Living Well

Swimsuits for the 30+ Lady

 Are there other ladies out there who despise bathing suit shopping as much as me?

 

 

I was in St. Thomas last week, and as I wore my old bathing suits,  I decided to make it a priority to find a few I felt comfortable in for the next beach trip.

 

 

 I thought I would share a few that stood out to me.  Hopefully, you too will see something that you like and makes you feel good.  Prices range from $39 to $225. 

 

 

Image by Dana Wolter Interiors

 

 

1 Ted Baker Plunge One Piece Swimsuit $139  This plunging neckline, one-piece swimsuit is a classic that is also daring. Available in three colors, though you can never go wrong with black. Buy here.

 

2.  Robin Piccone Harper Cover-Up Tunic $98 Airy and easy for the beach is this semi-sheer cover up. I love that it has the open shoulder, which is a popular look this season.  Buy here.

 

3.  Ted Baker Ruffle One-Piece $169 This asymmetrical ruffle suit is unique yet classic.  To me, it looks more expensive than it is.  Buy here.

 

4. L Space Ridin’ High Serina Rib Bikini Top and Bottoms $183  Still rockin’ the bikini?  Sleek and simple with a stylish high neck top, this is a good one. With people mixing bikinis these days, you can always put the top with bottoms that offer more coverage if needed.  Buy the pieces here and here. 

 

5. Elan V-Back Cover-Up Maxi Dress $58 I love the versatility of this dress.  It’s light weight and easy to throw on for the beach or for lunch.  Buy here.

 

6. Halogen Straw Panama Hat $39 The older I become, the more important I realize it is to cover my face while in the sun.  I am not a sun goddess-my white skin gives me away.  A hat has become a must have for me while at the beach or the pool, and  I love how the versatility (and price) of this one.  Buy here.

 

7.  Robin Piccone Side Split Cover-Up Pants $78 These chic pants can take you from the beach to lunch in no time.  Buy here.

 

8. Linum Herringbone Striped Turkish Towel $34 You can’t go wrong with a Turkish towel, and this one can be worn as a sorong or used as a towel. It comes in seven different colors. Buy here.

 

9. Ted Baker Halter One-Piece $149 This bathing suit comes in two colors and has a gold embellishment at the top to give a more dressy feel.   Buy here.

 

10. Halogen Floppy Hat $39 This wide-brimmed, floppy sun hat is a staple for any summer wardrobe-and at a great price point.  Buy here.

 

11. Vix Swimwear Cover-Up Caftan $163 Instantly get into beach mode with this light weight cover-up that goes with anything.  Buy here.

 

12. Tory Burch ‘Lipsi’ Underwire One-Piece $225 This color-blocked swimsuit is classic in style and has a fun pattern. Buy here.

 

13. Robin Piccone Ava Bikini Top $110 This fun, flirty bikini top with cut outs is cute and fresh.  Buy here.

 

14. Hinge ZigZag Woven Sun Hat $49 Like a subtle pattern?  This hat is for you with its black and white zigzag pattern. Buy here.

 

15. MiracleSuit Jena One-Shoulder One-Piece $162 This is my favorite bathing suit in this post, and I plan on ordering it myself.  I love how it isn’t a full one piece, but it gives more coverage than a bikini.  It also looks more expensive than its price point.  Buy here.

 

 

Let me know what you think of these options and if any appeal to you.  Hopefully, the next time you see me at the beach, I will look a little more stylish than my past trip.

 

 

Dana

 

 

Like what you see? Connect with us on a daily basis….

Facebook- Dana Wolter Interiors

Twitter- DWolterinterior

Instagram- DANAWOLTER

Pinterest- dwolterinterior

Living Well

Dana’s Spring Fashion Favorites

I was getting a little excited that spring weather was around the corner, but after the cold, damp weather we have had this week, it looks like I need to be patient.

