Posts in category "swimwear"

OYE Swimwear: Sheer, Fashion-Forward Styles for the Pool or Beach

I’ve never been much a swimwear fan. I mean, I know swimwear is a thing which exists, but it’s never inspired the same kind of passion for me as lingerie or loungewear or hosiery. It’s just been a thing…mostly for other people. But all that’s been changing lately. And while I still love a classic pin-up bathing suit, these ultrachic swimsuits from OYE Swimwear (OYE is short for ‘Open Your Eyes’)have really set my heart aflutter.

For me, unsurprisingly, a lot of the appeal has to do with the strategically placed sheer designs.  Not only does the line seem like a modern interpretation of the classic Cole of California swimsuits (with their infamous mesh inserts), it also fits right in with the slightly dark, somewhat moody, trend for high-end lingerie that’s out there today (with nary a bow, flower, or ruffle to be seen, OYE reminds me of brands like Bordelle and Lascivious). And this super sleek, super modern swimwear has one more thing in common with luxury lingerie…it’s super expensive.

Swimsuits start at $350 ( though I would also check the OYE Swimwear Twitter account for discounts). OYE swim is available in sizes XS thru L (fitting a maximum US 8). Suits can be purchased directly through their website.

What do you think of OYE? Just the right amount of risqué or a little too revealing?

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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The Glorious Brazilian Bikini + 4 Swim Brands to Watch

I’m writing this from Buzios, Brazil, where I’ve spent a week contemplating the tininess of the Brazilian bikini.

Back in the States, even our skimpiest bathing suits generally keep the behind at least somewhat modest (or else who knows what kind of judgment would greet you), but here the guiding principle of beach dress seems to be the more skin, the better.

At first, this sea of flesh was shocking to my North American sensibilities.  But now that I’ve become acculturated to it (and even bought myself a teeny fuchsia 2 piece), I’ve come to think that the spirit that accompanies tiny beach attire here is actually refreshing and would be a welcome influence on our overly body conscious culture in the States.

We American women, as has been discussed from many different perspectives on this blog, are in a constant battle with our bodies.  We idolize the supermodel physique, but resent it too since it’s out of reach.  And who, even among those of us who do like our bodies and believe theoretically that we SHOULD live in a less judgmental culture, doesn’t sometimes catch herself seeing another woman and thinking, “she’s wearing THAT?”

The glory of the Brazilian beach is that people seem much more comfortable in their skins.  All shapes and sizes frolic in thongs and tiny triangle tops, the men in little briefs, playing football and eating variants of fried cheese, the national snack.  There does not seem to be the attitude that if a woman’s body doesn’t conform to a specific ideal of beauty, she doesn’t deserve to be wearing something small, or that she somehow owes it to the public to keep herself modest.  Everyone can dress skimpy, sexy, and enjoy the sun on whatever regions of their skin they’d like.

Aside from getting to ponder the most noteworthy aspect of the Brazilian bathing suit, its size, this trip has been a great trend spotting experience to see what a year-round beach culture is wearing.  It got me excited to spotlight some trends that I saw in the boutiques in Ipanema and Buzios, Brazil that were also influencing swim direction here in New York.  In general, Brazilian swim is more uniform in silhouette, whereas North American swimwear is taking varied directions in shape, but both had interesting print and detail.  Both, also, are revisiting one piece shapes in innovative ways.

During market week for Resort and Spring 2013, I visited  (Capsule), a trade show in New York City for emerging trend-forward brands, and came across three lines that impressed me: Beth Richards, Beach Riot,  and Lilibon.   A fourth, K Belo, I found by word of mouth in Brooklyn.

In this deepest, darkest month of winter, I want to share my finds with you so that we can all have something inspiring to look forward to in the near future (tropical vacation, anyone?) or in the more distant frolicsome months ahead.

BeachRiot reflects the easy, sporty-yet-sexy, particularly American influence of its Southern California roots.  For spring, designer Nicole Hanriot showed a mix-and-match variety of pieces . The line, though it includes disparate fabric, color, and detail choices, is unified by a strong brand identity that merges  vintage Americana print, trashy-chic, and casual cool.  Silhouettes vary widely, and include Brazilian cut bottoms and wispy crochet-inspired tops.

