Slimming and Trimming Swimwear

The Bombshell Swimsuit - PinupGirlClothing - $88

All black is of course, always beautiful and minimizing. 

This suit covers the top of the hips, slims the waist, and accentuates the bust.

Mixed Animal Underwire One Piece Faux-kini - Torrid - $78

If prints are your thing, this suit is an option, 

with slimming black panels on the sides of the waist.

Miraclesuit Solid Utopia Tankini Top - Cyberswim - $84

*note: find the bottoms on the website 

This halter holds it all in, while slimming the waist with cute shirring at the sides.

Shopping for swimsuits can be daunting, not fun, and depressing, especially with the bad lighting in fitting rooms at department stores. If you know your body type, and what bothers you most, it makes it all that much easier. I have opted for higher leg openings, or string type bikini bottoms due to fuller hips, and padded tops to give me an extra lift. When you do find that one hot number, put it on with pride, get out there and just have fun. Add stunning jewelry that gleams in the sun, to draw the eyes upward toward your beautiful face. Don't worry about others' thoughts about you because you will probably never see them again. I wish you the best of luck finding the perfect swimwear this coming up season.

Crochet Conscious

 Crocheted Monokini by Anna Kosturova - $184

Gemstone Crochet Side Tie Bikini - $41.99

Lime is a surprisingly unexpected color for Summer, to wear by the beach or at the pool. Pair it with white or black for a striking combination. Silver or gold jewelry would go with it nicely as well.

Cute Sale Swimwear

Crocheted Bikini seperates at Old Navy for $9.99 each.

Beaded babydoll cover up (detail image) at TopShop for £12.00 (about $20).

Crochet trim halter cover up, for $11.99 at Chadwicks.

Note: If you sign up for Chadwicks emails, you automatically

get a 15% off coupon in your inbox. In addition,

check out the Chadwicks blog for some great fashion tips.

Tracey Ambrose UPDATE

Here is the link to the Simply Smashing fashion show featuring Tracey Ambrose's designs. Check out her HOT crocheted bikinis!

It Girl Knits by Phonex Bess

Phoenix Bess is an amazing person that has been designing knitted garments since the age of 13. She has a knitting pattern line and has published designs in magazines such as Knit Simple, Knitscene, and Creative Knitting. She also sells her knitted pieces online through her online store, and in boutiques. I like how Bess designs what she would wear herself, and how she loves natural fibers.

Her latest publication, "It Girl Knits" is a pattern book filled with the cutest styles for any age, but especially for young women, and girls. It contains 30 unique styles, that are figure flattering and so stylish. The "Designer Carryall" pattern makes up a super chic bag, perfect for any season. There are also very pretty knitted swim suit and bikini patterns for summer!

Overall, this is a feel good book, that has fresh knitting ideas, that you can look at with friends, and admire. Start a new project and have fun with it!

Interview with Swimwear Designer Ashley Paige

Ashley Paige is an up-and-coming swimwear designer. Ashley's distinctive designs are making waves on the beaches of Malibu and giving women an opportunity to embrace delicate craftsmanship. We wanted to get her view on style, here's what Ashley had to say:

Describe your style in one word.
Edgy

What is your best-kept fashion secret?
To be natural

Where is your favorite place to shop?
St.Vincent de Paul thrift store

Who is your style icon?
Joni Mitchell

What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when getting dressed?
An Ugly Attitude

What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?

It’s ok to be comfortable; don’t always have to wear stilettos, its ok to wear tennis shoes.

What advice would you give to young fashion designers trying to make their
fame?

Go against the grain; do the opposite of what people tell you to do.

If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
Give Back