Tag: summer

In Defense of Vintage Swimwear…

All the reasons to love vintage and thrifted swimsuits!

Hello everyone!

I think we all know by now that I’m pretty shameless when it comes to thrifting. There isn’t much I won’t thrift, minus like… used underwear. Of course. But otherwise, it’s all pretty much fair game. A good example of this is my love for thrifting vintage swimwear. However I’m sure you can imagine, in the past when I’ve shared with others that the swimsuit I’m wearing is thrifted, I’ve occasionally gotten looks of disdain or thinly veiled disgust. And I understand the possible distaste someone may have for the practice. However, I thought I would share with you guys the reasons why I love shopping vintage swimwear.

Reason number one for loving vintage swimwear: the patterns are out of this world.

And they’re so unlike the ones you see for sale online or at Target. A good example of this is the swimsuit pictured above! I thrifted this one piece from a sweet seller on Depop, @venusinvintage for my fellow Depop lovers. It’s a swimsuit from the 1990s, and is is super comfortable since I’m pretty sure it’s made out of cotton. The cut is also super flattering, and even has a big open back, with a clip in the middle for extra support. But back to the pattern. I adore this blue, purple, and green swirly floral pattern, which is so of it’s time. I hate to say it like this, but… They just don’t make pattens like this anymore! This was such a fun one to style, as it’s pictured above.

Number 2: It’s often a more affordable price for a sustainable and well made garment.

I know I can’t be the only gal out there who feels slightly scandalized every time she shops online for new swimwear. I mean really, a $100+ swimsuit is just way out of my price range, no matter how sustainable the business itself is or how cute the swimsuit would look on me. For me personally, I would rather spend a quarter (or less!) of that price for a vintage swimsuit on an app like Depop or Etsy, which is just as sustainable an option and is just as cute. And, that way I’m supporting an individual person, like many of the sellers on the Depop app are! I feel like if I’m going to use my dollar to support anyone, I like it to be individuals, not corporations.

Reason 3: Much better support.

This point sort of relates to the last, in a way. For larger chested ladies, swimsuits with a proper amount of support can get to be pretty pricey. And, in my experience they hardly ever look as cute as others that don’t offer the same support. I’ve found that vintage swimsuits offer much better support, as long as you know what to look for and have the patience. Of course, there are plenty of vintage suits out there that are so cute but are out of the question for girls like myself who need some more support, but then there are swimsuits like the one pictured above! I got this from a seller called @megalicious96 on Depop, and it has to be one of the most well-fitting and flattering suits I’ve had in a long time. There is built in support and padding that doesn’t cut into my chest, and the cut of the neckline is so flattering. It even has an open, strappy back! So comfortable, and still so cute all the while.

Reason 4: It’s a one-of-a-kind piece.

When you shop vintage, I’ve always been a fan of how unique each piece is. Every vintage piece is most likely one of a kind, or there are very few of them out there, and are therefore super special. I find that vintage swimwear is no different! When I’ve worn a vintage swimsuit on the beach (when it was safe!), I don’t look like a carbon copy of the other girls. I hope this doesn’t sound elitist, but I like owning unique and special pieces. Ones that will hopefully stay in my closet forever!

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Those are 3 of my reasons why I love vintage swimwear so much. If you’re a fellow thrift lover like me but have never liked thrifting swimwear, I hope maybe I helped to convince you otherwise! Because after all, swimsuits wash, and we do too! I will say that real quick, before I sign off. If you’re shopping for vintage swimwear, ALWAYS wash before you wear. I would say that this should always be a rule of thumb for thrifters and vintage lovers, but especially when you’re dealing with swimwear. Also, another tip would be to pay extra attention to the elastic in the suit itself. If the elastic is worn out or rotting, it’s not worth it. No matter how adorable the piece is.

Are you guys fellow vintage swimwear lovers? Drop a comment below telling us why, or start the conversation over on my Instagram @thegingerintrovert. I would love to hear from you! Also, if you liked the looks above, head on over to my IGTV tab on my page! I featured these looks in a Staycation Lookbook, and i wouold love for you to watch! Here’s the video below:

Until next time,

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July 2018 Favorites!

Hello everyone!

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a favorites post! I have a lot of beauty and fashion bits and bobs I’ve been loving so far this summer, so I thought I would share them with you!

BEAUTY
Carmex Classic Medicated lip balm

I got this at Walmart for like a dollar and I swear I love it even more than the Glossier Balm Dot Com. Seriously, you can use it for everything, even on your cuticles. It feels so nice and hydrating on my lips, especially when they’re cracked (which is all the time).

Thayers witch hazel rose petal toner

This is honestly the best toner I have ever used. My skin can’t handle anything super harsh, so when it comes to toner I would typically stay away before. But since this formula has aloe vera and is alcohol-free, it is so gentle that it even feels refreshing when I use it after I cleanse my skin. The rose petal scent is also incredible and soothing, but not overly fragrant.

Neuma neuMoisture Instant Fix

I got a trial size of this in my Ipsy bag, and I fell in love with it instantly. It is natural and cruelty-free, and has done wonders for my hair. Every time I pop a little bit in my hair, it really does condition my hair! Sometimes products (even my long-time favorite Moroccan Oil!) can make me a little frizzy if I use it in the morning, b9ut that never happens with this product. This has been a lifesaver since I cut my hair, especially during the summer (aka prime frizz season). I’ve been using the 1.0 oz trial size for a month now, and it looks like I’ve only used a quarter of it! Gotta love that staying power.