Beach Riot

Beach Riot

Canadian designer Beth Richards‘s take on swim is modern, sleek, and severe-yet-sexy.  Her mostly monochromatic black and white palette feels modern and refreshing among the bold colors and prints for the past few seasons.  Silhouettes feel more constructed than her cohorts’, with a conscious attention to placed cutouts and opacity mixed with transparency–all to a very sexy and sophisticated effect.  UV-protected fabrics make this a functional swim choice, and the option to mix and match pieces and to use them as ready-to-wear bodysuits makes it a versatile and elevated one too.

Beth Richards

Beth Richards

Lilibon is sweet, feminine, and lovely.  Inspired by 1940′s pin-ups, designer Emilie Bon says, “I have always loved lingerie, and I aim to bring the same sense of style and unashamed feminity to the women’s resort wear.”  Design details include high waisted briefs and structured bra tops, sweet fluttery ruffles, and pastel floral print.

Lilibon

Lilibon

K Belo features classic styles with a modern twist, the kind of swimwear that, rather than catering to a specific and defined aesthetic like the previous three brands, is a chic and flattering choice for a range of tastes, body types, and uses.  Brooklyn designer Diane Belgrod was inspired for 2013 by “the hazy nostalgia for a bygone era of style and leisure. Dreaming of a weekend jet-set to 1950’s Havana, Cuba, taking just one small suitcase full simply of swimwear.”  Made of Brazilian fabric, the line includes classic one pieces and separates in black, with pops of brights as well as breezy stripes and polka dots.

K Belo

K Belo

Writing this from faraway Brazil is putting me in a deliciously acquisitive swimsuit mood, and I am so excited to go out and get some of these sophisticated pieces this spring.  The variety of swimwear among these brands–and the choice to change my look day-to-day on the beach– is the best part.  My teeny Brazilian bikini will also be coming home with me, and I’m planning to sport it in all its flesh-showing glory back on more modest American turf.

What are your thoughts on body consciousness and beachwear?  Do you have any favorite swim brands to share?

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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Lingerie Addict Exclusive: Bordelle Swim

Bordelle, the luxury lingerie brand famous for their strappy, vintage-inspired, hourglass designs, is ready to take control of their swimwear world with their debut collection. Inspired by Bond Girls (particularly Ursula Andress’ unforgettable coming out of the water scene), Bordelle’s new swim collection is all about combining confidence with grace and sex appeal (and a touch of 18k gold hardware). All styles are based on Bordelle’s signature silhouette with a touch of luxury bondage.

And just in case you’re wondering, this isn’t the kind of swimwear that’s only meant to be seen. All pieces are made from stretch jersey and are sun, sand, and surf ready. The debut range is available online now at bordelle.co.uk and will soon be sold other fine boutiques. You can also view the complete collection below.

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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The Lingerie Collective SS13: previews and highlights!

Pandora by Fleur of England

The Lingerie Collective is the UK’s only trade show dedicated to truly luxury lingerie and swimwear – I popped along to see what’s new for AW12 and SS13.  I’ve picked out my personal highlights for you to peruse!

Damaris

With tassels, Swarovski crystals and feather trims, this collection will bring out the show-girl in everyone.  Featuring signature styles such as the V wired bra and ‘naked’ tulle bra, it’s as playful and extravagant as you can expect from Damaris.  I’m particularly fond of the Chantilly lace V bra – bold shapes with delicate detail, the perfect contrast!  AW12/13 also sees the launch of Damaris’ first Bridal range – for the more adventurous bride, expect unique shapes, silks, laces and feather trims.

Mimi Holliday

The tamer ‘sister’ to Damaris, Mimi Holliday’s latest collection features the usual selection of signature shapes (such as the bow-back thong, corset knicker and lace shoulder bras) in a gorgeous palette of jewel tones, with new designs such as a multi-way lace body and padded shoulder bra. With 16 different stories, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone in this collection – and even though it’s not quite lingerie, I’m especially excited about the lace ears as seen in the lookbook shoots… Totally adorable and the perfect boudoir accessory!

