.

7. Denim
The Denim is a hit/miss. I've had issues with their black denim from the dye smell being too strong and rubbing dye into my leather seats. But I've had some success in their denim boyfriend fit shorts! I recommend trying on before purchasing.

8. Any Clothing that is a "Fab" trend or Quickie Trend
These are the items that are only popular in the moment and after a month or two it'll be 'old news'. These items the company mass produced as quickly as possible just to make a quick buck but didn't take the time to test quality standards. Anything that you see a A-list celebrity rock one minute but never again, this a quickie trend. Example:

I hope this list of "duds" helps with your next Forever 21 shopping experience!
- Pomp and Palms

What to Buy From Forever 21

Stores like Forever 21 are always so exciting to shop in, but some items are not worth purchasing. The fast fashion brand is simply known for making items fast and constantly trying to keep up with current trends. The quality isn't going to be the same as Department stores or Specialty Boutiques. I've shopped the F21 brand since early high school and had my fair share of F21 fails. Luckily, I've had some amazing purchases before too!
Todays post is listing out the 'BEST - bang for your buck' items at Forever 21!

1. Socks
Forever 21 has some great deals on socks. And the quality is surprisingly top notch. I always go for the basic packs that have 4-5 pairs of neutral color socks. The fun printed socks are always a stocking stuffer gift for my gal-pals.

2. Leggings
For $3.90 you can get a pair of basic leggings. And the thing is, I'm currently wearing a pair of F21 leggings that I purchased over a year ago! On office days or gym time - I'm in F21 leggings. NOTE: I size up in them. When I purchase TTS; they fall apart quicker.

3. Tee Shirt Dresses
Most of the Tee Shirt Dresses range in price from 9.90-24.90 (depends on the fabric and print). I've been very pleased with all the Tee Shirt Dresses. I follow the washing instructions and so far, no complaints.

4. Boyfriend Fit Cardigans/Sweaters
I will say when purchasing a Cardi or Sweater make sure its not itchy! Overall I would buy from here before going somewhere else.

5. Real Leather Shoes
From time to time Forever 21 will have a designer collection of nice quality shoes and handbags. (it's normally in the fall/winter time in the form of boots). I suggest trying them on first but I have a pair of Forever21 boots (real leather) that I've had for 4 years and still my go-to boot. Best part, I only spent $29.00.

6. Hair ties, Makeup Towelettes, Face Masks, Beauty Sponges
These items hold up well. I've used all of these before and still have them in my accessory/beauty drawer. They also make great stocking stuffer gifts too.

I hope this post helps on your next Forever21 shopping visit! Next Saturday post will be: What NOT to buy from Forever 21!
- Pomp and Palms

Best in Swim

Now that summer is officially here (and the heat index is through the roof!) I thought todays post should be "Best in Swim". As a Floridian, I have scouted stores from Destin - Pensacola and noticed each store has different quality of swim, styles/prints, and price points. Below are some swim styles each store carries (and my personal favorites) with the links to view online. I'll also include takeaways + any store promos too.

Target - I was surprised at how many prints and styles of swim they had. The design team has really stepped it up and is paying attention to 'hot trends' of swim 2018.

Price - $

Quality - Good.

Takeaways - tons of varies of colors - styles - prints - fits, every size possible + plus size, cartwheel app coupons often on swim.

Ruffle One Piece "Sugar Coast"

Shade and Shore Palm Print

Tilly's - This is the 'go to' store if you want the trendy brands that the surfers wear (Billabong, Roxy, TAVIK, Hurley, O'Neill, and more). The swim looks super cool, is built for the surf, and quality is top mark. 

Price - $$$

Quality - Best. 

Takeaways - Surf brands, bold prints. Sizes range from XXS-XL. Promo: Buy one get one 40% off.

Tavik Juliet Bikini

Rip Curl Palm Beach

Abercrombie & Fitch - I love visiting Abercrombie cause the brand has done a major image overhaul. They also have this cool 'mix and match' collection for their swim. The number of looks you can make is endless ( purchased the knot front bralette top and high waisted cut out bottoms). I also really dig the one piece swim. 

Price - $$

Quality - Very Good/Best. 

