resort or beach home”; but failing that, this silk
number would be equally glamorous slipped on over your swimsuit at your
friend’s pool party, or hanging at the beach on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Delightful! It’s $99.00, regularly $350.00, from Intermix.
From our friends at Shopalicious
While edgy, “boyfriend,” and boho-chic looks may be super trendy at the moment, sometimes a girl just wants to look girly! There’s no better way to accomplish this than with ruffles. Ruffles can be super flattering when placed correctly. If you’re flat chested, a ruffled top will add some extra oomph. A ruffled skirt or dress can also emphasize or give the appearance of curves on your bottom half. Ruffled shoulders can also make arms appear slimmer. Here are some ultra feminine yet chic summer looks that incorporate ruffles:
From our friends at StyleBakery
I have four beach trips scheduled this summer; one has come and gone, and the remaining three take place in August. Due to this high volume of beach-related activity, I’ve decided I need another swimsuit to add to my collection. I own a butterfly-print Shoshanna halter bikini, which is one of my absolute favorites; I own a basic black Calvin Klein tankini for active days (i.e. snorkeling, etc.); and I own a bikini I bought last year at Delia*s, which got severely faded on my trip to Roatan back in March, so that one’s going in the rag pile. Now that swimwear is going on sale, I definitely think it’s time to buy a new suit, but I’m wondering, now that I’m safely into my 30s, should I give up on bikinis?
I am okay with my body–it’s not perfect, but I’m fairly happy with it, and while my abs are not rock-hard, they’re at least flat. I also tend to get really tan on my stomach, which is why I prefer bikinis. I’ve also always associated one-piece swimsuits with my mom, who, although she doesn’t need the camouflage at all, tends to favor ruched, skirted versions. (Although, come to think of it, she did rock some sexy ruffled one-shouldered numbers back in the late ’70s and early ’80s when I was a child.) Usually, I tend to go for cute, colorful, flirty styles, particularly those at Delia*s; I like the mix-and-match concept, I like the fact that they have a selection of tops in D-cup sizes, and I really like the prices (which are, yes, marked down at the moment).
But, like I said, I am getting up there in age, and, well, things are not as firm as they used to be. I wonder if it’s time to start, simply put, covering that stuff up. There’s also the question of support; finding bikini tops in which my boobs actually fit is a challenging endeavor, and based on my experience with tankinis, more coverage generally translates to better support. Also, there are some really hot retro one-pieces out there! I love the ruching on this J.Crew Jersey Lomellina suit, this Jets by Jessika Allen suit reminds me of my mom’s cool ’70s suits, and I am absolutely in love with Rachel Pally’s Barbados Maillot (note to ER: I think this might be the one you sent me!).
So, I think it might be time to take the plunge–into a pool, into the ocean, in a one-piece. Sure, I will keep my bikini and tankini in the rotation, but it’s always good to diversify, right?
From our friends at Cheryl Shops
No need to carry your soggy bikini around worrying about soaking the rest of your beach tote’s contents. Swimwear designer, Melissa Odabash has created the perfect solution for post-pool dipping. The Melissa Odabash’s Bikini Bag is made of waterproof PVC and features three interior pockets for swimwear, sunscreen, shampoo, make-up and other post pool and spa essentials. The bag also folds with a fastener and can be hung up easily. With this new handy bikini bag you’ll want a luxurious new Melissa Odabash swimsuit to fill it with.
Designer Shoshanna Gruss gives us some fab swimwear tips for hunting down that perfect suit this summer!
What are the key swim trends to look for this summer?
Look for bright pop colors like neon pink, orange and green. Tribal prints are popular as well as ditsy floral prints, big bohemian florals and graphic black and white.
How revealing should a swimsuit actually be?
Here’s the Bust Coverage Test: Three-fourths of the bust should be covered, leaving only a swath of cleavage. The thicker the strap that attaches the bust to the rest of the suit, the more likely it’ll stay in place as the day goes on. If you opt for a bandeau top, which is often strapless, nothing should be squeezing out the top or the bottom. Boy shorts offer great coverage on the bottom if you’re active, but they’re far from being a universally flattering style.
What are the best colors for every skin tone?
Navy and black are universally good for every skin tone. Both colors are flattering and look good against the lightest skin tones and the darkest.
How do you find a swimsuit that flatters your shape?
Big Busted: Look for halters which offer the most support. Also look for boning and underwire which will act like a bra and securely hold you in place.
Curvy: Look for one pieces with ruching to slim your middle. When shopping for bikini’s stick to bottoms with tie string so they are easily adjustable.
Flat Chested: Strings are most flattering. If you want to enhance your chest, look for ruffles or ruching which will create the illusion of a bigger chest.
How do you take your beach look from day-to-night?
Find a versatile cover up that can take your bikini beach look to a casual dinner. A crochet cover with ¾ sleeves is great because you can throw it over a bikini with cute shorts or jeans and be ready for a night out.
What are some general tips for purchasing swimwear?
Cotton bathing suits are more for show. They will take a long time to dry compared to a polyester/Spandex blend. Accept that sizes will vary, even from the same label.