Else

Else was launched in 2007 by designer Ela Onur with an ethos of uniting quality fabrics, perfect fit and glamorous design.  Each garment is handmade in their Istanbul atelier, using luxurious silks and Chantilly laces. unusual pleats and drapes – flattering and glamorous.  The signature range is as elegant as ever, utilising unusual pleats and drapes to create truly flattering and glamorous lingerie.  I love the ‘Lace Tattoo’ body particularly – a wonderful play on revealing and concealing the body.

Fleur of England

This season, Fleur of England has once again managed to create some my favourite lace pieces.  Their aesthetic has retained its usual elegance and sense of romance, with sumptuous silks being paired with exquisite French laces.  My personal highlights of the collection are ‘Berry Kiss’ and ‘Pandora’  –  I adore the pairing of the leavers lace with nude tulle and the contrast of the silk in the latter!

Fraulein Kink

Photography – Catherine Day, Model – Twiglet

Fraulein Kink’s boudoir accessories are the perfect combination of naughtiness and femininity – this season sees the introduction of the new fringe ‘Maid’ set, comprising of an eye mask and skirt, and the reinvention of the signature kitten mask with gold tipped ears, matching handcuffs and collar accessory.  These pieces are fabulously multi-functional too, perfect with lingerie but also begging to be styled with your outerwear.  With all of this 50 Shades of Grey fever going around, it’s no small surprise that these oh-so-pretty bedroom accessories are seeing such a rise in popularity…

Lucile

Lucile has one of the most fascinating heritages that I’ve ever seen in a lingerie brand.  Founded by Camilla Blois, great-great-great-granddaughter of couturier Lady Duff Gordon of couture brand ‘Maison Lucile’ – renowned for its fine and romantic silk and lace lingerie, it was the source of much controversy in the late 19th century.  Taking inspiration from these designs and from some of Maison Lucile’s highest profile clients, Lucile uses sumptuous silks and laces to create some truly elegant lingerie.  I’m particularly in love with the long trained robes – surely the height of lingerie extravagance!

Paolita

Whilst swimwear isn’t ideal for Winter-time, there are some very exciting designs awaiting us next Summer from Paolita – expect some fantastically bold colours and prints!  I’m particularly in love with the ‘Day of the Dead’ print – fabulously detailed and flirty, it’s the perfect beach accompaniment .

Sumarie

Sumarie made its debut at the Lingerie Collective and is truly one of the most luxurious swimwear lines I’ve ever come across – simultaneously fashion-forward and elegant, each piece is expertly-cut and handmade with exquisite attention to detail in Sumarie’s London atelier.  The cover-ups are particularly stunning – bold and graphic prints on perfectly flowing silk, so lovely that I’d be scared of taking them to the beach!

Tatu Couture

Tatucouture’s SS13 ‘Sweet Surrender’ collection continues the brands ‘tattoo’ aesthetic, yet has introduced a much softer and sweeter aesthetic, with its signature ‘tattoo’ prints being paired with delicate laces and vintage-inspired shapes.  The overwired body is particularly gorgeous – a modernised and sophisticated interpretation of a traditionally vintage shape!

Readers – what do you think of my picks?  Are there any new designs that you’re particularly excited about this season?

Karolina

Karolina

Student at De Montfort University's world-renowned Contour Fashion course. Makes many knickers in her spare time.

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Bathing Suits for Femme Fatales: Kiss Me Deadly Swim S/S 2012

I haven’t bought a swimsuit in roughly 15 years, but Kiss Me Deadly’s very first swimwear collection may change all that. Even though I’m an unabashed fan of Kiss Me Deadly, I have to admit I was a bit worried at how their dark, slightly-violent aesthetic would translate into the relatively bright and happy world of swimwear/ But those rich colors and vibrant prints sealed the deal. I may be buying a swimsuit this summer after all. Which piece from KMD’s new swimwear collection is your fave?

P.S. And while you’re here, don’t forget to become a Very Important Addict. V.I.A.’s get an exclusive 15% discount to KMD as well as articles that never appear on the blog!

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Swimwear Suggestions for Curvy Women!

