For the Fellas: Best Board Shorts

Surf's up! Whether you're a dad or just a single dude, when the summer comes a callin' you suddenly find yourself lounging shore-side. Beach time shenanigans are the best under a blazing sun with food, drinks, and surrounded by good friends, no? Make sure you're looking your best in an awesome pair of board shorts. You can wear them to lay out in or into the water. Plus, you throw a shirt on and they double as fancy going out pants! You guys are really lucky...your summer outfits take a lot less thought than us gals.

Complimentary color done in a large print makes these trunks terrific. Ambiguous "A' Board Shorts, $49, Nordstrom

At first glance the print looks like a shark detail. Up close it's actually humming birds! Who doesn't love a sensitive guy? Ambiguous "Long Beaks" Board Shorts, $49, Nordstrom

I like these a lot! Classic camo takes a shark-fin turn :) Quicksilver Waterman "Camofin" Board Shorts, $69.50, Nordstrom

 

How did we go from this.......

Like myself, you may have decided to give the ol' string bikini suit a heave-ho into the forgotten depths that is the back of your closet in lieu of something a little more conservative.  If you've read my previous blog posts on all of the cute one-piece and plus-sized swimsuits available this season, that might have helped you make the switch (it did me).  I was more than happy to get rid of the floss meant to cover my "bits" because I knew I never really felt comfortable in something so tiny anyway.

But do you know what it took, and how long, for society to let you walk out onto the beach dressed so scantily clad? Like the fact that the first bikini didn't show up on the scene until 1946?  I didn't until I found this great blog post from Divine Caroline showcasing "Swimsuits Through the Ages."  Enjoy...

... to this?

All images from Divine Caroline

Swimwear 101: Best Swimsuits for Men

It's just as important for guys to look good at the pool as it is for women.  Unlike the trend in womens swimwear, smaller swimsuits on men are not always sexy...

case in point

...unless you look like this...

... so stick to shorts.

But when there are so many eyesore versions to pick from, how do you choose?  Will you go the route of of the many men who've gone before you and wear what can only be described as something you picked up last-minute at a gift shop somewhere (see left)?  Or will you opt for something a little less Hawaii 5-0 this summer?  The basics of all clothing, including swimwear, is a balance of proportions.  Don't go for anything too small or too short.  Nothing too long (ie- hangs down to your calves) or too baggy.





Personal Shopper Picks: from Norsdtrom

Sundek Volley Wim Shorts $119

Simple enough to throw on a tee and sandals and head off the beach into town.  I personally prefer this shorter (not short) length because it's a little more universal for the average man's proportions.

Hurley "Puerto Rico" Recycled Board Shorts $49

Again, could easily go from swim to walking shorts.  Think about it in terms of having to pack one less item on vacation.  Just throw this on with a polo and some slip-on shoes and you're good to go.

Ezekiel Strip Board Short $54

It's a print... It's a color... But what it's not is a suit you will regret wearing again a few years from now.

BOSS Black "Tigerfish"Volley Swim Shorts $89

While they not be the most exciting pair of trunks at the pool, it's really hard to mess up the overall look of black swim trunks.

Penguin 'Scalloped' Volley Swim Shorts $59

Goodbye Fantasy Island, hello Bay Watch.  I promise the cute girl at the bar won't miss you in these!

Additional image(s) courtesy of Gooole Search

Swimwear 101: Cover-Ups

Once you've found the perfect swimsuit that has you throwing caution to the wind and actually wanting to go out half naked in public, it's time to shop for the swimsuit cover-up.  They are, just like their name suggests, a way to cover up your newly sun-kissed skin.  I personally love a cute cover-up because they not only protect me from getting burned, they are what make a poolside outfit.  And let's be honest, the only time I actually want to see my thighs is while slathering them in sunscreen on my lounge chair.  We've come a long way from the muumuu as far as style.

Personal Shopper Picks: (from one of my favorite places to shop for swimwear, Victoria's Secret)

Trend #1: 70's Chic

VS Cotton Crochet Tunic Sweater $59.50

VS Striped Linen Cover-Up Sweater $49.50

VS Split-sleeve Romper $48

VS Tunic Cover-up $58

Trend #2: Brights

VS Solid Plunge Cover-up Tunic $33

VS Tie-waist Cover-up Dress $33

VS Neon Lace Cover-up $38

Trend #3: Neutrals & Whites

VS One-shoulder Crochet Cover-up $74

VS Beach Linen Knit-waist Short $29.50

VS T-back Romper $82

VS Beach Linen Zip-front Romper $39.50

Image(s) courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Swimwear 101: Best One-Piece Swimsuits for Women

Because of my trip I'm having to face staring down at my glaring white thighs which haven't seen the sun in quite some time.  My goal is to come home in five days actually looking like I've been on vacation- a golden brown only Hawaii sun can give you.  But that means finding the right swimsuit while I melt in the 80+ degree weather.  It has to be cute, but also functional (no Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunctions please).