 

 

While my big sweaters will stay in my closet a few more days,  in anticipation for the warmer weather, I thought I would share a few of my Favorite Spring Items found on the web. 

 

 

The price points vary from $19 to $365, so there is something for everyone’s budget.   

 

 

 

 

springblogpost
Image by Dana Wolter Interiors

 

 

 

1. Robert Rodriguez Ruffle Silk Cold Shoulder Blouse $365  A big trend on the runway are ruffles and cold shoulder tops, and this ivory silk blouse has both.  I like how this one can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile piece.  Buy  here.

 

 

2. Rag&bone ‘Dre’ Slim Boyfriend Jeans $250 Boyfriend and distressed jeans are “must-haves” and this pair fits any age with the slight distress and streamlined silhouette. I like how they can be worn by a 20 or 40 year old.  Buy here.

 

 

3. & 4. Karen Walker Helter Skelter $250 and Number One Sunglasses $250   Karen Walker’s chic style shows in her large collection of sunglasses.   I couldn’t pick just one,  so here are my top two.  Buy here and here.

 

 

5. Andrew Marc Oakley Oversized Quilted Jacket $150  This lightweight bomber jacket has a lot of look and is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe for those chilly nights. Buy here.

 

 

6. Halogen Skinny Scarf $19  My oldest is the one that put the skinny scarf on my radar.   I love how this one adds a little extra touch in a subtle way.   Buy here.

 

 

7. L* Space Ridin’ High Serina Rib Bikini Top $99  Do I even want to open the discussion on bathing suit shopping?!  It has to be done, and if you like a bikini style, this top is sleek and gives great coverage.    Buy here.

 

 

8. Marc Fisher ‘Adalyn’ Espadrille Wedge Sandal $159.95   Everyone needs an Espadrille in her closet, and this wedge comes in three neutral colors.  Buy here.

 

 

9. Fraiche by J Off the Shoulder Jumpsuit $113   You’ve seen jumpsuits on my favorite lists before because I like how they are versatile, flattering, and a little different.   Need I say more, except that the price point on this one is great?!   Buy here.

 

 

10. Vix Deva Cloe Cover-Up Caftan $178   This short and ‘swingy’ cover-up is ready to hit the beach, poolside and everything in between. Buy here.

 

 

11. Joie ‘Mariner B.’ Track Pants $168   Track pants are another big trend that has stayed around and this refined blousy pair can be dressed up or down.  I own these and can tell you they are extremely comfortable.   Buy here.

 

 

12. Vince Shirred Back Split Neck Blouse $285  Vince is one of my “go-to” brands because they have basic, well made pieces that have a little edge to them.  This striped, shirred-back blouse is great for the beach or out on the town. Buy here.

 

 

13. Trina Turk Off the Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit $128   The “off-the-shoulder” look is a trend that has been around for a couple seasons and I love how Trina Turk incorporated it into this age appropriate and chic suit.   Buy here.

 

14. Eileen Fisher Sport Platform Sandal $195  This sandal is known for its comfort and is a great pair you can wear everyday. Comes in six colors.    Buy here.

 

15. Halogen ‘Clarette’ Wedge Sandal $99.95 Looking for a shoe you can dress up and down? One you can pair with pants, shorts or dresses? Here is a good one-    Buy here.

 

16. Shiraleah Veronica Metallic Woven Tote $62  A woven tote bag is perfect for vacations or day at the pool.  This one is at a great price point and is durable for the beach or for shopping.   Buy here.

 

 

Let me know what you like and what appeals to you, as I am ready to make the switch over to spring myself.   Here’s to a new season-

 

Dana

 

Like what you see? Connect with us on a daily basis….

Facebook- Dana Wolter Interiors

Twitter- DWolterinterior

Instagram- DANAWOLTER

Pinterest- dwolterinterior

 

Living Well

Five Tips For Prepping Your Garden For Spring

With spring right around the corner, I am ready for my garden to be filled with color and fragrance.