Fashion
Bandana headbands

I have acquired quite a collection of bandanas and handkerchiefs, primarily from Target. They are so easy to pair with a simple t-shirt and pair of jeans when I want to add a pop of color. They’re super cute, and they keep my hair out of my eyes! Here is one of the ones I could find online.

Tiny drop earrings

Unfortunately, I can’t link these exact earrings because I got them at the shore at a little local boutique, but I’ve been wearing these cute little guys constantly. They’re super cute and simple, and that’s been so me this summer. Not too fussy, just stylishly simple.

Forever 21 Camo T-shirt dress

The t-shirt dress is one of my all-time favorite things to wear because they are so easy to throw on, but they are always cute and stylish. This camo dress is no exception! At first I wasn’t sure about the camo print…it’s not my usual style, but I couldn’t pass up the price. Once I wore it for the first time, I was hooked! It is so comfy and soft, and easy to pair with a denim jacket, sandals, or converse. Easily the cutest and easiest outfit of the summer. My only piece of advice is to size up in this dress, so that it’s long and baggy enough for you!

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What beauty products and pieces of clothing have you guys been loving this summer? Let me know in the comments, and

XOXO

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Summer 2018 Workout Playlist!

Hello everyone!

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know how much I love making playlists. I mean, who doesn’t love a good playlist, though? I’ve made playlists for the last few summers, just because I love having them for when I run. They’re usually made up of the songs that I’m obsessed with at the moment, and this year is no different! But ya girl loves a good throwback, too 🙂

 

13 cup fresh lime juice3 tbsps agave nectar1 cup pineapple juice2 cups pineapple14 cup triple sec

I have the playlist all put together on Spotify, so come follow me on there! My username is writerchic 🙂 CLICK HERE for the link! I’ll keep adding my favorite songs of the summer to the playlist as the summer progresses, so make sure you’re following!

I’m going to the beach next week with my family (yay!), as I do every year! So, I will be posting my usual OOTDs and stories from the week! However, I will be posting even more on TGI’s Instagram, so make sure you’re following @thegingerintrovert on Instagram as well!

XOXO

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The Bikini Question…

If you’ve ever walked out of Pacsun or Target feeling like crap after trying on bathing suits, I hear you. Here’s some tips to not let the bikini blues get you down next time!

Hello everyone,

Even though it may not feel like it, the end of the semester is mere weeks away! Summer is fast approaching, and racks on racks of bikinis can be seen in Targets, Urban Outfitters, and Hollisters everywhere. Especially with Spring Break now behind us, we have all probably been thinking about buying that new bikini or swimsuit of the season… Or already have! I know I can’t be the only one who definitely does not look forward to that task.

Now, you’ve been warned. I’m getting personal with some of my body image issues in this post. I struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and have since I was really young. Whenever I go to try anything on, I never like how I look in it. However, a swimsuit has always been a different ballgame entirely with me. It exposes the features of my body shape that the BDD part of me obsesses over… And if I’m not careful, even a short shopping trip can cause a relapse in unhealthy behaviors and thoughts that I don’t want popping up again. So, over the years, I’ve gotten smarter about shopping for swimsuits. Maybe some of these little tips can help you guys out, too 🙂

Don’t go shopping when you’re already in a bad mood.

This seems like a no-brainer, but I’ve made this mistake time and time again. I’m a girl who likes to schedule her errands. If I’ve allotted time for myself to go bathing suit shopping, sometimes I’ll feel pressure to just go and get it over with… Even if I’m in a mood or already feeling bad about myself that day. And this has set me up for disaster time and time again. Just let yourself off the hook, and don’t go that day.

Decide whether to bring a friend or fly solo.

What would best serve you and your mental health? Do you need moral support? Or do you shop best alone? I honestly never stick to just one. Sometimes I feel like I need a friend there to keep me grounded. Other times, it’s best not to subject anyone else to my craziness. See how you feel, but keep a friend in the loop with how you’re feeling anyway. Texting a friend can sometimes keep you just as grounded.

Find a cut you know and love, and stick with it.

Know you’re comfortable in high waisted bottoms? Halter tops? One pieces? Stick with it, girl. You love what you love.

Remind yourself it is not that big a deal.

The BDD has a way of making little things like this feel way out of proportion. I always need to remind myself that it’s not as big a deal as I’m making it seem to myself. Deep breaths.

Literally look in the mirror and tell yourself you’re beautiful no matter what.

If you look in the mirror and think you look gross, you probably don’t. If you tell yourself you’re beautiful inside and out, and repeat it to yourself, you might just start believing it.

Sometimes, online shopping is your BFF.

Obviously, online shopping has its pitfalls. However, sometimes it works out. To be honest, this year I just wasn’t feeling the whole crying-in-the-dressing-room extravaganza. So, I found a cute swimsuit on Zaful (after checking their return policy, of course) and tried it on at home. And I loved it. No muss, no fuss.

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Let me know how you guys made out with the beginning of swimsuit season, and how you keep yourself grounded during the shopping process. Also, let me know where you guys found your cute suits! Leave a link and a comment below, I would love to hear… As always!

XOXO

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