Swimsuit Report

Luckily, this past Memorial Day weekend offered up plenty of sunshine and pool time -- and opportunities to try out a few of my new swimsuits (see previous post The Search for the Perfect Suit).  The verdict? Hit and miss.


I loved my sporty striped suit from Old Navy. While it was cut a little low in the hips for me, it seemed perfectly appropriate for splashing around with the kiddies. I also thought the striped pattern did a decent job of camouflaging any hints of mummy-tummy. (Note: this suit is on sale at Old Navy right now.)

Old Navy

The black one-piece felt a little more sophisticated... and the slight ruching in the midriff was also a good disguiser. Much to my surprise, when I showed up at the pool in this suit, my six-months-pregnant sister had on the same one -- and it looked great on her. A very universally flattering suit! (This suit is sold out on Old Navy but there is a similar one at J.Crew.)

Old Navy

J.Crew

I also wore this white-and-gray striped suit this past weekend. I loved the cut and the colors, however, my mother told me I was a little too pale for it.  I thought it was a very grown-up color combination and it looked great paired with a breezy, white coverup and silver flip-flops. But I guess those light shades weren't doing me any favors! Maybe I'll try it again later in the season... (This suit is also on sale at Old Navy right now).

Old Navy

I have a few more suits to try out... I will keep you posted. 

Did you have any luck with the first swimsuit-wearing of summer?

The Search for the Perfect Suit

J.Crew

It is hard to believe that Memorial Day is one week away!  It seems like we went straight from winter into summer... The pools will be open and the beach ready. I feel so unprepared! Needless to say, I have been scrambling to find the right swimsuits.

I've always worn basic string bikinis (in my opinion, usually the most flattering kind) -- even with a big ole baby bump. But this summer, I think I am going to take my mother's advice: Mid-thirties, three-kids -- it's time for a little modesty. It's time for a one-piece.

The search for the perfect one-piece has not been an easy one. Simple, chic and with at least a little sex-appeal apparently does not a one-piece make. 

Eres

Eres

The best I found were by Eres. Sleek and showing just-enough skin. Unfortunately, however, I will no doubt be splashing about with the kiddies, smearing sunscreen all over and sitting on the edge of the pool (i.e. ruining the suit) and so, I cannot justify the steep price tag.

J.Crew

I found a couple that I liked from J.Crew. Strapless solids with some interesting detail -- a drop-waist on one and some ruching on the other. They seemed sort of sophisticated.  I also ordered a few from Old Navy -- at $30 they weren't bad at all. I particularly love the red-and-navy striped suit (although it is probably the sportiest of the bunch).

Old Navy

Old Navy

Old Navy

I think I won't know which style is best until I am actually at the pool or beach and "wear-testing" them. In the meantime, I will continue to search for the perfect suit. (Now, on to the scramble to get in shape!)

It's a Classic

In the midst of yet another icy/snowy winter day, all I can think about is spring, summer, beach, vacation -- just some shining sun! So I found myself searching online for resort destinations and the wardrobe to go with it. On my list is a new sailor top. This classic piece is a favorite of mine -- with dark or white denim jeans or shorts (and with cargos). Even with black leggings. It is also easily transitions from season to season. A must for every wardrobe. I love the way Net-a-Porter styled the above Rebecca Taylor sailor tee. Chic. And the bright bag provides the perfect contrast.

Some inspiration from the runways: Jason Wu (I like the idea of it under a blazer), Prada (a little extreme but I'm into the dark-and-bright combo) and Jil Sander (for summer entertaining maybe?).

The Saint James boatneck top is the original. Think Picasso. It's a little heavier than a basic tee -- nice for a cool beach afternoon.

J. Crew is probably where I will end up buying one. They have lots of casual, easy options.

On the J.Crew site, Lauren Hutton picked one as a favorite and she had an funny comment: "Wide stripes tend to make you look short and squat, so I always go for a skinny stripe." Makes sense! I usually go for a skinny stripe but never thought about why -- maybe this subconsciously was the reason! But the antiquated theory about stripes making you look fat seems off-base to me. In fact, a (skinny) striped top can actually do a nice job of camouflaging what's underneath (think post-baby belly).

This supercute Old Navy take on the classic is only $6. I love the yellow twist!

And of course, for my mini-me's... How completely cute! (From Crewcuts):