Really Late Summer, Part 2: Fave Fall Bikinis
Yes it’s true, I missed a deadline. The official last day of summer was around 15 days ago. I promised a Part 2 to our Late Summer, Five Fave Shoes post and it’s here! It just a little “late” late. We’re in the middle of such a massive California heat wave this week that this coverage still feels appropriate. In fact, this would be one of those times when I wish the pool had no heating because the air outside is so darn hot.
So without further ado, my most seasonal favorite bikini brands are:
Dippin’ Daisies: A Little Vintage Whimsy
Anything cute from Dippin’ Daisies. Before a trip to Italy this past July, I bought the Lotus Bandeau Bikini Top in the top picture above. So adorable, am I right?? I liked the selection of bandeaus this brand had, and thought it was about time that I clean up my tan lines. This cheery top adorned with tropical drinks, pineapples, hibiscus and cocktail garnishes was too cute to resist. When I received it after ordering online, I was impressed with the quality. The stated size ran a little small, but the top’s removable cups were a product feature that I took advantage of. Once I did that, everything worked for me.
Swim Systems: Texture and a Touch of Nostalgia
Swim Systems Buttercream Scrunch bikini – I found the top and bottom separates for this set at a swimwear-only retail store at a local beach town near me. That was purposeful, because you can find brands that don’t necessarily have an online shop and only distribute to brick-and-mortar stores. For serious water aficianados you can find a much broader selection than what you might see in the small department of a Big Box retailer or department store.
Now ladies, I hope you’ll be kind. Let’s not forget I’m a well-aged Gen-Xer and don’t look like a swimsuit model. But this suit is super fun to wear and dare I say, flattering. There is something about the scrunch material that is unique, strong and stretchy that I really love. It stays put while swimming laps against a current and what more could I ask for?
Salty Crew: A Surf-Shop Discovery
Salty Crew Paradise Bikini was another find at the aforementioned Sea Barn. My delightful offspring went shopping with me and she found a suit I wish I’d bought as my second costume, if bathing suits still cost what they did in 1999. For me, this suit just oozes vintage OP Hawaiian vibes and simply makes me smile. Remember those? I did some digging around on EBay and found some amazing classics here. Salty Crew caters to a broad nautical set in the US, Europe and Australia, selling fishing and surfing gear as well.
Paradise Tie-Side White, $39 USD
Billabong: An Old Favorite
Billabong, another longtime favorite surf brand, also had a number of curated suits at the store that tempted me. A Daisy Chain Scrunch Bandeau for $65.95 USD and a Sundress yellow, Crinkle Crush set was yet another model I was enamored with.
(A little reminder of why I still love browsing a proper surf shop)
Vacation® & Anthropologie: The Cover-Up Collection
I was drawn just as much to their cover ups as swimwear, but you really can’t go wrong when you Shop Vacation & Resort Wear at Anthropologie.com! Like the Sea Barn, they put together a stellar collection of brands with a feminine and bohemian flair that is great for beachgoers. A couple standouts for me, continuing on with the Hawaiian theme, were the Carolita Printed Tiered Shirtdress by Celandine and the pastel floral LSPACE Desi Bikini with a cute high-waisted bottoms.
And there you have it: the late, late list. May you soak up the remaining sunshine before winter, wherever you may be.
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