David Lebovitz--Again

Photo credit: clubsports.com

I realize I am rather fixated on this pastry chef's book, The Sweet Life in Paris, lately, but he has so many bon mots about clothing and the French that I want to share them. Today's quote reminded me of a very funny event during my family's visit with our cousins in northern France a few years ago. Nathalie and I left our children with our husbands at a huge public pool complex while we did some shopping. When we returned, my husband Don was standing to the side of the lifeguard who appeared to be having a very lively argument with Nathalie's husband, Rudy. We later learned Don was forbidden to enter the pool in his "American style bathing suit." Fortunately, a vending machine in the changing room, sold Speedos (I kid you not) for a fair price.

From the Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz:

"This is also a country where it's interdit [forbidden] to wear anything but a skimpy, religion-baring Speedo in pubic pools 'pour l'hygiene, monsieur!' If someone could explain why strapping on a slingshot-style swimsuit is so much more hygienic than a square-cut swimsuit with two extra centimeters of fabric--and why I, who have less hair on my head than many of the men have on their backs, have to wear a bathing cap--I'm all ears."

Lisa's Swimsuit Miracle

Photo Credit: trinaturk.com


A friend and I had a nice, long conversation on the phone over the weekend. We had not talked in awhile and got caught up on all sorts of things. Before we hung up, she remembered something she'd been eager to share with me: her swimsuit miracle!

Lisa had been riffling through a magazine when a certain one-piece suit caught her eye. She noted the brand, located it online, guessed on her size, and ordered it. When the suit arrived she found it fit her perfectly! For those of us who have spent innumerable hours shopping for, trying on, and being frustrated by the quest for the perfect suit, Lisa's experienced seemed impossible. However, with a little luck, you may find your dream suit.

What to Wear on Vacation

Image Credit: havianas.com

My family is taking a month-long trip this summer which means I have been mentally packing a suitcase for some time. As I have stated previously on my blog, I tend to be a light packer, and I never bring my favorite things or new clothes. This time around, I am 99% mentally packed, but when I picture myself during the trip, what I see does not please me.

For starters, a big chunk of our vacation will be spent on bikes. Since I am vain, I do not want to cruise around the picturesque towns en route in Lycra biking shorts. I do have some (not-so-fetching) padded underwear, and imagine I will wear them with my Bermuda shorts or a knit dress. So far, not so bad.

It's the shoes that are distressing me. The beaches we will visit are pebbly, and we've been advised to wear "swim shoes." Since I need to go light on shoe packing, I am taking my friend up on her offer to borrow her water and hiking friendly Teva sandals. They might as well be Crocs, for how much I loath their appearance. My teen daughters are refusing to wear such sandals; they will sport the flip flops pictured above at the beach, and plan to bike in their Converse sneakers.

When I think of myself on a bike in Croatia, I am wearing a gray knit dress, Tevas, and a bike helmet. Ugh. No one will know me as Lori of Wardrobe Wisdom, but I cannot help thinking I will feel extremely unattractive. And please don't try to tell me there are good-looking Tevas out there; I have searched tirelessly for such shoes.

In the end, I plan to evolve into feeling grateful for the opportunity to travel, realize that most people couldn't care less about my attire, and know that comfort trumps looking chic in this instance. Yes, I need to get over myself! And I think I need to wear some pretty jewelry and lipstick, too!

Bathing Suits

Image Credit: Maliamills.com


"Oh, goody!" you are thinking, "It's time to shop for bathing suits again."  Here are my suggestions: figure out what styles are most flattering for your figure by going here. Then set aside at least 2 hours to shop for a swimsuit. I highly recommend seeing Linda and her staff at the Bikini Factory in Summerland, going to Sears and trying on their Lands' End suits or visiting Lands' End online, and checking out the bathing suits at Nordstrom and Macy's. Malia Mills in Montecito also has terrific (and pricey) bathing suits. Do not dally; the selection is only going to get slimmer and the weather is only going to get warmer (save for SB's icky gray days in June).

The "Best" Swim Shorts

When a friend or client tells me they have found the ultimate garment or accessory, I listen carefully, and then do a bit of research.

Seeing everything from bikinis to retro one pieces, to tankinis on the beach is refreshing. It seems that anything goes now. What about those times when you want to show some skin and be able to do something active on the beach, such as play volleyball, swim, or chase your children? How about some swim shorts? The ones pictured here are by Roxy and a good friend of mine swears by them. Yes, I see that they are quite short. However, they are super comfortable and they do cover your bottom.