Friday, January 18, 2008

Out-Shining the Sunlight

Photo Credit: David Zellaby

Reading emails and posts from Society Girls across the world is one of life's little pleasures! I love hearing your suggestions, thoughts and questions. Recently I received an email from Ashli, a true Society Girl... (she signed off with "Society Wishes" - I love that!).

This Society Girl is headed off on a "well-needed beach vacation" next month and she wonders where she might find a great vintage swimsuit to set herself apart.

I welcome any other Society Girl's suggestions out there who are experts at finding great suits, but I thought I'd throw in my own ideas:

1. Thrift Stores - I know it may sound gross to buy a used bathing suit, but just give it a good cleaning. I found an amazing pink, teal and white chevron striped one-piece from the 80's which is a blast to wear. Suits are usually in the lingerie or workout clothes section.

2. Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and even Victoria's Secret - vintage inspired suits are very in-the-moment right now, so most stores are selling versions that old-school style.

3. EBay - The pickings may be slim right now, but there should be a few choices out there.

4. Vintage Stores - they have a great selection to choose from (depending on the shop). There you will find true blue suits that look like your grandma in the old black-and-whites.

Have fun out-shining the sunlight!


Photo Credit: Marxchivist


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Esther Williams makes bathers. There seems to be a good selection of fabrics, and she makes plus size stuff too.

http://www.esther-williams.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ewstore&Category_Code=cicswimwear

blah said...

Those bathers in the last picture are so cute!! bring on retro I say!!

Unknown said...

If a vintage swimsuit is too tough to find, there are plenty of adorable vintage sarongs, shorts and sunglasses which will still set her apart on the beach.

Just don't use one of those 60s and 70s reflective mirrors under your face for tanning! :)

Anonymous said...

There's a really cool 50's esque one piece in black at Delias.

Smaggle said...

http://www.mybabyjo.com/about.htm

Try this site Baby Jo Vintage.
I'm majorly precious about wearing second hand bathers but these a brand spankin new and are really reasonably priced too. I got the red polka dot Marilyn Monroe and they are the best body shapers ever.
Good luck!

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

I'm in love with the swimsuits at urban outfitters right now--finally a vintage swimsuit look without the tendency to fall apart as real vintage swimsuits.

Anonymous said...

To help with your search on ebay, I recommend looking in Vintage straight off the bat, having some relative sizes in brackets (10, 12, med, m/l) and asking about the quality of the elastic (it can erode over time).

Shay said...

When Ebay-ing, search for the brand Jantzen. You'll find some stunners. My Grandma worked for this company in Portland way back when. If you buy a vintage suit online, make sure to ask the seller whether the elastic is still stretchy and not broken and crumbling as old elastic tends to be.

Brian and Beth Jones said...

Thanks for all the helpful tips girls!

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone for your help! I am sure to find that amazing piece now!

Geena said...

newport-news.com has some good ones. some bad ones, yes, but definitely some good ones too. and so cheap!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful vintage pictures , classy and timeless !

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful vintage pictures , classy and timeless !

Anonymous said...

You should check out www.glamoursurf.com, great collection of vintage swimwear!

Anonymous said...

I have found that Trishypoo on ebay has some of the best swimwear every year and I have bought quite a few from her.