Spring is truly the season of love. Flowers blossoming, birds chirping and the brilliant sun accompanied by the blue sky makes us want to open more than our windows of our car when we drive to the beach--it makes us want to open up our bodies with low-cut button-ups and bikinis. We wear the shortest of shorts and for a brief time you hearts aren't worn on sleeves because people simply aren’t wearing any.

Unfortunately, spring doesn’t lead into a romantic summer. Fairly recently, great women including Sandra Bullock and Maria Shriver have separated from their husbands--gloomy facts which get you thinking about Hollywood’s other not-so happily ever after fairy tales. We all remember Jennifer Aniston’s split from Brad Pitt and we were all more or less surprised about Jennifer Lopez’s separation from Marc Anthony. Nevertheless, despite dealing with lights and cameras during these difficult times, each one has made their first appearance--with style and grace.

In a deep-blue, dazzling and unforgettable gown, Maria Shriver made her first big appearance at Oprah’s Farewell Spectacular event soon after the news of her husband’s infidelity was made public. Her dress was exquisite and it wasn’t the only thing that sparkled; her smile flashed as light shun on her too.

Like Shriver, Bullock made her first big appearance after her separation at Spike TV’s annual Guys Choice Awards and received the Troops Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year. In a shiny, sleek, little-black dress, Bullock smiled confidently nearly every second she was on stage. More importantly, she showed her ability to move along with life and its disappointments, accepting the bad along with the good.

And of course, we all recall the separation of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt and still harbor some hard feelings towards the guy. The 2009 Oscars was the first time Aniston appeared at an event both Brad and Jolie attended. She shined and sparkled in a silver bejeweled gown and beside her, her at the time boyfriend John Mayer. Aniston had it going on: the dress, the glimmer, the flickering gems—the smile.

Sometimes when we are down, when we are sad, when we are broken, (this may sound shallow but hear me out) clothes have a way of making us feel…good. Better. Confident. An expensive, bedazzled dress along with a hopeful smile can make you noticeable—in a good way. There's nothing wrong with adorning yourself in an expensive gown. It's difficult to describe but by wearing something expensive or nice, it's as if we are able to remind ourselves we are worth it, even if the one we love the most didn't realize it.

The boat shoe is a popular look nowadays and it’s obvious why: the design, the colors, the versatility. They can be worn to dressy/casual events because of the clean design that instantly dresses up any outfit that would otherwise look messy/casual with a pair of sneakers or flip-flops.

Every summer the nautical look comes back—whether it is through blue stripes, boat necks, or polo shirts, the nautical look is an enduring one and this summer it’s through the boat shoe.

But everyone has a pair, you say to yourself. True, but what’s good about the boat shoe trend is that you can find a pair in nearly any color. You can stay with the trend but also make it your own.

For those who want to play it flirty and fun, bright colors are easy to come by and the original solid brown leather color is always in style.

Blake Lively

Most pairs are waterproof but don’t worry if the particular pair you like is not. The shoes will likely last you a long time because of the quality of materials used and the skillful assemblage of the shoes.

At a reasonably price you can own a pair of reliable and adaptable shoes for any occasion.

For many women, shopping for a bathing suit is quite an affair. As it is, some women are highly self-conscious about their bodies and in an effort not to draw attention; most will play it safe and go for dark colored suits. Even for those whom find shopping for a bathing suit easy, too often solid black or white suits are picked over bright colored and or eccentric patterned suits.

By all means, every woman should own a solid black suit, a fundamental to any wardrobe. A black suit will always be the suit to wear when hot-tubing with that special someone on a summer night or for those romantic midnight swims. Point is, there is a time and place for that seductive black suit of yours.

But as for that itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini, if you don’t have one, get one. If you do, wear it to the beach and make sure it’s bright and bold because the trend this summer is colors. That is, lively and vibrant colors. Don’t be afraid to say, “Look at me!” with loud colors.

The Kardashians

Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber

Kelly Rowland

Choosing a color is just the first part. The second part of deciding on a suit is what type that accentuates your best physical features.

If you are plus size or have more of a round shaped tummy, it’s best to avoid thin straps or strapless suits as they wont provide support and once wet, will sag. Go for a tankini with thick straps and a skirt bottom. Or go for a one-piece that will frame your shape and flattens your tummy.

F21 Striped Tankini Top & Skirted Bottom

Trimshaper® Solid One-Piece Swimsuit - Women's Plus

If you are slim and don’t have defining curves, go for strapless tops and as they will create curves and give shape to your bust while bright colored or patterned bottoms will do the same for your bum.

Venus Twist Bandeau top and matching bottom

Lastly, make sure the suit fits. Nowhere should the suit be sagging or be lose enough to flutter. Nor should a suit be so tight that parts of you cannot be contained within the suit. Nothing is more ill looking than a suit that simply doesn’t fit.

Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable in your swimsuit because if you’re not, it will show, and not just on your face.