How to match your swimsuit with your body type and personality

Only the thought that’s always summer somewhere keeps me going right now. It’s been a slow progression, but, over the years, I’ve been hating winter more and more - to the point I would love to live somewhere warm all year long. Yes, I’m totally California dreaming right now.

I’m one of those people that wants to spend Christmas at the beach and go somewhere exotic for the holidays. I can hardly wait for summer and planning on going somewhere really cool. Not sure where, but the ocean is a must. 

So while everybody is writing about coats and boots, I’m already thinking about 2015 swimsuits. I have always have been a forward thinker! :)

I don’t know about you, but the process of trying on and finding the right swimsuits it’s really a terrifying thing. Many women dread it more than the zombie apocalypse or childbirth. It usually goes hand in hand with a Brazilian wax. Enough said!

The fact that there’s a lot to choose from out there is not helping either: hundreds of prints, cuts, shapes, no name and designer swimsuits, online shops or traditional stores, one pieces swimsuits, full body swimsuits and on and on. Very confusing stuff.

For me the key is to find something that suits both your personality and body shape. But if you have multiple personalities, like me, it’s going to be hard to stick to one style.

But let’s start with the right swimsuits for each silhouette.

1. Athletic build (Triangle shape)

Ok, so you’ve been working out and you look like a male Korean drama lead meets runway model. Please don’t take this as an insult – I’m very much into those (they are prettier than most girls) - nice shoulders and arms, narrower hips, nicely defined legs. 

You should totally show off by wearing revealing swimsuits with lots of feminine details, maybe some cool hip or straps embellishments. Go for low cut bottom pieces and tops with cups, ruffles, maybe some padding to soften your look and give the illusion of a larger chest. 

Don’t be afraid of wearing prints – they are your friend. Don’t punish the world by wearing one pieces – those abs deserve to be seen.

2. Curvy or hourglass body shape (defined waist with a generous bust and hips)

Firstly, congratulations for winning at the genetic lottery. You will look good in almost anything, but keep in mind that you need something to hold everything in place. A little support is always welcomed and balconette or halter style tops with underwire are the best for that. 

Look for pieces that have thicker straps and double-stitched bands as well – they’re going to be both comfortable and flattering. Cool one pieces will also look hot on you.

Specialists usually recommend going for solid or very small prints to avoid messing with your proportions, but I think you should go for what you like and feel that looks good on you. I would avoid anything with strings, unless you want a wardrobe malfunction – the beach edition - happening to you.   

 

3. Pear shaped body

You’re lower half might be winder than your top half, but you can still rock a swimsuit like it’s nobody’s business. Choosing the right bottom is the most important thing here: go for full coverage or high waisted boy shorts or hipsters, even briefs. 

The top should be something attention grabbing to balance things out – low cut, interesting details and molded cups are the answer. I would definitely go for one of those two pieces with a solid colored bottom and a printed top.

Think along these lines: go wild on top and remain modest in the bottom area. It sounds a lot dirtier than intended, but you get my point. One piece swimsuits with interesting upper cuts and details are also a great idea.

4. Straight build

You’re the envy of every teenage girl in the world, not many curves to talk about, but nothing to hide either. Your photos are probably all over Tumbler by now. You can go as skimpy as you like without looking vulgar. 

Just know that any kind of gathering details, prints, padding and ruffles will enhance your existing curves. String bikinis have been made for you, so don’t be afraid to get some of those.

 Photos and gifs: sunbain, 1, 2

How do you like your swimming suits?

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My ultimate fall wishlist

I love fall and if I’m being honest a big part of it has to do with the fall wardrobe that I’m always excited to dive in. It’s the perfect season to be creative: not too hot to wear light layers, not too cold to have to cover everything with a thick coat.

It’s that time of year when accessories can be worn for the pure pleasure of it and not just for comfort and warmth. You can still put on a lacy bra and leave it peek under a shirt that you top with a nice jacket. Fall with all its warmth and promise makes me want to buy lots of cool bags, classy hats, crazy patterned tights, funky gloves and colorful lingerie. I also feel like ditching all my heels for a while and just wearing sport inspired flats, espadrilles and fashionable sneakers with everything.

