August 22, 2012

Follow Suit

Via Garance Dore

“ ‘Allure’ is a word very few people use nowadays,” she said recently, “but it’s something that exists. Allure holds you, doesn’t it? Whether it’s a gaze or a glance in the street or a face in the crowd or someone sitting opposite you at lunch… you are held.” – Diane Vreeland from Allure 

There are a few things that I believe in doing solely for myself. Quiet time alone with my thoughts, a good book, uninterrupted gym time, beautiful underthings, indulgent manicures and pedicures at my favorite spa are a few of my small luxuries. While catching up with childhood friends by the pool, I realized that comfortable, well-made, elegant swimwear is one of my, just because items. There’s something utterly luxurious about a swimsuit with a streamlined silhouette that molds carefully to the body just so. 

The maillot is perfect for a late summer afternoon spent leaping and plunging into the pool just like this. The Eres maillot with its perfect shape, straps, cuts and seams does simplicity at its very best. There’s something timeless sophisticated and alluring about the maillot. It just feels right in every instance. It always reminds me of Charlotte Rampling, Romy Schneider or that photo of Liz Taylor. Glamour over the overt. There’s something subversive about wearing precisely the opposite of the expected.

Over the years, I’ve invested in a few great swimsuits (both maillots and elegantly cut two pieces) that combine form and function. In no way am I suggesting that Eres is the end all of swimwear, but I adore the fabric technology that dries swiftly, holds up to the elements and lasts. As you all know, when I find something I love, there’s no going back. 

Have you had any pool or beach time lately? I would love to hear what you’re wearing. 

34 comments:

  1. Great one pieces are so hard to find. Harder still are ones that can fit in your budget. Surprisingly bikinis that are non tacky + well made with cute print are also hard to find. Thankfully I still managed to score lucky this year with a few. I wish I wore more one piece swim suits but bikinis are less likely to give you weird tan lines.

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    1. Joy- They are hard to find! I love brands that use innovative fabric technology like the Peau Douce and Parachute fabrics that Eres uses. While I do think a lot of clothing is simply overpriced it would be impossible to use the same fabrics and design techniques and manufacture & retail at a lower price.

      It's surprising what the swim industry comes out with, but you're right if you look hard you can find gems.

      I stick to very classic bikini and maillot styles because I can't stand odd tan lines. I'm always cognizant of that because I have so many formal events to attend.

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  2. Swoon... Love luxury swimwear. Do you go to swim fashion week? I don't think maillots give weird tan lines- i mean yes if you wear monokini but the straps on the Eres suits are placed pretty well. PS- you could wear anything, just saying!

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    1. Anonymous- Agreed. Oh Swim Week Miami. I would probably be more apt to go if Eres participated;)

      I agree maillots don't have to give weird tan lines. I stay away from halters and cutouts. Can you tell:)The straps on the Eres suits are so perfectly aligned- it's true.

      Aww... Thank you for the compliment. You are a sweetheart.

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  3. I love that picture! I much prefer to swim in the sea than in a pool, but sea currents are pretty rough on swimwear. I swear by Bravissimo swimsuits - especially tankinis, which are comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and which stay on even when I am diving into waves.

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    1. Ammu- I'm in love with that picture too. I've had it saved in an inspiration folder for some time.

      I'm with you, I prefer swimming in the sea. I love boating, sailing and just being by the sea... I'm super picky about my beaches though;) My friend's pool does hold significance- so many great childhood memories. It's crazy to think we've been friends for so long.

      So glad to hear that you've found a brand that works for you. Comfort and the ability to move around with the swimsuit staying put are so important.

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  4. No pool or beach time for me since - wow, since 2010! Because of this I rarely invest much in swimwear - a body can change a lot in a year or two.

    I will hopefully go on a beach holiday sometime in October, so I have to make sure the swimwear situation is under control by then :)

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    1. Maja H- Would love to hear about your beach holiday and where you're going?! You're overdue for some beach time, but October will be here before you know it:)

      It's true bodies can change. I've been lucky (knock wood) my body doesn't change much, which I use to justify the investing;)

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    2. We haven't booked anything yet, but I am sure it will be chartered and touristy and full of pensioners. Not that there's anything wrong with that - those pensioners know how to relax, after all ;)

      Seriously though, we're probably talking the Canary Islands or something like that. Close enough to go for just one week, but still warm and lovely!

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    3. The reference to pensioners made me laugh. They are cute though. Especially when on a chartered/touristy vacation.

      Such a good point you make about it being close enough to go for one week. So many places on my list are long hauls and you need at least two weeks for that. The Canary Islands in October would be beautiful and warm.

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  5. I like reading the things you enjoy doing by yourself... I think sometimes we just get too busy with everything we forget to keep our alone time sacred... Love one piece suits BTW! xoxo

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    1. Amanda @ Eloquent English- Amanda, thank you for the lovely comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. It's true- sometimes we forget that we all need alone time. I forget this when life gets busy and even feel guilty being so indulgent when "I have things to do" but it's important for your own growth, development and sanity. You have to spend some time with yourself to get to know yourself, I think.

