Strapless Jackpot

While watching the 2015 Água de Côco fashion show, I came across a strapless bikini top that I absolutely adored. Its shape is different than any other I’d seen before, at least in swimwear. This top not only looks gorgeous on the model, but it also gives me the impression that it will actually “stay put”.

Água de Côco - Summer 2015

Pay particular attention to the second model on the runway. Isn’t that bikini simply fabulous? That peacock-ish print is gorgeous, and it goes great with her skin tone. But the shape of it is also fantastic. Bravo Água de Côco!!

I don’t know about the rest of you, but strapless has very rarely worked for me in the past. It wasn’t until about 2 years ago that I actually found a bra that I didn’t have to keep pulling up every 2 minutes, and that shaped my chest nicely. At the time I thought I’d give it a try, and buy more if it actually worked. Big mistake!! For some reason (which I still haven’t found out!) that specific line was discontinued, and along with it were my strapless days.

This year though, while spending a few days with a friend in New York, I came across a brand that not only worked for me, but also fit my budget. This time I didn’t mess around, I bought 2 of them, just to be on the safe side. Mind you, this was after trying on at least 20 others, and nearly giving up half way through the process. But, where there’s a will there’s a way, and my 2 new strapless bras were there to prove just that! I finally hit the strapless jackpot!

I’d like to take a chance while I’m on this “strapless high” :) In about 2 and a half weeks, Oh My Swimsuit will be hitting the road. We’re off to Brazil for the rest of 2014. While I’m there, I will find that beautiful strapless top, try it on and report back, pictures and everything else included. Although I have no idea what the result will be, again I promise you all full disclosure, whether it fits me perfectly, or not.

Meanwhile, if there are any other trends, prints, or even swimsuit types you’d like to see on the blog, just send us an email. Brazil is a swimsuit goldmine, and I’ll dig as deep as I have to in order to find each of you your own jackpot.

Get Inspired!

Lately I’ve been reading way more about fashion than ever before in my life. I’ve always enjoyed fashion magazines and reproducing outfits that I saw in movies or TV shows. But now Oh My Swimsuit has directed me in a slightly different path. It’s no longer about selecting things only I like, it’s about encouraging my clients to find their style. I know a lot of you are probably thinking you already have, but please keep reading, at the end you may find yourself surprised.

I’ve recently finished reading a book by Isaac Mizrahi. In the introduction he talks a lot about what inspires us and how, in his opinion, style is a constant search in life. When I read that it quickly made me think of my wardrobe and own style. Personally I’d say I look for things that make me look good, but does that actually qualify as “my style”? Am I really capable, right now, of answering that question?

How to Have Style
By Isaac Mizrahi

Sticking to the honesty pact we made when I first started writing this blog, my answer would be no. There is no phrase, title, or single word that defines my style. However, still keeping Isaac in mind and thinking about what inspires me, I could feel a small light shinning at the end of my style tunnel. It suddenly came to me how a lot of what’s in my closet is a clear reflection of what inspires me. History, nature, sunshine, families, books and film characters, friendship, music, laughter, different decades… I slowly started to fill in the gap between my inspirations and my style, and yes that also includes my swimwear! Did you really think I’d leave that part out?? :)

Feeling very inspired by Isaac’s words, I would like to take the opportunity to pass this on to you all. When you have some time today, sit down and make a list of all the things that inspire you, and see if any of those things are reflected in your wardrobe. If your inspirations don’t necessarily represent what’s hanging in your closet, perhaps it’s time to give the following questions a bit more thought:

-       Is there anything you’d love to wear but have no courage to try on? Is it that beautiful bikini (or any other outfit) you saw on someone else but thought it wouldn’t fit you right?

-       What about colors? Have you been wearing any besides grey, black, beige and white lately? Is it time to try that bright pink or yellow yet?

-       Do you feel like you’ve been wearing the same thing over and over again? Or that you don’t really need to put much thought into what outfit you’re selecting?

-       And, worst of all: Did you simply give up on your style?

Remember to be honest with your answers. If, for example, you really did give up on your style, then it may be time to focus a little harder on what inspires you. Just a little inspiration here can go a long way. If you’ve been wearing the same style for a long time, go out and try something completely different. Or do it at home where no one is watching. You’ll be amazed at how many different things will fit you perfectly well. And again, I’m including swimwear on this list. Try on all the swimsuits you possibly can! Go wild! Live the dream!! What have you got to lose?

The interesting thing about style is that it has a different meaning to each one of us. And whether we stick to the same, or spend the rest of our lives walking its path, the important thing is to feel good about what we decide to wear. Isaac makes a clear statement with which I could not agree more, that “in order to have style, you need to look into a mirror and like what you see”. It’s something we’ve talked about before, and although I know all of you have been giving yourselves an A+ every chance you get, I think it’s an important reminder, to all of us. 

So, with all of that in mind, are you ready to get inspired?

Ready, Set, Waistline - Part 2

If you’re not comfortable with a two piece, not to worry. There are several one piece swimsuits that either with print, cut or accessories that give the exact same effect. See the examples below where the contrast between black and white helps create that lovely waistline.

   

 The slight skin exposure also creates that waistline nicely, and also looks extremely sexy!!

Want some print in there? Then, by all means! This next example is one of my favourites! Notice how flattering this waistline looks, all because of the flower print.

Last but definitely not least, if you like your one piece swimsuits but also like a little more skin exposure, then the suits below are right for you. The side openings are perfect for accentuating that waistline, and the fabric brings attention to the center, creating that contrast we’re looking for.

Now, get out there and show your waist to the world!!