Summer Swimwear–It’s Not Over Yet

House of Plates' vintage swimwear fashion show at Fraternal Order of Eagles pool. Two-piece set from Commonwealth Couture. (photography by Jason Acton)

Kids are getting ready to go back to school, but summer’s not quite over there. There are more vacations to be enjoyed and, unfortunately, much more heat to escape, which means poolside is still the place to be and swimwear is still the thing to buy. If you missed the retro fashion show hosted by House of Plates this Sunday, check out the photo gallery here and StyleSheet’s recap here. I’m in love with that 70s two-piece, above. Then move on to modern with the D Magazine August issue’s look at summer style.

photography by Scott Womack

Where to Shop in Dallas This Weekend

lou lou’s 3rd Annual Summer Blowout Sale: Shoe lovers will swoon over the store-wide sale happening at lou lou this weekend. If you stop in today, you’ll receive a staggering 50% off of your favorite pair, but by the sale’s end on Saturday that escalates to 60%. Make sure to shop early for the best selection.

H&M Swimsuit sale: Summer is raging on, and it doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. So, until August 1, H&M is helping you beat the Texas heatwave with savings on swimwear. It’s a buy-one-get-one deal with suits starting at just $4.95. Come by and save on prints, neons, and daring monokinis before your next beach outing.

Jean Party at Flirt: This Friday and Saturday, let Flirt Boutique and Blues Jean Bar help you find your perfect pair. Fit experts will make sure you leave with denim you love, and there’s plenty of swimsuits and summer apparel to shop as well.

Kelly Belter is a shopping intern.

Blinc Has This Swimsuit in Stock. YES.

We Are Handsome The Secret Garden suit, left, and The Fighter suit, right.

I’ve been in love with the We Are Handsome “Secret Garden” paneled one-piece swimsuit for months (top left). But now, I’ve discovered the “The Fighter” tiger print version with sheer side panels is available at Blinc, and I’m over the moon with joy. Can’t wait to get my hands on a We Are Handsome suit in person. (Not a big fan of ordering swimwear through the mail.)

See more locally stocked swimsuits here.

Stunning Swimwear for All Body Types at Trousseau

(left to right) Pain de Sucre Kimy underwire printed one-piece with removable straps, $275 and Parah two-piece with leather straps in blue black; top, $205 and bottom, $119

Trousseau of Dallas has an amazing collection of European swimsuits right now that are on-trend, figure flattering, and stitched with such quality they’ll last you to the next decade.

For conservative (or self-conscious) types, there are beautiful one-pieces with sexy details, like the floral print Kimy (above) with bustier top or a solid black Zeki one-piece with a caged and crystal-adorned back. If you’re looking forward to shedding a few layers (I envy you), you can find frilly, cheeky bottoms in fuchsia and two-piece strapless bikinis with low-rise bottoms from French lines.

Now, a few of our favorite pieces. (But there are dozens more in the shop.)

(left to right) Zeki ruffle top bikini, $235 and Zeki Misha fuchsia top, $149, and high-waist bottom, $98

JUMP FOR MORE SWIMSUITS.

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Must-Have Summer Swimsuits from Calypso St. Barth

(from left) Oiseau turquoise suit, Tulum Festival, and Rasa bikini (photography courtesy of Calypso)

Heading off to a tropical island to bask in the sun and forget all of life’s stresses this summer? Lucky you. Your beach tote might feel a little empty, however, without Calypso St. Barth’s bikinis. These suits are fun, flirty and feminine—what more would you want to feel like on the beach? Each piece (tops and bottoms sold separately) are priced at $85 and portray whatever vacation vibe you’re going for. If you’re planning a day of lounging in the sand with your favorite novel in hand, the Oiseau Turquoise suit might be your best option. But, if you’re attending a beachside party, you might want to opt for a little more fun-loving suit, such as the Tulum Festival bikini. My personal fave is the Rasa bikini, which looks more like a work of art for your body than a swimsuit pattern. And if you’re feeling extra daring this summer season, the Majadi Snake Print bikini is sold together for $195. The suit is designed by Malene Burger and has the extra edge  including tasseled ties. Make sure to check out Calypso’s dresses, tunics, and caftans to complete your carefree look.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

My Favorite Things Right Now: Spiked Sandals, Bustier Swimwear, Tribal Clutches, and Lanvin’s Eagle Belt

(clockwise from top left)

BCBG Max Azria “Nasha” color-blocked dress
This off-the-runway piece makes my heart pitter-patter. That sexy neckline, pops of neon, shoulder cutouts, flowing skirt…sigh. So cool.
BCBG NorthPark, $598

7 For All Mankind cut-off shorts in Pink Whiskered
7′s summer collection is a throwback assortment with patchwork denim, metallic skinnies, and variety of printed jeans, like ikat, floral, and tribal. I’m in the market for the perfect cutoff shorts, though, and this pair is it.
7 For All Mankind NorthPark, $178

Christian Louboutin Lady Max spiked sandals
I’ve always loved spikes, chains, and anything else that says, “I’m a badass.” And then spikes saturated the trend market, and girl next door started wearing them, and it took the fun out of it. But these sandals could renew my love for the look. Subtle but wicked.
Barneys New York, $1,495

Lizzie Fortunado “Midnight Cruiser” tribal print iPad clutch
I love all the Lizzie Fortunado statement necklaces, but the leather collection of cross-bodies, satchels, and oversized clutches with the tribal print motif are equally wonderful.  I’d pair this with solid black attire (as per usual) and let the bag shine on its own.
V.O.D., $450

Amore & Sorvete Black Bouquet print and mesh cutout bustier one-piece swimsuit
I’m into the on-trend athletic, scuba-inspired swimwear this season, but I like this version, which veers to the sexy side (with a pinch of girly) with the sheer side panels and neon floral print.
asos.com, $259.19

Lanvin eagle belt
I love this belt paired with a feminine dress for the edgy-meets-ladylike look, but I’d throw it over just about anything for a bit of rock-and-roll flare.
lanvin.com, $2,150

Teeny Weeny Missoni Bikini at Stanley Korshak

Pardon the terrible photo, but if you’re on the hunt for great swimwear, here’s another thought: Stanley Korshak. Check out this Missoni two-piece set.

Where to Find Swimwear in Dallas

I was just complaining to my hair colorist (the handsome and talented Frederic States at the new Sol Ben Hair Studio) that we don’t have nearly enough places to shop for great swimwear. He agrees. As I sat stewing over it this week, I opened up the new June issue of D Magazine and, lo and behold, there’s a fashion spread about swimwear by the fabulously stylish Stephanie Quadri. Unfortunately, most suits come from The Big Three (department stores): Neiman’s, Barneys, and Saks, but a couple are from Forty Five Ten. I’ve been on the hunt for cute suits from boutiques, so stay tuned for all my findings. In the meantime, check out the full lineup for Forty Five Ten. (They’re on all sale, too!) There’s Jean Paul Gaultier, Tomas Maier, and more.