What is the best way to care for swimwear?
Don’t put bathing suits in the washing machine, this will weaken the elastic. Instead, wash in cold water with a delicate cleanser such as Woolite.
Shoshanna’s swimwear can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, just to name a few.
Also, here are some of Shopalicious’ faves from ShopBop, pictured, from left:
Shoshanna Metallic Gold Twist Bandeau Bikini Top, $132.00;
Shoshanna Cobblestone Triangle Bikini Top, regularly $77.00, now $53.90;
Shoshanna Chain Links Tab Bandeau Bikini Top, regularly $99.00, now $49.50; all from ShopBop.
From our friends at Shopalicious
Summer fun time is almost here and we’ve found the cutest Summer swimwear for boys and girls. Bright, colorful and fun, these Surfer swim trunks would make any little boy ready for the waves. The girl’s tank style and one piece swimsuits, feminine and colorful, will delight any little princess with these darling print fabrics.
The girls’ swimsuits are by Gossip Girls and range in price from $24.00 to $34.00 depending on where you buy.
Cabana Life offers boys’ swim trunks, rash guards, and sets. These boys swim trunks and top are $59.99.
Beach Bambino offers suits from both of these brands and some of our other favorites.
There are many other swimwear styles, just for kids, including swim diapers and little girl bikinis. I-Play is the original manufacturer of the swim diaper and their swim diapers require no other diaper to be worn. Lots of choices so check it out!
From our friends at Mommie 911 and Ziggity Zoom
The one shoulder swimsuits have a cool, classic look about it while
still keeping up with the latest asymmetry trend! I love things that are a perfect combination of fashion forward and classic. These one shouldered swimsuits are bold and yet have enough of a
timeless quality that you'd be able to wear them next year.
Recently I've had swimsuits on the brain – and one-piece cut out suits at that! I've always been a bikini girl, but I've been happy to find some adorable one pieces recently. These are still sexy without being too revealing. One of my favorites is the one piece cutout swimsuit.
I love the crisp bold stripes of the Ella Moss swimsuit. The side cut-outs which give it a little something extra – a bit of a twist and a bit more sex appeal.
The Shay Todd handkerchief cutout swimsuit is simply amazing. We are obsessed with the L.A. based Hawaiian swimsuit label whose A-list fans include Eva Longoria-Parker and Lindsay Lohan.
For just a bit of a peek-a-boo effect, the Michael Kors Captains Cove cutout swimsuit has a dramatic look for poolside without showing too much skin.
Pictured left to right:
Ella Moss Striped Cutout Halter Swimsuit $131.00 at Neiman Marcus.
Check out more Ella Moss swimsuits at Neiman Marcus.
Shay Todd Handkerchief swimsuit $230 at Net-a-Porter.
Michael Kors Captain Cove's Cutout Swimsuit $217.00 at Saks
More swimwear form Michael Kors here.
It happens every time (to me, at least). You get to the pool,
finally score a spot with just enough sun and shade (not an easy feat),
and lie back for an afternoon of soaking up sunlight and chick lit.
Then, from behind your new shades, you spot a girl whose choice of
poolside attire brings up the eternal summer question: is it a bikini,
or is it lingerie?
Don't
go passing this off as a fashion faux-pas just yet. Of course, when
done badly, there are so many things wrong with this scenario. Some
will say that if you look good, you look good regardless of what you're
wearing. While I'm not quite so "out there" I will say this: if you're
going to keep 'em guessing, you may as well be wearing a piece from Agent Provocateur's
new swimwear line while you're at it. The collection is pretty hot-
think retro lingerie-inspired bikinis, denim boyshorts, wet look
fishnet fabrics, and seductive plunging one pieces, with ruffles and
girly prints thrown in for good measure. My favorite has to be the 'Crystal'
swimsuit- at first glance, you see a shiny deep plunge one piece, but
turn around and you're now the girl in the shiny bikini! It's totally
worth the awkward tan lines. Some pieces from the collection could
probably double as lingerie, though we wouldn't recommend it, because
if the spandex content doesn't give it away, the telltale smell of
chlorine will. Just a thought!
From our friends at Stylehive
These days, everyone is looking for a great deal. From spending hours
doing comparison shopping to finding the best coupon codes to use at
the checkout, saving money has never been more trendy. If you're
already looking to buy a new swimsuit
for your spring and summer getaways, read on. I'm sure you've noticed
there are some really nice ones out there but seeing the price tag can
bring your credit card to a screeching halt! I've seen bikinis that
retail for $100 or more for each piece! And really, why pay the big
bucks for a bathing suit you're only going to wear a few times out of
the year? Deal seekers rejoice! I've found 10 swimsuits from triangle
bikinis to color block one-pieces that are $100 or less. Check out the convertible tie-front bandeau one-piece that will have you lounging in style. Denim aficionados will love the Ecote denim bikini. Check out my slideshow for more budget friendly swimsuits. Your wallet will thank you, I promise.
From our friends at Stylehive