 

Before I go any further, let me assure you that I am no expert when it comes to gardening. I have been doing my homework, though, as I am trying to learn more about what I can do now to make it as pretty as it can be.

 

Below is a picture of my garden last spring.   It’s this time of year mine looks the best, and while I love it, life gets in the way so I do not always nurture it as I should.

 

Dana Wolter Interiors Blog | Thoughts, Tips, and Trends for Today's Design Dana Wolter Interiors
My garden last year. Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

 

I am trying to do better, hence the reading and researching.   Here are a few tips that stood out to me that I thought might be helpful to you as well:

 

1. Create a composting area

This is something I really want to begin doing.    The compost can be a ready-made compost bin or we can build a compost bin using spare bits of wood. Not only will we have somewhere to put  garden waste, but the plants will benefit from the rich compost created when it all breaks down! Make sure you have a good mixture of grass clippings, vegetable peelings, paper and woody prunings. To help the process along, we will have to turn the compost with a garden fork each month to keep it aerated.

 

How To Start a Compost Heap ~ it's really easy, affordable, useful, and sustainable.  Composting recycles kitchen and yard waste, diverting up to 30% from the trash and consequently reducing landfill waste. Compost adds nutrients and introduces beneficial organisms to the soil, and helps promote plant growth.
Image from apartmenttherapy.com

 

2. Prep the beds.
Remove winter mulch, leaves and any other debris from your beds. Cut back the old dead growth of deciduous grasses and perennials to make room for the new growth. Any weeds that appear in your garden will be easiest to pull now, as the roots are shallow.  I have done this and am making one more go around this weekend.

 

Gardening Tips for beginners
Image from grit.com

 

3. Fertilize the soil

Now’s the time to make sure your soil is properly balanced and ready for new plants. Once the beds are all cleaned out, it’s time to till the ground. This will help aerate and loosen up soil that has compacted over the winter, which will encourage the soil to absorb nutrients better. It will also make it easier to plant.

 

4. Prune

It’s time to prune back tree or shrub branches have been damaged by the cold, snow, and wind. Make sure to do so before buds begin to break into bloom or you’ll stress the tree and get a tiny crop, if any. Use a handsaw for any tree or hedge larger than ½ inch in diameter. Shaping hedges with hand pruners, rather than electric shears, prevents a thick outer layer of growth that keeps sunlight and air from reaching the shrub’s center.

 

veggie garden with formal hedge edges
Image from paradiseexpress.blogspot.com

 

5. Order bulbs and seeds

Decide now what flowers and plants you want in your summer garden. Order the seeds or the bulbs from a local plant shop like my local favorite Leaf and Petal or online. Hold onto the seeds and bulbs until the warmer weather arrives, but make sure that the seeds and bulbs will not deteriorate or lose quality if they sit for some time.

 

flower garden
Image from howardrice.co.uk

 

 

Let me know how it goes for you, and if my efforts pay off, I will share my progress as well.

 

Happy Gardening,

dana

 

PS If anyone feels extra inspired and wants to come to use these tips on my garden, I will happily welcome you, and I know my garden will too.

 

Connect with us….

Facebook- Dana Wolter Interiors

Twitter- DWolterinterior

Instagram- DANAWOLTER

Pinterest- dwolterinterior

 

Living Well

5 Ways This Southern Girl Cures The Winter Blues

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for spring. This past weekend was beautiful and I am ready for every day to be filled with sunshine and warmth.  There is a reason this southern girl lives in the South!

 

While traveling to a warmer climate for the extended winter isn’t in the plan for me, I am trying a few things to cure the winter blues.  Here goes:

 

1. Exercise

I exercise on a regular basis, but I have been trying to be a little more consistent these days.   Even a brief workout makes me feel better and gives me a positive, energized feeling. Lately I’ve been doing yoga at The Yoga Circle, and I am loving it.  It makes me breathe, really breathe, which is something that is instantly calming to me.