      Happy to hear that you like one piece suits!

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  6. I loved reading about the thing you do on your own! My personal time is a bit more intimate than others — I enjoying eating and reading by myself. Much to the chagrin of my boyfriend I insist on date night every month or so... with myself.

    I took work off on Monday to hang out on the beach in SoCal, making sandcastles and bodysurfing. I don't wear one pieces as I hate when the rest of my body tans and my stomach stays white, but my go to bikinis are the triangle tops from Cosabella. They stay up through most activity, though this time around the waves pushed the padding around and I did a little more adjusting than I would have liked.

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    1. G- I'm so glad you're writing again. I've missed your blog!

      I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed reading. I think it's important to have personal time to yourself even for couples. The gentleman understands this about me- we've been together for forever at this point.

      Hope you had a wonderful time in SoCal- it sounds like a lot of fun. I've never tried Cosabella swimwear, but I love their bralettes- they work well for small frames.

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  7. I've been spending some time at my pool and I've been wearing some cute bikinis and bathing suits :)

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    1. Inês de Castro- So glad that you're enjoying some pool time:) Cute classic bikinis are my favorites too.

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  8. Lovely blog! Thanks for the comment on mine. I've only been able to take a short vacation this year, but it was lovely. I have three bikinis and I've been wearing those a lot!

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    1. Sascha- Thank you for the kind compliment. I know what it's like to only be able to fit in a short vacation, but I'm glad you had a wonderful time!

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  9. I haven't worn a swimsuit in a long time. I'm talking about decades. I know I should look for a proper swimsuit but I've yet to find something that's flattering. I should check out Eres.

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    1. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- Marlene! We've gotta get you in the swim:)You should definitely check out Eres- so many different and flattering cuts. Everything from very conservative to Halle Berry's bond suit.

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  10. Hi Lindsay, I love the quote you shared. Its a quality that I haven't thought about in myself for a long time. Hmm..

    I have yet to find a good swimsuit to hide the battle scars of post pregnancy weight-loss:)

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    1. Eileen- I love that quote too. I was looking at Diana Vreeland's book and found that quote so appropriate. I can't wait for the new book on her and the film coming out in September.

      'Battle scars"- you and Marlene both are STUNNING moms:) You will find something, but I hate the time the search takes.

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  11. Chic one pieces are so hard to find! I love Eres but my budget definitely cannot stretch!

    http://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Alexandra- So hard to find! Especially when I don't want something retro or 'sporty' per se. I use to love Tomas Maiers one pieces too. I hear you- luxe swimwear is pricey.

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  12. What a great quote and what a chic suit!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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    1. Always Maylee- Such a great quote! I think the suit is so chic!

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  13. I don't have any of the Eres swimwear but I love their lingerie, so comfortable and beautiful. I might have to turn to Eres next time I'm looking for something for the beach xoxo

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  14. Vanisha @ Vanishas Life In...Australia- The Eres lingerie is so comfy and gorgeous. The Eres lingerie and swimwear runs small too, which is a plus. You should try it!

    Hope you're having a great weekend!

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  15. Having just come back from a poolside holiday where bikinis where the de rigeur - I have to admit to feeling almost rather overdressed in my one piece swimsuits. However, I also had a little more confidence for the extra coverage. I've not had the privilege of looking into lovely swimwear nor have I much occasion to use something like that as I do tend to veer away from water where possible. My Monsoon one piece did what it needed to do and I found another cheap plain black costume which I feel will serve me a few years with children swim time - that's all I can ask for. But if I should ever feel the need to indulge ... I will be looking at Eres.

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    1. Sue- I know what you mean. I love my one pieces and bikinis equally. I don't worry too much about being overdressed. Try as I may, I find that I'm usually overdressed.

      I have found that I really appreciate well made swimwear and I'm not willing to skimp on it. That's great that you found something that works well. Even better that it cheap- yay! I think the most important thing is that your able to have fun and feel good during the kids swim time.

      Hope you had a wonderful time in Greece!

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  16. That swimsuit is beautiful! What a great shape and color. I hope you are enjoying the last days of summer. Great post!

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    1. Sunday Taylor- So glad you enjoyed the post! That makes my day. I love the swimsuit too- the shape is so classic and I'm really feeling burgundy tones. Hope you are having a good week.

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  17. For me one pieces feel very grown-up. :) And to be totally honest I'm not sophisticated enough to wear one. :)) (OK, at least I feel that way. :)) I'm still in the bikini phase. ;) But I agree it's really hard to find a good swimsuit that would compliment you. So, if you find a brand you like, that fulfill all the conditions you must stick to it!

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    1. Ginta- I think you could wear just about anything flawlessly.

      I'm not very sophisticated looking either. I look maybe 14 on a good day;)

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