Temperatures here in the Northeast are supposed to climb into the high 90s today, so why not talk about a sizzling swimwear trend? Mismatched bikinis are all over the place - this isn't new but it's heating up in new ways, with luxe swimwear lines like Giejo (top left) designing mixed-print bikinis that are meant to clash in the best way possible. I think the trend is fun and (wait for it) budget-friendly to boot! After all, you can mix and match bikinis you already own to create new combinations season after season. You can also just pick up a new top or new bottom rather than investing in a whole new suit to inject some fresh sun-and-surf style into your swimwear routine.

{Shown above: 1) Luxe swimwear line Giejo mixes things up with cool, graphic prints. (Top, $98, bottom, $86); 2) Rihanna hits the beach in a mismatched bikini with a shot of color. 3) Rosie Huntington-Whiteley flaunts her Zimmermann Dreamer mismatched bikini as she sunbathes.}

Ready to give this trend a try? Keep reading for 5 perfectly mismatched bikini combinations under $50 to get you inspired:

Sponsored Post

Kick off your summer…with a kiss! Or a hug, or a nuzzle. Because NIVEA has declared Wednesday June 20, 2012, National PDA Day!

That's right, the skincare brand that leaves you wanting to "Touch and Be Touched" is celebrating public displays of affection with the goal of creating a more affectionate society.

To help spread their touchy-feely message, NIVEA is heading coast to coast offering exciting events and great prizes – all on June 20th in celebration of National PDA Day.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN IN:

• 
  New York: Start PDA Day with coffee and a cuddle - along with Wendy Williams and celebrity guests - in the NIVEA Love Seat Lounge. Enjoy breakfast, music, photo and kissing booths, win free products and prizes and more! 8:30 to 11:30am, Herald Square, Manhattan.
  
  


• 
  Los Angeles: Sweeten up your PDA Day by sharing dessert alongside Wendy Williams and celebrity guests, at the NIVEA Café. Join us for a free performance by musical guest Ne-Yo. Then enjoy a DJ, photo and kissing booths, win free products and prizes and more! 5:30 to 8:30pm, The Grove at Farmers Market
  
  


• 
  In other cities across the country, The PDA Patrol will be on hand, with Spin-the-Bottle games for NIVEA prizes, free date nights and more. See what's happening in your city.
  

Can't make one of the events? Enter online to win a $200 date night from NIVEA - details here.

Head to NIVEA's National PDA page to see more ways you can celebrate the power of human touch and encourage more PDA!

After all, touch is a powerful force - it can sooth stress, give comfort and just spread goodwill in general. Shouldn't we all be giving out more hugs? Holding hands instead of texting? Talking face to face more often instead of Skyping? Raises hand!

Consider yourself hugged.





Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

A pair of J Brand's colorful tie-dye jeans will cost you $198 at CUSP. The look for less is just $19 (down from $54.50). This would make a fun DIY project, too. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking either image below!

My fiance and I are going on an outdoorsy, backpack summer vacation for a month to Vancouver, Canada, and I want to bring the bare minimum of clothes. Suggestions? —Paula

The easiest way to pack for any vacation is to picture the types of activities you'll be doing, and plan accordingly. Choose pieces that do double duty and plan to dress in layers so you'll be prepared for any weather. I'll be heading to Newfoundland later this summer for two weeks with my husband, so this post will be helpful for my own planning purposes, too!

Let's say you're heading out for a hike on a warm day; you'll be following a well-established trail that's pretty flat with ample shade and cool breezes. Reach for a cotton tank, comfy shorts and sturdy sandals. It's always worth investing a bit more for good footwear, especially when you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Pack a lightweight anorak for those inevitable rainy and/or windy days.

Teen Girls' Tops
Sandals

These coral "Jack" sandals from Matt Berson add a jolt of color to any summer look. Worth the $145 at Shopbop.com if you can afford them.

Matt Bernson Jack Strappy Flat Sandals

Need a budget friendly alternative? Try the "Wilhelmena" sandal by Mossimo instead, $19.99 at Target.com. Click either image to view or purchase.

Womens Mossimo Supply Co. Wilhelmina Flat Sandal - Assorted Colors