Round And Round We Go!

Hi all!

My horoscope for today said I'd be getting a pleasant surprise that would change the course of my day. I usually don't read much into these things, but I have to tell you that sometimes Rosângela Alvarenga freaks me out! I did have a surprise, not necessarily the most pleasant one, but it did get me thinking about how things can be cyclical and how life goes and comes around. Luckily for us style lovers, that's yet another item on our pros column. 

So, as you all know I follow several brands and swimsuit related posts on social media. And lately I've noticed a trend that I hadn't seen in a while, but seems to be making a comeback. It's the crochet bikini, and with it the tops and covers that make up swimsuit fashion. A popular item back in the 70's, it has made quite a few comebacks since then, and has yet again resurfaced to become a 2015 Summer favorite. Personally, I've never owned a sample myself (I thought I didn't have the body for it... Stupid me!!), but seeing as it has popped up in a lot of the style sources I'm interested in, I'm going to go outside my comfort zone and talk about something I haven't yet had the chance to experience. It's for a good cause though, right?

If you're not like me and had a crochet swimsuit in the past, I'd suggest taking a good look before dusting it off and rocking that old school look. Not because I don't like the trend, but chances are they're not the most durable items in your drawer. That lovely piece you bought in the 70's is probably not going to look so hip almost 40 years later. If that's your case, then a good idea would be to take your old suit with you when you go in search of a new one. That way you'll maintain the style, but also guarantee the quality of a newer and probably way more comfortable product.

Magazine add from the 70's

Now, if you're like me and are doing this for the first time, then it's your call on how far you'd like to go on the crochet scale. I'm going to use Via Sol Brazil to try to explain that sale in a bit more detail. This brand has caught my eye not only for the several beautiful swimsuits they make, but also because of the diversity of their pieces. Totally worth checking out!!!

The crochet detail (image 1). If you'd like the idea of crochet, but not an entire piece. A great way to get your feet wet in the crochet pool!

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If you're ready for more than detail, but not the crochet swimsuit yet, then perhaps a nice top, skirt, or swimsuit cover could be a good option. Just slip those on for going to and from the beach (or pool, lake, or whatever the scenario is) and wow the crowd with your fabulous chique look!

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The white crochet top (image 2) is super flattering, and can be worn with a skirt, jean shorts, or even summer style pants The longer top (image 3) is great because it doesn't require a bottom (like shorts, skirts or pants is what I mean!). It does great on its own and is a very fancy cover up. If you're bottom part is what you're used to covering up (aka my style) then there are several length skirts to choose from (images 4 and 5). Pick your length, your color, and be merry!

If you're ready to go even further, then check how cute these cropped tops are! Still not full bikini, but such an amazing design. I'd say these represent the middle of our crochet scale, seeing as they're not your regular bikini tops (length gives you a bit more of a "wearing a top" feel), but can easily be pulled off as one. A very chic one!

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If you're ready to go all in, there are another 3 ways of doing so. And here they are.

Crochet top and regular bottom (image 8), or crochet bottom with regular top (image 9). You're 50% crochet'd at this point, and looking great, might I add! This a cool way of mixing different fabrics and patterns, and also a way of increasing your swimsuit collection! One new purchase can be worn with pretty much whatever else is in your swimsuit drawer!

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Last item on our crochet scale is, as you can imagine, the full crochet bikini. If you're a 10 on the scale, then by all means, go for it!!!

Krugans Praia in Phoenix

Greetings you all!

So, after a long wait, I'm finally heading down on my first little vacation of the year! Destination: Phoenix, AZ!! Hot weather: here I come!

Apparently one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery in the Valley of the Sun is by going down the river. And there are many ways to do that: water paddling, kayaking, rafting, even tubing! It got me thinking about swimsuits, sports, and high temperatures. How could we enjoy all three and not end up with a massive sunburn?

Recently, I've been following Krugans Praia on Instagram. I wasn't familiar with the brand until they started to like a few of my pictures. I have been really impressed with the way they are doing things; they make all sorts of suits for us lovely gals who aren't afraid to play outside, but also want to look hot while doing it. So, while thinking about the "more radical" (for me anyway!! LOL!) activities that I'll be doing while in Phoenix, the suits at Krugans have come to mind. Let me show you a few of my favorites.

Looking for a bit more support for your water activities? No problem! They've done an amazing job with matching style and comfort. From water paddling to catching the big waves, you won't have to worry about a thing when wearing one of these, expect for having fun!!

Next, a nice version for you all that like tankinis, which I personally find it a bit more flattering. Not only does this protect you a bit more from the sun (longer top means less skin exposed to sun), but it also gives you that extra peace of mind that everything is safe and secure, and will remain that way while you exercise. 

The long sleeve version I just love! And, if you'd like to worry less about sunscreen, this is a great option!!

Finally, if you're ready to go all in, then a wetsuit might be just the thing. Check out some of these options: 
Short or long sleeves.

Longer bottom option.

 






















I recommend you check out their website, these guys have hit the nail on the head when talking about sports and swimwear. Unfortunately I don't have time to purchase something before my trip, but I'll definitely go through my drawer and see if there's something that could be "adapted". Wish me luck!! 

A Walk Down Queen Street West

I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days in Toronto. It'd been a while since I'd been there, and although it was quite a bit colder than my lovely Vancouver, this short visit had a lot of high points. I don't know how old you all are, but how many of you remember the Kids in the Hall? Oh yes, I saw them live last Saturday night, a true nostalgic episode! Although my favorite "Chicken Lady" did not make an appearance, seeing Lawrence Fishburn in the audience, and watch people get get their heads crushed by Mark McKinney was a real treat.

On Sunday, after an amazing dim sum brunch at Lukee Restaurant (a definite must try when in Toronto!) I needed to burn off some of those calories so I decided to go for a walk and check out some of the shops. It's always interesting to see what the trends are in different places, don't you all agree?

A walk down famous Queen Street West was the perfect way to blend some exercise with fashion hunting. So many options to choose from, and with spring upon us and summer right around the corner, I'm happy to say I saw many beautiful swimsuits as well as spring and summer collections. One store in particular caught my eye. Have any of you ever heard of the shop called Tatyana? They specialize in Rockabilly, Pin Up and Retro styles, and their shop is the coolest thing! Check out some of the options they have in store:

Ariel High Waist Bikini 66.00

Rosie Floral (also available in wine) 80.00

Two super cute options available at Tatyana shop on Queen Street West, or online at tatyana.com

My favorite was this sailor style suit. I'm sure it's not everyone's style, but one thing is certain: this is one of the cutest suits I saw all weekend! The skirt comes off, which is a great option to have, especially for those days when you don't feel like showing everything Now, I know in the past we've discussed how red can sometimes contrast poorly with lighter skin tones, but in this case it's the style of the suit that is getting all the attention. So although a pale skin would still not be the best pair for red, here it could be pulled off, and mostly because of the its pin up style.




On the opposite end of the style scale comes French Connection. The store is fully stocked with its spring and summer collections, and again there were some really nice patterns and shapes to choose from. I especially liked what to me looked like an "under the sea" pattern, with the florals being my second favorite.

Some really nice prints resembling the bottom of the ocean. Lots of options to choose from. Tops vary from 28.00 to 44.00, and bottoms 28.00 and 35.00. For more details go to French Connection Online or in stores.


All in all, it was a great day for a Sunday brunch, for shopping and enjoying the sunshine outside. It's always so inspiring to be out on a lovely spring day, not only to see what fashion trends are popping up, but also to remind us that summer is on its way. What better time than now to start looking for that lovely swimsuit?

French Connection Bikini Tops - 28.00