FASHION Magazine

This tropical take on a retro-inspired bikini will definitely be a stand-out in a sea of standard triangle cut bikinis. Pair with oversized white sunglasses to complete the retro look! H&M for Water bikini ($30, hm.com/ca)

The post Daily Steal: Tropical-print bikini, $30 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Short and sweet—that’s summer in Vancouver. But there’s no shortage of darling swimwear designed here to maximize our brief beach season. Make waves in one of these local suits that touch on summer’s hottest trends.

From graphic stripes to flirty florals to polka dots, the spring runways were awash with bright, bold prints. Now’s the time to trade your tried-and-true solid-coloured swimsuit for one that truly makes a splash, like this colourful brushstroke-print bikini from George (shown, $7 per piece, fashionbygeorge.ca). Whether you prefer to match or play mixmaster with the pieces is up to you.

We’re prepping you for beach season with 25 swimsuits picks, two foolproof guides on how to wear ‘em as well as a healthy guide to the best faux glows out there. Get ready to dive in!

THE EXPERTS:
Sarah Ghobrial, swimwear buyer at Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
Tom Mora, head of women’s design at J.Crew, jcrew.com
Fay Yeung, owner of Sandpipers, sandpipers.ca
Liliana Mann, owner of Linea Intima, lineaintima.com

THE PERFECT SWIMSUIT
HIGH-WAISTED RETRO BIKINI | ONE-PIECE MAILLOT | SPORTY

Q: How tight should a swimsuit be?
A: “Bathing suits and jeans should both be very tight when you buy them. The fabric will relax, and there aren’t many things less attractive than a bathing suit that sags.” —Mann

Q: Can you alter a swimsuit that’s not quite right?
A: “The straps are very easy to do, but I wouldn’t alter the sides because it would stress the seams. A swimsuit will stretch out a little bit, so you could wear it around the house until it gets comfortable.” —Yeung

See our editors’ swimwear picks »

By Leah McLaren

In my view, every bathing suit shop in the civilized world should be legally obliged to post one of those orange signs you see beside the doors of saunas. WARNING: Exit immediately if uncomfortable, dizzy or sleepy. Avoid if pregnant or in poor medical health. Bikini shopping in conjunction with alcohol or drugs may cause unconsciousness. By the time I found out, it was already too late. I was naked, weeping, red-faced and five-and-a-half-months knocked up, under the fluorescent lights of a fast-fashion change room on Oxford Street in London, England. A discarded pile of solid colour bandeau and triangle bikinis lay in a wilted pile beside me. No, it was not a good look. But then again, what was I thinking? Swimwear shopping is a self-esteem crapshoot at the best of times, let alone with a sore back, swollen tummy and bazooka breasts.

Since then, upon much sober reflection, I have compiled a list of wisdom gleaned from years of swimwear-shopping trauma. Whether you are a gangly tween contemplating your first padded two-piece or a post-partum mum longing to reclaim your inner Gidget, the following advice will help guide you seamlessly from change room to checkout.

See the photo shoot »

Bold pops of primary colour paint a fashionable masterpiece in some of the most coveted looks for spring. Check these out for a peek at what will make it onto yours.

See our picks »

I love suit shopping (bathing suits, that is) and this season men’s swimwear is making a splash in Montreal. Finally, the St-Tropez brand Vilebrequin (vilebrequin.com) has opened its first Canadian shop at Ogilvy (1307 Ste-Catherine St. W., 514-842-7711, ogilvycanada.com). Known for its bright and quirky prints, this label’s fans include Prince William and Hollywood royals like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. Now, if only Vilebrequin would design swimwear for women.

By Lauren Chan

Forget somewhere over the rainbow, we’ve brought a bunch of fun-coloured finds right to your fingertips. Inspired by Christopher Kane’s neon Resort 2012 collection, we’ve put together a set of rainbow-themed goodies that are almost as good as a pot of gold. Take from our fashionable gradient to (literally) highlight your wardrobe.

Shop the guide now! »

Bobcaygeon, Ontario, better stock up on its candles—Bigley Shoes and Clothing (39 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon, 800-231-6365, bigleyshoes.com) is  celebrating its 100th birthday, and the party’s just getting started. Originally a shoe store and harness repair shop (founded by Charles Bigley in 1911), this well-known cottage country retailer continues to thrive; presently it carries 250 designer labels, 12,000 swimsuits (from sizes 2 to 24) and more than 35,000 pairs of shoes.