 

2. Eat Healthy

Nothing makes me feel better than when I am taking care of myself.  Along with exercising, I try to eat well most of the time. I recently read that omega-3s affect the brain chemicals that are linked with stabilizing mood, particularly dopamine and serotonin, so I have been trying to eats lots of salmon and flax and chia seeds. Another thing I have added to my diet recently are the juices from Whole Foods, Sprout and Pour, and The Pantry. I highly recommend them, as they are an easy way to add vegetables, and they are delicious and refreshing.

 

juices
Image from Whole Foods

 

3.  Brighten up your space

The winter months can feel like they drag on since the sun sets early and the days are much shorter. While the sun may not be shining outside, you can bring some of those warm hues into your home by incorporating them into your décor. Add a bright throw over a chair, or a rug with some color or maybe a pillow that adds a pop to your sofa or bed. You’ll be surprised how much these small changes can really affect your mood.

 

Image from Briggs Edward Solomon

 

4.  Buy some fresh flowers

My garden looks a little “blah” this time of year, but I try to bring the garden indoors by purchasing some fresh flowers.   It’s not expensive and not only does it brighten my mood, I swear flowers make my house look a little cleaner.

Parrot tulips are some of my favorite. (Will someone let my husband know?!)

 

Stunningly Simple Parrot Tulips
Image from Gabriela Wakeham

 

 5. Read

I shared on Instagram earlier this week that I am reading The 15 Invaluable Laws Of Growth. It is a great book that not only discusses how to grow your business, but how to do it in a way that upholds your character, morals, and values.  My only regret in reading it is that I have not underlined as I have gone through it.

Getting cozy under a blanket in my bed or next to a roaring fire and unwinding by reading a book or magazine helps me pass the season time.

 

 

How do you cure the winter blues? I would love to hear from you,

 

dana

 

 

Connect with us….

Facebook- Dana Wolter Interiors

Twitter- DWolterinterior

Instagram- DANAWOLTER

Pinterest- dwolterinterior

Living Well

Here’s Looking to Spring and Its Trends

With the warmer weather we had last week and the colder, dreary past couple of days, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring!

Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite trends forecasted for spring 2014.

 

Radiant Orchid

Living Room by Alexander Doherty.
image from House Beautiful
Lela Rose F/W 2014
image from Lela Rose

You recognize this color?  It’s become one of my favorite!

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes this color as “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones…… It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

It is popping up more and more in my interiors, and I have even adopted it into my own home of late.

photo (7)
Dana Wolter Interiors

Jumpsuits

I don’t know why I have always been drawn to the jumpsuit, but I have.  I’ve owned a couple over my lifetime, once when I was a teenager (friends called it my pajamas),  when I was pregnant, and I recently bought the one below.

image from Vince

The jumpsuit is making its way into stores, and I have seen an array of styles that will flatter and suit many figures and budget.

Here’s a short one I love for a summery, daywear style.

Theory Cadiz Hadrine Romper
image from Theory

 Sheers

Who doesn’t want light and airy when it comes to spring?

Sheers are ideal for a space where you want privacy but don’t want to rob the room of the natural light. They are also great for layering.

We’ve seen how sheer curtains can create an airy and light appearance when used as a stand alone.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
DanaWolter_Winthrop_077
Dana Wolter Interiors

Light and Refreshing Cocktails

As winter turns to spring, my tastes tend to reflect the change in seasons. When it comes to drinks, I like lighter cocktails with fresh ingredients, including herbs and fruits.

Five Spring Cocktails
image from Your Southern Peach
lavender champagne
image from Martha Stewart

 

What spring trend are you most excited to embrace? Leave a comment and let me know.

Here’s to the coming days being sunny and bright.

Have a good one,

dana

 

If you’d like to follow us on a day to day basis, look us up!

Facebook- Dana Wolter Interiors

Instagram- danawolter

Twitter- dwolterinterior