Samples were provided by BareNecessities.com and Curvy Kate for this article. All opinions are my own. 

Gabi Gregg of Gabi Fresh in her world-famous "Fatkini"

Swimsuit season is here, which means sounds either exciting or dreadful depending on how you feel about swimsuit shopping. I love swimsuit shopping online because I feel like it takes the dread out of the process. You don’t have to browse through a bunch of stuff that isn’t you and there isn’t any body awkwardness if you’re trying things on in the privacy of your own home. So, it really shouldn’t be a surprise that all of the swimsuits I love this season are readily available online!

I love the vintage look as much as anyone, but I’m thrilled to see so many styles of swimwear this season that work for curvier women. More and more bra sized swimwear is also being produced, which makes shopping for a swimsuit that fits a relatively painless process.

The Rio Ruffle Bikini by Curvy Kate:

Curvy Kate is making swimwear for the first time this season! I was really excited to try one of the three options they’ve put out. The Rio Ruffles bikini is the least sporty one, but they’re all relatively practical bikinis. I ended up in a completely different size in this bikini than I am in the Curvy Kate bras. I’m a 32J in their unpadded bras, and I ended up with a 34H bikini top. Go for your standard size in the bottoms.

I love the colors of this suit, and the ruffles don’t draw extra attention to your bustline. It’s practical yet girly while providing tons of support. It’s one of the few suits I feel like I could really swim securely in. I expect that it will be getting lots of use this summer once the water warms up around here!

Freya Fever Red Plunge Bikini:

I was really hoping that this swimsuit would be the watery version of the famous Deco! I love the button details on it and red is always a great basic color. This has the option of cute skirted briefs as well, which would be great if you want a little more coverage. I ended up in a 32HH in this sizewise.

This is a great basic suit. It doesn’t give the famous push up effect that the Deco does, but that may be asking a little much from your bikini top. It’s comfortable and versatile, and the briefs are incredibly comfortable. This suit also goes up to a J cup, which makes it one of the few great options for women closer to the middle of the alphabet in terms of cup size.

The Elomi Isis High-Waisted Brief, Isis Underwire Swim Bra and Madeira Wire-Free Tankini Swim Top: 

Elomi has created a new “swim system” for busty women this season. You pick a swim botton and a swim bra, and then a wire free “top” to go over it. I actually love high-waisted briefs, so I’d be tempted to wear the bra and the high waisted bottoms as a set and forget the top layer! However, I love the colors and patterns of this Maderia Tankini. I think it has a nice retro look and provides lots of coverage without looking like you’re wearing a tent. It also works for a really wide variety of body types and ages, which is nice.

Esther Williams Bathing Beauty Two Piece In Emerald:

Modcloth is an unexpectedly fantastic place to find great plus size swimsuits. I had the one piece version of this last year, but I’m glad that they’ve brought this back in a two piece version and in plus sizes. I love the classic look and I love jewel tones. The ruched bottoms are very flattering without being constricting, which is nice when you’re actively swimming.

Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by The Big Bra Bar:

If you’re on the busty side and have spent your life dreaming about those cute string bikinis, then you’ll love this find. The Big Bra Bar makes this suit in a limited edition yellow and regular navy version! It’s sexy and wire-free. I haven’t tried it, but the reviews I have read say that it’s sexy, incredibly flattering and that you shouldn’t try to move much in it. If you’re looking to lie around on the beach in something sexy, this is it.

She and Swim One Piece:

This is another plus size Modcloth find, although they have it in a standard size range as well. This is a genuinely sexy one piece suit. I love the heart shaped design and the low back, as well as the confident cleavage on display. Halter top swimsuits are great because you can tie them tighter or looser to customize the fit of the suit.

What swimsuit will you be buying for this summer? Do you prefer one pieces or two pieces?

Top Photo Credit: Gabi Fresh – http://www.gabifresh.com/2012/04/i-just-got-back-from-fantastic-trip-to.html

Holly

Holly

The Full Figured Chest provides creative and elegant copywriting for the high end lingerie industry.