Seems like a good time to reinvent yourself starting with a little bit of a wardrobe revival!

For me it’s started as it always does - accidentally landing on a site that gives me lots of visual inspiration and items to add to my wish list. This time it was Simons and their lingerie section which brought me to the accessories page which then developed into actually making a few inspiration boards that I have to share. I’m do think I have a gift when it comes to making collages! 

What do you think? Should I add “advanced skills in making collages” to my growing list of talents?

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Maternity style – a few thoughts

As a very tall girl I have always struggled finding certain articles of clothing to fit properly: maxi dresses and maxi skirts are never long enough, pants and jeans are always shorter than I’d like,  miniskirts are too short for me, sleeves rarely go to my wrist and the list can go on and on.

High street and even designer stores generally fail to cater to the needs of niche silhouettes and heights and prefer going the safe route with the standard sizes and shapes that are going to sell and appeal to most. And even those which have tall, petite or curvy sections, don’t pay enough attention to them, so they end up being a disappointment as far as variety and design goes, especially compared with the clothes you can find in the “normal” section.

Based on some of  my friends’ experience and what I’m constantly hearing from readers, the situation is quite similar when it comes to maternity clothes. Pregnant women have a hard time finding stylish clothes specially designed for this wonderful, but equally difficult period of time in their life. They usually have to get creative and buy clothes a few sizes bigger or just give up and pretty much avoid going out during the last months of pregnancy. The few stores which do sell maternity clothes are often not what they are looking for - having an outdated and unflattering selection of clothes that’s just plain depressing.

 

Thankfully, there’s always online shopping and the magic of internet with its myriad possibilities. That’s how I discovered Isabella Oliver – which is probably the best maternity brand I’ve come across so far. The way I knew they were great was when I realized I had spent over an hour  browsing  through their shop and was actually considering ordering something and I’m not even pregnant, nor do I  have plans to get pregnant in the near future. But that’s the cool thing about Isabella Oliver – the clothes are designed so that you can wear them during and after pregnancy justifying the higher price tag. That, the cut and the quality of the fabrics they use make the clothes a pretty good investment. 

I made quite a few collages using my favorite looks from their site to serve as visual aid and get you inspired and excited about the various ways you can dress if you happen to be pregnant or generally going in that direction!:)

 

I'd love to hear from those of you who know more about maternity style first hand! Don't hesitate to share your tips and favorite shopping destinations with all of us!

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Eye candy – literally

It’s that time of year again! You know, the glorious months when you can wear sunglasses without looking like a douchebag. In fact, with summer just a short month away, sunglasses will be actually necessary and not just a stylistic choice.

I’m one of those people who like and wear sunglasses a lot. Aviator, cat eye, wayfarer shaped, clear lenses, colorful lenses, simple or intricately ornate frames – I like them all. You’ve seen me wearing them in enough outfit of the day posts over the years to believe I’m not just saying that. I have serious proof to back it up and you can see a short selection below. I dream of having a huge collection and I’m always on the lookout for a new pair despite having quite a few already.

 

I’ve always seen sunglasses like an easy way to complete a look and give it that cool, effortless edge. I won’t deny wearing a pair of sunglasses can also help with looking insistently at people without scaring them off. Behind the right, opaque lenses you can be plenty creepy without actually putting the fear of God into the object of your intense gaze. :))))

There was a time when it was actually very hard to find sunglasses I really liked. I had friends who actually needed glasses and hated wearing them because they looked so awful. Then I discovered online shopping and I suddenly had endless possibilities at my fingertips. In fact finding the coolest and most affordable sunglasses and eyeglasses online has become a bit of a favorite pastime of mine. Thankfully I don't need eyeglasses, but I will admit I have worn this style before just for fun and without the prescription lenses. Looking like a sexy nerd all the time has its appeal. 

Right now I have my eyes on (pun intended) a few pairs from BonLook. They carry sunglasses too, but what I'm really into is the amazing selection of eyeglasses with the most wonderful, colorful and stylish frames.

 

I actually need your help to decide between a "few" pairs I love since I find it almost impossible to narrow it down to an acceptable number. Which  are the one that you like best?

  I need me some sexy librarian cat eye frames! How about you?

 

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