Swimsuit Styling Guide: Wearing White Or Yellow On The Beach When You Can't Or Won't Tan. (Or: From Pasty to Ka-POW!)

When it comes to selecting a bathing suit, I'm not sure just how many times I've either been told to avoid certain colours or witnessed one of friends gripe about how she wished she could pull off white, yellow, tan, coral or green. Before going over options, let's be real. I am of Lebanese, English and Québecoise descent. I am wicked pale and I've never tanned to more than a light golden but, thanks to my Lebanese heritage, in certain light, I appear to be tinged with a hint of... green. This has made me shy away from yellow for years. Most of us have a colour or two that make us look sickly but I find too many people are terrified of wearing a yellow or white swimsuit.

THE WHITE SUIT:

Let me first dispel a ridiculous notion by hereby declaring that pale women can wear white swimsuits. That said, know that the paler you are, the more washed out the suit will make you appear. As with most suits, the cut is very important but how you style a white suit will make a huge difference. My recommendation is to buy a vintage-inspired suit, top it with a vintage headscarf or floppy sun hat; oversize sunglasses; a wide, plastic bracelet and/or chunky, plastic ring; waterproof mascara, a light dusting of bronzer and a matte red lip or coral gloss. This works for any skin tone and hair colour. Embody Marilyn and work it. 

Here are two white suits that can help you accomplish this:

The Bathing Beauty two-piece in white from Modcloth. $89.

For those of who may prefer a replica of the infamous Marilyn suit, I found one on Etsy for $215.19 CAD.

THE YELLOW SUIT

I'm not going to lie: Yellow is by far the toughest colour for a pale woman to pull off, no matter what her nationality is. Would I wear a yellow swimsuit? Maybe. Once more, the way to pull this colour off is by going retro, whether it be elegant and classic or cutesy and fun.

If you want a fantastic example of how a yellow swimsuit can be elegantly styled, check out this listing. This photo alone is enough to convince me to make myself something similar!

Prints can also soften the effect of yellow against alabaster. Add white polka-dots to a suit and you've got an entirely different feel.

The Seasons of The Sun swimsuit from Modcloth is an example of this. Top: $49.99 USD. Bottom: $39.99 USD. 

On Etsy, I found this great little two-piece for $75.32 CAD.

Wearing yellow when you are pale and blonde is even more difficult, as brown hair warms up the overall effect and red hair compliments yellow (the brighter the red, the better!). Remember to accessorize with reds or blues to cut through all the yellow!

TATTOOS

All of this can apply to women with tattoos but I feel that, the more you have, the more you can pull off the above colours without worrying too much about styling. When the expanse of your skin is adorned with black and/or coloured ink, it is impossible to look as washed out. 

ETC...

In the next few posts, we'll look at swimsuits for the grown-up punk, statement pieces, beach body care, beach make-up, summer hairstyles and summer hair care. 

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A Quick Post: Today's Outfit In Snippets. (Or: A Blurry Bathroom Pic and Calf Shot For You!)

I love, love, LOVE this blouse from Forever 21 and I want more tops with this silhouette.

As for my pants, I seem to be dressing more and more like an elderly man, from the waist down. ;-)

Jests aside, I have been buying more plaids and tweeds and my love for Oxfords grows every year. 

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Brief Hiatus

I realize that I haven't written in a while and that is because I'm working on my spring/summer 2014 collection and on my work lengthy work of fiction and so I unfortunately can't share any of that with you! That said, I will post a roundup of photos from this week-en and last as I've been getting out and enjoying the sunshine when I'm not writing or prepping the collection and I've finally begun refreshing my apartment, starting with the kitchen, which I am painting today.

In the meantime, however, I will share something about my personal life by copy/pasting what I just posted on facebook:
People who know me and my former serial monogamist ways were shocked when I declared that I was going to take a year off from any sort of dating at all... and did it. For a year-and-a-half, even! Not only did the last relationship I have completely destroy me but I felt I needed to take the time to learn about who I am when I'm not one half of a partnership and soaking up someone else's habits, tastes and mannerisms, as we tend to do over time, when in a relationship. Who am I when I'm not morphing into "us"?

It was the best gift I've ever given myself! I know that when I see how much my children and I have bonded, how much my self-confidence has grown, the direction my home decor, career, travels, etc. have taken, the people I've been meeting and befriending, the overall sense of happiness and in the way that I am living my life out loud.