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It’s Not Your Grandma’s Beach Anymore! – Beach Lounge Trends for Summer


Tiare

Ladies, swimsuit season is coming!  I open with this sentence not to freak you out about your thighs and bellies (You already look hot!).  I’m just excited about beach fashion.

Recently, while the weather was still blustery in New York, I went to Hawaii and got a preview of what we will all be wearing when it’s finally beach weather for the rest of us.

How to describe Hawaii fashion…? Big tourist influx and big tourist money mean Honolulu is an outpost for sophisticated global brands like Vuitton, Prada, Marc Jacobs.  But like Hawaii food and culture in general, Island Style is a unique blend of the influences that have visited paradise for hundreds of years and been seduced into staying.  Everything from muumuu floral dresses inspired by native Hawaiian clothing to surfer boho beachwear finds its way into the Hawaii beach aesthetic.  A few hallmarks of Island Style: casual ease, florals, bold color.  The girls in Hawaii look like they were born wearing bikinis and strappy sundresses.

I took to the beaches and to local gathering places like the Kapiolani farmer’s market to check out what the locals were wearing.  Bikinis were bright and fun, but I was most excited about innovations in swim coverups.  For those of us not lucky enough to live AT the beach or pool, we need something to wear between home and the sand, and we need it to be adorable.  Beach loungewear is what I’m talking about, the summery equivalent of the perfect boudoir chemise or robe.  And, luckily, I ran into two gorgeous lines of beach loungewear designed and made by independent designers in Hawaii.

I got to ask Jane Hoskins, designer of Tiare Hawaii, a few questions:

TheLingerieAddict: How does “Island Style” influence you as a designer?

J.H: “Island Style” has been a huge influence on me as a designer and in creating my line.  Tiare Hawaii is unique in our love for the islands.  Every piece is an inspiration, from the hand dyed fabrics, to eyelet details, to the flow of the dresses reflecting the waterfalls nearby- all are inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii.

TLA: What kinds of recent trends do you see in beachwear?

J.H.: A coverup is a great way to complete an effortlessly beachy look and is a practical and fashionable way to go to and from the beach or pool in style.  There are so many chic and flattering styles of coverups that are in style such as caftans, pareos, rompers, sundresses, or just a really cute pair of shorts.  I am seeing lots of tie dye, dip dye, gauzy fabrics, hi-lo dresses and skirts, ikat prints, and lots of color for Spring and Summer.

TLA: What colors, patterns, and detailing are you working on?

J.H.: I am promoting colors inspired by nature (the colors of sand and the Hawaiian oceans, sunsets, and waterfalls) and am using natural dying methods to put my inspiration onto fabric.  I am also working with some colorful Ikat prints for my summer collections.

For a list of retailers, please go to www.tiarehawaii.com and click on “Retailers.”

Tiare

I came across another great brand designed and made in Hawaii, Wonderland, when I happened to trendspot its designer, Jess Shedlock.  I stopped her to take her picture and ask about her amazing fuchsia overdyed denim shorts–turns out, she makes them herself.  I asked her some questions about her inspiration and thoughts about beachwear.

Wonderland

TheLingerieAddict: What’s new in swim coverups?

J.S.: I like that swim coverups are fashion pieces now, as opposed to the dumpy coverups of the past. There are some beautiful coverups out there that can double as casual wear. Luxurious prints and fabrics make a lot of coverups really fun and fashion forward.

TLA: Can you give some styling tips for how girls can use your line as swim coverups?

The denim is really popular here because the shorts work great a swim coverup but can be work to lunch or the mall right after. The beach is so accessible here, that a lot of us hit the beach for a quick session between other daily activities. The colors make the dyed shorts swimsuit friendly as well.

TLA: What colors, patterns, and detailing are you promoting?

For denim, I did ombre dyed pastels and crochet details for spring. The high summer pieces are a little more bold – red, navy, olive with pendleton-inspired prints and fringes

visit http://wonderlandhonolulu.tumblr.com/

Wonderland

Wonderland

So even though I was greeted by 50 degree New York spring when I returned, I am warmed by anticipation of summer beach time — and all the innovative, sexy ways to dress up a swimsuit.  Ladies, it’s not your grandma’s beach anymore!

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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