Happy Wednesday. Add a little spice to your day with musings from Jai.

Well, it seems all the community pools are open which means its “officially” bathing suit season whether we like it or not. And I do not! I HATE bathing suit shopping. Not dislike...rather not do...but HATE. And, in a few short days, I’ll be donning the “costume” as my South African au pair calls it and hitting the water for Mommy and Me Swin. Lucky me.

Why do I hate the bathing suit so you ask? Nothing ever fits my athletic + curves build the way I like. The Tankini top always rides up ... a bikini? Not on your life! I have too many gripes to list. I think we should go back to the suits of yesteryear ... like in the 30s and 40s.

Then I found Shabby Apple, an online dress boutique. Not only does it offer beyond cute vintage-inspired looks, but it simplifies the dressing process for women by helping women dress for their body shape by providing detailed information on the styles, cuts, and fabrics that flatter various body types.

I was especially drawn to the bathing suits … they are interesting in design and look to be flattering.

There are four lines.

‘Stardust’ is a mixture of retro and feminine aesthetics with vintage details such as bow details, high-waist bottoms, ruffle necklines, and flower ornamentation.  This line offers both one-pieces and modest two pieces. The line was designed exclusively for Shabby Apple by Elizabeth Findlay of Albion Fit. 

I think it’s a toss up for me between:

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1593-silver-lining.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1589-emerald-pool.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1583-mirage-swim-top.aspx

The second line is ‘Silent Era,’ a line of 1920s-inspired swimwear.

I adore this line. I have never seen beautiful and classy designs in a bathing suit line.

Taryn Gerber, the designer of the line said, “I often would say, ‘I was born in the wrong era”, turning her musings into a collection of silent Era inspired swimsuits. Rich, dark colors make up this collection, which was prompted by the mysterious, glamorous details of the era of flappers and black and white films. The swim line features high waisted bottoms and tucked in tops, giving a modern twist on the classic and timeless pieces.

Delicate ruffles and drape detailing are seen throughout the line. The mix and match tankinis flatter women of every body type. The cuts and styles of this line allow women to be stylish while conservative. The affordable collection has prices ranging from approximately $70 to $80.

I can’t decide which to buy…Chaplin Swim Top, Fairbanks Swim top,  or the Norwood. Help me decide?

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1477-chaplin-swim-top.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1486-fairbanks-swim-top.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1478-norwood-swim-top.aspx

The Amalfi Coast Swim line makes you want to book a trip to the French Riveria and is obviously inspired by the many towns on the coast for which it is named. I love modern affects such as rouching at the sides and across the bodice, and short accents of pretty ruffled skirts to make the suits as forgiving and complimentary as possible. The one piece suits and tankinis are flattering, but delightfully flirty and feminine, accented by bows, ruffles and sashes. The color palette varies from solid bright pinks to deep plums, as well as nautical stripes and polka dots.

I think Sorrento is my favorite. I like the way the top is cut – It looks like it will hide what you don’t want a life guard 20 years your junior to see.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-980-sorrento.aspx

Lastly "Queensland” is a line of fanciful, feminine swimwear, with bright whites, pinks, blues and reds with feminine ruffles, bows, twists and braids throughout the line. This swim line features mix and match tankinis as well as one-piece swimsuits that looks like it would flatter women of every body type. The cuts and styles of the suits as well as the fabric hold in bumps and bulges in the midsection. (Yes!) Shelf bras and optional padding lend support and curve to the bustline. The collection is affordable, with prices ranging from approximately $70 to $80.

“Few women relish in the idea of finding a bathing suit,” Athelia Woolley, co-owner of Shabby Apple, said. “Often concerns about body type cloud the shopping experience and women are left to purchasing a swimsuit that’s focus is more on being flashy than flattering. This line of swimwear unites what’s ‘hip’ with what’s ‘flattering’.”

I bought the Peppermint Beach Grove Halter with the Crab Island Bikini. It’s a flattering suit and I really appreciate the high waisted brief with the tankini top.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-636-peppermint-beach-grove-halter.aspx

The company designs women’s dresses, feminine fitness wear, a swimwear line, a maternity line, a Shabby Baby line of dresses for girls up to eight years old, a preteen line for girls eight to twelve. It’s a women-owned and operated, socially responsible company, and they  partner with Unitus, a non-profit organization in the micro finance industry, to help alleviate global poverty for millions of women and their families.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!