I see it most, however, now that I am thinking of dating again. The shit I used to let slide not to have to be alone! Wow! I know what I want and, more importantly at times, what I DON'T want and that is how I can write messages like the following, instead of over-thinking and somehow convincing myself that I should give the guy a shot because I need to have someone or multiple someones in my life:

"I'm slightly torn here because you're tall and I like that, you're handsome enough, you can spell (sadly a rarity in these parts), you sound like you know what you want out of life, you seem to enjoy a lot of the same things as I do but the wrong date of birth thing is an alarm bell, as is the fact that everything in your profile feels like it's dripping with arrogance. I think I will pass and wish you good luck because I, too, know what I want and this, over any length of time, would piss me off.
I'll leave you with two tips, if I may: Opening up your first message to someone with "I may be mistaken but your profile seems somewhat interesting" is probably more eyebrow raising than smile-inducing. Secondly, telling women what kind of shoes they should wear and how often is also probably not the best plan if you want to attract strong, sure-minded women, as you so state.
That said, you have one of the more (somewhat) interesting profiles I've seen in a while (unless I'm mistaken) and I'm sure you'll do well out there. And again, good luck!"

On that note, I will make a pot of decaf and a smoothie and start my day. Have a great week-end! 

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Today's Look

Snippets of today's outfit:

Coat: No tag. Exchanged at a craft fair for something vintage from my booth
Purse: Clothing swap. No tag.
Top: Dickie's top from a clothing swap.
Skirt: Smart Set. On sale for $12 over a year ago
Ankle Boots: Forever 21. On sale for $20
Tights: Fleece-lined and on sale from a shop in Ottawa. $5.
Scarf: H&M. I have no idea when I got it. It's the same as the one I bought but with no hole. 

Not bad for $37.

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Vintage Montreal

If you're interested in Montreal history and would like to see a whole slew of vintage photographs taken in this city, check out the facebook page I've created for this purpose. 

Later on today I'll be posting this photo of Jackie O. at Expo '67. 

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A Few Photos From the Week-End

I had a relaxing but productive week-end. 

Here's a shot I took with my iphone on Rue de Maisonneuve Ouest, on Friday.

And here, the day after, spring trying desperately to sprout right through winter's remnants on Rue de Courcelle.

Also in St-Henri:

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Local Business Spotlight: Mixx Authentik (Or: A Great Vintage Shop in St-Henri That Was Opened By A Super Kick-Ass Lady).

Several weeks ago, when the temperature in Montreal warmed up enough to make long walks pleasurable again, my kids and I decided it was time to go to St-Henri. We live right on the other side of the tunnel that leads to St-Henri from the South West so it normally takes about ten minutes and we're there and this is one of the reasons my ex and I chose the flat. That said, the tunnel, named Le Tunnel St-Remi and built in 1951, underwent a massive overhaul that lasted what we thought was a very long time. For about a year, we were cut off from what seemed like the rest of the world. Major detours and the traffic they caused were the bane of our existence. Early this year, though, the tunnel finally reopened and the wee people and I decided to venture to the other side. 

Holy shit, has St-Henri ever changed in the last year!! We saw quite a few new businesses along the way to our final destination, the new Magasin Générale de St-Henri, where we bought some tasty, locally made goodies. A great new mens' clothing store-slash-coffee shop caught our eye (more on that soon!) but one place in particular stopped the three of us dead in our tracks and got my daughter to exclaim, "Whoa, Mom!" right as I was saying, "What is THIS?"

Why it's Mixx Authentik, is what is is! 

I immediately pulled my camera out and started snapping away at the storefront before heading in.

We were greeted by the super friendly and helpful Penny, who let me wander around and snap pictures to my heart's content (and boy, was my heart content!).

This store is a vintage lover's paradise: Tons of stock and at really reasonable prices, too. This collector has found new hunting grounds. 

If you're into vintage dishes and cookware, this place is loaded with amazing pieces!

I was super thrilled to come across this display, featuring Rocky B's rockabilly, two-tone and tattoo culture-inspired, hand-painted dishes!

I waited for the other customers in the shop to leave and chatted Penny up. Here she is in her favourite section of the store:

I asked her about the business and about its owner, a close personal friend of Penny's, Valérie Lalonde, who I later caught up with.

Valérie is a kick-ass, hard-working mom of three who started out studying business admin but then switched over to cabinetmaking. She loved the latter so much she actually started her own kitchen cabinet company. Something was still missing though and so she answered her calling when she heard it and opened Mixx Authentik. 

Here is Valérie, shot by Paul Brutal:

I sent her a Q & A, which she graciosuly answered:

Have you always lived in Montreal? What makes you stay in this city?

I was born in raised in Montréal, in Ville Emard, a 'hood' right beside St Henri and proud to have been! The thing I prefer is the access of variety that we have to people, culture, food... I can't imagine myself living anywhere else, but we never know. 