Takeaways - Tons of colors, fast shipping if needed to order in store/online, fits are flattering and made for adult body. sizes XXS-XL. Promo: Sale up to 50% off.

Knot Front Bralette Swim

Strappy One Piece

Forever 21 - This is the store is the cheap thrill items that I don't expect to last long. Shockingly, I have a one piece swimsuit that I purchased last year that still fits and hasn't fallen apart! F21 is carrying some nicer quality clothing items (including swim) the prices reflect the nicer quality.  

Price - $

Quality - Hit and miss. I would examine the item before purchasing because the swim is non-returnable.

Takeaways - lots of fun colors and prints. Swimwear reflects the biggest trends. Great affordable dups of designer swim. Sizes XS-L & plus size! No Promo.

Striped One Piece (Looks like one from Revolve and its a fraction of the cost!)	Fringed Crochet Bikini Set
Ribbed bikini	Striped High Leg One Piece

H&M - The swim at the Pensacola H&M is near the registers which means it's a very crowded area but I could tell they're channeled the simple designs. But you could easily dress the swim up with accessories (straw bag, hat, sunnies). 

Price - $$

Quality - Good/Very Good.

Takeaways - classic H&M feel (simple but able to dress up nicely). Sizes are XS-XL but I recommend trying on before purchase. Mainly basic colors and some tropical prints. No Promo.

Bikini Set

Shaping Wear

Everything But Water - This store has so many different style of swimsuits as well as high end designer brands too. Its a fun store especially here in the Destin because they're getting in new looks all the time. If you want a unique swim suit or a designer brand this store is the place for you.

Price - $$-$$$

Quality - Very Good/Best.

Takeaways - Constantly new styles. Lots of name brand swim and literally any style you can think of. Sizes vary depending on the brand (Mostly XS-XL). They have a line call B. Swim that's very affordable and available in many colors. No Promo.

B. Swim	Gottex Carnival
Red Carter	L. Space

4th of July looks

With a little over a week away from America’s Birthday, everyone is busy planning where to go, what to do…. OH and what to wear! 

I adventured out to Destin and searched the shops for some affordable + stylish looks to wear this 4th of July! Below is a great list of items that have major 4th of July vibes. PS: I made sure these items are available in store for quick purchases so no stress on paying for 2 day shipping!

My 4th of July plans? My fiancé’s family always does a "Fun 4th Cookout" at Papa’s house on the water. After a few burgers and dogs we roll the boats out to Crab Island. A bonus is this year my Mom is flying in from North Carolina to visit my little family (Holly is going to be SO excited to see her Nana!) so we get to do some fun activities with her too! 

Live today like its a soirée!

- pompandpalms

Abercrombie & Fitch - Seriously the most Americana clothing line in the US. This store is loaded up with some classic looks. Wear this Knot Front Romper + use the bandana scarf in your hair, around your neck, or tie on the tote! This store is currently doing a great Summer Sale too!

Knot Front stripe Romper	Red & White bandana scarf
Canvas Tote with rope straps	Darling bow flats (comes in 8+ colors!)

American Eagle - Another classic "Americana" store, but surprisingly when I shopped there, AE wasn't really promoting 4th of July looks. I did some creative work and found this fun Red-White-Blue one piece that also comes in a 2 piece set! And the perfect cover up! 

Apron top style 1-piece	2 piece swim
Mesh Tank (Perfect Cover up top!)	Denim Tie Shorts

Forever21 - This is my go-to store for outfits I plan to only wear only a few times. The price is marked cheap and the trends are popular. Here is a simple and fun look from this fast fashion store. PS: the Straw Crossbody is beyond cute!

USA denim shorts	scoop back body suit
patriotic flip flops (only $3.90!)	Straw Crossbody

H&M - I have been very mixed about this store (their sizing seems to not work with me well). But I know a lot of people are huge fans of the brand and at the end of the day this blog is made for you! I was happy to find this cute striped top that can be worn multiple ways, high waist denim, and BEAUTIFUL swimsuit + simple cap! This look is great for any 4th of July event! 

Striped Red & White Top	Twill High Waist Shorts
Beautiful Cut-Out Swimsuit	Cotton Cap