The Secret of Beauty

There is something about a woman that can make a head turn, a smile appear, a spark fly, and dreams come true. A woman is many things but there is something that a woman can have that can make all the difference, it is what makes a woman truly beautiful. And it is not beauty itself. A woman can have the best haircut, all the right clothes, money, popularity, sex appeal...she can have all those things and never be truly beautiful. And women want to be beautiful. As little girls growing up that's all we ever wanted to be- beautiful, captivating, loved. So what is it that sets a woman apart from all the rest if it's not good looks or a perfect body or all the cosmetic surgery that money can buy?
What makes a woman truly beautiful is her spirit. That sense of purpose and passion that says she knows she has something worth living for. That is true beauty, true strength, true sex appeal, true confidence all wrapped up into one little word. It sounds absurd at first but if you really think about it you can see how it makes perfect sense. Look at every movie you have ever seen, consider every book you have ever read, from queens, sorceresses, witches, and modern day fiction characters, or even real women for that matter. Every single one of them looks different, has different features, some blonde, others brunette, or maybe even a fiery red head with freckles that dot her nose. Look at Anne from Anne of Green Gables, or Lady Guinevere of Arthur and the Round Table, or Arwyn from Lord of the Rings. All those women look completely different, have different personalities, but are all true beauties in their own way, women we look up to, and it isn't because of their looks, their bodies, or their money. It's not even their stories. It's their pure uninhibited passion and spirit, because without it, their stories wouldn't have been much of anything to tell.
People aren't interested in plastic or fake because that is boring, dull, and too common. Whether you are sweet, fiery, or bold in spirit, no matter how your passion plays out in your life, the very presence of it is what makes you magnetic, captivating, and one in a million. That is the secret to a beauty that no one can replicate, alter, or strip away. A beauty that is more than skin deep and makes every precious feature that God gave you come alive in a unique and utter radiation. Your spirit is what makes you glow. Whether that glow is warm, soft, and gentle, or bold and daring, it is the most beautiful thing in the world.
It's not about the clothes you wear, the color of your hair, or the body type you have. What makes a woman beautiful is the passion she has for life, for people, for love. What is it that you love about your favorite heroine? Why is it that she gets her prince, is part of an adventure, and is a wanted woman by all? It's not because she was the fairest one of them all. It's because there was something about her that made everyone attracted to her and not in a physical way. After all, physical beauty and attraction only gets you so far, and it's never far enough.
You're secret weapon, your claim to a beauty of one of a kind, what makes you sexy, regal, graceful, and attractive, what makes you radiate is the fire you have in your spirit. Everyone has it, but some of us just need a little fanning of that flame. Don't let it go out, don't let your spirit fade, don't hide your passion, but let it consume you and transform you into so that you become your very own beautiful heroine.

The Cover Up Story

Thinking of summer immediately I think of long hot sunny summer days and travelling to exotic places. In Colour Your Summer you can read about colourful swimwear for this summer, but sometimes swimwear isn’t enough for a summery outfit. When going to the beach or laying by the pool sometimes you need something quick and easy to put on over your bikini or swimsuit to make it more appropriate for sitting by the bar or strolling along the boulevards of your favourite holiday destination. Here are a couple of options you might like to bring on your next trip…

The maxi dress is my favourite cover up for when I’m sunbathing, be it on the beach or by the pool. I wear it all the time, because it’s very comfortable and still looks elegant. You won’t feel naked when you’re lounging at a poolside bar and it’s perfect for those romantic walks watching the sunset.

Wearing a mini is also an option and, if you’d ask me, it is best worn in a girly and playful way just like the examples below from Victoria’s Secret. Because you’ll already be half naked, you don’t want it to look too sexy or like you’re trying too hard. Just have fun with it!

The short is another great choice. Easy to jump into when you want to run to the ice cream truck and ‘safe’ enough for when you’re doing activities like playing beach volley or cruising the boulevard on your bike. These shorts by Banana Republic are perfect for this summer.

Playsuits are a good alternative for the short if you don’t mind showing of your legs, but still feel a little exposed on top. This season Top Shop has several different ones in their collection, from sophisticated to playful or very girly.

The tunic has always been the classic and sophisticated way to cover yourself up and it still is. Though nowadays, the oversized T-shirt is a more youthful and trendy alternative. Cotton Ink’s boxy tees are a great example.

The sarong is the most versatile item you can bring on your holiday, you just can’t do without it. It can be used in so many different ways, that I have lost count. I use mine as a top, skirt, dress and (picnic) blanket.

So these are my suggestions for cover ups that compliment your summer swimwear look. If you want to add any please share..