When did you open the shop and what inspired you to do so?

The shop opened April 20th, 2012. I was looking to open on the web but when I saw the empty store it was just calling me. I felt the the people needed a place like Mixx, I mean, not everyone as the time or inspiration to go and search for used furniture or decor. The goal of Mixx is the change the point of view that people had regarding ''used'' furniture and just show them the beauty in it. There are too many good, solid gorgeous pieces out there that just need a place to be seen 

What are some of the most interesting things that have passed through your shop doors?

It is hard to pick a piece. I just simply love everything in the shop. Ialways shop in a way that if I don't sell it, I will be more than happy to use it myself. I have to say that I love couches with bars in them, or really tacky lamps. Ok i have it-- I have a painting that lights up. It as been in the boutique for the longest time and I don't know why as it is such an original piece. It just might end up in my house and I love that idea. Lol.

Did you pick St-Henri because commercial rent is still pretty low compared to, say, Le Plateau, or was it something else about the hood?

I just love being in my area. The rent is not that cheap but it is worth it. I meet great people everyday and it is just wonderful to see a hood that was known to be ''ghetto'' kicking so much ass!!! Can't wait for Ville Emard to do the same.

Can you see yourself opening up at a second location one day?

Yes, I would love to open another one! Big things are coming this year for Mixx. I just partnered up with Orange Mecanique that as a wonderful collection of quality Vintage and Zip Zap that offers juke boxes, metal advertising signs and more... So we will start with that and see where it takes us but I have to say that the feeling is pretty good for the future

Faves:

What is currently your favourite item in the shop?

For now my favorite item is the black Bambi lamp and the ghetto blaster, but then again I could go on and on about what I love.

What is your favourite place to grab lunch in the hood?

Campanelli's sandwich is just paradise in my mouth. I try really hard to resist the poutine from Miracle. lol.  Atwater market is a great place for anything thing to eat and IGA always saves me cause it is close by. But there are still a lot of spots I need to try, the restaurants are  blooming and it makes my belly reaaaallly happy.  For dinner that's another thing and I have the say that the list is REALLY LONG.

Favourite place to grab a pint?

For a Pint here are my must go to: Drinkerie and Bar de Courcelle just have the best dj's that spins old school style with vinyls; jazz, funk, hip hop french, you name it. Those guys are amazing  One of them, Mathieu Coates is even helping me with my vinyl section at the shop.  In the summer one can't miss the terrace and shows at la brasserie St-Amboise.

If you could host a dinner party for any five people in the world, living or dead, who would you invite?

Just 5! That is not fair. lol. For sure I would go with my mom and my dad and my 3 kids, I would of love for them to meet my twins and my daughter would be more then happy to see them again,

Top five favourite albums to play in the shop:

Album's ... I would so love to pitch my boyfriends band on this one, but I just can play Fallstaf at the shop; it is a bit to metal lol. So I will go with anything from Kings of Leon , DJ Brace, any vinyl's that come in the shop, my favorite (Iknow it is not a album) but it is "Burning Down the House" by the Talking Heads:  It just primes me up. Any soul, funk is appreciated but anything that has a chill vibe!! I am actually trying to build a playlist for Mixx but I still have a lot of discovering to do 

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What, people, is not to love about any of this? Go check 'em out!

Mixx Authentik's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MixxAuthentik?fref=ts 

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You're Not a Pinup But You're F*cking Fabulous: Some Swimsuit Recommendations For All Body Types

I feel the need to preface this piece with a disclaimer: Despite what I suggest here, I feel that women should wear whatever the hell they want, when they want, regardless of what anyone says! If you're going to live by one rule and one rule only, adhere to this one: Make sure you're wearing clothing that fits.  I really can't stress this enough. 

Now, with that out of the way, let's stray from all the spring trend talk and (thanks to the fact that they're calling for snow on Friday and that makes me want to beat my head against a wall) move on to thoughts of summer... and swimsuits! 

I have a vintage clothing collection and I love tasteful, retro fashions but I must admit that the last eight or nine years of supposed "pinup" and "burlesque" fashion has often set my teeth on edge. A lot of the class that once embodied the original burlesque performers and pinups has evaporated and, while I understand that everything eventually evolves and this might be the evolution of that, it's really not for me. Let's take cherry prints, for example. When I was a child and a teenager, I loved them. Now, when I see someone in a cherry print dress, I feel like they're trying too hard. Maybe years of exposure to rockabilly culture and watching some women try to out-kitsch each other have also brought me to this point but there you have it. That said, I know I'm going to end up recommending retro bathing suit styles for curvier women because that's just what tends to work. Rest assured that I'll keep it classy.