When shopping for a new suit this summer, make your first stop for swimwear at Anthropologie for a great selection of suits that will make your summer look complete.  Does "sexy on-piece" sound like an oxymoron to you?  Doesn't have to be.  See for yourself...

Personal Shopper Picks:

Laughing Gull One-Piece $318

Hit the sand looking like a goddess in this white oh-so-worth-the-price-when-you-see-their-jaws-drop swimsuit.  Very 70's and right on trend.

Plunging Halter Maillot $178

Who says one-piece swimsuits aren't sexy?  Noticing this 70's trend again?

Parched Desert Maillot $218

Is your best feature in the rear?  Show off your

Elephant Ears Maillot $160

Remember you don't have to wear black or brown to be neutral.  Try this mud khaki suit on instead.

Ruffle-Wrapped Halter Suit $158

I love the way this suit still defines your waistline.  If you love a wrap dress, you'll love this suit.


And just because I know not everyone is going to throw in the towel on their bikinis for the sexy factor, here's one more I just couldn't resist posting...

Golden Days Bikini Top $78

Golden Days Bikini Bottom $68

Tips for shopping for your next swimsuit:

Shop on a ‘good’ day. Don’t shop for your skimpiest items of clothing on days you’d rather not even be seen out of your home! Don’t set foot in a fitting room when you’re having a bad day, PMSing, going through a break-up or otherwise. Even if your feet or back hurt, stop.

A slightly snug fit in the changing room will keep your decency intact as you hit the pool. Remember that fabrics expand in the water! Second, remember that swimsuit sizing generally runs small because they need to be fitted. If you’re more of a sun worshiper than a water baby, go for what feels most comfortable and gives you the least amount of tan lines.

Take the stress out of the trying on. Shop online and turn your home into a stress-free fitting room.
Go custom! Online stores like Victoria’s Secret swim shop have a large selection of suits, many of which are separates that you can mix-n-match.

-excerpt from my interview with 944 magazine

 

Swimwear 101: Plus-Size Gals Celebrating Their Curves

I'm about to head off on a last-minute (much needed) vacation to Hawaii with my husband.  The first since we were married in 2009.  When he told me we were going I was first very excited thinking about the hot sun, warm sand and cool blue waters.  Then I realized, thanks to a substantial injury and a lack of self-control when it came to chocolate, that I didn't have a swimsuit that fit me anymore.  All of a sudden my shock and awe at the good news was blown to bits by my worry over having to swimsuit shop for myself.  Sure, it's much easier to help other people show for swimwear.  I'm a wardrobe stylist, I'm supposed to know how to do this- which I do.  But the pace I had made with my thighs was on shaky ground when I knew I wasn't going to be able to hide them in clothing all the time.

So I set about to find myself a plus-sized swimsuit.  I'm one of those weird body shapes that is not plus-sized everywhere, but my bust has grown so much over the last year (38E) that regular misses sized suits let my cups runneth over (Psalm 23:5).  After an exhaustive online search of plus-sized swimwear, including ordering and truing many of them on myself, here are my favorites...

Personal Shopper Picks:

OneStopPlus.com $79.99

This is the little number I will be sporting this week.  The little ruffled skirt hides the top of my thighs, but not so much that it looks like a dress.  It actually has a cute vintage feeling to it.

Monif C. $118

Who says plus-sized has to nothing but a swim dress?  I think this ruffle is great, and would nicely play up your bust line to proportionally minimize the size of your thighs.

Torrid $34

Have a top that you love, but a bottom that you don't (I can't help but laugh at the pun)?  These shorts are great because they will match pretty much any top you already have, and they are adjustable via the draw strong cords on the sides.

OneStopPlus.com $49.40

A not-so-fitted tankini is a great way to hide any lumps and bumps in your midsection.  It's also a good option for those of us with longer torsos.

Lane Bryant $119.95

This large print will keep the eye moving and won't linger over any spots you don't want seen.  The ruched sides also help disguise and bulges.

This summer I vow:

...not to hide my curves under a matronly swim dress.
...to go beyond black and wear colorful swimwear.
...to celebrate my curves by not hiding in my clothes all summer.