As my thoughts turn from spring to summer (we had our first 80 degree day last week here in Portland), I am always seeking the perfect summer skirt. What does perfect mean to me? Easy to pull on and wear, easy to match, versatile, not too short, and made of cotton. This cute ruffly skirt meets all my criteria. Available in 7 colors, choose from indigo, black, emerald, cocoa, lily, blush and bright ginger (shown below). Made of 100% cotton and fully lined. Features an elasticized waistband and tons of pleated pin-tucks which add volume and a sense of texture. With a cute ruffled bottom tier, this gauzy skirt hits at the knee.

Price: $39.50
Gap: Cotton Ruffle Skirt

While Shoshanna is quite proud of their saucy madras plaid bikini (read - this two piece is spendy!), there is no denying it’s sex appeal. And what you are paying for in addition to cuteness is a good and proper fit. The top is sized by cup and features an underwire - no generic small, medium and large options here. The bandeau style bikini top has a center knot detail, side boning for shape and support and a triple hook-and-eye closure at the back. Fully lined, it also has a thin detachable halter strap, so you have two ways to wear this bikini. The bottoms feature side ties for style and full rear coverage, and is sold separately from the top. Shell is made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex and requires hand washing in cold water.

Price: Top $115.00 Bottom $70.00
Shop Bop: Shoshanna Madras Plaid Top and Madras Plaid Brief

It’s almost time to break out the swim suits and flaunt your good taste and sexy bod. I am really liking this mahogany colored zebra print two piece for lots of reasons. Not only is it a tankini, which provides a little more coverage through the torso, it has lots of modern flair with the bandeau style and large wooden ring at the chest as well as a contrasting orange halter tie. The effect is modern, sexy, yet not as exposed as some styles. The top also features a shelf bra and lightly foam lined cups for support - this suit is going to look extra great on ladies who are smaller chested. The bottoms continue the cuteness with side ties in the contrasting orange fabric, full rear coverage and a low rise. The chevron pattern of the zebra markings creates an elongating effect, and the contrasting orange ties really makes this suit pop. Made of 85% nylon and 15% spandex, this two piece is kinda spendy, but you’re going to be a knock out, so it’s definitely worth the cost. The pieces are sold separately.

Price: Tankini $79.00 Brief $53.00
Fig Leaves: Zebra Crossing Tankini and Bikini Brief

That’s right, I am on a skeletal roll! Check out this super charming girls sleep set featuring a tank with rib bones and vertebrae graphic, plus matching undies with pelvic bones. Brought to you from Emily the Strange, be aware that the bones are only on the front side of the set. Actual details about the garment are hard to come by, but I am guessing the set is made of cotton and spandex, with more of an emphasis on the stretch. There is another, nearly impossible to find version (at least here in the States) with additional red detailing that is super fine. Here is one selling on Ebay from Hong Kong, should you be feeling the love. Either choice is perfect for your inner goth girl, or old skool punk rocker.

Price: $23.50
World Conspiracy: Creepy bone cami set

Cute, organic and these trippy panties use thermochronic ink in their tree graphic? I was not familiar with the term “thermochronic” - it means that once the panties are warmed by your skin the leaves on the tree disappear. Pretty cool! Brought to you by the British company Greenknickers, these underwear are bright yellow with a tree design gracing the front. Made of 100% organic cotton, these undies have a high rise waist and full rear coverage.

Price: $28.00
Fig Leaves: Organic Tree Printed Panties

I am a sucker for animal print (it just never gets old for me when done well), and Gap has caught my attention with this playful and saucy giraffe print one piece swim suit. The keyhole style top is going to provide a really flattering cut for the smaller busted ladies, and the bathing suit offers moderate rear coverage that many girls will find appealing. Too much coverage, you say? Fear not, they have also released a sexy giraffe print halter top style two piece.

Price: $50.00
Gap: Giraffe keyhole halter one-piece

Chantelle brings us a charmingly detailed and eco conscious bra and panty set partially made of bamboo fiber. The bra is a three quarter cup balcony style, and is two toned with a wide contrast band at the top of the cups whose color is carried through to the straps. Another stylish detail is a tiny metal hoop at the central gore - it really adds some pizazz, while serving no utilitarian purpose. The panties are a cute boyshort style offering full coverage of your rump and sitting low on the hips. The wide contrast bands at the waist and legs carry on the two tone theme, and help make this bra set super cute, practical, and very current. Made of a soft bamboo blend jersey, and available in beige and cream or grey and black (pictured below).

Bra: $80.00
Panty: $45.00
Fig Leaves: Bamboo jersey bra and bamboo jersey panty set

I like these rather fanciful jeans from Anthropologie. They offer a nice tailored fit in solid dark-rinse denim, and a charming button bib for added flair. Over-sized back welt pockets lift and flatter the derriere, and the waist tab offers a more personalized fit as well as another charming detail. With front pockets and made of cotton and elastane, these pants have a length of 34.5 inches.

Price: $188.00
Anthropologie:  Women’s Fisherman Dungarees

Sustainable living never looked so cheeky and, well…simply amazing as these organic cotton panties from Perfectly Imperfect. Pair with their matching Lace Nighty Tank or Lace Nighty for a stunning sleep ensemble or wear alone for maximum effect. Made of 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex, these cheeky underpants are available in 3 great color combinations - natural with black lace (shown below), black with raspberry lace, or navy with purple lace.

Price: $20.00
Green Loop: Organic cotton thong

This saucy little denim mini-skirt has nice detailing that belies the “mini” status. Constructed of raw dark indigo denim, the wide waistband flatters, as does the pleating on the front and back of the skirt. 99% organic cotton and 1% lycra means this skirt has a bit of stretch and all kinds of sustainability. Closes with a side zipper, and button closure at the top. Designed by Portland, OR based Anna Cohen and currently on sale at BTC Elements.

Price: $68.00
BTC Elements: Denim skirt