I'll kick things off with Blame Betty, a fantastic shop based Calgary, Alberta. While a lot of their stock is available elsewhere, I'm going to link to them because they're Canadian. Here we have the   Two-Piece Classic Sheath Bikini for $95.00 CAD, the Bettie One-Piece Pinup Swimsuit (there's that word again!) for $92.00 CAD and the Rita One-Piece Swimsuit for $125.00 CAD. The really great thing that these three bathing suits have in common is that they work on any body type but look especially banging on someone with curves.

Back to Mod Cloth we go. I find that this shop is very hit-or-miss but, given the amount of stock they have, you can always find something great! My top picks for swimsuits for this summer from Mod Cloth are the Parallel Shorelines One Piece for $158.99 USD, the High Tide Style One Piece for $49.99 USD and the Splice of Life One Piece in black (it also comes in red) for $89.99 USD. I've also thrown in the Do It All Together Cover Up ($59.99 USD) because I love it's early 60's appeal.

1. The first swimsuit would probably look best on a boyish figure. The side openings will look warped otherwise and there is the potential for them creating whole new rolls (who needs that?!) if you are spilling out of them, so to speak. 2. I like the High Tide Style piece because, even though the lighter colours are on the outside, the different panels combined create a silhouette of their own, basically overriding yours. Just make sure coral and white work with your skin tone! 3. The third swimsuit also  comes in red but I chose the black one for the collage because of the colour's slimming abilities and the fact that it works on most people. The belt and the lines of the bodice also create silhouette and can a good inch off your waist. Also, it's gorgeous! Do be careful that the suit fits properly though, as bottom seams can push into your thighs and be very unflattering. In my opinion, the suit should be slightly higher cut. No matter your shape, this cut is quite tricky.

From Sak's Fifth Avenue, for the thin woman with a smaller bust, I recommend the following suits:

The Juicy Couture Port Strip bikini. The top is $87.00 USD and the bottom is $80.00 USD.

The Kushcush One-Piece Rachel Swim Dress (finally, someone who puts a hyphen in "one-piece") for $172 USD.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Vintage Stripe Triangle Bikini Top for $80 USD. The bottom is $85 USD. (Look for the romper in the same print-- adorable!)

MIKOH SWIMWEAR Banyans Multi-String Bikini. Top: $100 USD. 

Three swimsuits from asos.com really stood out for me. 1. The Pour Moi Fiji Halter Suit is $63.18 USD and works for just about any body type. 2. The ASOS Plunge Backless Suit is really stunning! It's going for $58.19 USD and is recommended for slim women with small to medium breasts. 3. The ASOS Caged Bow Back Swimsuit is currently out of stock but was going for $49.88 USD. I included it anyway because it might be restocked and because there are similar suits out there right now, including one from Victoria Secret that does not have the bows (they're not everyone's cup of tea and, in my opinion, add chaos to this suit.

And now to Etsy! 

I love the Miss Sailor Girl Swimsuit by meshalo. It's got a nautical feel to it but it isn't tacky. Bonus? It's currently on sale for $78.99 USD.

 This gorgeous suit will work best on the woman who has kicked serious ass to stay in shape. It works for curves but be very careful about what type of curves you have if you buy this suit. If you have stomach fat, this suit will accentuate it --no-- put it on display like nothing else. $125 USD by Lili Ash.

For the thin woman with little to large breasts or one with a small hourglass figure, as seen in the photo, I like this suit by Tani Thompson. $90.oo USD.

As you may have seen in my last post, I'm a sucker for black lace and so there is no way I couldn't include the beautiful Lace Daze swimsuit by Nina Broze. With a simple front and stunning back, it is well-balanced and pretty, with just the right amount of sexy to it. Unless you have back rolls (in which case I will never recommend a backless suit), this suit works for you. It's $109.00 USD. And I want one. 

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Spring 2013 Wardrobe: Black Lace

And now for my 100th post!
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I know most people are down with all the exciting colour combos that work for spring, this year, but for this post I want to focus on classic, black lace. While researching floral prints, pastels and monochromatic dresses, I came across way too many lovely pieces featuring black lace to not share a few of them with you! Bonus? These can all be worn in the summer, too!

1.  LOST Bossanova black lace shorts. $40 USD at tillys.com.

2. The ASOS lace dress with cape. $79.80 US.

3. Bloomingdale's has the aqua lace dress that is currently on sale for $78.40 USD.

4. How cute is the Parisian black lace cutout playsuit from New Look?

5. Last but certainly not least, I'm really digging the Isla lace ponte dress at Monsoon for $120 USD.

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