By Martin and Osa. Would be adorable with some boyshorts or other multicolored bottoms added on.

I had to do a double-take with this model—she looks like Camilla Belle’s twin. On sale at Delias.

On sale at Macys!

Karla Colletto one-piece…absolutely gorgeous…

Nautical Emma suit and matching cover up by Stella McCartney.

A fabulous Jean Paul Gaultier design…

This one is by Juicy Couture…

Two tankinis by Badgley Mischka—the second has a removable strap for added support…

Another one-shoulder by Marc Jacobs…

Retro one-piece comes in four colors at $45, by BettieB

Two-piece custom-sized suit by Miss Brache, $115

Both suits by The Red Dolly for $59

More sites to check out:

+ MyBabyJo.com
+ GlamourSurf.com…15% off sale through May 31st!
+ Popina Swimwear

I wrote a post last year about Jes’ debut line of swimwear before I had even met her in person, and I am so proud that her line has just gotten more fabulous this season!

There are more designs and color options on the website.

BTW, Jes will have a booth at the Catholic Thrive Conference in Anaheim this weekend, and I will be there too. So if you’re going to to the conference, please stop by and say hello to the both of us. I’ll be at the Catholic Underground LA booth.

Vintage-Inspired

$89.99 at ModCloth.com

$19.50 at Old Navy…can’t beat that price.

Swimdresses

Always For Me wins the blue ribbon for this category. There are at least 30 more swimdresses equally as cute as these on their site.

Depending on your bust size, that last one may not be very modest.

Many Etsy sellers I will mention in another post make their pieces in plus sizes as does Esther Williams. Target also has some cute moderately priced pieces in.

Other sites to check out:

MyBabyJo.com – More vintage-inspired pieces.
Torrid.com
Newport-News.com
Swimsuitsforall.com
Roamans.com

Esther Williams’ swimwear includes a few vintage style cuts in a zillion different fabrics. Each suit runs for around $65.  Like I said, I need one immediately.

2. Bikinis are not flattering on the vast majority of people, even “skinny” people.

3. Modest designs, especially vintage cuts, are more flattering for more body types. And that’s pretty much a fact.

4. Modest swimwear decreases the chances of nip-slips by 78%. (Yes, I made that number up, but I’m pretty sure it’s accurate.)

5. You won’t have to worry about a “girl” or both “girls” falling out. (I’ve had some serious scares while surfing LOL.

6. You can stop being self-conscious and have fun!

7. You’ll get a ton of compliments on you’re cute and flattering suit.

8. The men in your life will thank you for it.

9. Other men will stare, but they’ll be thinking, “Man, who is that hot modest girl that totally looks like Mary!”

And perhaps most important:

10. You will have kept your convictions.

ModBod

Julia Smith designs Black and White Appparel. According to her Etsy profile, her goal is to create a “wide array of modest, chic, classy clothing for women.” Modestia approves!

Both lines are a little bit pricier within the $50-80 range, but it may be worth it for a modest design you can wear all summer.

Personally, I prefer to wear classic cut, solid colored swimsuits and dress them up with jewelry, sunglasses, and various other summer goodies.  Shade Clothing’s 2009 line of swimwear is perfect for the girl who likes to change up the style of her suit, and better yet, every piece is priced under $40.  Yay Shade!

Yes it does.

I will be the first to admit that I have not always been an advocate of modest swimwear, especially since some of it is not very….fashionable.  But when I was dressed in my tankini with a plunging neckline, I was never really able to escape the nagging feeling that I was being hypocritical.

I pushed the feeling away by telling myself that I was at the beach, I’m a SoCal girl, modesty standards are different here, and blah blah blah. In a sense I was correct—I am a SoCal girl and modesty standards are different here, but am I called to live to the standards of California or to the everlasting truth of Christ?

I personally know A LOT of girls who advocate modesty and yet still rock bikinis at the beach.  If you believe what I once did—that modesty doesn’t apply during the summer—please keep reading.

I had a discussion with a group of friends last week about this very subject. My guy friend, “D” as I shall refer to him, said something I think many men are thinking but won’t say out loud:

“I don’t think women really understand how poisoned we are and how much we men, especially Christian men, still struggle with lust. We need your help.”

Well there you have it. In a perfect, undefiled world, men and women would be able to stare at each other butt naked and think, “Wow, look at this beautiful creation of God.” But as I am sure you are aware, we do not live in a perfect world. We live in an ongoing war zone, a battle for souls.

Ladies, which side are you on?

“Love can’t wait to give, Lust can’t wait to take”
~Christopher West

This topic will be continued, but in the meantime I definitely want to hear what you have to say…

Vintage-Inspired…I’m loving it!